Pack Item 7 • The Judges • Adult Leader Pack, Spring 2016 • For use with Sessions 7-12

The JUDGES

SIN JUDGMENT DELIVERANCE

The Israelites did what was evil in the Lord’s sight; they worshiped the Baals and abandoned the Lord (2:11-13)

The Lord’s anger burned against Israel, and He gave them over to their enemies around them (2:14-15)

When the Israelites cried out, the Lord raised up a judge to save them from their enemies. But when the judge died, the Israelites acted even more corruptly than their fathers had… (2:16-19)

The Israelites did what was evil in the Lord’s sight (3:7)

Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, ruled over them 8 years (3:8)

Israel cried out to the Lord, and He raised up Othniel as a deliverer—the Spirit of the Lord came on him, and he judged Israel. 40 years of peace (3:9-11)

The Israelites again did what was evil in the Lord’s sight (3:12a)

Eglon, king of Moab, ruled over them 18 years (3:12b-14)

Israel cried out to the Lord, and He raised up Ehud, a left-handed Benjaminite, as a deliverer. 80 years of peace (3:15-30)

Philistines (3:31) Shamgar, son of Anath (likely a non-Israelite), delivered Israel (3:31)

The Israelites again did what was evil in the Lord’s sight (4:1)

Jabin, king of Canaan, and Sisera, the commander of his forces, oppressed them 20 years (4:2-3)

Israel cried out to the Lord. Deborah, a woman, was judging Israel at that time, and she summoned Barak to fight for them; he was hesitant, so Deborah went with him. In the end, Jael, not Barak, killed Sisera. 40 years of peace (4:3–5:31)

The Israelites did what was evil in the Lord’s sight (6:1a)

Midian oppressed them 7 years (6:1b-6)

Israel cried out to the Lord, and He sent a prophet; then the Lord sent fearful Gideon to deliver them. 40 years of peace, though he crafted an ephod, which became an idol for the people and his household (6:7–8:35)

Tola arose to deliver Israel; he judged Israel 23 years (10:1-2)

Jair judged Israel 22 years (10:3-5)

The Israelites again did what was evil in the Lord’s sight (10:6)

The Philistines and the Ammonites oppressed them 18 years (10:7-9)

Israel cried out to the Lord, but He said they should cry out to the other gods they had chosen, so they got rid of their idols. The Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah, the son of a prostitute, to fight for them. In keeping a foolish vow, he sacrificed his daughter. He judged Israel 6 years (10:10–12:7)

Ibzan judged Israel 7 years (12:8-10)

Elon judged Israel 10 years (12:11-12)

Abdon judged Israel 8 years (12:13-15)

The Israelites again did what was evil in the Lord’s sight (13:1a)

The Philistines were over them 40 years (13:1b)

The Lord raised up Samson to deliver Israel. Though a Nazirite from birth, he often disregarded his vows, and he desired Philistine women. The Spirit of the Lord directed him numerous times until his hair was cut and the Lord left him; then he was captured.He was a more effective judge in his death than he was in his life. He judged Israel 20 years (13:2–16:31)

Throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the elders who outlived him, the Israelites worshiped Yahweh. But then a new generation rose up who did not know the Lord or the works He had done for Israel… (Judg. 2:7-10)

CHRIST CONNECTION: The judges saved people from the consequences of their sin but could not change the cause of their sin. Jesus is the Savior and Judge who takes upon Himself the consequences for our sin and then offers us new hearts that seek His righteousness.