Week 1 

Understanding the Text  

Read Chapter 1 

1. Describe Judah’s attacks. What cities did they fight? What was the result? What issue did Judah come in contact with? 

2. What promise had Judah made to Simeon that they fulfilled? What city did they capture, and what name did they give it? 

3. What was different about Caleb and his family? 

4. Describe the people of Benjamin. Were they successful in doing what the Lord commanded? 

5. Who did the house of Joseph attack? Did they receive any help? What happened to the man that helped them? What should have happened according to God’s commands? 

 

6. Describe the failures of Manasseh. In what ways did they fail? 

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7. According to verses 30-34, what other tribes failed to take their territory? What cities did they fail to capture? What was the result? 

Read Chapter 2 

1. Who spoke to Israel in 2.1? What did He say that He had done for them? What promise had God made to them? When and to whom had He made this promise? 

2. What commandment did God give His people? What reasons had God given for giving this commandment? What was their consequence for not obeying? 

3. Refer to verses 2.4-5, why did they name the place Bochim? Refer to a Bible dictionary for help. 

4. In what ways were the Israelites disobedient (evil in the sight of God)? List the progression you see in 2.11-19. How does God react?

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5. How does God respond in 2.20-23? Why? What do the other nations become to the nation of Israel? What do you learn about God in this chapter? 

The Big Picture 

1. Read Joshua 1.1-9; 23.3-13. What does God command Israel to do, both in Joshua’s time and after he dies? What must they not do? 

2. From the following Scriptures note what you learn from them regarding the inhabitants of the land and what God told the Israelites to do with them. a. Exodus 23.31-33 

b. Deuteronomy 7.1-2, 16, 22 

c. Joshua 23. 1-13 

3. In light of the passages in the previous question and in Judges 1, what does it tell you about the times, and/or the situation in the days of the judges? 

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Gospel Graces 

1. God showed mercy on the Israelites when they cried out to Him, but He also gave them over to their surrounding enemies. How is God both just and forgiving to His people? Refer to Romans 3.23-26 and 2 Corinthians 5.21 and any other verses to support your answer. 

2. The Israelites failed to trust God fully, even though the promise of their land was right in front of them. How does the anticipation of Christ, your heavenly inheritance, drive you to continue trusting God in all His good promises to you? 

Application 

1. List the reasons that the tribes of Israel failed to settle in the land God had promised them. How completely would you say you obey the Word of God? 

2. Israel struggled with idolatry while wandering in the desert and as they entered the promise land. Do you see the same thing happening in the world today?  

3. Compare 2.7 and 2.10-11. Within one generation Israel had gone from serving the Lord to serving Baals and the Ashtaroth. What do we need

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to do to pass our faith on to the next generation? And why is this so important? Refer to Deuteronomy 6.4-9, 20-25.  

Digging Deeper [optional for extra study] 

1. Consult a Bible dictionary or encyclopedia and summarize your findings about Baal and Ashtoreth. 

2. Skim the book of Judges. What is the cycle that the nation of Israel repeated throughout the history of Judges? 

3. Listen to Pastor Kent’s expositions of Judges 1 and 2 from July 2011.  Chapter 1: http://www.northcreek.org/resources/media/sermons-by-book/message/mostly-sort-of-a-little-and-hardly  Chapter 2: http://www.northcreek.org/resources/media/sermons-by-book/message/hardly-ever-whoring-after-and-christs-anger and http://www.northcreek.org/resources/media/sermons-by-book/message/one-generation-away  

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Notes

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Week 2

Understanding the Text  

Read Chapter 3 

1. In verse 1, we are told that God was testing the nation of Israel. What was the test? How did the children of Israel respond to the test? Explain your answer? 

2. Whom did God raise up as a deliverer? Describe the events surrounding him.  

3. The next deliverer for Israel was Ehud. What responsibility did Ehud have? How is Eglon described?  Describe the events that took place after Ehud delivered the tribute. 

4.  Who was the next man to deliver Israel? Who was the oppressor in this case? What weapon did he use? Describe the success he had. 

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Read Chapter 4 

1. After Ehud died, what pattern did Israel repeat? Whom did God allow to oppress them this time? Who was the captain of this army? What special weaponry did he have, and how long did the oppression last? 

2. Who judged Israel at this time? What information are we given about her? Where did she work and how did the people obtain judgments? 

3. Who did Deborah send, and where did he live? What revelation from God did she give him? What did God say He would do with Sisera? 

4. Summarize the battle. What was the outcome? How did Sisera attempt to escape?  

5. Summarize the events of Sisera’s interaction with Jael. How did it fulfill Deborah’s prophecy in Judges 4.9? 

6. What was the final outcome of the relationship between Israel and the king of Canaan?  

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Read Chapter 5 

1. What is different about Judges 5? What purpose does it serve? List the tribes mentioned in the song of Judges 5. Underneath the name of each tribe, record what is said about each tribe and any purpose you discern for mentioning the tribe. 

2. What conclusion does the song reach about the Lord’s enemies and about those who love Him? 

3. How does this chapter picture the battle between Barak’s men and Sisera’s army (vv4-5, 19-22)? What does it tell us about why Israel won the battle? 

The Big Picture 

1. Why were the children of Israel caught in the cycle of sin? Read Exodus 34.11-16, what were they told to do and why? Was this obeyed?  

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2. What do you learn about God from Judges 3-5? What kind of God do you see in these chapters? How is His grace and mercy perfectly just? 

3. Take some time and fill in the Sin Cycle and Judges chart. 

Gospel Graces 

1. There is victory from God – a victory that overcomes the world according to 1 John 5.2-5. What is that victory? Look up Hebrews 12.1-4, how are we to live with faith and victory in God?  

2. Read Hebrews 11.32-34. What does it say about Barak? Knowing what you know of Barak, how does this encourage you? 

Application 

1. Are Christians tested? How? Are you in a place of testing? What should you be doing? Are you doing it?  Our God is sovereign and He places us in situations for different reasons. Take some time to praise God and thank Him for those difficult times in your life and how He has brought you through them and will continue to.

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3. What happens when we have only a Judges 4 (surface level) perspective on our lives, and forget to combine it with a Judges 5 perspective? Why is it easy to do this? 

Digging Deeper [optional for extra study] 

1. Do a character study of Deborah, Jael, Barak, and/or Sisera. 

2. Do you see any connection between the problem in Judges 5 and the action of the tribes in Judges 1? 

3. There are not many women that served as prophetesses in the Bible. Are there lessons that can be learned from these women? 

a. Miriam, the sister of Moses – Exodus 15.20-21 

b. Huldah, who lived when Josiah was king – 2 Kings 22.8-20; 2 Chronicles 34.22-28

 

c. Isaiah’s wife – Isaiah 8.3 

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d. Anna, the widow in the temple at the time Jesus was presented to the Lord by his parents – Luke 2.36-28. 

e. Four daughters of Philip, the evangelist – Acts 21.8-9 

5. Listen to Pastor Kent’s expositions on Judges 3, 4, and 5 from July and August 2011. Chapter 3: http://www.northcreek.org/resources/media/sermons-by-book/message/the-lion-and-the-lefty. Chapter 5: http://www.northcreek.org/resources/media/sermons-by-book/message/salvation-by-storm-and-spike  

 

Notes

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Notes

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Week 3  Understanding the Text 

Read Chapter 6  

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1. Why was Israel suffering under the hand of Midian in the beginning of chapter 6? 

2. Gideon encountered the angel of the Lord (Jesus Himself.)  Summarize the conversation between the angel and Gideon in verses 11-18. 

3. What do the editorial comments tell us about where Gideon was and what he was doing when the angel appeared to him? What does this reveal about Gideon and his state of mind? 

4. What signs did Gideon ask of God? How did God respond? What does this show you about God and His character? 

5. Where did Gideon start living out his calling from the angel of the Lord (vs. 25-27)? How? What significance does this have? 

 

Read Chapter 7 

1. After God graciously fulfills Gideon’s request for the signs, Gideon begins on his God-given commission to save Israel from Midian in chapter 7. God’s first work was to choose Gideon’s army. How many

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men did Gideon begin with? How many men did he have in his army at the time for battle? Why do you think God did this? 

2. Look at Judges 8.10. How many soldiers did Midian have?  

3. Before the battle against Midian God graciously gives Gideon another assurance of deliverance. What was it? What was Gideon’s response?  

4. Summarize the awesome defeat of Midian in your own words. (vs. 19-25)  

5. What was the battle cry of the Israelites during battle? What does that teach you about how God uses His people?  

 

Read Chapter 8 

1. Why was the tribe of Ephraim upset with Gideon? How did he resolve this conflict? 

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2. Outline what Gideon did in verses 10-21; noting places, people, and their interactions with Gideon.  

3. How does Gideon’s life story end? Did he finish the race well or poorly? Explain.  

4. Where did Gideon go wrong at the end of his life?   

5. How soon after Gideon died did Israel turn again from God? Why?  

 

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       The Big Picture 

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1. Midian was a long-time enemy of Israel. Do a little research and see what part they have played in the story of Israel thus far. 

2. Summarize the ‘stages’ of Gideon’s life as narrated in chapters 6-8. (ex: Judges 6. 1-11; Gideon living under oppression of the Midianites, Judges 6.12 -18; Gideon’s calling from the angel of the Lord…) 

3. How do you see Gideon’s faith in God develop from chapter 6 to the end of chapter 8? 

4. Do you think there is a main point(s) or theme(s) in the story of Gideon?  

5. Do you see any recurring themes from the previous chapters in Judges? 

6. Complete this week’s portion of the Sin and Cycle chart.

Gospel Graces 

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1. In Judges 6.12, the angel of the Lord (Christ himself) calls Gideon “mighty man of valor,” giving him a name foretelling who Gideon would become because of God’s grace.  Look up 1 Corinthians 1:30, Romans 5.19, 10.4, 2 Corinthians 5.21, Isaiah 61.10. Who have we as believers become because of Christ?  

2. How do you see God’s grace in these chapters?  

3. Gideon is mentioned in the Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11. Knowing what you now know about Gideon, what does this show you about God? How does this encourage you today?  

 

Application 

1. In Pastor Kent’s exposition of Judges 6 from August 2011, he challenged us as a congregation that we ALL have idols in our lives. (hobbies, media, sports, etc...) A definition of an idol is anything that captures our hearts, minds, or affections more than God (credit: Brad Bigney.) What idols do you see in your life that you can begin to tear down? 

2. In Judges 7, God whittles down Gideon’s army to one percent of his original army, causing Gideon to depend solely on God for the victory.

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What do you tend to depend on other than God that you need to “whittle down”?  

3. Think back on the last year of your life and take time to “remember” the ways that God has cared for, protected, loved, and provided for you.Take some time to praise and thank Him for all these things. 

 

Digging Deeper [optional for extra study] 

1. Look back at other commissions of great men (Abraham, Moses, Peter). How are they similar to Gideon’s? How are they different? 

2. Look up other references of “the angel of the Lord” and see where Christ appears in the Old Testament. 

3. In Chapter 6, Gideon built the altar to Christ and named it “The LORD is peace.” Where else in the Bible is God referred to by that name?  

4. Listen to Pastor Kent’s expositions of Judges 6, 7, and 8 from August 2011. 

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Chapter 6: http://www.northcreek.org/resources/media/sermons-by-book/message/a-little-faith-and-the-lord-of-peace  Chapter 7: http://www.northcreek.org/resources/media/sermon-media/message/trembling-trust-and-triumph  Chapter 8:  http://www.northcreek.org/resources/media/sermon-media/message/from-triumph-to-tragedy  

Notes

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Notes

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Week 4

Understanding the Text 

Read Chapter 9  

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1. Look back at Judges 8.31 to see how it foreshadows what is to come in Chapter 9. Who was Abimelech’s mother? What part did she play in the rise of Abimelech? 

2. How did Abimelech gain enough power to kill his seventy brothers? 

3. According to verse 6.  What is Abimelech’s official title?  How is this different than the leaders that came before him? Where is Abimelech from? Is this significant, knowing God’s promises for Israel’s monarchy?  

4. Who was the sole survivor of Abimelech’s attack at Ophrah, and what was his relation to Abimelech? 

5. Summarize Jotham’s parable of the trees found in verses 7-15. What was the point of this parable? How does Abimelech fit in this parable? 

6. In verses 22-24, the narrator gives us insight as to how Abimelech’s demise begins. What do we learn?  

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7. In your own words, summarize what happened in verses 26-45, noting main characters, locations, and events. 

8. How do we see Jotham’s curse in verse 20 come true at the close of Chapter 9? 

 

Read Chapter 10 

1. After Abimelech, how many years of peace did God give Israel through judgeship of Tola and Jair?  

2. What sin of Israel caused God to punish them with the oppression of outside countries? (v. 6)  

3. Who was oppressing the Israelites, how, and for how long? (v. 7-9) 

4. When the Israelites cry out to God in verse 10, what is His response? 

5. The Israelites seem to truly repent in verse 16. How do we know?  

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6. The end of chapter 10 leaves us with a cliffhanger. For what are the Israelites waiting? 

 

The Big Picture 

1. When God speaks to Israel in chapter 10.11-12, what does He remind them to do? (see Judges 8.34) 

2. Israel disobeyed God again after the death of Gideon, and as seen in previous chapters, God punishes them. How is their punishment in this chapter different than previous chapters?  

3. Do you think there is a main point(s) or theme(s) in these chapters?   

4. Do you see any recurring themes from the previous chapters in Judges?  

5. Complete this week’s portion of the Sin and Cycle chart.  

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Gospel Graces 

1. Verse 16 says that “God became impatient over the misery of Israel” (ESV). Check other commentaries to see what language is used in that verse. What does this teach you about God and His character? 

2. In Romans 12.19, God promises that He will get vengeance on those who sin against Him. How do we see this coming true in our chapters? How does this encourage and/or convict you?  

3. How do you see God at work in these chapters?   

Application 

1. How did Gideon’s sin in his later life lead to consequences that affected his family, and the nation of Israel? Have you ever seen sin in your life affect others in a lasting way? If you feel comfortable share with your group.

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2. In chapter 10 we see Israel truly repent of their sin against God. What are the steps that lead to true repentance? Use Scripture to support your answer. Why is this difficult for people?

3. Over and over again in Judges we see God’s patience and long-suffering with His people, the nation of Israel. Ponder all the ways that God continues to show His kindness and patience with you and your sin. His kindness should lead us to repentance (Romans 2.4), so take time today to confess any unrepented sin and thank Him for His grace and mercy. 

 

Digging Deeper [optional for extra study] 

1. Do some digging into Shechem. Where was it located? What is its history? Who are the Shechemites?  

2. Compare and contrast how Jotham and his father Gideon deal with those who have wronged against them. How are they similar/different?  

Notes

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Week 5

Understanding the Text 

Read Chapter 11  

1. How does the story in chapter 11 pick-up from the closing of chapter 10? 

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2. Look back at chapter 10. How long had Israel been under oppression from the Ammonites? 

3. What do we learn about Jephthah the Gileadite and his family upbringing?

 4. What is Jephthah’s first attempt at making peace

with the Ammonites?  

5. Why does the Ammonite king say that they are poised to fight Israel? 

6. Summarize Jephthah’s response to the king’s argument. 

7. Despite “the Spirit of the Lord” being on Jephthah (v. 29), he still makes a rash and unfortunate pledge to God in verse 31. 

a. What vow did Jephthah make to God? 

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b. What was the outcome of his battle against the Ammonites? 

c. What was the outcome of his vow? 

d. Did Jephthah keep his vow? 

e. What does this whole part of the narrative teach you about Jephthah?   

Read Chapter 12 

1. What was the charge that Ephraim brought against Jephthah? (Sound familiar? Look back at the story of Gideon.) 

2. How does Gideon respond to conflict with Ephraim? How does this differ to his first interaction with the Ammonites in chapter 11?  

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3. How long did Jephthah judge Israel? Is this a short or long time compared to the judges before him?  

The Big Picture 

1. Look back at chapter 11, specifically highlighting verses 9-11.  How does Jephthah come into his judgeship? What are his interactions with God?  

2. Do you think there is a main point(s) or theme(s) in these chapters?   

3. Do you see any recurring themes from the previous chapters in Judges? 

4. Complete this week’s portion of the Sin and Cycle chart.  

Gospel Graces 

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1. How does the leadership and character of these judges in these chapters (and previous chapters) cause you to praise God for Jesus, our perfect High Priest? 

2. How do you see God at work in these chapters?   

Application 

1. In these two chapters, we see Jephthah respond to conflict in two very different ways. He attempts to be a peacemaker with the Ammonites in chapter 11, but responds with fierceness against the Ephraimites in chapter 12.  

a) What does the Bible teach about peacemaking principles? (See Colossians 3, Galatians 5, Romans 12, or Hebrews 12 or any other Scripture references.)  

b) Do you find it difficult to be a peacemaker in your everyday life? Meditate on the scripture you chose in the question above and ask God to help you put those in practice. Thank God for giving you the strength in the most difficult situations.

 

Digging Deeper [optional for extra study] 

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1. Look at the map, circling the locations mentioned in these two chapters. Is there anything significant about these places? 

2. Jephthah and the Ammonite king disputed over the historical events of the Israelites coming up from Egypt. Do some digging to see what Numbers and Deuteronomy tell us about what happened. 

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Notes

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Week 6

Understanding the Text  

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Read Chapter 13 

1. This chapter starts with a familiar phrase.  What is it?  How did the Lord respond to Israel’s latest rebellion?   

2. What, if any, was Israel’s response to the Lord’s punishment?  How is this similar or different to how they had responded in the past?   

3. What can you learn from the passage about the following characters: 

a. Manoah 

b. Manoah’s wife 

c. The Angel of the Lord 

d. Samson 

4. In verses 3-5, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah’s wife.  What observation did He make about her?  What promise did He make to her (and by extension to Israel)?  What instructions did He give to her? 

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5. How did the woman respond to what she saw and heard? 

6. How did Manoah react to the news from his wife? 

7. The Angel of the Lord appeared a second time in verses 9 -20.  What did He communicate to Manoah and his wife?  How did He respond to Manoah’s questions? 

8. What happened when Manoah made an offering to the Lord?  Why was Manoah fearful? 

9. How was Manoah’s wife’s response different than that of her husband?  Why is that? 

10. How was the Angel of the Lord’s promise beginning to be fulfilled at the end of Chapter 13?  

 

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The Big Picture 

1. Read Numbers 6.1-21.  What do you learn about the Nazirite vow from this passage?  Who instituted it?  What was its purpose?  What were the three basic requirements of the vow?  What was distinct about Samson’s being set apart as a Nazirite compared to that which we see in Numbers 6.1-21?  

2. Samson is the 12th and last judge presented in the Book of Judges.  Skim chapters 13-16 and complete the Judges Cycle table.  What common themes do you observe?  Does there appear to be spiritual growth in Israel over time or spiritual decline?  Why do you think that is? 

 

Gospel Graces 

1. Once again we see God’s grace extended to Israel as the Angel of the Lord stepped in and announced His plan to provide yet another deliverer who will “begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.”  He did this in spite of the fact that the Israelites did not cry out for help nor realize that they were in need of a savior!  How has Christ done something far greater for you?  (Matthew 1.21; Ephesians 2.1-8; Romans 5.1-11)  How will you worship Him in view of this? 

 

Application Please remember that these passages are descriptive and not prescriptive. Thus, we can maybe learn some lessons from what happened, but that these are not the definitive passages on the topic and not necessarily the intended message of the passage

1. We’ve seen throughout the book that Israel repeatedly “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord” by failing to drive out the Canaanites, by practicing idolatry, by intermarrying, by failing to listen

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to the judges the Lord had provided, and by turning away from God after the death of the judges. Simply stated, they chose to do what was right in their own eyes!  How can we as Christians fall prey to similar patterns of sin?  What steps can you take to guard against compromise with the world? Will you examine your heart to see where you have disobeyed God’s law and where you need to ask for the Lord’s forgiveness and restoration?  

2. Samson’s mother was a woman of faith.  She believed the promises she received from and obeyed the instructions given to her by the Angel of the Lord.  Do you have a similar faith?  If so, how do you put it into practice in your everyday life?  If not, will you ask the Lord for help to believe that His ways are best and the promises He has made to you in His Word are trustworthy? 

3. Upon hearing the news that his wife would have a son who would be used by God in a special way, Manoah prayed to the Lord for further guidance.  Are you quick to take your questions to the Lord in prayer and then wait expectantly for His answer?  If not, why not?  How can you grow in this area?  Remember :   Manoah did not have the completed Word of God at his disposal like we do.  We can and should search the Scriptures for guidance and seek the help of the Holy Spirit to understand what has been written down for us. 

 

4. Reread chapter 13, noting the attributes of the Lord that are on display in this passage. Take some time to meditate on each one. Thank Him for who He is and how you see Him working in your life for your good.

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Digging Deeper [optional for extra study] 

1. Who were the Philistines? Where did they come from?  Who did they worship?  What area of the Promised Land did they occupy?  What interactions had God’s chosen people had with them in the past?  

2. Verse 2 tells us that Manoah’s wife was barren and had no children.  Yet with the help of the Lord, she gave birth to a son who was set apart for the work of the Lord.  What seems impossible to man is possible for our Great God!  Skim the following passages and note how the Lord intervened in the lives of four other women and what plans He had for the child they miraculously bore. 

a. Sarah  – Genesis 11.30; 17.15-19; 18.9-15: 21.1-3 

b. Hannah  - 1 Samuel 1. 3.1-4.1; 16.1-13 

c. Elizabeth  - Luke 1.5-24, 57-80; 3.1-22 

d. Mary  - Luke 1.26-56; 2.1-20

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3. What other Bible figures had taken Nazirite vows.  What is noteworthy about each one? 

Notes

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Week 7

Understanding the Text  Read Chapter 14 

1. Who did Samson see when he went down to Timnah? What did he demand from his parents? What do verses 4 and 7 tell us about his motivation for making this demand?  

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2. How did Samson’s parents respond to his first demand? How did they respond to his second demand? 

3. What was the Lord seeking in verse 4?  

4. What happened when Samson went down to Timnah in verses 5-7?  What did the Spirit of the Lord do and what was the result?  What information did Samson not share with his parents? 

5. What happened in verses 8-9?  Where was Samson going?  What did he see? What did he do?  What did he share with his parents? And what information did he keep from them? 

6. Briefly summarize what happened at the wedding feast in verses 10-20 and note what you learned about the following figures from the passage (their actions, motivations, character flaws): 

a. Summary 

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b. Samson

c. Samson’s wife

d. Samson’s companions 

e. Samson’s father-in-law

7. How was the Spirit of the Lord working in verse 19? 

Read Chapter 15 

1. Review Judges 14.19b-20.  Why was Samson caught off-guard when he went to visit his wife?  How did his father-in-law try to appease Samson and to what character flaw in Samson did he appeal? 

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2. How did Samson react to the news his wife had been given to his companion?  What revenge did he take on the Philistines?   Is the Spirit of the Lord mentioned here? 

3. What irony do you see when comparing Samson’s wife’s motivation in seeking out the answer to the riddle in Judges 14:15 with the Philistines response to Samson’s revenge in Judges 15.6? 

4. How did Samson respond to the death of his wife and father-in-law?  What did he say?  What did he do?  Is the Spirit of the Lord mentioned here? Where did he go after exacting revenge? 

5. From verses 9-13, how do you see Samson’s personal feud with the Philistines expanding to draw in his fellow countrymen?  How and why did Judah cooperate with the Philistines?  What conclusions, if any, can you make about their relationship with the Lord?  What promise did the men from Judah make to Samson?   

6. What happened when Samson was delivered Lehi?  How was the Spirit of the Lord at work there?  How did Samson strike down 1,000 men?  Who did Samson praise for his victory over the Philistines in verse 16? 

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7. Verse 18 is Samson’s first recorded prayer.  What very real need sparked his prayer?  To whom did he finally give credit to for his victory?  What request did he make?  How in God’s grace did He answer Samson’s prayer? 

8. How does the chapter conclude?  Is there any mention of victory over Israel’s enemy and a resulting period of rest? 

 

The Big Picture 

1. Over his parent’s objections, Samson takes for himself a Philistine wife.  Remember, the Philistines were Israel’s oppressors, and as such, enemies of Israel.  Why does the Bible command that believers not enter into unequal marriages?  Look up the passages below. Note what is commanded and the purpose of the command: 

a. Exodus 34.12-16 

b. 2 Corinthians 6.14-17a 

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2. Think back to what you learned last week about the Nazirite vow.  Samson violates all three tenets of the vow in chapters 14, 15, and 16.  How does he violate them?  Cite the verses.  According to Numbers 6, what should Samson have done after touching a dead body? 

3. Read Exodus 17.1-7.  What did the people quarrel about?  Did they have a real need? Who did Moses cry out to?  How did the Lord respond?  What similarities and differences do you see between the Israelites in Exodus 17 and Samson in Judges 15?  How was the Lord faithful in both situations? 

 

Gospel Graces 

1. We learned in Judges 13.5 that the Lord promised to use Samson to “begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” How do we see the Lord being faithful to His promise in these chapters in spite of the fact that Samson is acting out of selfishness and is wholly unfaithful to God? 

 

Application 

1. Samson did not accept the counsel of his parents concerning who he should marry. Can you recount a time when you did not accept godly counsel and it led to disaster? Do you accept godly counsel from your

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parents, pastors, and/or fellow believers who love you and are concerned for your holiness? If not, how can you grow in this area?  

2. In these chapters we see Samson’s many character flaws (selfishness, lust, impulsiveness, pride…), yet the Lord, in His sovereignty, used Samson’s sinfulness to bring about deliverance according to His plan. Do you recognize any similar sin in your life?  If so, what will you do about it?  How are you encouraged to know that God, in His mercy, can use our weaknesses, for His purposes and His glory? How does that cause you to praise Him? 

3. In Galatians 5.16-25, we are instructed to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”  What does this passage say are the works of the flesh?  What warning is given for those walking in the flesh?  What does this passage say are the fruits of the Spirit?  Are the fruits of the Spirit evident in your life?  How can you grow in grace in this area? 

4. In Exodus 34.6, the Lord proclaims His name saying, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” How do you see the Lord extending mercy, grace, forbearance, love, and faithfulness to Samson in spite of Samson’s unfaithfulness to the Lord? Now think about your life, how has the Lord similarly blessed you in spite of your failures and/or unfaithfulness? Write out a prayer of thanksgiving that declares what the Lord has done for you.

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Digging Deeper [optional for extra study] 

1. In Judges 14.3, Samson’s parents question Samson’s desire “to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines.”  Research circumcision in Israel and cite references where possible.  What was is it?  When was it first instituted and by Whom? What purpose did it serve?  After completing the research, what did Samson’s decision to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines say about his character and his relationship with the Lord? 

2. What does Scripture teach concerning the dangers of: 

a. Pride 

b. Lust 

c. Anger 

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d. Friendship with the world 

e. Being unteachable  

Notes

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Notes

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Week 8

Understanding the Text  

Read Chapter 16 

1. What did Samson see when he went to Gaza?  What then did he choose to do? 

2. What happened when the Gazites were told that Samson had come to the city? Did their plan prevail?  If not, why not? 

3. Take a look at a map. How far was Zorah, the place Samson lived, from Gaza?  Why do you think Samson was unafraid to travel so far into enemy territory?  How far was Hebron from Gaza?  What does that tell you about Samson’s feat of strength and endurance? 

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4. Verse 4 tells us for the first time that Samson loved a woman. Who was she? Where was she from? Is there any mention of them being married? Skim verses 4-22. Do you think Delilah loved Samson in return? Why or why not? 

5. Who approached Delilah in verse 5? What did they want her to do? What was their motivation? What did they offer her? What do you think motivated Delilah to betray Samson? 

6. Read verses 6-14 a. What did Delilah ask of Samson? Are you surprised that she was

so direct? 

b. How did Samson repeatedly lie to her? What conclusions can you make about Samson? 

c. What part did the Philistines play? 

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d. How did Samson escape each trap? Did he acknowledge where his strength came from?  Why do you think that was? 

e. Why do you think Samson engaged in such a risky game? Do you think he had forgotten the betrayal of his Philistine wife at the wedding feast?

7. Read verses 15-20a. How did Delilah increase the pressure on Samson to tell her

where his great strength came from? 

b. Why did Samson finally give in? What did he tell her? 

c. What did Delilah do with this information?   

d. The text mentions Samson’s heart four times.  Why do you think this is important? (Hint:  was Samson’s power really in his uncut hair?) 

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e. When Samson awoke from his sleep, what did he say that revealed what he assumed would be true?  What very sad truth did he not know? 

8. What does verse 20 tell us about the consequences Samson finally suffered for being unfaithful to his vow to the Lord and for consorting with the enemy?  Is there anything ironic in the fact that his eyes were gouged out? 

9. What bit of hope and grace does verse 21 reveal? Why do you think the Philistines allowed Samson’s hair to grow back? 

10. Read verses 23-27a. What had the Philistines gathered to do? 

b. Who did they credit for their victory over Samson?  

c. Why did they call for Samson? 

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d. Who was at the house? 

11. Read verses 28-30a. In his moment of ultimate weakness, what did Samson do?   

b. How did his prayer show that he was finally standing humble before the Lord? 

c. How did his prayer acknowledge that his strength all along came from the Lord? 

d. What was his final request?  What personal sacrifice was he willing to make? 

e. What victory was wrought by his death? 

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12. What do you learn about Samson’s family in verse 31?  What do you learn about God’s grace to Samson and his family from this verse? 

 The Big Picture 

1. Aside from in his two private prayers to the Lord, Samson never publically gave glory to the Lord for his mighty feats of strength and victories over the Philistines.  How is this different than when David faced the Philistine, Goliath? (See 1 Samuel 17)  Who is a better example for us to follow when we enjoy success? 

2. The Philistines credited their god, Dagon, for giving them victory over their enemy, Samson.  Read 1 Samuel 5-6.  How was Dagon defeated in this passage? How did the Philistines respond to this defeat? What did they do with the Ark? And, why? 

3. Read Hebrews 11.32.  What does it tell us about Samson?  How does his inclusion here encourage you when fall into sin and temptation?  How will you run with endurance the race set before you? 

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Gospel Graces 

1. Like Samson, deliverance from the enemy does not depend on our strength and abilities.  What do the following passages teach us about this truth: 

a. Ephesians 2.1-10 

b. 2 Corinthians 5.17-21 

c. Titus 3.4-7 

 Application 

1. Meditate on the passages listed above in the Gospel Graces section. Briefly summarize what the Lord Jesus Christ has done to secure your salvation. Now thank Him that our salvation is not dependent upon our works, but only on the perfect work of Jesus Christ.

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might

and honor and glory and blessing!”

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2. With each success the Lord gave Samson, Samson grew confident in his own strength and ability instead of drawing closer to the Lord. How could the outward successes in your life lead to inward losses? Are there any failures that the Lord has used or is using to cause spiritual growth?

3. Samson either forgot or chose to ignore the repeated commandment to “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” He repeatedly gave his heart to ways of the world and ultimately to Delilah who was set on his destruction. What compromises with the world have you made? What idols have you given your heart to? What are you willing to do to remove them so that they do not compromise your relationship with the Lord? How will you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might?

 

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Digging Deeper [optional for extra study] 1. Samson and the other delivers God had appointed were meant to point

us forward to God’s final perfect deliverer, Jesus Christ.  Complete the table below citing appropriate Scripture references either from the list provided or other passages of your choosing. 

  Samson 

Judges 13-16 

Jesus 

Matthew 1, 4, 26, & 27, Luke 1, 4, 22, & 23, Mark 14 & 15, John 18 & 19,

Romans 5, Colossians 2, Hebrews 4 & 10, 

Revelation 20 Birth announced by an Angel     

Faced temptations (note: Samson succumbed to them, while Jesus withstood the temptations) 

   

Bound by the leaders of his own people 

   

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Handed over to Gentile oppressors     

Betrayed for money by a “friend”     

Tortured and shackled     

Mocked and humiliated     

Died with outstretched arms     

Death brought about great deliverance for his people and defeat of his enemy 

   

Acted as a lone savior (neither had help) 

   

 

Notes

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Week 9

Understanding the TextRead Chapter 17

1. What was the approach of Micah and his mother relating to God?

2. What was taken from the mother, and how was it later used?

3. What is the condition of the people of the land?

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4. How do Micah and the Levite meet and what was the agreed upon roles for both of them?

5. What was Micah's response after the Levite was ordained? What was is aim in doing it?

The Big Picture1. “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right

in their own eyes” is a common refrain in this section of Judges. Explain where you see a distortion of biblical truth in our section.

2. Money and worship are the two major areas that Micah and his mother distort in this chapter - are either of these a recurring theme in Judges? If so, site references.

3. Having a king rule the land was never God's desired plan for the nation of Israel, nor Judges. However, in this section were the people more or less depraved in their worship compared to other sections when either a king or a judge was ruling over the people?

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4. Refer to Exodus 25.1-9, Exodus 28.6-30, Exodus 20.4-6, Numbers 8.5-15, and Exodus 19.4-6. How has God told His people to relate to Him?

Gospel Grace1. Micah's desire for a personal priest is actually a good desire, knowing

at this time that Micah had no direct, personal access to God. Explain how the Levite falls short in being a personal priest and how Christ fulfills this good desire for us today.

2. Micah had a distorted view of how and why the Lord will prosper him. As Christian's today, can we be as confident to say 'now I know the Lord will prosper me?' Why or why not?(Suffering, as one example.)

Application 1. Micah's mother dedicates the found silver to the Lord in a wrong way.

How have you considered dedicating your money to the Lord? How can we rightly dedicate our money to the Lord?

2. With direct access to God through Jesus now, we have no need for a human mediator - however, are there any people in your life that you elevate as 'special Christians?' Why should we be careful elevating other men and women in our own hearts?

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3. Micah had numerous items in his home, see verse 5. How can you place different items in the house, without sinning against the Lord (i.e. carved image, metal image)?

4. How does the conclusion that Micah reached about the benefit he would receive from the Levite in verse 13 differ from the Old Law? List ways that people today sometimes make errors that are similar to the error made here by Micah.

5. As is a common refrain here in the book of Judges, "everyone did what was right in his own eyes," consider the following for those are in Christ: take a few moments to consider your life before Christ, doing 'what was right in your own eyes.' Now take a few moments to thank God for His Son reigning as Lord of your life doing, 'what is right according to His own word.' 

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6. Should you be actively walking in sin according to what is right in your eyes, confess now to God your need to be drawn back to Him and His Word. 

Digging Deeper [optional for extra study]

1. What does God warn the Israelites about false worship? Reference Deuteronomy 12.8-14 for review.

2. What does God state about obedience in Deuteronomy 11.26-28? What comes to those in obedience and those in disobedience?

3. How does God warn the Israelites about idolatry in Deuteronomy 12.29-32?

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4. How do all these texts speak to Judges 17?

Notes

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Week 10

Understanding the Text Read Chapter 18

1. Who are the main characters in this chapter? State their name and role here in this section:

a. People of Dan

b. 5 spies of Dan

c. Micah

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d. Levite Priest

e. 600 men from Dan, with weapons of war

f. Micah's neighbors

g. Jonathan the son of Gershom, and his sons

2. What condition are the people living under as stated in verse 1?

3. Why were the five men sent out from the tribe of Dan?

4. What was the report from the five spies back to the tribe?

5. How did the Danites respond to the spies report?

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6. What else did the spies report to their brothers?

7. What happened from verses 18-26 after the spies 'took the carved image, the ephod, the household gods, and the metal image' in verse 17?

8. After the people of Dan came to Laish, what did they do the people of Laish, and in what manner did the people of Dan worship? (v. 27-31)

The Big Picture1. Explain where a (righteous) king may have helped the people here in

their worship, specifically. Did having a king in Israel ensure righteous living by the people? Try and cite at least one section where a king helped the people act righteously and one section where the king helped the people act corruptly.

2. What do you learn about the tribe of Dan in this chapter? Refer to Genesis 49.16-17, Joshua 19.40-48 and Judges 1 and 5 for added information.

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Gospel Grace 1. Consider what you have learned that would cause you to praise God,

repent of sin, trust His promises, and/or love Christ more.

2. How does Christ act as our High Priest corporately? Site passages. Explain the implications of us today not needing to go through a priest to have direct access to God in prayer.

Application 1. Chaos and sin continue to abound in this chapter as verse 1 states,

'there was no king in Israel.' Without the King in your life and in your heart, recall to mind the ways chaos and sin abound. How did that look specifically in your worship, or lack or worship to Jesus?

2. Now, take a moment to praise and thank Jesus for His mercy and grace in your life to rightly worship Him, for those that have given their lives to Jesus Christ. As one of our newer NorthCreek church Sunday worship songs would state, 'our sins they are many, his mercy is more.' In light of the sins you recalled in question 1, now praise God for his abounding and abundance of mercy and grace given to you. (Mercy defined as not getting what you deserve and grace defined as getting what you don’t deserve)

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Digging Deeper [optional for extra study] 

1. As referenced above, review the following verses about what the Bible states about our plans in light of God being in total control:

a. Proverbs 3.5-6

b. Proverbs 16.1

c. Proverbs 16.3

d. Proverbs 16.9

e. Proverbs 16.33

g. Proverbs 19.21

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h. Proverbs 27.1

2. Are there any direct connections between our chapter and verse 30b? Or are they coincidental? Explain and cite passages to defend your answer.

3. The ephod is first mention in Exodus and then again in chapter 8 of Judges. Look up Exodus 25.7 and Exodus 28 and record what you learn about the ephod from these passages. Looking at our chapter this week, is there any reason why these men would want an ephod?

4. Identify on a map the following locations, and, note any significant details for these geographical areas:

a. Zorah and from Eshtaol

b. Kiriath-jearim in Judah.

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c. Mahaneh-dan

d. Hill country of Ephraim

e. Sidon

f. Valley that belongs to Beth-rehob

g. Shiloh

Notes

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Notes

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Week 11

Understanding the Text 

Read Chapter 19  

1. What facts regarding Israel, the Levite, and the location of this story do you find in verse 1? What re-occurring themes do you notice?  

2. What law did the concubine break, what was the punishment (according to Deuteronomy 22:22) and what did the Levite do about it?  

3. Where does the Levite travel and how does the Levite attempt to ‘win back’ his concubine?  

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4. What was the father-in-law’s disposition toward the Levite? Do you think this is peculiar – why or why not?  

5. How many days/nights does the father-in-law manage to delay the Levite and his daughter from leaving? What time of day do they end up leaving and how would this affect their travel?  

6. In what first town did the Levite refuse to spend the night and for what reason? As the sun went down, in what town did they take refuge and what tribe lived there?  

7. Why did the old man from the field provide hospitality to the Levite?  Refer to verses 16-21.  

8. What were the men of Gibeah demanding from the old man and how were their wicked demands answered by the Levite and the old man?   

9. How did the Levite respond to the unjust killing of his concubine and what meaning did his actions have? Refer to verses 22-27.  

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 The Big Picture  

1. The unfaithfulness of Israel to the LORD is on display in living color with the story of the Levite, his concubine and the men of Gibeah. By the law of Moses, the concubine should have been put to death for her adultery. Consider and list how the men of this chapter were unfaithful to the LORD and their families. Why do you think there was no guidance sought from God? 

2. What are the similarities between this and the events in Sodom? Read Genesis 19. 1-11; 24-28 for insight.

3. How do the following verses bring judgment upon the conduct of the Levite toward his concubine, and the men of Gibeah toward the sojourners who sought refuge for a night? Exodus 23.9, Deuteronomy 10.19 and 24.14, Psalm 146.9, 1 Peter 2.11.  

   Levite  Men of Gibeah 

Exodus 23.9

   

Deuteronomy

10.19

   

Deuteronomy

24.14

   

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Psalm 146.9

   

1 Peter 2.11

   

  

4. The sin among the Israelite people had reached considerable levels at the end of chapter 19, yet to whom does the Levite ‘cry out’ to purge the sin from the people of God? What does this say about the moral state of the people and the nation? Does this follow the pattern established during the time of the Judges in Israel? Explain your answer.   

  

Gospel Graces  

1. What parallels do you find from Hosea 1.2 and 3.1 with the Levites response in 19.3? What parallels can you draw in your own life of God’s merciful forgiveness?  

2. Read Hosea 2.16-20. List what God will do for His people and how it encourages you. 

 

 Application  

1. Take a moment to consider what your life would be like without God.  What relationships would be most adversely affected?  Can you see yourself as one of the men or women in Judges 19? If so, which one?  

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2. Now, take another minute to thank God, that you are HIS, and He the Lord of your life. Confess if necessary anything that is hindering your walk with the Lord. If God is not your Lord, we encourage you to talk over your reservations and concerns for not making Him your Lord today.   

3. In what ways have you acted the part of the old man when he welcomed a stranger? Where do you see opportunities this coming week to invite a foreigner into your home and what action will you take?   

 Digging Deeper [optional for extra study]  

1. Several other prominent Old Testament men had concubines, Abraham (Genesis 25.6), Jacob (Genesis 35.22), and Solomon (1Kings 11.3). What does the New Testament say about marriage? Will this type of family be blessed by God? Share your verses with your group. 

2. According to God’s commandments of hospitality among His people, Leviticus 19.33-34, 25.35, and Matthew 25.35, how did the Benjamin-ite people of Gibeah rate? How did the old man (a sojourner) show greater hospitality than the Benjamin-ites? What else can you discover about Eastern hospitality & culture as it relates to sojourners?   

3. Read Hosea 9.9 and 10.9, how is Gibeah remembered in Israelite history? 

 

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4. Which future king of Israel was known to be from Gibeah when the book of Judges was written? Hint…he was a Benjamin-ite.  

Notes

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Week 12

Understanding the Text 

Read Chapter 20 

1. According to verses 1-3, who came out, where did they assemble and how many were numbered?  

2. In verses 4-7, the Levite recounts the murder of his concubine in Gibeah, contrast this version with the actual event in chapter 19. Are there any facts nuanced or changed in this second re-counting of the story? 

3. What was the decision of the Israel assembly in verses 8-11? 

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4. What did Israel demand from the Benjamin-ites and why? How did the Benjamin-ites respond to their Israelite brothers? See verses 12-13.

5. In verses 18 and 23, to whom did Israel inquire of to help fight the battle against the Benjamin-ite men in Gibeah?  

6. Briefly outline each battle between the tribes of Israel and Benjamin, including the final outcome. Who fought, who won, how many were killed? 

7. How did God respond to his people in verse 28 after they came to him seeking his favor, and having fasted and prayed? 

8. According to verse 47, how many Benjamin-ites survived and where did they go? 

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The Bigger Picture  1. Why do you think God allowed so many Israelites to die in the first 2

battles?  

2. In the book of Judges, the chapter format has more to do with a connection of subject matter verses the historical sequence of events. Commentators suggest chapters 19-21 take place before chapters 17 and 18. What clue can you find in chapter 20 which supports this assertion? Hint: 20:28. Research and share anything else you learn with your group.   

 

Gospel Grace  

1. The Israelites suffered defeat, even though pursuing a righteous cause. When have you pursued what you thought was a good cause, only to be frustrated or even failing at it? How have you seen God’s hand at work in that cause since? 

2. In the end, the Israelites defeated the Benjamin-ites with the Lord delivering them. Do you think the Israelites were convinced it was God’s work, not their own? When have you claimed responsibility for something going your way instead of ascribing victory to God? 

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Application

1. In light of the Benjamin-ites decision to not ‘give up’ the wicked few of Gibeah, how does the idea that your "family/people/tribe" could be an idol for you if examined carefully? Does this thought challenge you to think or act differently?

2. Are there any well buried secrets in your life which you need to confess, mourn, and repent of? If so, will you commit to sharing with someone else and ask for accountability? 

3. Based on what you have identified from question 1, search out the scripture that sheds light into sin’s darkness. Spend some time in meditation on God’s word. Take the time to memorize a verse or two. Do not forget, despite our sin, God in Christ is full of grace towards us. 

 

Digging Deeper [optional for extra study]  

1. In verse 13, the Benjamin-ites were asked to give up the men of Gibeah and would not listen. What would have happened to the tribe of Benjamin if they had given up the men? How did their refusing make all Benjamin-ites a party to the offense? 

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2. Compare and contrast the Israelites approach to the Lord in verses 18 and 23 to that of verses 26-28.  

3. Where else do you find mention of Phineas and what was his reputation among Israel men? 

4. What do the burnt offering and peace offering represent? In other words, what were the Israelites offering to the Lord? 

Notes

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Notes

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Week 13

Understanding the Text 

Read Chapter 21 

1. What curse do the men of Israel make against their Benjamin-ite brothers in verse 1, and where was this vow made?  

2. Where did the people cry out to the Lord and what was their chief complaint about the solemn vow they made in verse 1? How would you characterize this vow made after the events of chapter 20?  

3. What second oath was made at Mizpah when the tribes assembled before the Lord and which city had violated this oath?  

4. How do verses 6 and 7 show the beginnings of reconciliation between the Israel tribes and the Benjamin-ite tribe and for what reason? 

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5. Describe the solution the tribes of Israel devised to ensure the future of the Benjamin-ite tribe by fulfilling the solemn vow at Mizpah and circumventing the curse against their brothers, verses 8-15.  

6. What problem was revealed in verse 14 regarding the sons of Benjamin at the rock of Rimmon and what was the Israelite response? 

7. What scheme did the elders of Israel hatch in verses 16-23, and to whom did they give this charge? How were the tribes of Israel actually ignoring the curse made in 21.1?  

 The Bigger Picture 1. In declaring their sworn oath, how did the tribes of Israel treat

their Benjamin-ite brothers like their Canaanites enemies? 

2. In what ways in chapter 21 did the tribes of Israel rely on their own misplaced zealous version of justice (rather than the Lord’s) in the attempt to deal with the original sin at Gibeah?  

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3. In the book of Judges, God raised up men called judges to deliver the Israelites from the hands of their oppressors. However, in chapter 21, the cry for a savior did not sound forth. The sins of Gibeah had now affected the whole nation. What verse in chapter 21 tells the bigger picture of the plague of sin in a man’s heart? Explain your answer. 

4. In what ways does the apostasy of the later generations of Israelites, who were taken into captivity, have their origins here in the book of Judges? Feel free to draw from anywhere within our study of the book of Judges.   

Gospel Graces  

1. The Book of Judges can be seen as the ‘dark ages’ of Israel’s history which would be nice to forget, yet it is a vital part of the bigger redemptive story of the word of God.  What characteristics of the Lord do you see carried through this tragic book and how do these encourage your own faith? 

2. The judges God raised up were inherently flawed individuals, yet God used them to deliver His people from their oppressors. It was not a complete deliverance, but a partial one. In contrast, how does the Lord Jesus Christ offer a total and complete deliverance for His people and for you personally? If you have not had the privilege of such

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deliverance from your own sins, please talk to your leader about this freedom.  

Digging Deeper [optional for extra study]  

1. What feast do you think was being celebrated at Shiloh and what clues from the text helped you figure this out? Look up commentaries to help if needed. 

2. Verses 24-25 are written from a ‘looking back’ point of view. What period of Israelite history do you think they were written?  

 

Personal Application  

1. What characters in the book of Judges can you personally identify with and why?  

2. How has God used your flaws and brokenness as an instrument in His sovereign hands for His good purposes? 

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3. How does our society fit into the picture and times of the Judges? What about your values and standards?

4. Reflecting on the book of Judges, consider God’s mercy toward the Israelites, towards all sinners, even towards yourself. Are you different from anyone of the flawed men and women of Judges? How should His mercy cause you to respond to those who need your mercy? Are you currently serving in some kind of mercy ministry? If not, pray for the Lord to reveal this area of growth in you and for you to respond in faith.

Notes 

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Notes 

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