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The Early Judges

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: Judges 3-5

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JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE (41)

The Period of the Judges (2)

In our last lesson in this study, we introduced the 8 (of 17) periods of Bible history – the judges.  In that lesson we examined how Israel failed to fully obey God by not driving out all the inhabitants of the land.  As a result, YHWH said they would be thorns in their side and continually test their faithfulness.  Sadly, the book of Judges describes their continued failures.  We noted the cycle as recorded in Judges 2:11-23.  In this lesson, we will be introduced to some of the early judges.  NOTE: Be reminded that a judge was the deliverer of the people.

1. The text
   1. Judges 3:1-6 – describes the nations YHWH left to test Israel. This was that next generation that had not witnessed the exodus, wilderness years and conquest of Canaan.  Included in this list, the 5 lords of the Philistines, the Canaanites (Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites & Jebusites), & Sidonians.  6, “they took their daughters to be their views and gave their daughters to their sons; and served their gods.”  Thus, the cycle begins.
   2. Othniel – the first recorded judge. Isreal did evil before YHWH and served the Baals and Asherahs (the female Baals).  Judges 3:7-11
      1. Israel is subdued and subjected to Mesopotamia and their king for 8 years.
      2. When the children cried out to the LORD, he raised up a deliverer (judge), Othniel. We have already been introduced to him.  He is described in this text as Caleb’s younger brother (cf. Joshua 15:17, Judges 1:13).  He helped Caleb subdue his inheritance and was given a daughter of Calab as wife (Achsah).
      3. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel, and he went to war and delivered the king of Mesopotamia into his hand.
      4. The land rested for 40 years.
   3. Ehud – a left-handed Benjamite (Judges 3:12-30)
      1. Again, Israel rebelled against God. So Eglon, king of Moab (along with Ammon and Amalek) came against Israel and defeated them.
      2. Israel served Moab for 18 years (note how the length is longer than the first).
      3. Again, Israel cried out to YHWH and He raised up a judge – Ehud.
      4. We are told that Ehud was left handed and made a dagger about 18 inches long and concealed it on his right thigh.
      5. As he brought the tribute to Eglon (this was what typical oppression meant). After delivering the tribute (likely a treasury somewhere), Ehud returned to Eglon and said he had a secret message.  Eglon sent out all his servants.  Ehud told him he had a message from God and took the dagger and thrust it into his belly.  Eglon was described as large.  The sword was completely swallowed up by his belly and then his entrails fell out.  Eglon died.  Ehud escaped while the servants were waiting for Eglon to be finished.  They thought that perhaps he was relieving himself.  But after a while (they were embarrassed), they opened the door and found their master dead.
      6. Ehud had escaped and rallied Israel and led them down the mountains of Ephraim. The LORD delivered the Moabites into their hands. Israel killed 10,000 men of valor.
      7. They were freed of Moab’s oppression and had rest for 80 years.
   4. Shamgar – a slayer of the Philistines (Judges 3:31)
      1. Without much detail we are introduced to Shamgar. We know little about him.  It is possible that his deliverance overlapped that of the other judges.  NOTE: The verse begins “After”, but the Hebrew word can mean “after” or “behind”.  He is mentioned again in Judges 5:6 as part of the song of Deborah, but his mention gives us little more detail other than God’s deliverance during this time period.
      2. He delivered Israel from some of the Philistines – killing 600 men with an Ox goad (prod). NOTE: The text does not mention this happening all at once.
      3. The Philistines occupied the coast of the Mediterranean sea and served as troublers of Israel for about 500 years until David finally overcame them.  Samson will also deal with them.
   5. Deborah and Jephthah (Judges 4-5)
      1. When Ehud had died, Israel again did evil before YHWH.
      2. They were “sold into the hand of Jabin, king of Canaan”. His army commander was Sisera.  For 20 years, Israel was oppressed harshly.  We read in the text that Israel had no weapons – (another tactic of oppressors) – Judges 5:8. Furthermore, Canaan had 900 iron chariots (some of the most effective war machines of the time).
   6. 4:4-5 – Deborah was a prophetess, wife of Lapidoth and Judged Israel (in the more traditional sense).
   7. 4:6-10 – She calls for Barak from Kadesh in Napthali and tells him the LORD had commanded they go to Mt. Tabor with 10,000 troops from Napthali and Zebulun (another indicator that some of these oppressions were likely local). YHWH promised to deliver Sisera and the Canaanites into his hand.   Barak only agrees to go if Deborah goes with him.  She consents but notes that because he would not go alone, Sisera would be delivered by the hand of a woman.
   8. 4:11- Barak musters the troops from Zebulun & Napthali.
   9. 4:12-16- Sisera musters his army and confronts Israel with Barak at Mt. Tabor (with his 10,000 men). Vs. 15 – YHWH routed Sisera and his chariots & army with the sword.    As they were being defeated, Sisera fled on foot while the army and its chariots were totally defeated by Israel.  Vs. 16 notes that not a man was left.
   10. 4:17-22 – Sisera flees to the tent of Jael, a supposed ally, asks her to hide him and give him some water to drink. She gives him milk and covers him.  He falls asleep and while he is asleep, she takes a tent peg and drives it through his temples and into the ground.  Sisera dies.  When Barak arrives at her house, Jael comes out of the tent and leads in to see his enemy is dead.
   11. 4:23-24 – That day, Jabin the king of Canaan was subdued. The children of Israel grew stronger until they eventually destroyed Jabin and gained their freedom.
   12. Judges 5:31 says Israel had rest for 40 years.
   13. Judges 5 records the Song of Deborah. It is a song of remembrance to commemorate their victory during that time.  There are some interesting observations about this song.  We learn some details about the victory.
       1. 5:2 – When leaders lead in Israel (most translations point toward this) – we find leaders FINALLY stepping up and taking action.
       2. 5:3-4 – God is with them at this time. Therefore they sing praise to Him.
       3. 5:4-5 notes, “the earth trembled, and the heavens poured; the clouds also poured water. The mountains gushed before the Lord. “  Recall the chariots of Jabin – what would be the nemesis of chariots?  Soaked soil.  They were rendered useless.
       4. 5:6-7 – because of oppression, village life in Israel ceased, no traveling, etc. The results of enemy occupation.
       5. 5:7 – until Deborah arose, a mother in Israel.
       6. 5:8 – BECAUSE Israel had chosen new gods (the Canaanite gods), they faced war and had lost their weapons (the only implements they would have had would have been farming tools, etc.). 40,000 mentioned – this was likely the number of Israel that participated in battle.  NOTE: Recall how Barak was called to summon 10,000 from Napthali and Zebulun.  Could they have provided 10,000 each and then some other tribes joined them in battle?
       7. 5:9-11 – as rulers in Israel finally stand up and bless the LORD (repentance) and recount His righteous acts, the people prepare (for deliverance).
       8. 5:12- Debora and Barak – their deliverers.
       9. 5:13-18 describes those who assisted in the battle and those who sat on the sidelines. NOTE: Banding together was how they would overcome their enemies.   Within these verses we find Ephraim, Benjamin, Manasseh, Napthali, Zebulun and Issachar engaged in battle.  We ALSO find Reuben, Gad, Dan and Asher sitting on the sidelines and NOT participating.  They are being “called out” in this song.
       10. 5:19-22 – the kings (leaders) came together and engaged in battle. Canaan did NOT win (no spoil taken).  20-22 again uses the language of rain.  Horses too are limited by the rain.
       11. 5:23 – Meroz, a city that failed to help Israel was CURSED by the LORD. We know nothing of this city other than its name.  Could be a city of a tribe that refused to help in the battle?
       12. 5:24-27 – Jael, and her act to neutralize Sisera is praised. She was “blessed among women”.  The act previously discussed is described in poetic fashion.
       13. 5:28-30 – Sisera’s mother is waiting for him to return and is concerned. Her wise lady friends try to alleviate her concerns by saying he was likely enjoying the spoils of victory.  Deborah and the song know different!  Sisera would NEVER return.
       14. 5:31 “Thus let all Your enemies perish, O Lord! But let those who love Him be like the sun When it comes out in full strength.” God delivers His people again and for a few years they are again at peace with God.
       15. So the land had rest for forty years.
2. Lessons to consider
   1. Do NOT forget God! When we stop thinking about God and Jesus and His word, we let down our guard and we find ourselves in danger of drifting and compromise. Hebrews 2:1 – give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
   2. “When Ehud had died” – we are again reminded of the influence of effective leaders. Just like during the time of Joshua and all that generation, there was some faithfulness to YHWH (Judges 2:10).  God has made provisions for leaders among His people.  When they lead wisely and firmly they will ENSURE the flock is grounded in truth – 2 Timothy 4:2-4 – preach the word…; Titus 1:9-11 – elders.
   3. Faith does not mean perfection. Hebrews 11:32 mentions Barak as an example of faith the writer does not have time to elaborate about.  We see in our text, Barak only acts when Deborah goes with him.  Still he trusted God and did what he needed to do.  From time to time our faith may falter, BUT that does not mean we cannot be restored.
   4. The chastening of God – a continued theme through the judges. He does what He can to cause the nation to return to Him.  Whom God loves, He chastens – Hebrews 12:5-11.
   5. When men refuse to lead – the Bible is clear that within the assembly (and at other times) that men have the responsibility to lead – Ephesians 5:22-23 – within the home; 1 Timothy 2:12-14 – in matters of teaching where faithful men are present; 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 – in the leadership of worship and decision making. What about Deborah?  She is often quoted as an example of women taking a leadership role.  And she did – she stepped up.  BUT why?  Was she seeking to usurp authority, OR did she rise to the occasion BECAUSE MEN failed to do so? The fact that Deborah takes the lead is an indictment of a problem within Israel.  And it becomes so today as well.  God has placed the boundaries where they are.  Women overstepping their limitations is NOT a problem with them exclusively!
   6. Songs of remembrance – Judges 5 records a song.
      1. Songs were a way of helping descendants remember events of history (and strengthening the evidence of the accuracy of what occurred. IF the song was accurate, the history was passed down).
      2. We are commanded to “teach and admonish one another” with songs (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). WE sing “with the understanding” (1 Corinthians 14:15).
      3. A song often sung is eventually remembered, and IF it portrays a truthful message, it is a way to learn God’s truths.  That is WHY it is important that we ensure our songs are truthful and that we do our best to help us understand their intended meaning.

And thus we continue our study through this roller coaster of a period of Bible history.  Let us learn from the history God has left for us – Romans 15:4.  In the “circle of the judges” – where do we stand?  Are we at peace with Him or in conflict?  Think about it!