A Faithful God for a Faithless People

Judges is the “Wild West” of the Old Testament, filled with stories of violence, deceit, betrayal, abuse, and vigilante justice. How can we possibly be edified by this book? How can we read it well?

The story of Gideon is often used to teach children about humility, faith, and courage, but the truth is that Gideon is flawed: a poor role model who seems to bring as much harm as good to the people of Israel. Gideon’s story shows us the relationship between idolatry and power.

Jephthah committed an atrocity, making a blood sacrifice of his own daughter, and retelling this tragic story from Judges reveals how a flawed view of the world may result in terrible consequences.

Samson’s story caps this series of flawed and tragic heroes in Judges. Though the model of a born leader, Samson scorns his calling and seeks nothing more than his own gratification. God remains faithful, despite Samson’s failings, as we learn the difference between deliverer we want and the deliverer we need.