WEBVTT

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Introduction to the book of Judges.

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The title of this book of Judges describes
the type of leaders that God raised up for

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Israel after Joshua.

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Joshua led Israel in the conquest and
settlement of the Promised Land.

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The Judges were not kings, nor did they
have power like that of leaders such as

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Moses and Joshua.

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These Judges were spirit-appointed
military leaders who took action when

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Israel needed deliverance from foreign
oppressors.

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God had not given Israel a leader after
Joshua.

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God had given Israel the land and His law,
plus a central place of worship,

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but no central government.

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God Himself was to be the head of the
nation.

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Israel was to obey God's laws,
and God promised to protect and provide

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for them.

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The book of Judges records the cycle of
the nation Israel as the people repeatedly

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fell into sin and idolatry, were oppressed
by foreign powers, then cried to the Lord

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for help, and finally were rescued by a
judge who would deliver them to serve God

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again.

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Many believe the prophet Samuel wrote this
book around 1050 to 1000 BC.

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Verse 6 of chapter 17, as well as the last
verse of the book of Judges, describes the

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period of the Judges.

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It was a time when every man did that
which was right in his own eyes.

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As you listen, notice the greatness of
God's mercy and patience as He delivers

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His people over and over again.