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22: The Darkness Broke the Nazarite Vow (Judges 16:1 – 22)

Though Samson was unfaithful and pursued his own desires, the Lord continued to give him strength. However, when he revealed the secret of his power and allowed his hair to be shaved, surrendering himself to the Philistine woman, his Nazarite vow was broken. The restriction on cutting hair was the final of the three Nazarite requirements he violated: abstaining from vine products, avoiding dead bodies, and not cutting hair. Read Judges 15:1 - 20 Q1. Samson saw (            ) and slept with her. The Philistines were waiting to kill him in the morning. Samson got up in the (         ) of the night, took off the (           ) of the town, and carried them to a hill at (           ), which is 40 miles away. Answers πŸ‘‰ Samson saw ( a prostitute ) and slept with her. The Philistines were waiting to kill him in the morning. Samson got up in the ( middle ) of the night, took off the ( city gate ) of the town, and carried them to a hill at ( Hebron ), which is 40 miles away. The passag
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21: Height of the Jawbone: Victory of the Rejected Leader (Judges 15:1 – 20)

Samson was handed over to the Philistines by his own people, yet the Lord strengthened him to strike them down. Read Judges 15:1 - 20 Q1. When Samson heard his wife had been given to another man, he captured (         ) jackals and burned the Philistines’ fields using the fire torches tied to their (             ). Then, the Philistines went up and (           ) her and her father. Then, Samson struck many Philistines in (            ), went to a cave in ( ), and lived there. Answers πŸ‘‰ When Samson heard his wife had been given to another man, he captured ( 300  ) jackals and burned the Philistines’ fields using the fire torches tied to their (  tails  ). Then, the Philistines went up and ( burned  ) her and her father. Then, Samson struck many Philistines in (  revenge ), went down to a cave in ( the cliff of Etam ), and lived there. The passage highlights the ongoing cycle of retaliation between Samson and the Philistines. Verses 3 and 7 demonstrate that Samson&#
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20: God’s Providence behind the Samson’s Riddle (Judges 14:1 – 20)

They didn’t know how the Lord would start to deliver Israel through Samson as he tried to marry a Philistine woman. It was hidden from their eyes just as Samson’s riddle was hidden. Read Judges 14:1 - 20 Q1. What were the two motives—one human and one divine—behind Samson’s marriage? (Judges 14:3-4) Answers πŸ‘‰ Samson chose the Philistine girl based on his own fleshly desire against the Lord’s command that banned pagan marriage. However, despite Samson’s personal motives, the Lord used his decision to accomplish His greater purpose—to deliver Israel. “She is the right one for me (in my eyes).” This statement echoes the central theme of the Book of Judges: “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25, ESV). Israel had fallen into complete moral depravity, and even Samson, the judge, and lifelong Nazirite, acted like the rest of the people, doing whatever seemed right according to his own desires and reasoning. How could t
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19: When sin became the norm, Samson was born (Judges 13:1 – 25)

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When we persist in sin and live without the Lord, a life of oppression and lack of peace becomes the norm. We gradually adjust to it, no longer praying or striving to escape. Living in the repeated cycle of sin, as seen in Judges, led them into a state of "spiritual anesthesia." Read  Judges 13:1 - 25 Q1. There is no mention that the Israelites prayed to God for help, even after forty years of oppression. The Lord prepared a savior to be born when they had given up getting out of the oppression. What was the message of the angel to Manoah’s wife? (four points)  Answers πŸ‘‰ You will have a son. Be ritually clean. Don’t cut his hair He will begin to deliver Israel Why would the Lord choose to bring a baby into the world, taking time to grow, rather than immediately raising up a leader to save Israel? The Lord chose to save them through a person wholly dedicated to Him—a lifelong Nazirite—demonstrating that salvation comes solely from the Lord. In fact, they didn’t pray
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18: Civil strife mars the victory (Judges 12:1 – 15)

Though they won the battle, the civil war led to even greater casualties. Read Judges 12:1 - 15 Q1. What was the reason for the Ephraimites’ threat against Jephthah? Answers πŸ‘‰ They complained that Jephthah didn’t call them to the war. In those days, joining battles is the fastest way of making money.  A similar incident happened when Gideon defeated the Midiannites. That time, Gideon appeased the Ephraimites with a word of flattery. But Jephthah waged a war against the fellow Israelites. He even tried to anihilate the Ephraimites. Q2. The anger in their hearts seemed to boost them in defeating the Ephraimites.This is why the Gileadites were upset. The (                 )had ignored the request of help from the (             ), yet now came to challenge them after the war had ended. Furthermore, the Ephraimites had (             ) the Gileadites, calling them refugees when they had fled from the oppression of the Ammonites. Answer πŸ‘‰ The anger in their hearts seemed to
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17: A Foolish vow of Jephthah (Judges 11:29 – 40)

Before going into battle, Jephthah vowed to offer a human sacrifice if the Lord granted him victory. Read Judges 11:29 - 40 Q1. Why do you think Jephthah made the vow?  Answers πŸ‘‰ He tried to make God help him with an offer of sacrifice.  Jephthah's debates with the leaders of Gilead and the Ammonite king, his strict adherence to his vow, and his harsh response toward the Ephraimites in Chapter 12 reveal much about his character. His worldview was rooted in fairness and rules but lacked any sense of trust or grace. He believed that God, like the pagan deities, would be pleased with a sacrifice—especially a human one. Instead of humbly seeking mercy, he tried to strike a deal with the Lord, unaware that He would grant him victory without any vow or offering. “If you really” “whoever is the first come” These expressions show that Jephthah pressures the Lord to give him victory just as the Canaanites coerced their deities through human sacrifice. A similar episode is recorded
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16: Jephthah: An Outcast Turned Contract Leader (Judges 11:1 – 28)

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The background of Jephthah’s story is the eastern side of Jordan, especially Gilead. They kicked him out because he was born from a prostitute. But being invaded and oppressed, they called him to be their leader.  Read Judges 11:1 - 28 Q1: What was the problem for them when the Ammonites assembled to attack the Israelites? (10:18) Answers πŸ‘‰ There was no one to lead the battle. No one wanted to risk their own life in leading the army.  Q2: In what condition was Jephthah appointed as the leader of them?  Answer πŸ‘‰ To lead the army, fight against the Ammonites, and win. They did not apologize for their kicking him out. (8)  They had once cast out the one they marginalized, but now, they asked him to be their king for their survival. They offered no apologies for their past actions nor showed the courage or faithfulness needed to lead in battle. They were willing to become subjects if it meant saving their lives. Begging for survival was their true reason for seeking a ki
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15: They repented for the first time, But... (Judges 10:1 – 18)

They repented before the Lord, but He was not willing to deliver them because He knew their irresistible tendency toward idol worship. Read Judges 10:1 - 18 Q1. After the death of Abimelech, Tola rose up to (             ) Israel and (         ) Israel for 23 years. After him, (             ) rose up and (           ) Israel for 22 years. The towns he and his sons ruled were collectively called (                   ). Both (          ) and were buried in their hometowns. Answers πŸ‘‰ After the death of Abimelech, Tola rose up to ( deliver ) Israel and ( led ) Israel for 23 years. After him, ( Jair  ) rose up and (  led  ) Israel for 22 years. The towns he and his sons ruled were collectively called ( Havvoth Jair ). Both ( died ) and were buried in their hometowns. They "rose up." While there is no explicit mention that the Lord appointed them as judges, this does not necessarily mean they assumed leadership on their own.  Tola appears to have risen to deliver Israel du
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14: God restores the nation in His way (Judges 9:22 – 57)

There seemed to be no hope for Israel once Abimelech, a man like a thornbush, became king. Yet, see how the Lord, in His own ways, restores societal order and upholds justice. Read Judges 9:22 - 57 Q1. What was God’s way to make things right? (23) Answers πŸ‘‰ God sent a spirit to stir up hostility between Shechem’s people and Abimelech. “to stir up hostility” God doesn’t instill but stirs up the hostility already innate in our flesh.  Verse 24 explains why God did this. God’s justice stands for everyone. The violent deaths of the seventy sons of Jerub-Baal were avenged, and Abimelech and the people of Shechem had to pay for what they had done. Verse 25. In ancient times, ensuring secure travel and merchant routes was one of the king's responsibilities. Thus, the presence of bandits on travel passes was a sign of weakened governance. The leaders of Shechem covertly managed this to ensure Abimelech would lose reputation and support from the people. Q2. Gaal, son of Ebed—
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13: Abimelech: The Rise of a Self-Appointed Leader (Judges 9:1 – 21)

All the judges in the Book of Judges were chosen by God. However, Abimelech claimed kingship on his own. The people of Shechem supported him but did not truly follow him. Although they appeared to act out of loyalty to their kin, they were ultimately pursuing their own interests. This alliance would ultimately lead to mutual destruction. Read Judges 9:1 - 21 Q1. Why did the people of Shechem follow Abimelech? (2-3) Answers πŸ‘‰ Abimelech was their close relative. His mother was from Shechem.  Q2. The people of Shechem gave him (                 ) silver coins. And he hired some (            ) men and killed his (             ), seventy sons of Jerub Baal, on (              ).  Answer πŸ‘‰ The people of Shechem gave him ( seventy ) silver coins. And he hired some ( lawless ) men and killed his ( brothers ), seventy sons of Jerub Baal, on ( one stone ). Take note of expressions that emphasize brotherhood, such as “our own flesh and blood” and “He is our close relative.” Alt
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12: Later days of Gideon (Judges 8:22 – 35)

The rest of the story reveals a broader problem within Israel: though temporarily saved from the Midianites, their inclination toward idolatry remained unchanged. Read Judges 8:22 - 35 Q1. (22 – 27) People wanted to make Gideon their king. However, Gideon clarified that (              ) was the King. Instead, he asked for (                ) from their plunder and collected (             ) gold shekels. He made an (             ) and put it in his hometown of (                ). Now, all Israel (                 ) themselves to it by worshiping it there. It became a (            ) to Gideon. Answers πŸ‘‰ People wanted to make Gideon their king. However, Gideon clarified that ( the Lord ) was the King. Instead, he asked for ( gold earrings) from their plunder and collected ( 1700 ) gold shekels. He made an ( ephod ) and put it in his hometown of ( Ophrah  ). Now, all Israel ( prostituted ) themselves to it by worshiping it there. It became a ( snare ) to Gideon. Gideon wanted to tea
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11: Internal disunity; Savor or Oppressor? (Judges 8:1 – 21)

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Though Gideon and 300 won the battle, the following story is a bit disappointing.  Read Judges 8:1 - 21 Q1. Why were the Ephramites angry at Gideon? How did Gideon appease them? Answers πŸ‘‰ Gideon didn’t call them to the battle. Gideon said to them, “Ephraimites did more than Gideon’s army.” In ancient times, going to war was the fastest way to gain wealth, though it required risking your life. The Ephraimites were unhappy that they missed the chance to plunder the Midianites. Additionally, the Ephraimites were known for their envy and pride among the Israelites. Gideon wisely appeased the Ephraimites by speaking words that flattered their pride. However, he harshly punished the people of Succoth and Peniel when his pride was wounded. Q2. Why did the people of Succoth and Peniel not support Gideon?  Answer πŸ‘‰ These two towns are Israelite towns located where the Jabbok River meets the Jordan River. They hesitated to help Gideon out of fear of retaliation from the Midia
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10: God reduces your rank before He works (Judges 7:1 – 25)

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When the Lord’s spirit strengthened Gideon, he collected 32,000 soldiers. They must be motivated by the Lord. However, the Lord sent them home except 300. Read Judges 7:1 - 25 Q1. Why did God ask Gideon to reduce the army to 300?  Answers πŸ‘‰ God desired to reduce the army's size to ensure Israel would not boast about winning the battle by their strength. The way of drinking water was simply a means to reduce the army's numbers, not to imply a deeper meaning. The focus is on God's decision to use a small group of soldiers (300) to prevent Israel from boasting about their own power. The victory was intended to demonstrate that it was God's doing, not theirs. When the soldiers were divided by how they drank water, the Lord chose those who knelt because they were fewer in number, not because of how they drank.  Mt. Gilead in verse 3 does not mean the Gilead in the East of Jordan. The battlefield was on Jezreel Valley, which is on the West side.  Q2. Why did th
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09: Jerub Baal keeps asking signs (Judges 6:25 – 40)

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Gideon’s first mission was to tear down Baal and Asherah. Thus, he got another name: Jerub Baal. His habit of asking for signs continues.  Read Judges 6:25 - 40 Q1. That same (        ), the Lord appeared to Gideon and instructed him to destroy the altar of (       ) and the Asherah pole beside it. He was to offer a burnt offering of a (         ) bull on a newly built altar to the Lord. However, Gideon was (         ) to carry out the task during the day, so he waited until (       ). Answers πŸ‘‰ That same ( night ), the Lord appeared to Gideon and instructed him to destroy the altar of ( Baal ) and the Asherah pole beside it. He was to offer a burnt offering of a ( seven-year-old ) bull on a newly built altar to the Lord. However, Gideon was ( too afraid ) to carry out the task during the day, so he waited until ( nighttime ). The Lord commanded this on the night of the day He had appeared.  In the Old Testament, strongholds were often built on hilltops, mountain peaks, rocky
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