Judges 7-11: Day 045: Journey Through the Bible in a Year

February 15, 2022

Judges 7-11
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Day 045: Journey Through the Bible in a Year
Focus Verses for Today: Judges 8:23-27

Take a few minutes to pray before reading Judges 7-11. Now read Judges 7-11. Let’s journey!

Commentary: The continuing story of Gideon demonstrates that with God all things are possible. Gideon is preparing to engage the Midianites in war, however, on the eve of battle, God sent all but 300 of Gideon’s 25,000 soldiers home. Only the 300 soldiers God had chosen were going to battle with the Midianites. Why? Because God wanted to make it perfectly clear to the Israelites, and His enemies the Midianites, the enemies of His people Israel, that He waged the war against and defeated the Midianites and not 300 Jewish soldiers. The Ephraimites are upset at Gideon for not asking them to join the battle sooner.

Abimelek plotted and killed his 70 brothers, sons of Gideon, to take control of Jerub-Baal’s (Gideon) possessions. Jothan was the only son of Gideon to survive the massacre. The brothers were all killed the same day, on the same rock. Abimelek does not go unpunished for his sin. Two judges, Tola and Jair arise after Abimelek’s death. Combined both Judges governed Israel for a period of 45 peace-filled years. After the death of Jair, the Israelites turned to false gods.

Jephthah was a man rejected even though his father was Gilead because his mother was a prostitute. God used him to lead the people against the Amorites and other descendants of Ishmael. However, anyone can fall to temptation, even Godly leaders. It is important to remember God in the victories in life, for they are possible because of Him. It is also important to listen to God’s direction and not make rash promises. Jephthah makes a rash vow, resulting in the sacrifice of his daughter. There are two principle theories posed by Bible scholars as to what happened with Jephthah’s daughter. One is that she was offered as a burnt offering. The other is that she was to remain a virgin for her entire life.

Focus Verses: Judges 8:23-27 Did Gideon’s actions match his words? How did they differ? Have you ever acted like Gideon? What can you do to rectify it?

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