College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Judges 3 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 3
A list of the remaining Canaanites. Chapter three opens with a listing of the groups of the Canaanites left in the land. Special notice is made of the five lords of the Philistines, since these were the perennial enemies of Israel. Notice is also made of the Sidonians who lived at the north boundary of the land, as well as the Hivites who centered around the Lebanon mountains. Throughout the land were scattered the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. These were the pagan peoples among whom the Israelites made marriages and whose gods they served.
The career of Othniel. The first judge was a man from the tribe of Judah. His career is summarized in these verses. Notice is made of the enemy who oppressed Israel prior to his time and from whom he brought deliverance for his people. His era is described as extending over a forty-year period.
The careers of Ehud and Shamgar. All but one of the verses describe the career of Ehud. The last verse of this section is devoted to the mention of Shamgar, who came after Ehud. Such a notice makes it clear that Shamgar and Ehud did not serve contemporaneously. Shamgar succeeded Ehud, and it seems that such was the case with most of the other judges.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
They shall learn war no more. Isaiah foresaw the day when the nations would not learn war any more (Isaiah 2:4). In the days of the judges of Israel, the people were at war rather constantly. They were unfaithful to the Lord and brought distress upon themselves. Their enemies overpowered them and their foes beset them. In the depths of their needs, judges were raised up from among them to deliver them, but their lot was one of constant tension. In the United States of America, it seems that every generation has had to suffer through some major conflictWorld War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the war in Viet Nam have followed one another in close succession. It is little wonder that people long for the time when nations shall not lift up sword against nation (Isaiah 2:4 a).
2.
History teaches a lesson. A wit has said that the only thing people learn from history is that they don-'t learn anything from history. He meant to imply that people did not profit by the examples of others who went before them. If people did profit from the experiences of their predecessors, they would see how the people of Israel brought distress upon themselves, and how they were blessed when they turned to the Lord. Othniel delivered the people from their enemies, and the land had rest, but then they turned back into sin, Ehud delivered them and gave them some sense of direction; but once again they were wayward, Eglon, king of Moab, oppressed them. Shamgar delivered them from the Philistines, but they still failed to see that their own iniquities were bringing distress upon them. If they had learned anything from history, they would have learned to walk with the Lord. If men today learned from history, they would live righteous lives.
3.
All is not fair in war. Ehud was a champion, and led his people against Eglon, the king of Moab. He does not warrant as much consideration as some of the other judges, however; and perhaps one reason is that his deliverance was largely wrought through deception. Deborah, for example, is much more widely known and respected for the leadership which she gave to Israel. Even Samson, with all his weakness, has found a larger place in the consideration of Bible students. Ehud's example would be much stronger if he had not won by deception.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 3
1.
How many lords led the Philistines?
2.
Where did the Hivites dwell?
3.
Who was the oppressor of Israel in the days of the first judge?
4.
Who was the first judge?
5.
Of what tribe was he a member?
6.
Who was the second judge of Israel?
7.
What king oppressed Israel in his day?
8.
Of what country was he the ruler?
9.
Who was the third judge?
10.
Who were the oppressors in his day?