><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Judges) CHAPTER 6 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) When the people cried unto the Lord, what was His first answer? See vs7-10 and cf 2:1,2 Ps 81:8-11;Hos11:1-4,7 2) Gideon was called to deliver Israel from the Midianites. But first he must make a stand for God in his own house(v25-32) Has this a bearing upon your Christian service? Cf 2Tim 2:19,21;Mk5:18,19;Acts 1:8 3) By what 3 visible signs did God strengthen Gideon's faith? Consider what these signs would teach Gideon. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Judges) Chapter 6 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2,3) At first when Israel cried out the Lord, He sent a prophet saying not to worship the gods of the Amorites and rebuking themfor not listening (once again). Gideon, however, was chosen by the Lord to lead Israel into victory over the oppression of the Midianites. Ironically, the "mighty warrior" was called in a place of hiding from the Midianites, under the oak in Ophrah, threshing wheat in a winepress, to keep it from the Midianites (v11). He was told to tear down Baal's altar and the Asherah pole that belonged to his family first. I think this shows how God wants us to be right in our own family before we go out to represent Him in the world. (just as elders need to be strong, righteous leaders in their own home first in order to shepherd the church) God used three signs which were causing Gideon's offering to flare up and consume the meat, then the two signs with the dew and the fleece. This seemed to really reinforce Gideon's faith that God was with Him and would go before Him. Really, the Lord was kind to give these signs. It is interesting to contrast Gideon with Barak, and makes me wonder what made them different in God's calling of them. Since God looks at the heart, He must have known that Gideon had the potential of "a mighty warrior". -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Judges Chapter 6 Gideon - A mighty man of Valor There are similarities between this chapter of Gideon and Chapter 4 and 5 about Barak. When God called Barak to the war, he would go only if Deborah would also go along with him. At the end, the Lord appointed a woman, Jael, who milked the cows and made butter to kill Sisera. How the Enemies Attack Us? "And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and LEFT NO SUSTENANCE for Isreal, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass." The enemy attacks us by removing food away from us and makes us weak without strength. Be careful, by the mercy of God, to take enough daily bread to fight against our enemies. Jehovah - Shalom; The Lord Send Peace, 6:12-24 In this paragraph, the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon. He was divinely commissioned to defeat the Midianites, and thereupon built an altar to God. Gideon showed real faith at this time of famine by offering a young goat and baked bread sacrifice. Then the Lord commanded Gideon pulled down the family altar of Baal and replaced it with an alter to Jehovah. "Putting out A Fleece" 6:37-40 Today, we use this phrase to express a request for verification from God of calling us to move on to a divine task. Seeking a special sign shows a lack of trust in God, because we demand physical evidence to support our obedience. Let us see what Jesus told us in Matthew 4:7 THOU SHALT NOT TEMPT THE LORD THY GOD. The way to verify the call from the Lord indicated in II Timothy 2:15 and 3:16 and 17: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, And is profitable for doctrine, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) God's first answer was to send a prophet. The prophet preached repentance and turning back to God. God desires our full worship. He does not want us going after 'strange' gods. He wants our best and our all. We need to devote not only our best to Him, but our all. 2) Christian service often calls for forsaking family, friends, relationships. When Jesus called the disciples to 'Follow Me' He did not say after anything. He said "follow me" implying now. Family, friends, relationships need to be put in second place to following God. Here God wanted Gideon to get his relationship with his family right though, to help lead them back to the Lord. His father responded by doing the right thing and supporting Gideon's calling by God. Gideon was blessed by the Lord to have a good family support system that supported his calling by the Lord and believed in his calling. 3) The fleecing of God's will is a modern phrase that has been extracted from this chapter and the incidence of Gideon's testing of God's will. This whole incidence shows a lack of faith as Barak had[requesting Deborah's presence in battle - a woman in battle] and Moses had[in requesting Aaron to speak, when in actuality he was raised in the court and must have been trained to speak]. Gideon's lack of faith was even greater. He tested God twice. Jesus says in the temptation by Satan that 'thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God'. Although many look to the strengthening of faith, it is really the demonstration of lack of faith and sign of weakness in our human character that we would tempt and test God with 'parlor tricks' to satisfy our own doubt and insecurity. How much more would we be blessed if we were just a little more faithful to wait on God's timing and to prayerfully LISTEN for His leading through our quiet times alone with Him. In Matthew Jesus tells us what True Faith can do: Matthew 17:20 And He *said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. Matthew 21:21 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. May we search His Word daily with diligence and pray in earnest, listening for His still small voice that we might increase our faith that we too may move the mountains in our lives and cast them into the sea. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Judges) CHAPTER 7:1-23 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What other principles in addition to that expressly stated in 7:2, appear in the choice of few out of many to be the instrument of God's victory? In answering, observe the character defects of those rejected in the two tests. Cf 1Cor9:26,27;10:12. 2) Consider the transformation in Gideon's attitude from spiritless acquiescence in bondage(6:13,15) to a complete assurance of victory(7:15) Do you know such a confident assurance in your battle against the forces of evil? Cf Rom 8:37;2Cor 2:14;1Jn 5:4,5. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Judges) Chapter 7:1-23 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) Those who were afraid were left behind, then the Lord made the distinction by the physical/psychological behavior of the men in drinking water. It is a very interesting story. They had to be the chosen ones of God. Perhaps the ones who lap with their tongue are more direct in their approach...it is hard to understand (and I am not a trained psychoanalyst; it's easier just to follow the Lord's direction!) Gideon was very much a character. Asking for signs with the fleece and needing reassurance. He reminds me of myself, which may not be good, but is honest. I often need these exact type of things. I just feel thankful that the Lord is so kind and gracious to speak to those of us like Gideon. However, when Gideon knew for sure it was the Lord's design to give them victory, he followed fullheartedly. May we all do the same, regardless of our level of faith. I believe faith is something that grows as we mature in Christ, and learn daily to put little (and gradually all things) in God's hands. Truly, it is only our lack of faith that may prevent our personal growth sometimes. We must pray against Satan who tries to put doubt in our minds. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Judges Chapter 7:1-23 Few Are Chosen They called Gideon Jerub-baal, 7:1; 6:32. Because he threw down Baal's altar. The enemy was clearly identified - "I said unto you, I am the Lord your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice." 6:10. Godly man and women process top quality. God selected 300 brave men among 32,000, 7:3, to defeat 15,000 Midianites, 8:10; there camels were without number, as sand by the sea for multitude, 7:12. Here is another example that the Lord does not care how many loyal soldiers He has. Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early, 7:3. He is looking for the watchful and alert ones only: "for many are called, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14; "----: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." Rev. 17:14; "-----; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee A CROWN OF LIFE." Rev. 2:10. In New Testament, a prize in addition to salvation is there for overcomers, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus ---. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so standfast in the Lord, my dearly beloved." Philippians 3:14- 4:1. To be overcomers, we need to be charged in Spirit with boldness, and fully equipped with armor of God to shout to Satan as the Gideons did, 7:20. A Brief Review about the Enemy - The Midianites Israel had had a long, mostly negative history with Midian: They were distant relative to Israel through Abraham's concubine, Keturah, Gen. 25:1-4. They lived in the desert area southeast of Canaan, 25:6. Midianite traders had purchased young Joseph from his brothers and taken him to Egpyt, Num.37:28. Moses fled to Midian after murdering an Egyptian, Ex. 2:15-21. [The Word in Life Study Bible, Numbers 25:17 Notes] -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 7:1-23 -------------------------------- 1) God decided that Gideon had too many in his army. God did not want the Israelites to be too proud of their own strength and so He pared down the army/increased the size of the task so it would be evident that the Lord was at work. In the first test, God has Gideon ask those who are afraid to leave. This reduces it down in half. There are still too many, so for a second test, the Lord has them draw water. This test shows those who are watchful(lapping in their hands standing so as to be watching for an enemy) and those who knelt and put themselves in a vulnerable position. The Lord is looking for those who are bold and fearless while being watchful and alert. This passage reminds me of the passage when Jesus is in the Garden and asks the disciples to keep watch with Him while He prays. They grow weary and dose off to sleep. May the Lord keep us ever watchful and bold and fearless so that we may be used by Him in mighty ways. 2) Gideon, through maturing in his faith is able to go from a man who is complacent in his captivity to being confident in God to assume the victory over his oppressors. May we too learn from this example that we not become complacent and allow ourselves to be put captive to sin and a bondservant of sin. But let us draw assurance from the victory that Christ has already won that we go forth each day in victory in Jesus Rom 8:27 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Eph 1:18-23 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. 1Jn 5:4,5 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. 5 Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? WE have the victory over sin and the world through Christ. Let us be seated with Him in victory and stand on the promises and fall on His grace to pull us through and give us the victory. I have been listening to a song by Rich Mullins lately that expresses this very well. May we put our full trust in Him that He has won the victory and will lead us to victory too! IF I STAND Words by Rich Mullins Verse 1: THERE'S MORE THAT RISES IN THE MORNING THAN THE SUN MORE THAT SHINES IN THE NIGHT THAN JUST THE MOON THERE'S MORE THAN JUST THIS FIRE HERE THAT KEEPS ME WARM IN A SHELTER THAT IS LARGER THAN THIS ROOM Chorus: SO IF I STAND LET ME STAND ON THE PROMISE THAT YOU WILL PULL ME THROUGH AND IF I CAN'T LET ME FALL ON THE GRACE THAT FIRST BROUGHT ME TO YOU IF I SING LET ME SING FOR THE JOY THAT HAS BORN IN ME THESE SONGS BUT IF I WEEP LET IT BE AS A MAN WHO IS LONGING FOR HIS HOME Verse 2: THERE'S A LOYALTY THAT'S DEEPER THAN MERE SENTIMENT A MUSIC HIGHER THAN THE SONGS THAT I CAN SING THE STUFF OF EARTH COMPETES FOR THE ALLEGIANCE I OWE ONLY TO THE GIVER OF ALL GOOD THINGS Verse 3: THERE'S MORE THAT DANCES ON THE PRARIES THAN THE WIND MORE THAT PULSES IN THE OCEAN THAN THE TIDE THERE'S A LOVE THAT IS FIERCER THAN THE LOVE BETWEEN FRIENDS MORE GENTLY THAN A MOTHER'S WHEN HER BABY'S AT HER SIDE ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Judges) CHAPTER 7:24-8:35 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Note a)Gideon's dealings with the complaints of Ephraim and with the lack of co-operation of the elders of Succoth and Penuel; b) the vigour of his pursuit and capture of Zebah and Zalmunna, and the respect which these princes showed him. What various aspects of character are here revealed? 2) What temptation did Gideon overcom? Contrast, however, the frequent references to God's guidance in the earlier part of the narrative with the entire absence of this in 8:24-27. Why did Gideon, who had given such able leadership in the national crisis, fail to give adequate leadership in a time of peace? Is it true that we tend to rely upon God only when we are 'up against it'? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Judges) Chapter 7:24-8:35 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) I find the remaining story of Gideon's life interesting. he was not a "David", but certainly had a good testimony for the Lord. One downfall I find is his asking for the gold earrings, which later became an idol. It just reminds me that in all things we need to question, what is my motive in doing this? Gideon overcam ethe temptation for personal power as a monarch; he rejected their request to be ruler, and said that the Lord is your ruler. Great! It was Gideon's own character flaws that ruined his witness in this time of peace. His insertion of his own desires and ideas, perhaps greed too, amounted to a big problem, and therefore later on his family was not even remembered. A sad ending. May we be careful in all our actions, especially those inleadership roles. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Judges 8 The Ephraimites take offense, 8:1-3 Ephraims were violently angry with Gideon for not inviting them to fight the Midianites. Gideon gave them a wise answer: "God let you capture Oreb and Zeeb, the generals of the army of Midian! What have I done in comparison with that? Your actions at the end of the battle were more important than ours at the beginning!" So they calmed down. The way Gideon dealt with Ephraim showed that he is not only a strtegic commander but also an excellent diplomat. Ephraims failed to understand that those 300 fighters were chosen by God, not by Gideon. In our daily life, there are similar complaints for not being considered to do certain things or given some desired positions. My answer to those situations is that "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart", Psalm 37:4. The Gideon Spirit - Exhausted Yet Pursuing, 8:4 This is the spirit of overcomers. For certain situation, we need to flee away. For other situations, we need to chase our enemies far away from us to a point that even very tired yet working on the extra mile. Each One Resembled the Children of a King, 8:18 As Christian men and women, we each one indeed should appear and resemble as a prince; because we really are princes of the eternal Kingdom of God. For as the man is, so is his strength, 8:21 We have to be strong (tough, right!) men and women with endurance to demonstrate and exercise the power of God. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Gideon was a master statesman. He was able to keep peace with the Ephraimites who felt left out of the battle against the Midianites. He calmed them by complimenting them for killing the two kings. The two cities of Succoth and Penuel were relctant to help out, so Gideon cursed them for their lack of trust. The two cities obviously wanted to await the outcome so they didn't appear to be helping the enemy in case Gideon was unsuccessful so that they would appear good in the eyes of the Midianites if Gideon failed. May we learn from this not to hold back our aid and assistance to those serving the Lord. 2) Gideon overcame the temptation of pride. He could have elevated himself to king easily after the victory. This is what the people wanted to do. He chose not to do this, but did not look for God's will, instead making the ephod of gold. This would later be a huge idol that the Israelites would again turn to, just like the golden calf in the wilderness. Gideon made the mistake of relying upon God in the crisis, but forgetting Him when the crisis was over. We too do this all too often. When we are in a stressful or crisis situation we pray to God and ask for His help and guidance, but forget to do this on an everyday basis, or to thank Him for helping us many times. May we learn to trust in the Lord at ALL times, not just in trials and tests. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Judges) CHAPTER 9:1-10:5 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Consider in this story a) the sin of Gideon in associating with a Shechemite woman and having a son by her(see 8:31;cf Dt 7:3);b) the sin of the men of Shechem(9:4,5,16-18);c) the sin of Abimelech(9:1-5). Compare verses 56+57 and consider how in each case the words of Nu 32:23b were fulfilled. 2) Shechem was a Canaanite city which, most probably, had been assimilated into Israel. What does this chapter teach us ab =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Judges) Chapter 9:1-10:5 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) It seems that so often in the Bible the sin of the forefathers carries over into the next generations. Abimelech was the son of Gideon's concubine. Through this son, their whole history becomes "warped". In v56, it says, "Thus God reapid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers. God also made the men of Shechem pay for all their wickedness. The curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Ball came on them." Allowing Shechem to become a part of the Israelites brought "yeast" into the dough, so to speak. To me, it is like being yoked with an unbeliever. There are consequences. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Judges 9 Proper Use of Our Wisdom - Abimelech Becomes King, 9:1-6 God gave Gideon wisdom to fight against Midianites. On the contrary, God also gave Abimelech wisdom to be a self appointed king. One accomplished righteous deeds and the other turned out to be an evil king who killed 70 of his half brothers. Meanwhile, Jotham's fable, 9:7-15 requires our wisdom to understand what he was talking about - Abimelech being thorn bush, a wicked king, who burned not only himself but also the precious cedars of Lebanon, Israelites. Again, it was Abimelech's crooked idea with his angered over Gaal's attempt to become king, destroyed Shechem and then sowed it with salt to render the soil sterile so the Shechemites could not use it for agricultural pursuits. One of the Important Lessons in Judges - God Uses Weakened Vessels The power of God is often demonstrated through weakness. God used: - Ehud with his left hand to slay King Eglon of Moab, 3:15-23; - Shamgar who defeated 600 Philistines with an ox-goad thus saving Israel from disaster, 3:31; - Deborah,as one of the weaker vessels, to encourage Barak in a battle against King Sisera , 4:4-8; - Jael with a tent peg and the help of a little milk to slay Sisera, 4:21; - Gideon's army of 300 with trumpets, pitchers and lamps to conquer the Midianites, 7:7; - Now,9:54, a woman caused the death of Abimelech. [Salem Kirban Reference Bible] -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Sin begets sin. We see constantly in the OT where the sin of one generation passes on to the 3rd and 4th generations. The sin of David resulted in the torn up household and the rebellion of Absalom. The sin of Gideon in not consulting God and also his unequally yoked relationship here were the cause of much pain and suffering. The killing of his other 70 sons by Abimelech was horrific. That Abimelech could kill his 70 half brothers to obtain power was a travesty. The men of Shechem sinned in supporting Abimelech and providing the blood money for the mafia hitmen that helped put Abimelech in power. The were the franchisors of his corporation of evil. Num 32:23 says: 23 "But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out. Abimelech's sin was found out and repaid, similarly for the men of Shechem. 2) We cannot comprimise our Godly standards by polluting them with the ways of the world. Here is an example, as are most of the examples of the corruption of God's chosen ones with the influences of the world. Christ told us in John 15:19 that we are in the world, but not OF it. 19 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. May we take heed and separate ourselves from the things this world has to offer. Let Christ's prayer assure us that He is helping us separate ourselves John 17:13-26 May this be our portion today and may we daily be reminded that we are sent into this world by Christ Himself and He strengthens us to do His will. 13 "But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14 "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 ¶ "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 "For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20 ¶ "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. 24 ¶ "Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 "O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; 26 and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." A song by a group called Caedmon's call comes to mind... This World by Caedmon's Call There's tarnish on the golden rule And I want to jump from this ship of fools Find a place where hope is young And people aren't afraid to love This world has nothing for me This world has everything all that I could want and nothing that I need This world is making me drunk On the spirits of fear So when he says who will go I am nowhere near This world has nothing for me This world has everything all that I could want and nothing that I need This world has nothing for me This world has everything All that I could want AND THE LEAST OF THESE LOOK LIKE CRIMINALS TO ME SO I LEAVE CHRIST ON THE STREET -Verse 2- This world has held my hand Seduced me into intolerance but -Bridge- NOW I'M BREAKING UP, AND NOW I'M WAKING UP, BUT NOW I'M MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME This world has nothing for me This world has everything All that I could want And nothing that I need This world has nothing for me This world has everything All that I could want And nothing that I need ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Judges) CHAPTER 10:6-11:28 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Why did God, at first, refuse to deliver Israel from the Ammonites? What caused the change in His subsequent attitude? Cf Je18:5-11. 2) What indications are there in this section that Jephthah, in spite of his unfortunate background, possessed nobility, piety and faith? 3) Summarize Jephthah's answer to the Ammonites. To what extent do you find his arguments valid? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Judges) Chapter 10:6-11:28 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2,3) God refused, at first, to deliver israel from the Ammonites because they did evil in the eyes of the Lord by serving other gods, forsaking the Lord and no longer serving Him. However, the God of Israel is/was rich in compassion after Israel admitted their sin, and truly repented by getting rid of the foreign gods and serving the Lord. Once again, despite their wrongdoing, God forgave them and helped them. He chose to do it out of mercy and compassion. Jephthah was a social outcast because his mother was a prostitute. Despite this obstacle, J made the best of circumstances, peacefully left and settled in Tob. He became their leader. He must have been some kind of gifted leader/warrior for the elders of Gilead to ask him to be their commander against the Ammonites. I think Jepthah was wise in his response. He double-checked and made a statement by doing so. He also got the Gileadites to promise, with the Lord as their witness. J could probably make a great modern-day lawyer or businessman! Above all, the Lord was with him. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Judges 10:6 - 11:28 Judge Jephthah 10:6 - 18 Oppression by the Ammonites 10:6 - "And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and gods of Syria, ---, and forsook the Lord, and served not Him." Ashtaroth is pagen fertility goddess - The Godess of Love, the name in Romans is Venus. She was often depicted as a naked female figure. 10:16 - "And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and His SOUL (Chinese translation - heart) was grieved for the misery of Israel." God is a being with soul and heart. 10:17-18 "Then the children of Amon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh. * And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead." However, none of them would come out to fight against Ammons. Then, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob. 11:5 11:1 - 11:11 Jephthah Lays Down His Terms Jephthah was the son of a harlot. His brothers expelled him from his father's house. Then, he fled to Tob and led a group of vain men. Jephthah did not come out with a famous family background; he was not educated from an Ivy League University; he did not hold a biblical PhD title etc. Yet, God called him, a man who had been rejected by his own brothers due to his illegitimate birth, to be a Judge. "---, and the people made him head and captain over them; ---." 11:11. This portion of the reading gives us the understanding of the concept of God's call and how it is different from man's selection. 11:12 - 28 Jephthah Negotiates With the Ammonites Jephithah told Ammonites that (a) the land east of Jordan was originally the Amorites; and not the Ammonites, Num. 21:21-30; and (b) God gave the land to Israel for the last 300 years. The disagreement of this dispute caused the fight. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 10:6-11:28 -------------------------------- 1) God refused at first to deliver Israel from the Ammonites because v13 'you have forsaken me'. God became jealous that the children of Israel had turned to idolatrous ways and were seeking after foreign gods. He changed His mind when He put away the foreign gods and served the Lord. 'He could bear the misery of Israel no longer'. This is a beautiful picture of a compassionate loving Father who welcomes back His prodigal son every time. No matter how many times the son strays away, He always has love for the son. 2) Jephthah was the son of a harlot, which made him lose his family rights. Even with such a low start, the Lord was able to use one such as this to accomplish His work. We too often are worried about our status, our degrees held, our accomplishments, when we should really be looking towards how God can use us and work through us HIS work. 3) Jephthah answered the Ammonites in saying that they had no right to the land since they had given it up for 300 years. The Ammonites disagreed and would not yield. This was the cause of the conflict between them. Jephthah instead of taking it in his own hands says in v27 'the Lord the Judge, judge today between the sons of Israel and the sons of Ammon.' Instead of fighting the battle on our own, we need to let God the Judge make the decision and the verdict for us. Only then will His work be completed in us. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Judges) CHAPTER 11:29-12:15 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Read the story of Jephtah's vow in the light of Ec.5:2-6;Dt 23:21-23. What does this story teach about a) the sacredness of a promise to God, b) the necessity of first considering what such a promise may involve? 2) Compare Jephthah's treatment of the Ephraimites with that of Gideon in a similar situation(8:1-3). What light does this incident throw upon a) the Ephraimites? b) Jephthah? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Judges) Chapter 11:29-12:15 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) This is an awesome story. I admire Jephthah's courage, leadership and integrity. However, he was rather hasty in making a vow to the Lord, which is not so wise. But it is notable that he did as he vowed to do. He was a man of his word. Before we make a promise to anyone, but especially the Lord, we need to consider the cost of carrying it out. Will we be able to keep our word or not? What sacrifice/s are involved? Is the vow honorable to the Lord? J was rather brutal to the Ephraimites. Although they were extremely rude and accusing, it was quite a massacre (42,000 Ephraimites died). It always seems so violent in the old testament times! But the Lord allowed it to happen. It makes me think of the verse, Matt 10:34, (Jesus), "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword..." It is true that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, yet it is also true that among people, there will be conflicts. That is reality when you stand for something with all your heart. Not everyone else will agree, and there will be fighting. Praise God that we are given instruction in the Bible on how to do the Lord's will in many different cases. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Judges Chapters 11 - 12 Jephthah's Vow and His Victory, 11:29-40 Jephthah's vow was an attempt to strike a deal with God instead of trusting him. He tried to bargain for God's blessing. What he got instead was grief. The important lesson is do not make a vow rashly. In the practical terms, do not open the Bible and point to a verse as a direct word from God. God does not want promises for tomorrow, but obedience for today. The Civil War Between Ephrim and Gilead, 12 The Ephraimites were so offended for not being invited to a fight. It was considered as an insult to their pride, undermining their role as a leading tribe. Ephraim claimed responsibility for all the northern tribes as well as those of east of the Jordan. They valued themselves highly since they were direct descendants of Joseph. Ephraim came from the younger of the two sons of Joseph and his Egyptian wife, Asenath, Genesis 41:50-52. Jephthah reminded them that he had asked them to participate in the war, but they refused. Jephthah became furious when the Ephraimites suggested that his army was the scum of the earth, mere outcasts. This tragic civil war resulted in the loss of 42,000 Ephraimite troops, due to the inability to pronounce the word "shibboleth" correctly. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- Judges 11:29-12:15 -------------------------------- 1) Jephthah's vow was given in haste. He had not considered the consequences totally. Instead of going to the Lord and seeking His leading, Jephthah pleads in desperation for His deliverance on a 'Let's make a deal' basis. Too often we miss out on the blessing that God wants to provide to us by cutting side deals with Him, by making an 'if you do this Lord' promise. May we be prudent to wait on the Lord and seek His leading rather than impulsively using His power. 2) Instead of being a peacemaker and wisely and cunningly handling the situation. Jephthah seems to act rashly and question the loyalty of the Ephraimites. This provokes them further and when he incorrectly pronounces shibboleth, a civil war breaks out. Instead of being diplomat and peacemaker, Jephthah stirs the pot. Sometimes there are issues within the church that we should not stir, issues that do not need to be disputed, do we act as Gideon and seek the peaceful swift resolution, or do we stir the pot like Jephthah? May the Lord grant us wisdom in recognizing these areas and help us to deal with them in a proper manner.