Judges 1-6
A big chunk 0f Scripture with a familiar theme -- Israel meanders away from God whenever there is no strong leadership present.
We begin with a recounting of the remaining Canaanites whom the Jews do not evict from the land, although most end up as servants. This lack of obedience in driving them out is evidence of a lack of faith among the people. The story of Caleb giving his daughter is rehashed, probably because Othniel shows up as a judge in 3:7 -- the first after Joshua and his generation are gone. Othniel, Caleb's nephew and son-in-law, rules for 40 years. While he is there, the nation is at peace. But when Othniel is gone, the Moabites move in and hold the Israelites for 18 years, until Ehud, the southpaw.
Eventually we learn why Scripture tells us that Ehud is a lefty, specifically for a bit of trickery against the portly King Eglon. The details of this assassination are remarkable. Even Ehud's escape is possible because the king's men think he's having an embarrassingly long stop in the restroom. Even at first glance, the king would not look wounded as the knife was pushed in until Eglon's fat closed in around it.
Shamgar is a brief mention at the end of chapter three. He is also mentioned in Deborah's song in 5:6. Perhaps Shamgar was the military leader and Deborah the judge? But then why would Deborah send for Barak? That deserves more study.
The Song chides many of the tribes of Israel for not being a part of the attack on Sisera. Reuben, Gilead, Dan... where were you when the fighting started?
At chapter six we begin the saga of Gideon. An unlikely hero if there ever was one, Gideon is constantly asking for signs of confirmation. Compare that with the Pharisees of Jesus' day being called a wicked and perverse generation for asking for a sign. Gideon was seeking to serve God. The Pharisees were looking for a miracle to debunk.
Gideon does manage to gather enough courage to destroy his father's idol to Baal and the Asherah poles, although he waited until night to do it in secret. Amazingly it is Gideon's father who stands up for him once the story gets out.
We begin with a recounting of the remaining Canaanites whom the Jews do not evict from the land, although most end up as servants. This lack of obedience in driving them out is evidence of a lack of faith among the people. The story of Caleb giving his daughter is rehashed, probably because Othniel shows up as a judge in 3:7 -- the first after Joshua and his generation are gone. Othniel, Caleb's nephew and son-in-law, rules for 40 years. While he is there, the nation is at peace. But when Othniel is gone, the Moabites move in and hold the Israelites for 18 years, until Ehud, the southpaw.
Eventually we learn why Scripture tells us that Ehud is a lefty, specifically for a bit of trickery against the portly King Eglon. The details of this assassination are remarkable. Even Ehud's escape is possible because the king's men think he's having an embarrassingly long stop in the restroom. Even at first glance, the king would not look wounded as the knife was pushed in until Eglon's fat closed in around it.
Shamgar is a brief mention at the end of chapter three. He is also mentioned in Deborah's song in 5:6. Perhaps Shamgar was the military leader and Deborah the judge? But then why would Deborah send for Barak? That deserves more study.
The Song chides many of the tribes of Israel for not being a part of the attack on Sisera. Reuben, Gilead, Dan... where were you when the fighting started?
At chapter six we begin the saga of Gideon. An unlikely hero if there ever was one, Gideon is constantly asking for signs of confirmation. Compare that with the Pharisees of Jesus' day being called a wicked and perverse generation for asking for a sign. Gideon was seeking to serve God. The Pharisees were looking for a miracle to debunk.
Gideon does manage to gather enough courage to destroy his father's idol to Baal and the Asherah poles, although he waited until night to do it in secret. Amazingly it is Gideon's father who stands up for him once the story gets out.
posted by rev-ed @ 3:35 PM
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