A long time ago, after Moses and Joshua had led the people of Israel into the Promised Land, the Israelites started living in their new homes. But something sad began to happen. The people forgot about God and began doing things He told them not to do. They worshiped false gods and didn’t follow His commandments.
Because of this, trouble came to the Israelites. Different enemies attacked them, and the people found themselves in danger. But every time they were in trouble, they would cry out to God for help. And God, being loving and merciful, heard their cries and sent special leaders called judges to save them.
Each judge was like a hero, chosen by God to help rescue the Israelites from their enemies and lead them back to God. Let’s hear about some of these amazing judges:
1. Deborah – The Brave Woman Deborah was a wise woman and a prophet. God chose her to lead the people and give them His messages. At that time, the Israelites were being attacked by a powerful enemy. Deborah trusted in God’s plan and led the Israelites into battle. With her courage and faith in God, they won the victory! Deborah reminds us that God can use anyone, even women and men together, to bring about His plans.
2. Gideon – The Man Who Trusted God Gideon was just a regular man, but God called him to be a judge to save Israel from the Midianites, a terrible enemy. Gideon didn’t think he was strong or brave enough, but God told him, “I will be with you.” With just a small army and God’s help, Gideon defeated the enemy. Gideon’s story teaches us that we don’t have to be the strongest or the most powerful—God is with us, and that’s what matters.
3. Samson – The Strong Man Samson was a judge with incredible strength, given to him by God. He had long hair, and as long as he didn’t cut it, he kept his strength. Samson was supposed to save the Israelites from the Philistines, but sometimes Samson didn’t follow God’s rules. Even though Samson made mistakes, God still used him to defeat the Philistines. In the end, Samson called on God one last time, and God gave him the strength to save the Israelites. Samson’s story shows us that God can use us, even when we mess up, if we turn back to Him.
4. Ehud – The Sneaky Hero The Israelites were in big trouble from a wicked king who ruled over them. God sent a man named Ehud to save them. Ehud was left-handed, and this helped him sneak into the king’s palace and defeat the evil king in a surprising way. Because of Ehud, the Israelites were free again! His story shows us that God can use our differences to do special things.
Key Lessons from Judges:
- God loves His people, even when they forget Him. He always listens when we call out to Him.
- God can use anyone to do great things, no matter how weak or small they might feel. Like Gideon, we can trust that God will be with us.
- We should be brave and trust God, just like Deborah and the other judges did.
- God forgives us when we make mistakes, just like He forgave Samson. He still has a plan for us when we turn back to Him.
The Book of Judges teaches us that even though the Israelites made mistakes over and over again, God never stopped loving them. He sent heroes to save them, and just like that, God sends us help in our lives. He is always ready to forgive and guide us when we follow Him.
