Jensens survey of the old testament adam 94

dark setting. As in all books of the Bible,
God does not furnish a diagnosis of sin and
guilt unless He also prescribes a cure.
I. PREPARATION FOR STUDY
1. Read Exodus 18:21-26. The judges
referred to here were civil magistrates,
ful lling the judicial functions usually
associated with the o ce of judge. These
magistrates should not be confused with the
judges of the book bearing the name Judges.
The
latter
are shophetim
(Heb.),
commissioned by God to deliver the
Israelites from the oppression of their
enemies, usually by war, and then to rule
the people during the era of peace. Read
Judges 2:16; 3:9. Refer to a Bible dictionary
for a description of both types of judges.
2. The era of judges during Israel’s
occupation of Canaan was one of many


important phases of the nation’s history.
Study carefully Chart 33, which represents
all of Israel’s history from Genesis through
Malachi. Observe the duration of the period
of judges. (The bottom of the chart indicates
the Bible’s coverage of this history.)

3. Now observe on Chart 34 the order and
dates of the judges' reigns. (Note: Eli, a
priest-judge, and Samuel, a prophet-judge,
do not appear in the Bible until 1 Samuel.)


Begin now to become acquainted with the
names of these judges, for they are the main
characters of this Bible book.
4. Review your study of Joshua. Many
comparisons may be made between the
books of Joshua and Judges, some of which
are listed here:
JOSHUA

JUDGES

Upward trend, spiritually Downward trend, spiritually
One man is prominent

No One man is prominent

Israel as at tutored child Israel as an adult
Victory

Defeat

Fidelity

Apostasy

As the book of Joshua closes, Israel is
shown taking a stand for God. Thus they
entered into the promised blessings of the
inheritance—victory,
prosperity,
and
happiness—which is the life God would
always have His people lead. They were still
surrounded by enemies; indeed, some
enemies still lived within their boundaries.


But if they would obey God’s commands
concerning these enemies, they would have
the power of the Almighty with them.

In the book of Judges we shall see Israel
turning away from God and doing the very
things which God through Moses and Joshua
had repeatedly besought them not to do.