Series Summary:

Who will fight for us? What we are fighting for? These questions guide our lives and the lives of generations. The book of Judges shows us that when we are unwilling fight as God commanded, compromise to get along, fight with the wrong people, and fight for lesser things we descend into tribalism and chaos. We end up with the disaster of everyone doing what is right in their own eyes. We find ourselves crying out again, Who will fight for us? #Judges#2026

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Starter

What is something that the Lord has commanded that you ignore, refuse to do, or often do not do?

Pray

Study Questions

The Lord promised the land of Canaan to Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. The people of Canaan were so wicked and had polluted the land so badly the Lord said they had to get out. God tells the Israelites to, divide the Land by lot, drive out inhabitants, not to make treaties or covenants, destroy idols and worship sites, not intermarry, not adopt Canaanite customs, and worship only at the chosen place, setting yourselves and the land apart. It is now time for the people of God to take the land. However, The Angel of the Lord confronts them with reality, “But you have not obeyed Me. What is this you have done?” “The Lord’s anger burned” so He “raised up judges” like Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. The people abandon the Lord again and the question is raised, “Hasn’t the Lord commanded you? “

READ: Judges 4:1-3

1. After Ehud died, what pattern did Israel repeat?
   1. How is this the norm for humanity?
2. Whom did God allow to oppress them this time?
   1. What area of Israel did the king reign?
   2. Who was his military leader?
   3. What military might did they possess?
3. How long was Israel oppressed by him?
   1. How should knowing the length of their oppression help us as we are living through and crying out in the midst of things that seem difficult or oppressive to us?

READ: Judges 4:4—10

Deborah is the first, and only, female judge that God called to lead Israel. She is a prophetess and a judge. She was the only judge who did not fight physically or use a physical weapon.

Judges 5:7 says, “Villages were deserted, they were deserted in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel.” What title does Deborah the prophet and Judge use to describe herself? Why is that significant?

1. Deborah is called a prophetess. What is the simple thing that a prophet does?
   1. To take seriously speaking on behalf of God, what was supposed to happen to a prophet who spoke falsely? (see: **Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 18:18-22)**

Remember that when reading a narrative part of the bible, especially the book of judges, God is often giving a description of what happened not a prescription of what He ideally wanted or wants us to do.

READ: 1 Corinthians 11:1-12, 12:27-13:1, 14:29-40

What do you see in these passages that match the story of Deborah and her character?

Isaiah 3:12-13 says, “Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. My people, your leaders mislead you; they confuse the direction of your paths. The Lord rises to argue the case and stands to judge the people.”

Why are youths oppressing, women ruling, and leaders misleading and confusing the direction of paths a sign of serious problems among God’s people?