Read: Judges 4:1-7:25
The setting for the book of Judges is the post-conquest of Canaan (the praised land). Moses, arguably the greatest leader in the history of the world, has been dead for a long time. Joshua, the successor to Moses and leader of the conquest, is also dead. The nation of Israel began to go through a series of very low and trying times as a nation. Each time things got really bad, the Israelites would cry out to God for deliverance. God would raise up a leader called a judge. The book of Judges is the story of these cycles of devastation and revival.
In today’s reading, you will encounter three main characters. They are Deborah, Barak, and Gideon. In chapters 4 and 5 you will read the story of Deborah and Barak. In chapters 6 and 7, you will read the story of Gideon. Notice how God brought victory and deliverance to Israel through these leaders.
Godly leaders are a critical ingredient in people maintaining a right attitude toward God. Now God uses pastors and other people who are strong spiritually to set the example and lead the way to Godly living. God has a gift for you – the church and its leaders.
-Ps. Rodney
