JUDGES
THE PATTERN AND THE BEGINNING

The quarterly begins with chapter 2, which is an excellent way to begin the study of this book. In that chapter, from verse 12 to its end, the author describes a cycle pattern that constantly repeats throughout the book. To some degree also, the pattern continues through the Old Testament.

Israel sins, worshiping other gods.
God sends judgment in the former of marauders and warfare.
Israel recognizes what they have done and cry out to the Lord for help.
God answers their plea by sending a “judge” to lead them in battle to victory.
As long as the judge lives, Israel obeys the Lord.
But when the judge dies, the cycle begins again!

Some people have said the cycle sounds like them. What about you?

The Bible has a special word for this kind of judge, shaphat. It does not refer to the man in the black robe down at the court house, but a charismatic figure sent by the Lord to rescue Israel and serve as their leader the rest of his life, perhaps carrying out some of what we would consider judicial duties.

Chapter 2 thus lays out the basic pattern we will see over and over again. But now let's back up to Chapter 1 where we see this cycle begin.

The roots of the problem go back to Israel's failing to follow the Lord's command to possess the entire land, destroying or running out everyone that doesn't worship Him. The first chapter describes various conquests as Israel moves against the towns of Canaan.

The exploits of the tribe of Judah are especially recounted although they sought help from another tribe or two. The Caleb (who may have been leading after Joshua's death) offered his daughter in marriage to anyone who would successfully lead an attack against Kiriath Sepher. Apparently Caleb's nephew Kenaz had his uncle's faith and bravery, because he captured the town and married his cousin!

Then comes the list of people that were not driven out, but allowed to remain. Whether these fought off Israel, made bargains, or were passed by, we don't know. But this went on long enough that the Lord eventually decided to leave them there and let them stay. Those idol worshipers became a source for the Lord to use to allow punishment to fall on Israel when they misbehaved.