Q: What strange weapon did Shamgar use to fight the Philistines?
BONUS: What other strange weapon is mentioned in Judges?
I hear a lot of talk about whether women should be allowed to be leaders in the church. This isn’t the Dark Ages. What are people thinking?
Jonathan
Dear Jonathan,
Many denominations still have lots of conflict about this issue. Feelings run strong on both sides. If you read Judges 4–5, you will learn about a woman named Deborah. She was chosen by God to be a prophetess and the leader of Israel.
This story shows that God not only permits women to be leaders, but sometimes even appoints them. God gives the gift of leadership to both men and women. And he calls on each person to obey him and to use the gifts he has given.
Some denominations in the church interpret the Bible in a way that allows women to have many roles. Others limit how women are allowed to use their gifts. We must try to respect those who believe differently and study God’s Word carefully. God desires love, respect, and the studying of his Word among his people.
Jordan
Gideon had a problem with his self-image. When God told him to save Israel from the Midianites, Gideon responded, “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (Judges 6:15). But God said, “Go in the strength you have” (Judges 6:14). Gideon had strengths he hadn’t yet discovered. And so do you! God has given you abilities that make you unique and strengths that make you able to triumph over your challenges. Sure, you feel as inadequate as Gideon did sometimes. But God has given you strengths that are greater than your weaknesses. And he has said to you as he did to Gideon, “I will be with you” (Judges 6:16).
How important is it to trust people you call your friends? Judges 9 raises the question by describing the relationship between Abimelek and the citizens of Shechem, who plotted together to make Abimelek king. The story makes it very clear that people who get together to do wrong can’t trust each other. True friendship is different. It’s not based on doing wrong together; it’s based on caring. As friendship deepens, friends share and learn that they can trust each other. What keeps you and your friends together? Can you trust them? Abimelek’s “friends” weren’t really friends. Are yours?
If God is real and he has the power, why has he allowed so many school shootings?
Blake
Dear Blake,
God is not a puppet master. Because we are made in his image and likeness, he gave us the opportunity to choose good or evil. He gave us free will. It would delight God if everyone chose to worship him and accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. But he won’t force us.
Some people become very twisted and choose to do unimaginable violence to others. In the story of Abimelek found in Judges 9, a young man kills all of his brothers and sets himself up as king. We know God wants us to love one another. It grieves him just as it does us when we learn about school shootings and other needless violence.
Make no mistake about it. God is in control and God detests these murderous acts. One day, people will be called to account for their actions. Until then, people will suffer at the hands of evil ones. Not because God doesn’t care, but because God is not running a puppet show.
Keep in mind Proverbs 24:1–2: “Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.” We all make choices about who we hang out with and what we will do. We must be sure our focus remains on what is good in God’s sight.
Jordan
Q: What were Baals and Ashtoreths?
BONUS: Why was it wrong to have anything to do with them?
How often do you thank God for your parents? Are your mom and dad like Manoah and his wife? Do they look to God “to teach [them] how to bring up” you and your brothers or sisters? If so, you’ve got a lot to be thankful for. That doesn’t mean your parents are perfect. Maybe you feel they’re a little too strict. Or that they expect too much of you. Or that they don’t give you the freedom you deserve. But if you sit down and make a list, chances are the positive things about your parents will outweigh the negatives.
Samson had great parents (see Judges 13). He had a strong body. But history’s super-jock was a spiritual flop. For all his exploits, Samson failed to free his people from Philistine rule. In fact, he never tried! All his battles were for personal revenge: “I merely did to them what they did to me” (Judges 15:11). You may be very talented. Athletic. Artistic. Smart. But how you use your talent is what counts. Use it selfishly, and in the long run your talent won’t help you or anyone else. Commit your talent to God and use it to serve others, and you’ll be a success.
Q: How did Samson wear his long hair?
BONUS: Why did Samson become weak after losing his hair?
Have you ever heard someone defend X-rated books and movies by saying the Bible has the same kinds of stories? Like this one. It’s got homosexuality, gang rape, even the cutting up of a dead body. Hey, it’s just like today’s movies! There is one difference though. X-rated books and movies cater to passion. They’re intended to excite or thrill. The Bible’s real-life stories, however, underline how terrible these sins are. So don’t fall for the argument that sex and violence in movies is the same as sex and violence in the Bible. Today’s books and movies try to make sin glamorous. The Bible shows sin for what it really is.
Judges
Rules.
This book tells what happened to the Israelites when they didn’t follow them. Not a pretty picture.