The book of Judges explores Israel’s journey after the death of Joshua as they struggle to remain faithful to God and avoid idolatry. As we read this book it confronts us with the reality of the human heart and our tendency to rebel and betray God. However, the book also points us to God’s grace and rescue through Jesus Christ.
Key Points:
- The book begins with violence as Judah attacks and defeats their enemies. This violence continues throughout Judges and reveals the depravity and self-destruction that results from rebellion.
- Though Israel occupies the promised land, they struggle to fully drive out the Canaanites as God commanded. This shows they have forgotten the power of God and depend on their own strength.
- Israel’s failure to obey God’s command and make covenants with the Canaanites reveals they have betrayed God at the altars of disobedience. Though they profess love for God, they worship other things.
- At Bochim, Israel sacrifices to God and weeps over their betrayal. This foreshadows that God will sacrifice his own Son, Jesus, to rescue us from our rebellion and idolatry.
- The book ultimately points us to Jesus, the true and perfect judge who deals with the darkness within our hearts and frees us to know God’s love. Through Jesus we can be forgiven and set free from the snares of idolatry.
The book of Judges confronts us with our human tendency to rebel but also points us to God’s solution – Jesus Christ who rescues and restores us.