Calvary Chapel Sydney

Synopsis: The period of the Judges began with everyone doing what was right in their own eyes without a king, and the book concludes in the same way. The Israelites were more concerned to keep their word than to obey God's word, to avoid their own curses than to do what brought blessing. Their self-inflicted wounds provide opportunity for wise self-reflection: are we those who do what is right in our own eyes or will we submit to our King Jesus to live for Him? Verses in order of appearance: Judges 21:1-3 Ephesians 4:26-27 Judges 21:4-5 Judges 21:6-9 Judges 21:10-14 Matthew 15:7-9 Matthew 27:6-8 Romans 2:21-23 Judges 21:15-18 Deuteronomy 27:26 Judges 21:19-22 1 Corinthians 6:7 1 Peter 4:8 Ephesians 4:31-32 Judges 21:23-25 Proverbs 3:5-6 Verses mentioned but not displayed: 1 Samuel 11 1 Peter 3:17

After suffering painful defeats, humbled tribes of Israel were led by God to go up to battle a third time against the Benjamites. When the self-confident Benjamites saw the smoke of Gibeah rising up, they panicked knowing disaster had come upon them. God has graciously provided an opportunity for all people to place renewed confidence in God rather than ourselves or our previous success. Verses in order of appearance: Proverbs16:18 Judges 20:29-31 Judges 20:32-35 Judges 20:36-40 Deuteronomy 20:3-4 James 4:13-17 Judges 20:41-45 Judges 20:42 NIV Numbers 14:8-9 Judges 20:46-48 Romans 1:32 Malachi 4:1-3 Isaiah 61:3 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Joshua 8 Proverbs 7 Proverbs 24:17-18 Isaiah 47:10 Amos 1-2

After hearing the testimony of the Levite whose wife had been murdered, all Israel united to avenge her death by executing the men of Gibeah they held responsible. When the Benjamites refused to listen, it quickly escalated into a civil war that resulted in many deaths. Israel sought the LORD desperately, and God gave encouragement of victory. Verses in order of appearance: Ecclesiastes 8:11 Judges 20:1-3 Judges 20:4-7 Deuteronomy 13:17-18 Judges 20:8-10 Proverbs 18:17 James 1:19-20 Judges 20:11-13 Matthew 18:15 Judges 20:14-17 Proverbs 15:1 Judges 20:18-21 Judges 20:22-25 Judges 20:26-28 Ecclesiastes 8:12

Synopsis: In a dark season of Israel's history, a wayfaring Levite and his concubine were involved in one of the most infamous and sobering incidents that demonstrate the horrors of sin that bring death. Idolatry led to a steep decline of morality. The Light of the World Jesus Christ has shone in a world darkened with sin and provides hope of forgiveness, healing and salvation the Law of Moses never could. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 19:1-3 Hosea 2:14 Judges 19:4-10 Judges 19:11-15 Judges 19:16-21 Matthew 25:34-36 Judges 19:22-26 Leviticus 18:22 Titus 3:3 Judges 19:27-30 Hosea 9:9 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Isaiah 59:16 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Deuteronomy 22:24 Romans 1

In days when people in Israel did what was right in their own eyes, the tribe of Dan made a move to establish an inheritance for themselves in the north. On the way to Laish the men of Dan thought they should plunder the shrine of Micah and entrenched idolatry in Israel. Only when we consider God and His word can we rightly determine what we should do. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 18:8-11 Psalm 118:5-9 Judges 18:12-16 Deuteronomy 13:6-11 1 Corinthians 5:11 Judges 18:17-21 Luke 16:10 Hosea 4:9 Judges 18:22-26 Isaiah 2:19-21 Judges 18:27-31 1 Kings 12:28-31 2 Kings 5:13 Isaiah 1:18

Synopsis: In the book of Judges everyone did what was right in their own eyes, and a man named Micah and his mother are examples of spiritually ignorant and misguided people who drifted from obedience to God. A drifter Levite and the tribe of Dan were not content with their calling and inheritance, and they provide cause for careful self examination for people today--because we can be just like them. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 17:1-3 Deuteronomy 27:26 James 3:10 Deuteronomy 4:23-26 Judges 17:4-6 Picture of the ephod in the Temple Institute Deuteronomy 17:18-20 Judges 17:7-10 Numbers 8:19 Judges 17:11-13 Micah 6:8 Judges 18:1-2 Map from Thompson Chain Bible Judges 18:3-6 Isaiah 57:19-21 Judges 18:7 Romans 15:2-4 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Ezekiel 16 Judges 1:34 Joshua 19:47 Romans 5:1

After Samson was made weak as other men, he was hauled before the Philistines rulers and people for their amusement in the temple of Dagon. Though he lacked eyes to see, by faith he looked to the God of Israel for strength who answered his prayer and brought down the temple of Dagon upon the Philistines and himself. By God's grace, Samson fulfilled God's purpose for his life by faith in Him. Verses in order of appearance: Isaiah 45:22 Judges 16:23-24 Psalm 68:20 2 Samuel 12:14 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 Titus 3:8 Judges 16:25-27 Matthew 26:67-68 Matthew 27:29-31 Proverbs 12:18 Psalm 55:21 Judges 16:28 Matthew 5:43 John 1:16-17 Matthew 5:44 Judges 16:29-30 John 11:20-24 John 11:32 John 11:41-46 Judges 16:31 Isaiah 45:22

Synopsis: Samson loved a woman named Delilah and did not see the harm or potential danger in their relationship. After divulging what would make him weak as anyone else, Samson wrongly assumed he would be able to shake himself free because God's Spirit left him. Observing Samson's life is like looking in a mirror at ourselves and prompts us to examine our own hearts in truth. Verses in order of appearance: Galatians 6:1 Judges 16:1-3 Map to highlight Samson's journey Judges 16:4-6 Ephesians 4:25-29 Judges 16:7-9 Judges 16:10-12 Judges 16:13-15 Romans 2:1-3 Luke 16:13-15 Judges 16:16-19 Judges 16:20-22 Psalm 51:10-12 1 John 1:9 Romans 13:10-14 James 4:8-10 Verses mentioned but not displayed: 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 2 Chronicles 16:9

A family squabble turned into an occasion for God to begin to deliver Israel from the oppressive rule of the Philistines when Samson sought revenge. The perpetual, destructive cycle of avenging ourselves has been broken by Jesus Christ who delivers those who trust Him from all afflictions. God reminds us to feed on His faithfulness, for in Him we rest for our souls. Verses in order of appearance: Matthew 7:12 Judges 15:1-2 Judges 15:3-5 Judges 15:6-8 Proverbs 10:12 Psalm 37:1-3 Deuteronomy 32:41-42 Judges 15:9-11 Judges 15:12-17 Picture of jawbone (quijada) Jeremiah 51:20 Judges 15:18-20 Genesis 45:25-28 John 7:37-39 Psalm 34:17-20 John 19:35-37 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Genesis 38 1 Corinthians 6

Synopsis: By the Spirit of the LORD, God moved Samson to begin to deliver His people from the oppression of the Philistines. An arranged marriage between Samson and woman of Timnah began a conflict that escalated quickly between Samson and the Philistines. Though born sinners, Christians are to be moved by the Holy Spirit to keep from sin and walk in obedience to Him. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 14:1-4 Deuteronomy 7:3-4 Proverbs 21:1 Judges 14:5-7 Proverbs 18:1 1 Peter 5:8-9 Judge 14:8-9 Numbers 6:6-7 Judges 14:10-14 Judges 14:15-17 Psalm 106:13-15 Judges 14:18-20 Luke 4:17-21 John 16:12-13 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Judges 13:25 Deuteronomy 7:1-4 Exodus 24:12-16 James 4:7 Leviticus 11:38 Hebrews 11:32 1 John 1:9

After God gave the children of Israel into the hand of the Philistines for 40 years for their sin, He planned to deliver them with a child yet to be born. Rather than seeking to destroy people, God works to redeem them and draw them to Himself by His grace. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 13:1-5 Map of Dan from Thompson Chain Reference Bible Genesis 49:16 Numbers 6:14-15 Judges 13:6-8 Judges 13:9-14 Psalm 102:17 Luke 1:38 John 21:21-22 Judges 13:15-20 Genesis 32:29 Exodus 15:11 Isaiah 25:1 Isaiah 9:6 Psalm 72:18-19 Judges 13:21-23 Exodus 33:18-20 Deuteronomy 29:29 Judges 13:24-25 Jeremiah 1:4-7 John 17:24 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Joshua 15:33 Joshua 19:40 Numbers 6:1-21 2 Peter 1:21

Synopsis. After Jephthah defeated the Ammonites, men of Ephraim came and threatened to burn his house down on him because they felt slighted. The war of words between the Ephraimites, Jephthah and the men of Gilead resulted in great bloodshed between brethren that is a grave warning to Christians of the destructive power of the tongue. Because Jesus is our peace, we can live and speak peaceably even when others are for war. Verses in order of appearance: Leviticus 6:13 James 3:6 Judges 12:1 Judges 8:1 Proverbs 15:1-2 Judges 12:2-3 Acts 15:36-40 Proverbs 18:19 Judges 12:4-6 2 Samuel 2:14-16 Proverbs 26:18-20 Acts 4:13 Judges 12:7-10 Hebrews 11:39-40 Hebrews 11:13-16 Judges 12:11-15 Deuteronomy 12:17-18 Judges 2:20-22 Proverbs 28:2 Psalm 120:1-7 Hebrews 12:3 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Romans 12:18 Judges 12:4-6 Luke 4:22

Jephthah sought a diplomatic solution to the Ammonite invasion, but the king of the Ammonites refused to listen. After Jephthah made a vow to the LORD, God helped him to rout the Ammonites and return home in peace. To keep his word Jephthah (together with his daughter) paid an unthinkable price that points toward the sacrifice God freely provided by sending His only begotten Son as a promised sacrifice for sinners. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 11:12-13 Judges 11:14-22 Map "Bible Map Jephthah" from Thompson Chain Reference Bible Deuteronomy 2:37 Numbers 21:24-25 Deuteronomy 2:24 Judges 11:23-27 Numbers 23:22-24 Judges 11:28-31 Numbers 21:2-3 Leviticus 27:28-29 Judges 11:32-35 Map "Jephthah Ammon Dispute" Numbers 30:1-2 Ecclesiastes 5:2-5 Judges 11:36-38 Judges 11:39-40 Isaiah 53:10-11 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Numbers 20:14-21 1 Samuel 28:24 Leviticus 18:21 Deuteronomy 12:31 1 Samuel 14 1 Samuel 25:22 Hebrews 11:32-34

Synopsis: God raised up Tola and Jair as judges over Israel, and 18 years of oppression by enemies followed due to the idolatry of God's people. When they cried out to God He refused to deliver them, and the people accepted God's punishment for their sin and turned to God in truth. Though innocent of wrongdoing, Jesus accepted punishment for the sins of the world to abolish death and bring life to light through the Gospel. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 10:1-5 Judges 10:6-9 Judges 10:10-14 Judges 10:15-18 Leviticus 26:40-42 2 Corinthians 7:10 Judges 11:1-3 Judges 11:4-8 Judges 11:9-11 Mark 6:26 John 15:25 Luke 23:40-41 2 Timothy 1:8-10 Psalm 103:10-12 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Genesis 6:5 Genesis 31:44-53

2025-05-25 Ben Grisez Judges 9,22 - 9,57 Playing With Fire by Calvary Chapel Sydney

Synopsis: After the death of Gideon, the children of Israel did not remember the LORD and plunged back into idolatry. This departure from God led to Abimelech's murderous scheme to kill his brothers and rule over Shechem. Jotham, Gideon's youngest son, escaped and pronounced a curse God would bring to pass in due time. Remembering Jesus is what God's people are called to do. Verses in order of appearance: Lamentations 3:19-20 (NIV) Lamentations 3:21-23 (NIV) Judges 8:29-32 Exodus 21:10-11 Judges 8:33-35 2 Chronicles 24:17-18 Judges 9:1-3 Joshua 24:26-27 Judges 9:4-6 Judges 9:7-13 PIC of Mt. Gerizim from HolyLandPhotos.org Proverbs 28:9 Judges 9:14-15 Proverbs 6:27 Judges 9:16-21 Proverbs 26:2 Galatians 3:13-14 Romans 12:14-19 Psalm 103:1-5 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Judges 8:23 Leviticus 18:18 Deuteronomy 17:17 Deuteronomy 21:15-17 Genesis 34 Joshua 8 Deuteronomy 11:29 Deuteronomy 27:12-26

After the LORD God delivered the Midianites into the hand of Gideon and his 300 men promised, Gideon's story was not over as new conflicts arose. Not only did he need to contend with Midianite warriors and kings, but he faced conflict with the tribe of Ephraim, cities and elders. Victory brought new temptations into Gideon's life, and it is wise for us to apply these lessons to our lives today. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 7:24-25 Judges 8:1-3 Proverbs15:1 Judges 8:4-9 Judges 8:10-12 Judges 18:27 Judges 8:13-17 Proverbs 29:15 Judges 8:18-23 Numbers 35:19 Deuteronomy 13:4 John 5:14 Judges 8:24-28 Psalm 83:9-18 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Judges 7:23 Hebrews 5:8 1 Timothy 6:10 Hebrews 11:32

Synopsis: Thousands of men gathered to Gideon, and God revealed they were too many--lest they credit themselves! God reduced the fighting force to 300 men who followed Gideon's lead with unorthodox tactics to prove beyond a doubt God delivered Midian into Gideon's hand. Because of Christ in us, Christians can be bold to trust and obey like Gideon be brokens vessels through whom His glory shines. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 7:1-3 Deuteronomy 20:3-4 Deuteronomy 20:8-9 Judges 7:4-7 Judges 7:8-11 Psalm 23:4 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 Psalm 56:3 Psalm 56:11 Judges 7:12-15 Judges 7:16-18 Judges 7:19-23 (Slide of Picture Bible) Proverbs 28:1 2 Corinthians 4:5-7 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Judges 8:10 Ephesians 6 Ephesians 6:17 Hebrews 4:12

After the LORD called Gideon to deliver Israel from their oppressors, he obeyed God to destroy his father's altar to Baal, build an altar to God, and sacrifice his father's bull on the altar using an image as fuel. Gideon obeyed God and the Holy Spirit came upon him to muster God's people to battle. God confirmed His word with signs, and this ought to encourage us to obey Him! Verses in order of appearance: Judges 6:24 Judges 6:25-26 Deuteronomy 12:2-3 Judges 6:27-29 Luke 16:10 Judges 6:30-32 Jude 1:3 Judges 6:33-35 Acts 5:31-32 Judges 6:36-40 Isaiah 7:14 2 Kings 7:2 Luke 1:18-20 Jeremiah 33:1-3 1 Thessalonians 5:14-21 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Judges 3:7 Exodus 20:24 Deuteronomy 13:6-10 1 Samuel 5 Zechariah 4:6 Luke 24:49 Hebrews 11

Synopsis: After Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples in person. Jesus did many signs before and after His death and resurrection so we might believe He is the Son of God and have life in His name. Praise God for peace with God through Christ Jesus! Verses in order of appearance: Luke 24:1-4 Luke 24:5-8 Matthew 12:39-40 John 20:19-20 John 14:27 John 20:21-23 Luke 24:45-48 John 20:24-25 John 20:26-29 Hebrews 13:5 John 20:30-31 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Matthew 27:63 Mark 8:31 Mark 9:31 Mark 10:34