After nearly 19 years of marriage, my wife and I have stopped asking each other a certain question: “What are you reading?” The reason is simple—we’ve pigeonholed each other’s reading habits. She thinks I only read books about war, history, or theology (which is largely true). I tease her for reading books that are all about “feelings.”
But here’s the thing: different kinds of books serve different purposes. Comedy entertains, poetry inspires, history informs—and then there are tragedies. Who wants to read a tragedy, with its blood, conflict, and grim endings? Yet tragedies teach us something essential about life, about ourselves, and about our need for God.
That’s exactly what we find in the book of Judges. Judges is a tragedy—the story of God’s people spiraling downward into disobedience and chaos, yet still receiving God’s undeserved grace through flawed leaders. If it were a film, it would be rated 18 for violence and darkness. But it also shouts one great truth: we desperately need the saving grace of God.
The Power of God
Judges opens with the death of Joshua, Israel’s leader. It’s a moment of uncertainty: can God’s people keep going without their leader? But we soon see that though leaders die, God’s work continues. His purposes don’t depend on any one person.
When Judah asks who should fight the Canaanites, God answers: “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands” (Judges 1:2). Victory comes because the Lord is with them. Again and again, we read that “the Lord gave” their enemies into their hands.
God’s presence brings direction, assurance, power, and unity. Just as Judah and Simeon fought side by side, blessing still flows today when God’s people walk in unity. Psalm 133 reminds us: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity… For there the Lord bestows his blessing.”
The Pattern of People
But the story takes a darker turn. Verse 27 introduces a repeated refrain: “Manasseh did not drive out the people…” Ephraim didn’t either. Nor did Zebulun. Instead of fully obeying God’s command, they settled for compromise. Some Canaanites were forced into slavery, others simply allowed to remain.
On the surface, it looked like success. Israel had won battles, expanded territory, and subdued enemies. But beneath the victories was a dangerous disobedience. They were pragmatic when God had called them to be faithful.
It’s a warning for us too. A church can look outwardly “successful”—full pews, shiny programs, busy activity—while rotting spiritually at the core. Leaders can appear polished, yet compromise in hidden ways. God doesn’t measure success by appearances but by obedience.
The Pronouncement of God
In chapter 2, God responds. His angel reminds Israel of His faithfulness: “I brought you up out of Egypt… I will never break my covenant with you” (Judges 2:1). Yet He also confronts their disobedience: “You have disobeyed me. Why have you done this?” (v. 2).
The consequence? God would no longer drive out the Canaanites. Instead, their idols would become snares. Often, God’s judgment is simply letting us reap what we’ve chosen. Sin’s consequences become our own trap.
The Pattern of Judges
Chapter 2 ends with repentance: the people weep and offer sacrifices. This sets up the tragic cycle we’ll see throughout Judges—sin, consequences, repentance, rescue, and back to sin again. It leaves us longing for a true and perfect Saviour, one far greater than these flawed “judges.”
The Point for Us
So what do we learn? At least six things:
3 positives to do...
- Be obedient to God’s Word. Compromise always leads to trouble.
- Be united in God’s family. Blessing flows when God’s people stand together.
- Be repentant in our lives. Keep short accounts with God; turn back quickly when you stray.
3 negatives to beware...
- Beware of “success syndrome.” Outward progress can mask inner disobedience.
- Beware of society’s idols. We live in a culture full of distractions that can easily capture our hearts.
- Beware of the “saviour complex.” God’s work continues beyond any one leader. Only Christ is the true Saviour.
Judges is a tragedy—but a tragedy that teaches. It teaches us about ourselves, about the seriousness of sin, and about our unchanging need for God’s grace. And it points us to Jesus, the faithful King who rescues His people once and for all.
Talk Headings (Judges 1.1-2.5)
1. The Power of God to bless His People
2. The Pattern of People - to disobeying God
3. The Pronouncement of God and the Penitence of His People
4. The Pattern of Judges
5. The Point for us Today
Series: Judges: Search for a Saviour
Comments
Post a Comment