Author Archives: milo2030

SAMSONJudges 13–16 “Samson led Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines” (Jdg. 15:20). This text does not conclude, “and the land had rest.” Samson, for all his physical strength, lacked the inner strength needed to put his people ahead of his own raging desires. Definition of Key TermsPhilistines. Great numbers of theseContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

ABIMELECH AND JEPHTHAHJudges 9–12 “Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. And He could bear Israel’s misery no longer” (Jdg. 10:16). Two disadvantaged young men remind us that environment determines no one’s future. What counts are the choices each individual makes in life. OverviewAbimelech, son of Gideon andContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

GIDEONJudges 6–8 “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” (Jdg. 6:14) The hesitant hero of this story did ask God for reassuring signs. And God did graciously reassure him. Gideon’s experience teaches an important lesson about “putting out the fleece.” But not, perhaps, theContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

DEBORAHJudges 4–5 “So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But may they who love You be like the sun when it rises in its strength” (Jdg. 5:31). Women were not generally leaders in patriarchal Israel. But her sex did not disqualify Deborah, whose spiritual gifts were acknowledged by God’s people. OverviewDeborah, the prophetess—leader ofContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

Judges INTRODUCTIONThe Book of Judges spans the period between the death of Joshua, about 1375 B.C., to the crowning of Israel’s first king, Saul, around 1040 B.C. The book traces the deterioration of Israel’s faith and fortunes. It explains why the people of God failed to experience His blessing.Judges takes its name from the charismaticContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”