Extraordinary Judges: Not Without Intermission
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The period of the Judges in Israel's history is marked by a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. This era, spanning from the death of Joshua to the establishment of the monarchy, is characterized by the leadership of judges—charismatic leaders raised by God to deliver Israel from its oppressors. The term "Extraordinary Judges" refers to those judges who, through divine empowerment, performed remarkable acts of deliverance and leadership, often in the face of overwhelming odds.

Biblical Context

The Book of Judges, primarily covering this period, illustrates the recurring cycle of Israel's disobedience and God's faithfulness. Judges 2:16-19 summarizes this cycle: "Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of these raiders. Yet they would not listen to their judges, but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. They quickly turned from the ways of their fathers, who had walked in obedience to the LORD’s commands. Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for them, He was with the judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them."

Key Figures

1. Othniel: The first judge, Othniel, delivered Israel from the oppression of King Cushan-Rishathaim of Aram. His leadership brought peace to the land for forty years (Judges 3:9-11).

2. Ehud: Known for his cunning and bravery, Ehud delivered Israel from Eglon, the Moabite king. His left-handed assassination of Eglon led to eighty years of peace (Judges 3:15-30).

3. Deborah: A prophetess and the only female judge, Deborah, alongside Barak, led Israel to victory against the Canaanite commander Sisera. Her leadership is celebrated in the Song of Deborah (Judges 4-5).

4. Gideon: Called by God while threshing wheat in a winepress, Gideon led a small army of 300 men to defeat the Midianites. His account emphasizes faith and obedience to God's unconventional strategies (Judges 6-8).

5. Jephthah: Known for his vow, Jephthah delivered Israel from the Ammonites. Despite his controversial vow, his leadership is noted for its effectiveness in securing peace (Judges 11).

6. Samson: Perhaps the most famous judge, Samson's feats of strength against the Philistines are legendary. Despite personal failings, his final act of pulling down the temple of Dagon resulted in a significant victory for Israel (Judges 13-16).

Theological Significance

The extraordinary judges serve as instruments of God's deliverance, highlighting His sovereignty and mercy. Despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, God remains committed to His covenant, raising leaders to guide and protect His people. The judges' accounts underscore the importance of faith, obedience, and reliance on divine power rather than human strength.

Intermission and Continuity

While the judges brought periods of peace, these were not without intermission. The cycle of sin and deliverance continued, pointing to the need for a more permanent solution—a king who would lead with righteousness and justice. This anticipation sets the stage for the eventual rise of the monarchy under Saul and David, as Israel seeks stability and continuity in leadership.

The narrative of the judges, therefore, serves as a testament to God's enduring faithfulness and the need for a savior who would ultimately fulfill the law and establish an everlasting kingdom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Judges 17:6
In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 18:1
In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for to that day all their inheritance had not fallen to them among the tribes of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 19:1
And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 21:25
In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

V. ...
... is a judge who respects none, but judges one like ... is indeed a wonderful birth, and
of extraordinary seed."Now ... swallow the wine, although I do not thrust the ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v .htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... death, and soldiers who kill men by thousands without the slightest ... been instilled
into them that they are not simply men, but jurors, judges, generals, and ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... in the river; they rinsed, starched, smoothed, and pleated it without intermission
to supply ... approached to the dignity of the priesthood; for was not the uraeus ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Letter cvii. To Laeta.
... Life of Hilarion 20) Jerome relates an extraordinary story about ... [2670] A well-known
Thracian tribe not to be ... [2672] The books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cvii to laeta.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... wall was called Salvation (Isa.26:1). Up this way, therefore, did burdened Christian
run, but not without great difficulty, because of the load on his back.[49 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Resources
Who were Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the story of the Levite and his concubine? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Extraordinary Judges: During Four Hundred and Fifty Years

Extraordinary Judges: Israel not Permanently or Spiritually Benefitted By

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Abdon

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Abimelech

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Deborah

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Ehud

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Eli

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Elon

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Gideon

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Ibzan

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Jair

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Jephthah

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Othniel

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Samson

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Samuel

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Shamgar

Extraordinary Judges: Names of Tola

Extraordinary Judges: Not Without Intermission

Extraordinary Judges: Raised up to Deliver Israel

Extraordinary Judges: Remarkable for Their Faith

Extraordinary Judges: The office of, not Always for Life, or Hereditary

Extraordinary Judges: Upheld and Strengthened by God

Judges

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Extraordinary Judges: Names of Tola
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