BIBLE READING PLANNER

STEP 5: WEEK 26

THE BOOK OF JUDGES

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 in order to try to turn Israel back to Him. Each time they repented of their ways and sought God, He forgave their sins and 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 a list of those who had outstanding faith found in Hebrews Ch. 11 and who are examples for those who are Christians, in the true sense of the word, to follow. 

THE STORY OF RUTH

During the period of the Judges the beautiful story of Ruth the Moabitess took place.

She married into Israel by becoming the wife of Boaz at Bethlehem of the tribe of Judah. Their son continued the family which ultimately led to the Saviour Jesus Christ. So through faith Ruth became an ancestor of Christ.

See Ruth 4:18-22.

DAILY NOTES

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 lsrael (verse 16) and God blessed her (Ruth 4:13).

THURSDAY - Ruth 2 - Verse 11. Ruth left her own people (like 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.