The Judges ruled for over 400 years, from the death of Joshua until Samuel, during which Israel often left the right way of serving God and turned to idolatry. Then God delivered them into the hands of their enemies, though He raised up 'judges' or leaders from time to time to save them. See Judges 2:16-19.
Judges like Deborah and Barak, Gideon and Samson were people of great faith. They were named or included in the list of those who had outstanding faith (Hebrews 11).
| The beautiful story of Ruth the Moabitess is set during the period of the Judges. She married into Israel by becoming the wife of Boaz, in Bethlehem of the tribe of Judah. Their son continued the family which ultimately led to the Saviour. |
Boaz = Ruth | Obed | Jesse | David ' ' ChristThe family line from Ruth and Boaz to Christ (see Ruth 4:18-22). |
| SUNDAY
Judges 4 |
The decisive victory of Deborah and Barak (verses 14-15) delivered Israel from oppression and is used later on as a picture of Christ's victory over sin. See Judges 5:12, Psalm 68:18, Ephesians 4:8. |
| MONDAY
Judges 7 |
God did not need a big army - just faithful men ready for battle (verses 1-8). |
| TUESDAY
Judges 14 |
Verses 5-6. Samson's strength came from God. See David's fight (1 Samuel 17:34-36) and Paul's deliverance (2 Timothy 4:17). |
| WEDNESDAY
Ruth 1 |
Ruth was a stranger from Moab. But she chose the God of Israel (verse 16) and God blessed her (Ruth 4:13). |
| THURSDAY
Ruth 2 |
Verse 11. Ruth left her own people (as Abram did) and took refuge under the wings of the God of Israel (verse 12). |
| FRIDAY
Ruth 3 |
Boaz, who in some ways pointed forward to Christ, proved himself honourable and acted as a true kinsman-redeemer (verse 13). |
| SATURDAY
Ruth 4 |
So Ruth was purchased (verse 10) as Jesus purchased his Church to be his Bride. |