Judges

(Judges 1.).—This book covers a period, according to Dr. Thomas, of 450 years (see Acts 13:17–22). It is a history of the kingdom of God upon earth, from the death of Joshua to the days of Samuel, looked at from the divine point of view. First we have an introduction which brings before us the state of Israel after the death of Joshua. This ends Judges 3:6. Second, the history of the twelve judges: 1, Othniel; 2, Ehud; 3, Shamgar; 4, Barak (with Deborah as prophetess); 5, Gideon; 6, Tola; 7, Jair; 8, Jephthah; 9, Ibzan; 10, Elon; 11, Abdon; and 12, Samson. Also Abimelech, the usurper, who seized the reins of government after Gideon’s death. Finally we have two appendices. 1. Chapters 17. and 18., which show us how an image was set up at Dan; and 2. Chapters 19., 20. showing the dreadful sin of Gibeah, which nearly led to the extermination of Benjamin.

Verse 16.—The Kenites were descended from Hobab, the son of Raguel (Jethro)—see Num. 10:29. Not one of the tribes west of the Jordan obeyed the command of God to exterminate the Canaanites. Chariots of iron cannot withstand faith in God’s power.


1908 Christadelphian: Volume 45. 2001 (electronic ed.) (384). Birmingham: Christadelphian Magazine & Publishing Association.