Tag: Judges and Prophets

Judges and Prophets – Part 7

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Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets

Prophets – The predominant Hebrew verb meaning “to prophesy” is naba’ which has to do with foretelling events and praying and supplicating. The prophet was not by office a declarer of future events, but primarily a preacher of righteousness for his day (Neh. 6:7; Hos. 12:10; Acts 3:21; 1Pet. 1:10-12). He foresaw future events in the light of the righteousness or wickedness of the people to whom God made everlasting covenants. His main work was to urge men to live righteously and godly according to the law of Moses. His other work was to warn of events to come because of the people’s attitude concerning God’s will and to pray and make supplications for the people and for God to be merciful. The prophet’s predictions of things to come were chiefly conditional, and many of their prophecies were stated in conditional terms. The unconditional prophecies were the fixed plans of God concerning necessary events to bring the earth into complete submission to Himself again and do away with sin, rebellion, and enemies so His eternal program could finally be realized (1Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 21:22). Other events were flexible and based on obedience or disobedience to God in the ordinary fulfilment of the general plan.

In ancient times prophets were called seers (1Sam. 9:9-11). The Hebrew: ra’ah means a seeing person; one who perceives mentally the purpose of God. He was also sometimes called chozeh, a beholder; one who has visions or supernatural revelations (2Sam. 24:11; 2Kin. 17:13; 1Chr. 21:9; 25:5; 29:29; 2Chr. 9:29; 12:15; 19:2; 29:25, 30; 33:18-19; 35:15; Isa. 29:10; 30:10; Amo. 7:12; Mic. 3:7).

A prophet was sometimes called the man of God. It was understood that such men always had an extraordinary commission, receiving their messages by direct inspiration and being moved upon and carried along by the Holy Spirit as a leaf is carried along with a strong wind (Acts 3:21; 2Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:1-2; 1Pet. 1:10-12; 2Pet. 3:1-18). Many limit the writing of prophets to those from Isaiah to Malachi, but this is erroneous because Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, and others were also writing prophets. Moses and David were among the greatest.

Judges and Prophets – Part 6

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Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets

‘Samuel’ – faith’s integrity (1Sam. 3:18; 7:1-17; 8:1-3; 12:16-24).

 Samuel, God heard, or His name is El. His parents were Hannah and Elkanah (1Sam. 1:2). He grew up in the temple with the high priest Eli since he was a small boy.

Twelve facts on Samuel: He was weaned (1Sam. 1:23-24). Lent to the Lord as a Nazarite (1Sam. 1:11, 24-28). Ministered to the Lord (1Sam. 2:11, 18; 3:1). Grew in body and spirit (1Sam. 2:26; 3:19). Had favour with God and men (1Sam. 2:26; 3:19). Became God’s prophet (1Sam. 3:1-21). Was acknowledged as a true prophet of God by all Israel (1Sam. 3:19-21; 4:1). Became the sixteenth judge of Israel (1Sam. 7:15-17). Delivered Israel from the Philistines by miracles (1Sam. 7:1-14). Initiated kingdom of Israel (1Sam. 8:1-12). Rejected Saul and anointed David as king (1Sam. 15:1-16:13). Spent last days as a judge (1Sam. 7:15; 19:18-24; 25:1).

Samuel spoke only as God inspired him, so every prediction was literally fulfilled. He gave only sound advice to Israel, so all his counsels were received as coming from God (1Sam. 7:3-17; 8:7-22; 9:15-10:27; 12:1-25; 13:11-15; 15:13-35; 16:1-13). Samuel was a true and just judge and a godly leader, one without a recorded sin – an ideal character of right living, like Joseph in Genesis. The Bible has been faithful to tell of the goodness as well as the failures of men. This proves it has been divinely inspired, for no man would record his own deeds of failure and evil without being inspired by God to do so.

Samuel continued to be highly esteemed as a prophet and judge in Israel until his death about thirty-eight years after Saul became king (1Sam. 25:1).

To be continued…

Judges and Prophets – Part 5

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Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets

‘David’ – faith’s utter reliance (1Sam. 17:32-51; 23:2, 11; etc.). The Lord saw in David a man after His own heart (1Sam. 13:14; 16:7). David was the youngest of Jesse’s eight sons. He became a mighty man of valour (1Sam. 16:18). He is referred to many times as a mighty warrior and able to do more than many others in combat. He killed a lion and a bear even as a youth (1Sam. 17:34-36). His own mighty men acknowledged that he was worth 10,000 of them in war (2Sam. 18:3).

Summary of the chronological events in David’s life: David was anointed as king of Israel (1Sam. 16:1-13). War between Israel and Philistia, and challenge of Goliath (1Sam. 17:1-11). David’s mission to the army (1Sam. 17:12-21). Saluting his brethren and hearing the challenge of Goliath (1Sam. 17:22-27). Accused of pride by his brothers (1Sam. 17:28-29). Offer to go out and fight Goliath; brought to Saul who disdains him (1Sam. 17:30-33). Offering proof that he can fight Goliath. Accepted by Saul (1Sam. 17:34-37). Rejecting armour and weapons provided, in favour of his simple and trusted weapons (1Sam. 17:38-40). Challenging and conquering Goliath (1Sam. 17:41-51). Victory over Philistia (1Sam. 17:52-54). David brought to Saul (1Sam. 17:55-58). Becoming a friend of Jonathan (1Sam. 18:1-5). Incurring Saul’s jealousy who attempts to slay David (1Sam. 18:6-11). David was removed from Saul’s court but the king continued his efforts to slay him (1Sam. 18:12-30). Reconciliation with Saul (1Sam. 19:1-10): 1Samuel 16:14-23 should be placed chronologically between 1Samuel 19:9 and 19:10; but the writer put the passage where it could show the contrast between the two spirits with Saul and David. Continued attempts to kill David and the defeat and death of Saul (1Sam. 19:11-31:13). Saul made twenty-one attempts on David’s life to kill him. God protected David in all these attempts.

We have the Davidic covenant in 2Samuel 7:1-17. This agreement was made with David and his house through Nathan the prophet and was conditioned upon obedience as all other covenants. It was to be an everlasting covenant, containing seven blessings: A Davidic house forever (2Sam. 7:13-16; Ps. 89:20-37; Luke 1:32-35). A Davidic throne forever (2Sam. 7:12-16; Isa. 9:6, 7; Luke 1:32-35). A Davidic kingdom forever (2Sam. 7:12-16; Isa. 9:6, 7; Luke 1:32-35). A sure land for Israel forever (Gen. 17:1-27; 2Sam. 7:10). No more affliction from the nations forever (Deut. 28:1-30:10; 2Sam. 7:10). The Fatherly care of God forever (2Sam. 7:14; 2Cor. 6:15-18). An eternal covenant (2Sam. 7:10-16; Isa. 9:6, 7; Luke 1:32, 33).

Judges and Prophets – Part 4

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Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets

‘Jephthae’ Jephthah – faith’s boldness (Judges 11:1-12:7). Facts concerning Jephthah: He was born in Gilead by his father, Gilead, and a harlot. He was a mighty man of valour. His father’s sons cast him out and refused to give him an inheritance because he was illegitimate. He fled from his brethren and dwelled in the land of Tob. He became the leader of a band of worthless men who followed him on various adventures, during which he learned and perfected the art of war. When war with Ammon was imminent the elders of Israel in Gilead sent for him to be captain of the army. He reproved them for casting him out and then seeking his help when they were in distress. He refused to return home to head the army in war if he could not be the head in time of peace. He was promised headship of all Gilead if he would come and be captain of the army in the war with Ammon. He was made head over all Gilead by the people in Mizpeh. He sent messengers to the king of Ammon to avoid war if possible. His people, Israel, were accused by the Ammonites’ king of taking their land when coming up out of Egypt about 350 years before; Jephthah was told the land should be restored. Jephthah denied the charge, stating the historical facts – that Israel did not take the land of Ammon or Moab, and they even went around Edom and Moab to avoid war. He explained that Israel did not even intend to take the land of the Amorites, but were forced to fight them because they would not let the nation pass through to Canaan. He informed the king of Ammon that the land Israel possessed did not belong to his people and they would not give it to them. He told the king that Ammon should be satisfied with their possession as Moab had been with theirs, stating that Israel had not tried to enlarge their borders at the expense of Edom, Moab, or Ammon, and declaring that the Lord should judge between them if he was determined to make war. His appeal had no effect. The Spirit of God came upon Jephthah and he swiftly moved to fight Ammon. He made a rash vow that God would only give him victory. He defeated Ammon. He fulfilled his vow. He defeated Ephraim in a civil war and killed 42,000 men. He judged Israel for six years, then died and was buried in Gilead.

To be continued…

Judges and Prophets – Part 3

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Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets

‘Samson’ – faith’s physical strength (Judges 13:1-16:31). His strength was not in his hair or his muscles, but in the Holy Spirit (Jdg. 13:25; 14:6, 19; 15:14) and his faith in God (Heb. 11:32-40). His hair was a token of his vow to God. After he was enslaved and blinded because of his backslidden state, he renewed his Nazarite vow and asked God to come back into his life as his hair began to grow again (Jdg. 16:22, 28). An example of praying to God while in disgrace and humiliation, and being heard by Him. The result was a great deliverance for Israel (Jdg. 16:28-30).

Twelve exploits are noted of Samson: He ripped a lion apart bare-handed (Jdg. 14:6). He killed 30 men (Jdg. 14:19). He caught 300 foxes (Jdg. 15:4-5). He slaughtered the Philistines (Jdg. 15:8). He broke two new ropes that bound him (Jdg. 15:14). He killed 1,000 armed men with the jawbone of an ass (Jdg. 15:15-17). He brought water miraculously out of the jawbone (Jdg. 15:16-20). He tore away from the city wall the doors of the gate of the city with the two posts and bar, carrying them to the top of the hill before Hebron (Jdg. 16:1-3). He broke seven green cords of braided wood that bound him (Jdg. 16:6-9). He broke new ropes that bound him (Jdg. 16:10-12). He broke the pin that bound his seven locks of hair to the wall and carried the pin and web with him (Jdg. 16:13-15). He killed 3,000 men and women by pulling down the great pillars that held up the house (Jdg. 16:23-31). Samson died with the Philistines (Jdg. 16:30).

To be continued…

Judges and Prophets – Part 2

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Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets

‘Barak’ – faith’s triumph (Judges 4-5). Israel sinned again and again, before Barak’s time and afterwards (Jdg. 3:12; 4:1; 8:33; 10:6). Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, judged Israel at that time. Here was one man who admitted his dependence on a woman (cp. 2Cor. 11:7-12). The Septuagint adds at the end of Judges 4:8, “for I do not know the day when the Lord would prosper the angel with me,” meaning that Barak depended on Deborah’s contact with God to tell him when to attack, as in Judges 4:14. Deborah commanded Barak to take This was the exact number she commanded him to take ten thousand men (Jdg. 4:6, 10) and she went along as well.

The Canaanites dwelled from Harosheth near the Sea of Merom (modern Lake Huleh) on the Jordan to the river Kishon which flows into the Mediterranean near Mount Carmel. The Kishon rises at the foot of Mount Tabor, winding southerly through the plain of Jezreel about 48 kilometres to the Mediterranean (Jdg. 4:7, 13; 5:21). It is called the waters of Megiddo (Jdg. 5:19). On this river the famous battle between Barak and Sisera was fought (Jdg. 4:13-22), and it was the place of the destruction of the prophets of Baal by Elijah (1Kin. 18:40).

God put it into the hearts of 10,000 unarmed men to have faith to overcome a greater, well-armed company. Barak retired to Mount Tabor with the 10,000 men, and they were attacked by Sisera’s well-armed men. Suddenly Barak and his men rushed upon them and God began to act, causing terror and confusion throughout the Canaanite army who threw down their arms to flee. The routing was instantaneous and complete, the Israelites picking up the arms of their enemies and slaying them as they ran away. Even Sisera, no longer safe in a chariot, fled on foot. The entire army was slain by men and the captain by a woman. Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite, where he was murdered in his sleep by her putting a tent peg through his eye (Jdg. 4:21).

To be continued…

Judges and Prophets – Part 1

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Hebrews 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets

‘Gedeon’ – named Gideon – faith’s miraculous victory (Judges 6:1-8:35). He was the son of Joash the Abiezrite. God came from heaven to earth and sat under an oak tree (Jdg. 6:11). He appeared to Gideon and spoke to him (Jdg. 6:12). He looked upon him and prophesied to him that he was to deliver Israel (Jdg. 6:14).

The Midianites were the leaders of the combined forces of Midian, Amalek, and other tribes of the East who defeated Israel, robbed them of new crops, took their stock, and caused them to hide in dens and caves (Jdg. 6:3-6), some of which were capable of holding as many as 4,000 people. This oppression was quite general, for it reached even to Philistia. If it had continued the Israelites would have been destroyed by starvation and war, but as usual, they cried to God in their distress and He was compassionate and merciful again, saving them by raising Gideon up (Judges 6:4-7:25).

Though the Lord was no longer physically visible as the angel of the Lord of Judges 6:11-21, He was still talking to Gideon and directing all preparations for battle (Judges 6:22-7:11). The Lord saw the pride of the men of Israel, despite being so oppressed and humbled in their circumstances. If He let 32,000 men fight the Midianites, He knew they would take the credit for the victory and not acknowledge Him as their Helper. So, He told Gideon to thin out his army by telling all who were fearful to go home (Jdg. 7:3). This cut the number down to 10,000. The army was still too large, however, so these were told to come down to drink. All who did not lap water like a dog had to go home (Jdg. 7:4-5).

God promised He would defeat the enemy’s vast army with only 300 men – 31,700 of the original 32,000 who had gathered at the call. To the natural man, this would seem foolish and impossible, but with God all things are possible. The Christian is also told that all things are possible and nothing shall be impossible for him who has faith (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26).

To be continued…