The Book of Judges: A Summary
The Book of Judges is the seventh book of the Old Testament and tells the story of the Israelites’ conquest and settlement of Canaan. The book is named after the "judges" who led the Israelites during this time, including Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.
Reading the Book of Judges in 60 Seconds
Chapter 1: Israel conquers some cities, but fails to drive out all the Canaanites.
Featured Verse: "But the tribes of Israel did not drive out the Canaanites who dwelt in Gezer." (1:29)
Chapter 2: The Israelites turn away from God and are oppressed by their enemies.
Featured Verse: "So they forsook the Lord and served Baal and the Ashtaroth." (2:13)
Chapter 3: God raises up Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar to deliver Israel from their oppressors.
Featured Verse: "And the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up a deliverer for them." (3:15)
Chapter 4-5: Deborah and Barak lead Israel to victory over the Canaanites.
Featured Verse: "The Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army with the edge of the sword before Barak." (4:15)
Chapter 6-8: Gideon defeats the Midianites with only 300 men.
Featured Verse: "The Lord said to Gideon, ‘By the three hundred men who lapped I will save you.’" (7:7)
Chapter 9: Abimelech, Gideon’s son, becomes king and is eventually killed.
Featured Verse: "So God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he had done to his father by killing his seventy brothers." (9:56)
Chapter 10-12: Jephthah and Samson lead Israel to victory over their enemies.
Featured Verse: "And Samson said, ‘Let me die with the Philistines!’ And he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it." (16:30)
Chapter 13-16: Samson’s life and downfall.
Featured Verse: "And Samson said, ‘Let me die with the Philistines!’" (16:30)
The Book of Judges is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people, even when they turn away from Him. It also shows the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. We encourage you to read the entire book of Judges and be inspired by the faith and courage of these heroic judges.