In some ways, there’s a lot that separates us from the book of Judges. There’s all the weird names, locations, kings and enemies. I find it helpful to picture Braveheart as I read Judges. A little bit of Braveheart, and a little bit of The Magnificent Seven. Yeah, I think Judges could work as an old western, too.
In some other ways, nothing separates from Judges. Take this closing statement of the book: “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Lawlessness. Anarchy. Anything goes. Spiritually, doesn’t sound too much different from our world, huh?
In these stories today notice the prominent role two women–Deborah and Jael–play in the battle. That’s really unusual. Also notice how Gideon describes himself as the youngest from the most insignificant tribe of Israel.
It’s a theme that runs throughout the Bible from beginning to end: God chooses the least likely heroes. Obedience and faithfulness matter more than raw talent and ability.
Fiftyeight 