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Judges 4
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Using the Unlikely
This lesson from Judges 3:7–31, titled “Using the Unlikely,” highlights how God chooses and empowers ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His purposes. The first three judges—Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar—each demonstrate that God is not limited by family background, physical limitations, or lack of status. Othniel is a faithful warrior from a respected lineage; Ehud is a left-handed man from a lesser tribe who courageously defeats a powerful enemy; and Shamgar, likely a converted Canaanite farmer, delivers Israel using nothing but an oxgoad. The lesson encourages believers to offer all they are—abilities and disabilities alike—to the Lord, trusting that His power is perfected in weakness.
Losing the Next Generation
This lesson from Judges 1:1–3:6, titled “Losing the Next Generation,” begins the book of Judges by exposing Israel’s spiritual decline after Joshua’s death. Although Israel initially experiences success in battle, their failure to fully obey God leads to compromise and cohabitation with pagan nations. This disobedience results in idolatry, especially Baal worship, as a new generation arises that does not know the Lord personally. The lesson reveals two key problems: partial obedience and a failure to pass down faith. It warns believers to faithfully model and communicate God's truth to the next generation or risk losing them to the world.
An Old Soldier's Farewell
This lesson from Joshua 23–24, titled “An Old Soldier’s Farewell,” captures Joshua’s final speech as he challenges Israel to remain faithful after his death. Joshua models humility by giving all credit to God for Israel’s victories, urging the people to obey God’s Word and avoid moral compromise. He calls them to sincere, daily commitment—not just lip service—to serve and worship the Lord. Joshua’s famous declaration, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” reminds believers to lead by example and leave a legacy of faithful devotion to God.
An Altar of Misunderstanding
This lesson from Joshua 22, titled “An Altar of Misunderstanding,” explores a near-disastrous moment in Israel's history caused by miscommunication. After faithfully serving alongside their fellow Israelites, the eastern tribes build a memorial altar to affirm their unity and shared faith. However, the western tribes wrongly interpret it as an act of rebellion and idolatry, preparing for war without seeking the facts. Thankfully, confrontation turns to understanding through gracious dialogue and humility. The lesson highlights key principles: pursue truth before reacting, respond with grace when misunderstood, and trust God to defend your reputation. Misunderstandings can divide—but handled rightly, they can lead to deeper unity and spiritual growth.
The Cities of Refuge
This lesson from Joshua 20–21 explores the significance of the cities of refuge and Levitical cities in Israel’s spiritual and judicial life. God commanded the establishment of cities for two purposes: legal refuge for those who killed accidentally, and spiritual refuge through Levitical cities scattered across the land. These cities powerfully foreshadow Jesus Christ—our ultimate refuge, Redeemer, and source of forgiveness and rest. They illustrate God's justice, compassion, and desire to saturate His people with truth through accessible spiritual leaders. The lesson challenges believers to point others to Christ, live as spiritual signposts, and recognize that salvation is open to everyone who runs to Jesus in faith.
Handing Out the Inheritance
This lesson from Joshua 15–19 highlights God’s faithfulness as the land is distributed among the tribes of Israel, fulfilling His promise. Caleb’s courage continues to shine as he drives out giants at age 85 and encourages the next generation, including Othniel, to step up in faith. Yet, these chapters also reveal the incomplete obedience of several tribes who failed to fully drive out the Canaanites. Joshua models humility by choosing a modest city for his inheritance, prioritizing service over status. The lesson reminds believers to trust God’s promises, confront challenges with faith, and pursue full obedience instead of settling for partial victories.
The Conquest of Canaan
This lesson from Joshua 10:29–14:15 highlights God’s faithfulness and the importance of faithful obedience. Israel’s victories over southern and northern Canaan demonstrate God’s just judgment on wicked nations and His fulfillment of promises to His people. The conquest of Canaan wasn’t ruthless conquest but divine justice against long-standing cruelty and sin. The lesson also celebrates Caleb’s remarkable faith—though 85 years old, he remains strong, hopeful, and eager to claim his inheritance. He asks for the land of Hebron, still inhabited by giants, because he trusts in God’s power. The lesson reminds believers that faithfulness doesn’t remove battles but strengthens us through them, shaping deeper trust and dependence on God.
Manipulation and Miracles
This lesson from Joshua 9:1–10:28, titled “Manipulation and Miracles,” explores how Israel was deceived by the Gibeonites because they failed to seek God’s counsel. Trusting only in what they saw—moldy bread and worn-out sandals—Joshua and the leaders made a covenant without asking the Lord. Though their decision was a mistake, Joshua honored the covenant, showing integrity even when it was costly. In response, God miraculously defended Israel, stopping the sun and moon to give them victory. The lesson highlights the importance of daily dependence on God’s wisdom and reminds believers that God can turn even our missteps into testimonies of His grace and power.
Secret Sins
This lesson from Joshua 7–8, titled “Secret Sins,” explores Israel’s surprising defeat at Ai following their great victory at Jericho. The root cause was Achan’s hidden sin—taking forbidden items God had devoted to destruction. Because Israel failed to seek God’s guidance, they underestimated the enemy and overestimated their own strength. Achan’s private rebellion affected the entire nation, revealing that personal sin has communal consequences. God exposed the sin through a public process, offering time for confession, but Achan delayed until judgment was unavoidable. After dealing with the sin, Israel experienced restoration and victory. The lesson warns against spiritual complacency and challenges believers to pursue humility, confession, and obedience to avoid future defeat.
The Battle of Jericho
This lesson from Joshua 5:13–6:27 recounts the miraculous fall of Jericho and reveals vital spiritual truths for believers. As Israel faces their first major obstacle in Canaan, Joshua encounters the Commander of the Lord’s army—a preincarnate appearance of Christ—who teaches Joshua that the battle belongs to God, not man. The unusual strategy of marching silently for six days and shouting on the seventh day highlights that victory comes through obedience, humility, and reliance on God's power—not human effort. The Israelites’ silence symbolized trust, and the repeated marching emphasized dependence. When the walls fell, only Rahab’s family was spared, fulfilling God’s promise. The lesson reminds us that every spiritual victory requires surrender, patience, and a clear recognition that God alone brings the triumph.