titles.) Refer to Chart 35 and note the chapter spread of the references to the judges Where on Chart 36 does this grouping appear? Study the survey Chart 36 carefully Read 1:1—3:6 and observe how these chapters serve as an introduction to the main body of the book Why is a main division made at 3:7? According to Chart 35, who is the last judge appearing in this book? What chapter is the last to report about him? Use this as a clue to explain why a new division is made at chapter 17 on the chart The long section 3:7—16:31 is one continuous story of deliverances and setbacks How does the bottom of the chart relate 1:1—3:6 and 17:1—21:25 to this? Note the contrast between the beginning of the book— ghting the enemy —and the end—fighting a brother IV PROMINENT SUBJECTS (3:7—16:31) According to Chart 36, a comparatively large space of the Bible text is devoted to three judges, Deborah, Gideon, and Samson Many are the Bible stories which have been written about these interesting leaders But all the judges of Israel had the equally responsible task of delivering the nation from six successive foreign oppressions These are cited in the next section (B) A THE JUDGES B THE CYCLE OF ISRAEL’S RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE A pattern of religious experience, which might be called a cycle, appears again and again in the book of Judges The following diagram illustrates this cycle Read 2:16-19 to see the pattern of this cycle Rest During Joshua’s lifetime and for some years afterward, Israel served God and enjoyed the blessings of their rest land This is where the book of Judges begins Rebellion When a new generation arose, they divorced themselves from God and, in rebellion against Him, took on the ways of the idolatrous Canaanites Retribution Just as He had said He would, God withdrew His protection and power from Israel and delivered them into the hands of foreign oppressors 4 Repentance Then the Israelites repented of their sin and cried to God for help (In 2:16 this is only implied; read 3:9 for a fuller statement Read also 10:10, KJV, to see what was involved when they “cried unto the LORD.”) Restoration God raised up a judge to deliver His people from their oppressor and to lead them back to a life of fellowship with Him—back to the beginning of the cycle, rest The cycle accentuates two prominent lines of truth: (1) the desperate sickness of the human heart, revealing its ingratitude, stubbornness, rebellion, and folly; and (2) God’s long-su ering, patience, love, and mercy (The prominence of the Lord in the narrative of Judges is shown by the fact that the name “LORD” appears 178 times and “God” 62 times in the book.) ... enjoyed the blessings of their rest land This is where the book of Judges begins Rebellion When a new generation arose, they divorced themselves from God and, in rebellion against Him, took on the. .. unto the LORD.”) Restoration God raised up a judge to deliver His people from their oppressor and to lead them back to a life of fellowship with Him—back to the beginning of the cycle, rest The. ..beginning of the book— ghting the enemy —and the end—fighting a brother IV PROMINENT SUBJECTS (3:7—16:31) According to Chart 36, a comparatively large space of the Bible text is devoted