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 to fight as God commanded, compromise to get along, fight with the wrong people, and fight for lesser things, then we descend into tribalism and chaos. We end up with the disaster of everyone doing what is right in their own eyes. Then we find ourselves crying out again…WHO WILL FIGHT FOR US?

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Starter

What is something that you thought would make things better for you once you got it, but it really didn’t?

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 as holy.

It is now time for the people of God to take the land. However, The Angel of the Lord confronts them with the reality of their disobedience, “But you have not obeyed Me. What is this you have done?” “The Lord’s anger burned” so He “raised up judges”. The people abandon the Lord again and again and questions are raised, “Hasn’t the Lord commanded you?“ Am I not sending you?” The people have peace in their idolatry, but it became a snare. Now, is it better for you?

Reminder: When reading a narrative part of the bible, especially the book of judges, God is often giving a description of what happened not necessarily a prescription of what He ideally wanted or wants us to do now.

READ: Judges 8:27-35

  1. God took a weak man in Gideon and made Him strong. However, in what ways did Gideon use his strength to make himself, his family, and the nation weak?
  2. How were his mistakes as a leader evidence of following the culture (Canaanite) and not following Yahweh?
  3. What cultural things can we buy into, especially in times of peace, that can lead ourselves, our family, and God’s people away from following God and His ways?

READ: Judges 9:1-6

  1. Abimelech’s name means father is king or father of a king. Earlier in Judges 8:22-23, the Israelites try to follow the custom of the Canaanites and make Gideon and his sons kings. Gideon replies, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.”
    1. Discuss why Gideon might have given Abimelech his name or allowed him to be named that way after Gideon’s previous statement?
  2. What does Abimelech propose? Why?
  3. How and why is the question, “Is it better for you?”, often a trap for God’s people?
  4. Why do believers often think that new leaders that are like us and see things our way will make things better?
    1. What is the problem with that mentality according to 2 Timothy 4:3-4?
  5. They gave Abimelech 70 pieces of silver from the temple of Baal-berith. That means this idolatrous temple was doing very well for itself. Abimelech accepts their idolatrous gift. What does he do with it?
  6. In the new testament, Jesus warns of hired Shepherds. (John 10:7-16) How and why is hiring lawless and reckless people still often the solution to try and make things better instead of looking for the simply faithful?