Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
The book of Judges has many examples of individuals who were called by God to lead. But it was up to them if they would access the call. Deborah responded with faith and was known as a prophetess. Sampson was called to lead, but only at times had the Spirit of God with him and ultimately chose anger and vengeance. God has called us too, but how we respond is up to us.
The book of Judges recounts the history of the children of Israel from the time they settled in the land of Canaan after Joshua’s death to the birth of Samuel (approximately 1400–1000 B.C.). Besides the short narrative of the book of Ruth, Judges provides the only biblical account of this time period.
The book of Judges describes a cycle that repeated itself multiple times during the reign of the judges. Because the Israelites failed to remove wicked influences from the promised land, they became entangled in sin and were conquered and afflicted by their enemies. After the Israelites cried unto the Lord for help, He sent judges to deliver them from their enemies. However, the Israelites soon returned to their sins, and this cycle was repeated. (See Judges 2:11–19.)
“The so-called judges, according to the record, appear to be more military heroes rather than officers of the judiciary (Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis-2 Samuel, 253) "The English word 'judge' doesn't well describe these leaders. Though the root of the Hebrew word used means primarily 'to judge,' it is used secondarily also in the extended meaning 'to govern.' Most of the 'judging' done in this period was a matter of giving advice and rendering decisions. Regular court procedures are nowhere described for the times of the Judges in Israel. In fact, the most common function they are seen to perform is that of military leadership." (Rasmussen, Introduction to the Old Testament, 1:149.)
Cycle of Sin and Deliverance in the Book of Judges
Example 1: Drive out the Canaanites out of the land.
As A Result …
“Why would the Israelites let themselves go through this cycle over and over again—twelve times in the book of Judges alone? Individuals and groups of people in our day get caught in this cycle as well. President Spencer W. Kimball said: "Few men have ever knowingly and deliberately chosen to reject God and his blessings. Rather, we learn from the scriptures that because the exercise of faith has always appeared to be more difficult than relying on things more immediately at hand, carnal man has tended to transfer his trust in God to material things. Therefore, in all ages when men have fallen under the power of Satan and lost the faith, they have put in its place a hope in the 'arm of flesh' and in 'gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know' (Dan. 5:23)—that is, in idols" ("The False Gods We Worship," Ensign, June 1976, 4). (Old Testament Student Study Guide, 84)
“The reign of the judges is similar in many ways to the history of the Nephites prior to the coming of Christ. It is a story of one continuous cycle of apostasy and repentance. When the Israelites turned from the Lord, their enemies began to prevail (see Judges 2:14-15). Suffering under oppression and war, the people would cry unto God and he would raise up a Deborah or a Gideon to deliver them. But once peace and security were reestablished, the people turned again to their former ways (see Judges 2:16-19). The story of the time of the judges is thus primarily a sad and tragic one, although in this period lived some of the most remarkable men and women of the Old Testament. In their lives of courage, faith, and personal greatness, as well as in the lives of those who forsook the Lord and pursued selfish ends, are many lessons of importance for Saints today. Look for those lessons as you read this period of Israel's history.” (Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis-2 Samuel, p. 251)
In judges, look for examples of faith and courage of women and men who live in a society that has forgotten God (see Joshua 2:10) and are quick to turn away from the faith of their mother and father (see Joshua 2:17).
List of Judges
“Baal's worshipers appeased him by offering sacrifices, usually animals such as sheep or bulls (1 Kings 18:23) … At times of crisis, Baal's followers sacrificed their children, apparently the firstborn of the community, to gain personal prosperity …
“Asherah was worshiped in various ways, including through ritual sex … Pagans practiced "sympathetic magic", that is, they believed they could influence the gods' actions by performing the behavior they wished the gods to demonstrate. Believing the sexual union of Baal and Asherah produced fertility, their worshipers engaged in immoral sex to cause the gods to join together, ensuring good harvests. This practice became the basis for religious prostitution (1 Kings 14:23-24).” (https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/fertility-cults-of-canaan)
Deborah was describes as being a prophetess (Judges 4:4):
A prophetess is “a woman who has received a testimony of Jesus and enjoys the spirit of revelation. A prophetess does not hold the priesthood or its keys. Though only a few women in the scriptures are called prophetesses, many prophesied, such as Rebekah, Hannah, Elisabeth, and Mary.”
President Joseph F. Smith: I look upon these mothers in Israel, who have been endowed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, who have been born again, … I believe that every mother has the right to … know what to do in her family and in her sphere, over her children, in their guidance and direction; and that mother and every mother possessing that spirit has the gift of revelation, the gift of inspiration and the gift of knowledge, which is the spirit of prophecy, the spirit of discernment, a gift of God to them, to govern their households and lead their children in the path of righteousness and truth.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-joseph-f-smith/chapter-4?lang=eng)
What lessons can we learn from Gideon?
“In the Church today when one speaks of a person having the Spirit of the Lord with him, he means that he is a spiritual person, that is, he is close to God, has a testimony, demonstrates spiritual power, and so on. And such spiritual power comes only through obedience and righteousness. So, could Samson have had "the Spirit of the Lord come mightily upon him"? (vs. 6). That or a similar phrase is used three times in the account of Samson (see Judges 14:6, 19; 15:14), but in every case it has reference to Samson's demonstration of great courage and physical strength. Samson's remarkable strength was a gift of God derived from and sustained by the Nazarite vow he was under. Perhaps when the author of Judges used the phrase "the Spirit of God" he did not use it as one does today, but used it more in the way that one would now use the phrase "spiritual gifts." One may say of another, "The way he taught the lesson demonstrated that he has a spiritual gift." Samson's gift was strength, and each time he used that gift in a remarkable manner, the writer of the scripture gave credit to the Lord, the true source of the gift, by saying "the Spirit of the Lord" came mightily upon him.” (Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis-2 Samuel, 260)
Lessons from Sampson:
Judges 17–21. “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes”
“In the closing chapters of Judges the writer turned from stories of Israel’s heroes to two incidents that illustrate the low state of religion and morality in the days when Israel forsook her covenant with the Lord and everyone ‘did that which was right in his own eyes’ (Judges 17:6; 21:25).
“The stories of Micah the Levite and the Danite migration, in chapters 17 and 18, and the account of the rape of the concubine at Gibeah and the subsequent punishment of the Benjamites, in chapters 19–21, are samples of Israel’s worst days. Nothing in the stories show the Israelites doing what was right” (Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis–2 Samuel, 3rd ed. [Church Educational System manual, 2003], 261).
Teaching Thoughts:
The book of Judges recounts the history of the children of Israel from the time they settled in the land of Canaan after Joshua’s death to the birth of Samuel (approximately 1400–1000 B.C.). Besides the short narrative of the book of Ruth, Judges provides the only biblical account of this time period.
The book of Judges describes a cycle that repeated itself multiple times during the reign of the judges. Because the Israelites failed to remove wicked influences from the promised land, they became entangled in sin and were conquered and afflicted by their enemies. After the Israelites cried unto the Lord for help, He sent judges to deliver them from their enemies. However, the Israelites soon returned to their sins, and this cycle was repeated. (See Judges 2:11–19.)
“The so-called judges, according to the record, appear to be more military heroes rather than officers of the judiciary (Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis-2 Samuel, 253) "The English word 'judge' doesn't well describe these leaders. Though the root of the Hebrew word used means primarily 'to judge,' it is used secondarily also in the extended meaning 'to govern.' Most of the 'judging' done in this period was a matter of giving advice and rendering decisions. Regular court procedures are nowhere described for the times of the Judges in Israel. In fact, the most common function they are seen to perform is that of military leadership." (Rasmussen, Introduction to the Old Testament, 1:149.)
Cycle of Sin and Deliverance in the Book of Judges
Example 1: Drive out the Canaanites out of the land.
- They don’t do it (1: 21, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33) but instead made an alliance with them.
- Israel was delivered “into the hands of the spoilers” (2:14).
- Israel cries to the Lord.
- “The Lord raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them” 2:16).
As A Result …
- “Did evil in the sight of God” (2:11).
- “Forsook the LORD God” (2:12).
- “Followed other gods” (2:12).
- The rising generation “knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel” (2:10).
- “They turned quickly out of the way in which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.” (2:17)
- Judges were raised up and delivered the people but “when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers… they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way” (2:19).
“Why would the Israelites let themselves go through this cycle over and over again—twelve times in the book of Judges alone? Individuals and groups of people in our day get caught in this cycle as well. President Spencer W. Kimball said: "Few men have ever knowingly and deliberately chosen to reject God and his blessings. Rather, we learn from the scriptures that because the exercise of faith has always appeared to be more difficult than relying on things more immediately at hand, carnal man has tended to transfer his trust in God to material things. Therefore, in all ages when men have fallen under the power of Satan and lost the faith, they have put in its place a hope in the 'arm of flesh' and in 'gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know' (Dan. 5:23)—that is, in idols" ("The False Gods We Worship," Ensign, June 1976, 4). (Old Testament Student Study Guide, 84)
“The reign of the judges is similar in many ways to the history of the Nephites prior to the coming of Christ. It is a story of one continuous cycle of apostasy and repentance. When the Israelites turned from the Lord, their enemies began to prevail (see Judges 2:14-15). Suffering under oppression and war, the people would cry unto God and he would raise up a Deborah or a Gideon to deliver them. But once peace and security were reestablished, the people turned again to their former ways (see Judges 2:16-19). The story of the time of the judges is thus primarily a sad and tragic one, although in this period lived some of the most remarkable men and women of the Old Testament. In their lives of courage, faith, and personal greatness, as well as in the lives of those who forsook the Lord and pursued selfish ends, are many lessons of importance for Saints today. Look for those lessons as you read this period of Israel's history.” (Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis-2 Samuel, p. 251)
In judges, look for examples of faith and courage of women and men who live in a society that has forgotten God (see Joshua 2:10) and are quick to turn away from the faith of their mother and father (see Joshua 2:17).
List of Judges
- 1st Othniel - Chapt. 3:9
- 2nd Ehud - Chapt. 3:15
- 3rd Shamgar – Chapt. 3:31
- 4th Deborah – Chapt. 4:4
- 5th Gideon – Chapt. 6:11
- 6th Abimelech – Chapt. 8:31
- 7th Tola - Chapt. 10:1
- 8th Jair - Chapt. 10:3
- 9th Jephthah - Chapt. 11:1
- 10th Ibzan - Chapt. 12:8
- 11th Elon – Chapt. 12:11
- 12th Abdon – Chapt. 12:13
- 13th Samson – Chapt. 13:24
“Baal's worshipers appeased him by offering sacrifices, usually animals such as sheep or bulls (1 Kings 18:23) … At times of crisis, Baal's followers sacrificed their children, apparently the firstborn of the community, to gain personal prosperity …
“Asherah was worshiped in various ways, including through ritual sex … Pagans practiced "sympathetic magic", that is, they believed they could influence the gods' actions by performing the behavior they wished the gods to demonstrate. Believing the sexual union of Baal and Asherah produced fertility, their worshipers engaged in immoral sex to cause the gods to join together, ensuring good harvests. This practice became the basis for religious prostitution (1 Kings 14:23-24).” (https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/fertility-cults-of-canaan)
Deborah was describes as being a prophetess (Judges 4:4):
A prophetess is “a woman who has received a testimony of Jesus and enjoys the spirit of revelation. A prophetess does not hold the priesthood or its keys. Though only a few women in the scriptures are called prophetesses, many prophesied, such as Rebekah, Hannah, Elisabeth, and Mary.”
- Miriam was called a prophetess, Ex. 15:20.
- Deborah was called a prophetess, Judg. 4:4.
- Huldah was called a prophetess, 2 Kgs. 22:14 (2 Chr. 34:22).
- Anna was called a prophetess, Luke 2:36.(https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/gs/prophetess?lang=eng)
President Joseph F. Smith: I look upon these mothers in Israel, who have been endowed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, who have been born again, … I believe that every mother has the right to … know what to do in her family and in her sphere, over her children, in their guidance and direction; and that mother and every mother possessing that spirit has the gift of revelation, the gift of inspiration and the gift of knowledge, which is the spirit of prophecy, the spirit of discernment, a gift of God to them, to govern their households and lead their children in the path of righteousness and truth.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-joseph-f-smith/chapter-4?lang=eng)
What lessons can we learn from Gideon?
- God uses tough times to get our attention (Judges 6:1-6).
- God sees more than we do (6:7-12)
- God knows the ‘why’ and promises to be with us (6:13-24).
- God does big things in small and simple ways
- Leaders are to talk the talk, and walk the walk – “Look on me, and do likewise” (7:17).
- Personal righteousness is a prerequisite to exercise God’s power (6:25-32).
- God is patient with as our faith increases (6:33-40).
- Success is determined by God's power, not ours (7:1-8).
- In one sentence: If we follow the Lord’s commands with exactness and always acknowledge our dependence on Him, then He will help us overcome our challenges.
“In the Church today when one speaks of a person having the Spirit of the Lord with him, he means that he is a spiritual person, that is, he is close to God, has a testimony, demonstrates spiritual power, and so on. And such spiritual power comes only through obedience and righteousness. So, could Samson have had "the Spirit of the Lord come mightily upon him"? (vs. 6). That or a similar phrase is used three times in the account of Samson (see Judges 14:6, 19; 15:14), but in every case it has reference to Samson's demonstration of great courage and physical strength. Samson's remarkable strength was a gift of God derived from and sustained by the Nazarite vow he was under. Perhaps when the author of Judges used the phrase "the Spirit of God" he did not use it as one does today, but used it more in the way that one would now use the phrase "spiritual gifts." One may say of another, "The way he taught the lesson demonstrated that he has a spiritual gift." Samson's gift was strength, and each time he used that gift in a remarkable manner, the writer of the scripture gave credit to the Lord, the true source of the gift, by saying "the Spirit of the Lord" came mightily upon him.” (Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis-2 Samuel, 260)
Lessons from Sampson:
- Like Sampson, God has called us, but how we respond is up to us.
- We choose how we react to difficulties. Sampson chose anger and vengeance. Anger and vengeance can lead us to make choices that hurt others and ourselves. We can choose to forgive and keep our covenants.
- We all have great potential. The greatest women and men are those who put off the natural man and become more like Christ.
- If the Spirit of the Lord departs from us, we will lose blessings.
Judges 17–21. “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes”
“In the closing chapters of Judges the writer turned from stories of Israel’s heroes to two incidents that illustrate the low state of religion and morality in the days when Israel forsook her covenant with the Lord and everyone ‘did that which was right in his own eyes’ (Judges 17:6; 21:25).
“The stories of Micah the Levite and the Danite migration, in chapters 17 and 18, and the account of the rape of the concubine at Gibeah and the subsequent punishment of the Benjamites, in chapters 19–21, are samples of Israel’s worst days. Nothing in the stories show the Israelites doing what was right” (Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis–2 Samuel, 3rd ed. [Church Educational System manual, 2003], 261).
Teaching Thoughts:
- The practical application of knowledge leads to wisdom. What did you learn from judges that you can apply in your life?
- Use pictures to tell the story. Cover a lot of verses to get to the key principles that are most important.