Hebrews 11:32-34 -Jephthah among the heroes of faith
I Samuel 12:6-12 -Jephthah among those raised up by God to lead Israel
The Judges Cycle
In the second chapter of Judges, we learn of the spiritual state of Israel during the time when Jephthah lived. It was one of constant apostasy, followed by brief periods of repentance when God punished His people for their sin and unfaithfulness.
Judges 2:7-9 -The death of Joshua
Judges 2:10-15 -Israel sins and is punished by God
Judges 2:16-18 -The people cry to God, and God raises up a savior
Judges 2:19-23 -Israel sins again, and God punishes them again
Jephthah and the Ammonites
In the tenth and eleventh chapters of Judges, we are introduced to Jephthah, who is cast out of his family and then later turned to as a savior. We see his fight against the Ammonites who had been sent as punishment on unfaithful Israel.
Judges 10:6-17 -After Jair, Israel is oppressed by the Philistines and Ammonites
Judges 11:1-3 -Jephthah, son of a harlot, expelled by his brothers
Judges 11:4-11 -The people promise Jepthah will be leader if he saves them
Judges 11:12-28 -Jephthah tries diplomacy with the people of Ammon
Judges 11:29-33 -Jephthah makes a vow to God and defeats the Ammonites
Judges 11:34-40 -Jephthah’s daughter
Jephthah and the Ephraimites
In the beginning of the twelfth chapter, Jephthah struggles against the jealous Ephraimites, who were angry that Jephthah had gone to war, and succeeded, without them. Sadly, sometimes one must struggle not only those outside of God's people, but those who should be living and doing as they ought.
Judges 12:1-7 -Jephthah fights against Ephraim
Showing posts with label Judges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Judges. Show all posts
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Gideon: Let Baal Contend - 10/18/09pm
Hebrews 11:32-34 -Heroes of faith, including Gideon
Judges 6:11-16 -Gideon was among the least of Israel
Social standing is not a barrier to serving God: everyone can.
Judges 6:17-21 -Gideon asks for a sign as proof
Judges 6:22-27 -Gideon accepts the sign and obeys the Lord
God provides proof and evidence for many things. When we see it, we should accept it and follow it.
Judges 6:28-30 -The men seek to kill Gideon
Judges 6:31-32 -Gideon’s father speaks, and Gideon is given the name Jerubbaal
The importance of a good name/reputation: we should be known for standing for truth and contending against sin.
Judges 6:33-35 -Gideon gathers Israel to oppose the Midianites
Judges 6:36-40 -Gideon asks for, and receives, two more signs
Judges 7:1-3 -God tells Gideon he has too many men, and that the glory should obviously be the Lords. 22,000 men leave, 10,000 remain
Judges 7:4-8 -The Lord narrows down to 300 men
The glory always should go to God. God’s will will be done, even if it seems impossible.
Judges 7:9-14 -Gideon, afraid to go into the Midianite camp, hears a man telling of a dream and finds courage
Sometimes we are afraid to do as the Lord would want. We must have courage and confidence in God.
Judges 7:15-18 -The plan
Judges 7:19-22 -The Midianite are routed
Judges 7:23-25 -The Israelites pursue the Midianites and capture two princes
Consider what the Lord did for Israel! The Lord is not limited: we can have confidence that He will overcome and the He will help when we pray for it.
Judges 8:1-3 -The men of Ephraim are upset they weren’t “invited along”
Judges 8:4-9 -Gideon asks for supplies for his men, and it is not provided
Judges 8:10-17 -Gideon captures the kings of Midian and punishes those that refused to aid the Israel army
When our assistance is needed, how do we respond? Do we want to help? Do we seek excuse not to help?
Judges 8:18-21 -Zebah and Zalmunna are executed
Judges 8:22-23 -Gideon refuses to be made king
Gideon here shows proper understanding: God rules in the kingdoms of men. When Israel eventually was given the king they asked for, think of how well that went.
Judges 8:24-27 -Gideon makes a golden ephod, which serves as an idol and becomes a snare to Gideon and his house
And yet we see that Gideon takes action which results in idolatry, although not to the Baals. We must be careful not to cause others, or ourselves, to sin.
Judges 8:28-35 -Gideon dies, and Israel turns back to the Baals
And after all of Gideon’s work, people still turned back. We cannot force others to choose to follow the Lord. But like Gideon, we must work diligently.
Judges 6:11-16 -Gideon was among the least of Israel
Social standing is not a barrier to serving God: everyone can.
Judges 6:17-21 -Gideon asks for a sign as proof
Judges 6:22-27 -Gideon accepts the sign and obeys the Lord
God provides proof and evidence for many things. When we see it, we should accept it and follow it.
Judges 6:28-30 -The men seek to kill Gideon
Judges 6:31-32 -Gideon’s father speaks, and Gideon is given the name Jerubbaal
The importance of a good name/reputation: we should be known for standing for truth and contending against sin.
Judges 6:33-35 -Gideon gathers Israel to oppose the Midianites
Judges 6:36-40 -Gideon asks for, and receives, two more signs
Judges 7:1-3 -God tells Gideon he has too many men, and that the glory should obviously be the Lords. 22,000 men leave, 10,000 remain
Judges 7:4-8 -The Lord narrows down to 300 men
The glory always should go to God. God’s will will be done, even if it seems impossible.
Judges 7:9-14 -Gideon, afraid to go into the Midianite camp, hears a man telling of a dream and finds courage
Sometimes we are afraid to do as the Lord would want. We must have courage and confidence in God.
Judges 7:15-18 -The plan
Judges 7:19-22 -The Midianite are routed
Judges 7:23-25 -The Israelites pursue the Midianites and capture two princes
Consider what the Lord did for Israel! The Lord is not limited: we can have confidence that He will overcome and the He will help when we pray for it.
Judges 8:1-3 -The men of Ephraim are upset they weren’t “invited along”
Judges 8:4-9 -Gideon asks for supplies for his men, and it is not provided
Judges 8:10-17 -Gideon captures the kings of Midian and punishes those that refused to aid the Israel army
When our assistance is needed, how do we respond? Do we want to help? Do we seek excuse not to help?
Judges 8:18-21 -Zebah and Zalmunna are executed
Judges 8:22-23 -Gideon refuses to be made king
Gideon here shows proper understanding: God rules in the kingdoms of men. When Israel eventually was given the king they asked for, think of how well that went.
Judges 8:24-27 -Gideon makes a golden ephod, which serves as an idol and becomes a snare to Gideon and his house
And yet we see that Gideon takes action which results in idolatry, although not to the Baals. We must be careful not to cause others, or ourselves, to sin.
Judges 8:28-35 -Gideon dies, and Israel turns back to the Baals
And after all of Gideon’s work, people still turned back. We cannot force others to choose to follow the Lord. But like Gideon, we must work diligently.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Who Did God Choose? - 3/22/09pm
Judges 3:7-11 -Othniel, Caleb’s younger brother
Judges 3:12-25 -Ehud, a left handed man
Judges 3:31 -Shamgar, wielder of an ox-goad
Judges 4:1-10, 17-22 -Deborah and Jael, women
Judges 6:11-16 -Gideon, of weak clan and least of the house
Judges 10:1-2 -Tola, in the hill country of Ephraim
Judges 10:3-5 -Jair, a rich father of rulers
Judges 11:1-6 -Jephthah, son of a harlot
Judges 12:8-10 -Ibzan, of Bethlehem
Judges 12:11-12 -Elon, of Zebulon
Judges 12:13-15 -Abdon, of Pirathon in the hill country of Ephraim
Judges 13:1-12 -Samson, of barren parents
When we look through the judges in the book of Judges, we rarely see those of high social standing and wealth being chosen by the Lord for His purposes. Instead, we mostly see the humble of society. Those without any individual claim to power, wealth, or fame. And course, we have an ultimate example of this in Christ.
Philippians 2:5-11 -Christ’s humility in coming to earth and dying
John 1:43-49 -Can anything good come from Nazareth?
Matthew 2:1-6 -Born in Bethlehem
Indeed, when we think of those who answer the call to follow Christ, are we not mostly of lowly and humble backgrounds and occupations? We are not limited by “smallness.” We can still, each and every one of us, regardless of social status, regardless of wealth, do well in serving the Lord!
Matthew 19:24 -A camel through the eye of a needle
James 2:1-10 -God has chosen the poor of this world
I Corinthians 1:18-29 -God has chosen the foolish things of the world
Judges 3:12-25 -Ehud, a left handed man
Judges 3:31 -Shamgar, wielder of an ox-goad
Judges 4:1-10, 17-22 -Deborah and Jael, women
Judges 6:11-16 -Gideon, of weak clan and least of the house
Judges 10:1-2 -Tola, in the hill country of Ephraim
Judges 10:3-5 -Jair, a rich father of rulers
Judges 11:1-6 -Jephthah, son of a harlot
Judges 12:8-10 -Ibzan, of Bethlehem
Judges 12:11-12 -Elon, of Zebulon
Judges 12:13-15 -Abdon, of Pirathon in the hill country of Ephraim
Judges 13:1-12 -Samson, of barren parents
When we look through the judges in the book of Judges, we rarely see those of high social standing and wealth being chosen by the Lord for His purposes. Instead, we mostly see the humble of society. Those without any individual claim to power, wealth, or fame. And course, we have an ultimate example of this in Christ.
Philippians 2:5-11 -Christ’s humility in coming to earth and dying
John 1:43-49 -Can anything good come from Nazareth?
Matthew 2:1-6 -Born in Bethlehem
Indeed, when we think of those who answer the call to follow Christ, are we not mostly of lowly and humble backgrounds and occupations? We are not limited by “smallness.” We can still, each and every one of us, regardless of social status, regardless of wealth, do well in serving the Lord!
Matthew 19:24 -A camel through the eye of a needle
James 2:1-10 -God has chosen the poor of this world
I Corinthians 1:18-29 -God has chosen the foolish things of the world
Monday, July 28, 2008
Samson - 7/27/08am
Nazarite
We see outlined the basic guidelines for a Nazarite: someone who was dedicated and set apart for God’s use. The vow was taken for a period of time anywhere from 30 days to life.
Judges 13:1-7, 24-25 -Samson is born into the Nazarite vow
Numbers 6:1-8 -Nazarite vow is established
I Corinthians 6:9-11 -Christians are sanctified (set apart)
Strength
Samson is known for his strength. In fact, it’s what’s he’s mostly known for, whether in comic books or cartoons. And while it is common knowledge, where he got hi strength, we will look at that aspect in a few minutes.
Judges 14:5-9 -Kills a lion with his bare hands
Judges 16:1-3 -Carries the gates of Gaza to Hebron (40 miles)
Philippians 4:10-13 -I can do all things through God who strengthens
Useful to God
Once again we see one of the way God operates: through men. He can take the things men do, and use them to further His plans.
Judges 14:1-4 -Samson picks out a wife from the Philistines
II Timothy 2:20-21 -Vessels of gold, vessels of wood
Matthew 25:15-30 -Parable of the talents
Accomplished Much with God
We see in the stories that are recorded that Samson accomplished much in his life against the Philistines. Shortly after Samson burns fields full of grain (in retribution for his wife having been given away), the Philistines burn his wife’s father, and Samson kills a number of them for that, the Philistines hunt Samson. The results could only have been accomplished with God’s help
Judges 15:9-20 -Samson kills 1,000 men, God gives him water
Had Evil Companions
Samson was a poor judge of character it seems. He continually picks out people to associate with that do not help him, but rather bring him to harm.
Judges 16:4-22 -Samson and Delilah
I Corinthians 15:33 -Evil companions corrupt good morals
We see also, his strength being in his hair, that he was weakened by its loss. More to the point, the long hair was the sign of a Nazarite. One could not be under the Nazarite vow (if any part of it was broken, the head must be shorn) without hair. By disclosing the information, and thus allowing his head to be shorn, he sacrificed his being set apart for God, and gave it up. He thus chose to separate himself, losing the strength God provided. So it is with us: when we choose to give up our sanctification, we lose the strength that God provides.
Prayed for God’s Will
Samson was used by God to achieve His ends. His final prayer, in the temple to the Philistine god Dagon, was in accordance with what God wanted: disorder and punishment of the Philistines. Think about who would have been there: the leaders and priests, those who followed the false god… In the end, Samson put his trust in the Lord.
Judges 16:23-32 -Samson’s final prayer
Luke 22:42 -”Your will be done”
Did wrong, yet…
We can look at the things Samson did in his life: and we see one error after another. We look through Samson’s actions, and see one sin after another. Yet, then we consider what the New Testament has to say about him, and it seems surprising.
Judges 14:1-2 -Married a Philistine
Judges 16:1 -Harlotry
Judges 16:4 -Delilah
Judges 16:7,11,13 -Lying
Hebrews 11:32-40 -Samson numbered among the heroes of faith
Remember, Samson was a judge for 20 years. We are only given a small number of what were probably many more actions. What we are left with is a consideration of God’s forgiveness, and an understanding that no matter what we may do in sin, we can repent and turn to God.
II Peter 3:9 -The Lord is patient, wanting all to repent
We see outlined the basic guidelines for a Nazarite: someone who was dedicated and set apart for God’s use. The vow was taken for a period of time anywhere from 30 days to life.
Judges 13:1-7, 24-25 -Samson is born into the Nazarite vow
Numbers 6:1-8 -Nazarite vow is established
I Corinthians 6:9-11 -Christians are sanctified (set apart)
Strength
Samson is known for his strength. In fact, it’s what’s he’s mostly known for, whether in comic books or cartoons. And while it is common knowledge, where he got hi strength, we will look at that aspect in a few minutes.
Judges 14:5-9 -Kills a lion with his bare hands
Judges 16:1-3 -Carries the gates of Gaza to Hebron (40 miles)
Philippians 4:10-13 -I can do all things through God who strengthens
Useful to God
Once again we see one of the way God operates: through men. He can take the things men do, and use them to further His plans.
Judges 14:1-4 -Samson picks out a wife from the Philistines
II Timothy 2:20-21 -Vessels of gold, vessels of wood
Matthew 25:15-30 -Parable of the talents
Accomplished Much with God
We see in the stories that are recorded that Samson accomplished much in his life against the Philistines. Shortly after Samson burns fields full of grain (in retribution for his wife having been given away), the Philistines burn his wife’s father, and Samson kills a number of them for that, the Philistines hunt Samson. The results could only have been accomplished with God’s help
Judges 15:9-20 -Samson kills 1,000 men, God gives him water
Had Evil Companions
Samson was a poor judge of character it seems. He continually picks out people to associate with that do not help him, but rather bring him to harm.
Judges 16:4-22 -Samson and Delilah
I Corinthians 15:33 -Evil companions corrupt good morals
We see also, his strength being in his hair, that he was weakened by its loss. More to the point, the long hair was the sign of a Nazarite. One could not be under the Nazarite vow (if any part of it was broken, the head must be shorn) without hair. By disclosing the information, and thus allowing his head to be shorn, he sacrificed his being set apart for God, and gave it up. He thus chose to separate himself, losing the strength God provided. So it is with us: when we choose to give up our sanctification, we lose the strength that God provides.
Prayed for God’s Will
Samson was used by God to achieve His ends. His final prayer, in the temple to the Philistine god Dagon, was in accordance with what God wanted: disorder and punishment of the Philistines. Think about who would have been there: the leaders and priests, those who followed the false god… In the end, Samson put his trust in the Lord.
Judges 16:23-32 -Samson’s final prayer
Luke 22:42 -”Your will be done”
Did wrong, yet…
We can look at the things Samson did in his life: and we see one error after another. We look through Samson’s actions, and see one sin after another. Yet, then we consider what the New Testament has to say about him, and it seems surprising.
Judges 14:1-2 -Married a Philistine
Judges 16:1 -Harlotry
Judges 16:4 -Delilah
Judges 16:7,11,13 -Lying
Hebrews 11:32-40 -Samson numbered among the heroes of faith
Remember, Samson was a judge for 20 years. We are only given a small number of what were probably many more actions. What we are left with is a consideration of God’s forgiveness, and an understanding that no matter what we may do in sin, we can repent and turn to God.
II Peter 3:9 -The Lord is patient, wanting all to repent
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
