Watch the Bible Project Overview first. It’s good to note the point of this story. I used to think Bible characters were all cool role models. Sunday school flannel graph versions of them only ever highlighted their moments of obedience. When Paul says, “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction,” (1 Corinthians 10:11) he means example of what not to do. Jesus is our only true good example.

God saves, gives His Spirit, and uses us in spite of ourselves, because He loves us and wants to redeem us, making us conduits of blessing. This is not what happens in Judges. No one is blessed. Many don’t make it out alive.

But the LORD never abandons His people.

“When the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge and delivered them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed and afflicted them.” ‭‭(2:18‬)

He says “I will never break my covenant with you.” (2:1) Thank God, His promises are dependent on His character and not our own.

-Bethany