This chapter records a very sorry episode in Israel’s history. It had been a long time since Israel had entered the Promised Land, and yet this portion of the tribe of Dan had not yet taken possession of their inheritance. The reason? Likely a lack of initiative and also being satisfied with the status quo….
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If you know a little of American history, and specifically about the 1800s before the West was settled by those who migrated from the East, you’ll probably be familiar with the phrase “The Wild West”. That moniker was coined because during those days before government was established with the accompanying law and order, everyone pretty…
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When we last left Samson he had just left his new wife, who was a Phiistine, and returned to his father’s house, after having killed 30 Philistines at his wedding celebration. Today, as we rejoin him, his anger has cooled and he goes to his father-in-law’s house to make up with his wife, gift in…
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Today in Judges 13 and 14 we’ll be introduced to a very famous Bible character. In my background study for today’s remarks, I came upon something written by one of the greatest preachers of the last two hundred years. His name was Charles Spurgeon, and if you are unfamiliar with him, I encourage you to…
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Remember a few chapters back when the Ephriamites complained to Gideon for not calling on them to help him fight the Midianites? At that time Gilead masterfully turned away their anger by pointing out how much more was their contribution to Israel by their cleaning up of the stragglers of the Midianites. So here in…
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There were two things in these two chapters that seem difficult to reconcile when we think of a loving and compassionate God. The first is in chapter ten. God seems unwilling to save Israel. They have turned away from Him several times in the past, and it seems like He’s had His fill, and He…
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Not a great first king for Israel, this Abimelech fellow. Notice that there had not been a great outcry from Israel to have a king, but Abimelech steps up and pretty much insinuates himself into the position. And remember, he is one of seventy-two sons of Gideon, otherwise known as Jerubbaal, and after taking the…
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My goodness but some of these Israelites could be so petty! Did you notice? The beginning of this chapter picks up just after Gideon’s victory over the Midianites, and the men of the tribe of Ephraim took him to task for not including them in the fight. Never mind that Gideon was following God’s instructions…
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As I read this chapter today, I wondered about the interpretation of the Midianite’s dream by his friend. What explanation was there for a round loaf of bread knocking down a tent being representative of the defeat of the Midianite’s army by Israel? So I did some further reading. It turns out that in the…
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You gotta love Gideon. God comes to him, and the first thing he does is question Him. Excuse me, but if the Lord is with us, why are we having so many troubles? Pardon me, but how can I save Israel? I’m the youngest one of the weakest family in the tribe. If it’s not…
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