Tag: Judges

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Do As I Do

Do As I Do

Just before Gideon goes to battle, he tells his men to “watch me,” “follow my lead,” and “do exactly what I do.” His men did and God used their collective actions to throw the enemy into complete confusion.

As a result, a great victory was won. Gideon’s actions were worthy of emulation.

From a spiritual perspective, Paul said the same thing. He says what you have seen me do, you should do, too.

Frankly, I’m not sure I would want anyone to do everything I did. Yes, I do believe that I have some worthy qualities, but certainly there are a few areas that are not worthy of emulation, at least not all the time.

You may be familiar with the saying, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Well, Gideon and Paul are bold enough to effectively say, “Do as I do.”

Would you be confident enough in your actions to tell someone to “Do everything you see me doing?”

[Judges 7:17, Philippians 4:9]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Gideon Doubts God

Gideon Doubts God

Ultimately, Gideon, the Judge, obeys God and realizes a great victory, but he first needs a lot of confirmation to deal with his doubts:

Gideon first asks for a sign that the angel had really spoken God’s words. God acquiesces; when the angel touches his staff to the food Gideon prepared, it miraculously ignites and is burnt up.

Gideon questions God’s promise of victory and gives God a test to perform. He places a fleece (a wooly mass) on the ground and asks that only the fleece have dew on it in the morning. God lovingly does what Gideon asks.

Gideon second-guesses his first test. He gives God another test, but desires the opposite outcome. God patiently complies and in the morning the ground has dew and the fleece is dry.

Although Gideon does not voice any more doubts, they still exist. So God offers a final confirmation.

God tells Gideon to sneak up to the enemy camp, where Gideon overhears two soldiers talking about a dream one had about Gideon’s forthcoming victory.

Encouraged, Gideon goes forth with his 300 men—and God’s help— routs 135,000.

It is not wrong to have doubts—and God is generally patient with us when we do—but ultimately we need to obey and do what we are told—even when it doesn’t make sense.

[Judges 6:17&21, Judges 6:36-38, Judges 6:39-40, Judges 7:10&13-14, Judges 8:10-11]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

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Samson and Delilah

Samson and Delilah

Of all the characters mentioned in the book of Judges, the most familiar is likely Samson. This may be because four of the book’s 21 chapters are devoted to him.

Another reason may be his unwise, yet intriguing, dalliance with Delilah.

As a person, Samson did not have much in his favor. He was self-centered, demanding, impetuous, and undisciplined, especially regarding his sexual appetite.

Nevertheless, God used Samson to accomplish his purposes and free Israel from foreign domination for 20 years.

However, Samson’s character flaws eventually resulted in his capture and imprisonment, setting the stage for his final act, a suicide mission in which he killed 3,000 of his enemies along with himself.

Despite Samson’s personal issues and bad decisions, God used him for 20 years. This is most encouraging, as we all have issues weighing us down and threatening to hold us back; yet God can use us and work through us anyway.

Still, had Samson made better decisions, his premature death could have been avoided, allowing him to serve God for much longer.

This is most motivating, for in the pursuit of right living, we can position ourselves to be used by God even more.

[Judges 13-16, specifically 16:4-30]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

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Here Comes the Judge

here comes the judge

15 People in the Book of Judges

When I think of a judge, I immediately conjure up an image of a person wearing a black robe and presiding over a hearing or trial. Indeed, that is the primary definition of the word “judge.”

However, that understanding is greatly misleading when reading the book of Judges in the Bible. In the biblical context there are no black robes, judicial hearings, or legal proceedings.

The judges in the Bible were unofficial—albeit accepted—rulers, often filling the role of military leader, freeing the nation from foreign tyranny and occupation.

Given this definition, I count 15 people in the book of Judges who could possibly be considered a “judge:”

  1. Othneil (Judges 3:7-11)
  2. Ehud (Judges 3:12-3:30)
  3. Shamgar (Judges 3:31)
  4. Deborah (Judges 4:1 to 5:21)
  5. Gideon (Judges 6:1 to 8:35)
  6. Abimelech (Judges 9:1-57)
  7. Tola (Judges 10:1-2)
  8. Jair (Judges 10:3-5)
  9. Jephthah (Judges 10:6 to 12:7)
  10. Ibzan (Judges 12:8-10)
  11. Elon (Judges 12:11-12)
  12. Abdon (Judges 12:13-15)
  13. Samson (Judges 13:1 to 16:13)
  14. Micah (Judges 17:1 to 18:31)
  15. An unnamed judge, simply referred to as “a Levite” (Judges 19:1 to 21:25)

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
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