This month our Bible studies will progress from the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth into 1 Samuel. Broadly speaking, all these books focus on the period of the judges, since Moses was the first judge (Exodus 18), succeeded by Joshua. A line of judges followed Joshua’s death, with Samuel considered to be the last true judge since Saul eventually became the first king of Israel.
As we will see, the era of the judges in Israel was marked by constant struggle with the neighboring peoples. However, far from being obscure biblical stories, these accounts lay the historical foundation for much of the continued Middle East conflict in our own day. As you study this month’s lessons (taken from R. C. Sprout’s lectures and supplemented by material from other evangelical and Reformed scholars), strive to see the big picture of God working, even through sinful and fallen people, to bring glory to Himself. Consider how a life lived Coram Deo—before God and unto His glory—can make a difference in the providence of God.
monday
july