Highlights for the Week of January 19-25, 2015 Judges 1-4 PLEASE NOTE - The references below are taken from the 86-14 Index. Many verses have additional references that have not been included due to time & space. We are encouraged to do additional personal research. Jg 1:2,4 - *** w05 1/15 p. 24 par. 5 Highlights From the Book of Judges *** (Judges 1:2-4) 2 Jehovah replied: “Judah will go up. Look! I am giving the land into his hand.” 3 Then Judah said to his brother Simʹe·on: “Come up with me into my assigned territory to fight against the Caʹnaan·ites. Then I will go with you into your assigned territory.” So Simʹe·on went with him. 4 When Judah went up, Jehovah gave the Caʹnaan·ites and the Perʹiz·zites into their hands, and they defeated 10,000 men in Beʹzek. 1:2, 4—Why is Judah designated to be the first tribe to take possession of the land allotted to it? Normally, this privilege would go to the tribe of Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn. But in his deathbed prophecy, Jacob foretold that Reuben was not to excel, having forfeited his right as the firstborn. Simeon and Levi, who had acted with cruelty, were to be scattered in Israel. (Genesis 49:3-5, 7) Hence, the next in line was Judah, the fourth son of Jacob. Simeon, who went up with Judah, received small areas of land scattered throughout the large territory of Judah.— Joshua 19:9. Jerusalem, burning it with fire. (Joshua 15:63; Judges 1:8) Hundreds of years later, however, David is also recorded as conquering Jerusalem.—2 Samuel 5:5-9. 20 At first glance, all of this might appear confusing, but there are in reality no contradictions. In fact, the boundary between Benjamin’s inheritance and Judah’s ran along the Valley of Hinnom, right through the ancient city of Jerusalem. What later came to be called the City of David actually lay in the territory of Benjamin, just as Joshua 18:28 says. But it is likely that the Jebusite city of Jerusalem spilled across the Valley of Hinnom and thus overlapped into Judah’s territory, so that Judah, too, had to war against its Canaanite inhabitants. 21 Benjamin was unable to conquer the city. On one occasion, Judah did conquer Jerusalem and burn it. (Judges 1:8, 9) But Judah’s forces evidently moved on, and some of the original inhabitants regained possession of the city. Later, they formed a pocket of resistance that neither Judah nor Benjamin could remove. Thus, the Jebusites continued in Jerusalem until David conquered the city hundreds of years later. Jg 2:3 - *** si p. 47 par. 9 Bible Book Number 7—Judges (Judges 2:3) 3 That is why I also said, ‘I will not drive them away from before you, and they will ensnare you, and their gods will lure you away.’” 9 Jg 1:6,7 - *** w05 1/15 p. 24 par. 6 Highlights From the Book of Judges *** (Judges 1:6, 7) 6 When A·doʹni-beʹzek fled, they chased him and caught him and cut off his thumbs and his big toes. 7 Then A·doʹni-beʹzek said: “There are 70 kings whose thumbs and big toes were cut off and who are picking up food under my table. Just as I have done, so God has repaid me.” After that they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there. 1:6, 7—Why were the thumbs and the big toes of defeated kings cut off? A person who lost his thumbs and big toes apparently was incapacitated for military action. Without the thumbs, how could a soldier handle a sword or a spear? And the loss of the big toes would result in inability to maintain one’s balance properly. Jg 1:8 - *** gm chap. 7 pp. 95-96 pars. 19-21 Does the Bible Contradict Itself? *** (Judges 1:8) 8 Furthermore, the men of Judah fought against Jerusalem and captured it; they struck it with the sword and set the city on fire. 19 Sometimes, all that is needed to resolve apparent contradictions is to read the account carefully and reason on the information provided. This is the case when we consider the conquest of Jerusalem by the Israelites. Jerusalem was listed as part of the inheritance of Benjamin, but we read that Benjamin’s tribe was unable to conquer it. (Joshua 18:28; Judges 1:21) We also read that Judah was unable to conquer Jerusalem—as if it were part of that tribe’s inheritance. Eventually, Judah defeated Conditions in Israel at the time of the judges (1:1– 2:23). The tribes of Israel are described as they spread out to settle in their assigned territories. However, instead of completely driving out the Canaanites, they put many of them to forced labor, permitting them to dwell among the Israelites. Therefore Jehovah’s angel declares, “They must become snares to you, and their gods will serve as a lure to you.” (2:3) Thus, when a new generation arises that does not know Jehovah or his works, the people soon abandon him to serve the Baals and other gods. Because Jehovah’s hand is against them for calamity, they get “in very sore straits.” Because of their stubbornness and refusal to listen even to the judges, Jehovah does not drive out a single one of the nations he has left to test Israel. Jg 2:11 - *** si p. 50 par. 26 Bible Book Number 7— Judges *** (Judges 2:11) 11 So the Israelites did what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah and served the Baʹals. Judges is most beneficial in its forthright advocacy of Jehovah’s worship and its powerful warnings concerning the folly of demon religion, interfaith, and immoral associations. Jehovah’s severe condemnation of Baal worship should impel us to stand clear of the modern-day equivalents of materialism, nationalism, and sexual immorality.—2:11-18. Page 1 of 4 Highlights for the Week of January 19-25, 2015 Judges 1-4 Jg 2:16 - *** w86 6/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers *** 16 (Judges 2:16) So Jehovah would raise up judges who would save them from the hand of their plunderers. After Joshua’s death, Israel fell away from true worship and came to be afflicted by other peoples. Judges 2:16 says: “So Jehovah would raise up judges, and they would save them out of the hand of their pillagers.” Jehovah first raised up as a judge, or ‘savior,’ the man named Othniel. (Judges 3:9) After that came Ehud, Shamgar, Barak, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson. Aside from these 12, the Bible mentions Deborah, Eli, and Samuel in connection with judging. (Judges 4:4; 1 Samuel 4:16-18; 7:15, 16) However, Deborah is called first a prophetess, and she is linked with Judge Barak, who particularly took the lead in delivering the people from oppression. Jg 3:1,2 - *** it-1 p. 404 Canaan *** Judges 3:1, 2 states that Jehovah let some of the Canaanite nations stay “so as by them to test Israel, that is, all those who had not experienced any of the wars of Canaan; it was only in order for the generations of the sons of Israel to have the experience, so as to teach them war, that is, only those who before that had not experienced such things.” This does not contradict the earlier statement (Jg 2:20-22) that Jehovah allowed these nations to remain because of Israel’s unfaithfulness and in order to “test Israel, whether they will be keepers of Jehovah’s way.” Rather, it harmonizes with that reason and shows that later generations of Israelites would thereby be faced with the opportunity to demonstrate obedience to God’s commands concerning the Canaanites, putting their faith to the test to the point of endangering their lives in war in order to prove obedient. Jg 3:13 - *** w97 3/15 p. 29 Ehud—A Man of Faith and Courage *** (Judges 3:13) 13 Furthermore, he brought against them the Amʹmon·ites and the A·malʹek·ites. They attacked Israel and captured the city of palm trees. With the help of Ammon and Amalek, Eglon attacked Israel and set up his palace in Jericho, “the city of palm trees.” How ironic that the first Canaanite city to be conquered by Israel now housed the headquarters of one who worshiped the false god Chemosh!—Judges 3:12, 13, 17. Whether he had ever performed that duty before is not stated. However, the way that Ehud carefully prepared for the meeting and the tactics he used suggest that he may have had a certain familiarity with Eglon’s palace and what he could expect there. In all of this, his being left-handed was significant. A Disabled Man or a Warrior? Literally, the term “left-handed” means ‘shut, lamed, or bound in the right hand.’ Does this mean that Ehud was disabled, perhaps with a deformed right hand? Consider what the Bible says about the left-handed “seven hundred chosen men” out of the tribe of Benjamin. “Every one of these was a slinger of stones to a hairbreadth and would not miss,” states Judges 20:16. Very likely they were selected for their prowess in battle. According to some Bible scholars, “left-handed” denotes one “who used the left hand as well as the right,” that is, an ambidextrous person.—Judges 3:15, The Douay Version. The tribe of Benjamin, in fact, was renowned for its lefthanded men. First Chronicles 12:1, 2 tells of Benjamite “mighty men, the helpers in the warfare, armed with the bow, using the right hand and using the left hand with stones or with arrows in the bow.” This ability could have been achieved, says one reference work, “by binding the right arms of young children—hence ‘bound as to his right hand’—and inculcating dexterity with the left.” Israel’s foes would normally be trained to meet right-handed warriors. Hence, much of an enemy’s training could be nullified if he unexpectedly met a left-handed soldier. Jg 3:16,17 - *** w04 3/15 p. 30 Ehud Breaks the Oppressor’s Yoke *** (Judges 3:16, 17) 16 Meanwhile, Eʹhud made for himself a two-edged sword, a cubit long, and he strapped it underneath his garment on his right thigh. 17 He then presented the tribute to Egʹlon the king of Moʹab. Now Egʹlon was a very fat man. Ehud’s first step was to prepare “a sword for himself”— a doubled-edged sword that was short enough to be concealed under his clothes. He may have expected to be searched. Swords were normally worn on the left side of the body, where right-handers could quickly draw them. Being left-handed, Ehud hid his weapon “underneath his garment upon his right thigh,” where the king’s guards were less likely to search. Without hindrance, therefore, “he proceeded to present the tribute to Eglon the king of Moab.”—Judges 3:16, 17. Jg 3:15 - *** w04 3/15 pp. 29-30 Ehud Breaks the Oppressor’s Yoke *** The record states: “The sons of Israel began to call to Jehovah for aid. So Jehovah raised up for them a savior, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a left-handed man. In time the sons of Israel sent tribute by his hand to Eglon the king of Moab.” (Judges 3:15) Jehovah must have made certain that Ehud was selected to present the tribute. Page 2 of 4 Highlights for the Week of January 19-25, 2015 Judges 1-4 Jg 3:18 - *** w04 3/15 p. 30 Ehud Breaks the Jg 4:4 - *** w86 6/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers *** Oppressor’s Yoke *** (Judges 4:4) 4 Now Debʹo·rah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapʹpi·doth, was judging Israel at that time. The details of the initial events in Eglon’s court are not provided. The Bible simply says: “It came about that when [Ehud] had finished presenting the tribute, he at once sent the people away, the bearers of the tribute.” (Judges 3:18) Ehud presented the tribute, accompanied the bearers of the tribute to a safe distance from Eglon’s residence, and returned after dismissing them. Why? Did he have those men with him for protection, because of mere protocol, or perhaps simply as porters for the tribute? And did he want them out of the way for safety before carrying out his plan? Whatever his thinking was, Ehud bravely retraced his steps alone. Jg 3:19 - *** w04 3/15 p. 30 Ehud Breaks the Oppressor’s Yoke *** “[Ehud] turned back at the quarries that were at Gilgal, and he proceeded to say: ‘I have a secret word for you, O king.’” How he managed to regain entry to Eglon’s presence is not explained in the Scriptures. Should not the guards have been suspicious? Did they think that a single Israelite presented no threat to their lord? Did Ehud’s coming alone create the impression that he was betraying his countrymen? Whatever the case, Ehud sought a private audience with the king, and he got it.—Judges 3:19. Jg 3:20 - *** w04 3/15 p. 30 Ehud Breaks the Oppressor’s Yoke *** The inspired account continues: “Ehud came to [Eglon] as he was sitting in his cool roof chamber that he had to himself. And Ehud went on to say: ‘A word of God I have for you.’” Ehud was not referring to a verbal message from God. What Ehud had in mind was using his sword. Perhaps expecting to hear some message from his god Chemosh, the king “rose up from his throne.” Jg 3:21 - *** w05 1/15 p. 26 par. 3 Highlights From the Book of Judges *** (Judges 3:21) 21 Then Eʹhud drew the sword from his right thigh with his left hand and plunged it into his belly. Jehovah first raised up as a judge, or ‘savior,’ the man named Othniel. (Judges 3:9) After that came Ehud, Shamgar, Barak, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson. Aside from these 12, the Bible mentions Deborah, Eli, and Samuel in connection with judging. (Judges 4:4; 1 Samuel 4:16-18; 7:15, 16) However, Deborah is called first a prophetess, and she is linked with Judge Barak, who particularly took the lead in delivering the people from oppression. Similarly, Eli was principally a high priest, not a ‘savior’ who led Israel to freedom through battle. (Nehemiah 9:27) Hence, while Deborah and Eli had a role in judging Israel, there is reason not to list them with the 12 men who clearly and primarily were especially ‘raised up’ as judges. Jg 4:8 - *** w05 1/15 p. 25 par. 4 Highlights From the Book of Judges *** (Judges 4:8) 8 At this Baʹrak said to her: “If you go with me, I will go, but if you do not go with me, I will not go.” 4:8—Why did Barak insist that the prophetess Deborah go with him to the battlefield? Evidently, Barak felt inadequate to go up against Sisera’s army by himself. Having the prophetess with him would reassure him and his men that they had God’s guidance and would give them confidence. Barak’s insistence that Deborah accompany him, then, was not a sign of weakness but of strong faith. Jg 4:9 - *** w03 11/15 p. 29 Through Faith, Barak Routed a Mighty Army *** And what can be said of Deborah’s attitude? She did not attempt to take over. Rather, she remained a modest servant of Jehovah. “Without fail I shall go with you,” she told Barak. (Judges 4:9) She was willing to leave home—a place of greater security—to join Barak for the impending battle. Deborah too exemplifies faith and courage. 3:21. Ehud wielded his sword proficiently and with courage. We must acquire skill in using “the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word.” This means that we must use the Scriptures courageously in our ministry.—Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 2:15. Jg 3:20-22 - *** w04 3/15 p. 30 Ehud Breaks the Oppressor’s Yoke *** The sword apparently had no crosspiece. Hence, “the handle kept going in also after the blade so that the fat closed in over the blade, . . . and the fecal matter began to come out,” either through the wound or because of an involuntary discharge from Eglon’s bowels.—Judges 3:2022. Page 3 of 4 Highlights for the Week of January 19-25, 2015 Judges 1-4 Jg 4:13 - *** w90 5/1 pp. 16-17 On From Tabor to Jg 4:14 - *** w98 12/15 p. 12 par. 9 Salvation Belongs to Victory! *** (Judges 4:13) 13 At once Sisʹe·ra assembled all his war chariots—900 chariots with iron scythes—and all the troops that were with him from Ha·roʹsheth of the nations to go to the stream of Kiʹshon. Jehovah *** (Judges 4:14) 14 Debʹo·rah now said to Baʹrak: “Rise up, for this is the day that Jehovah will give Sisʹe·ra into your hand. Is Jehovah not going out before you?” And Baʹrak descended from Mount Taʹbor with 10,000 men following him. An awesome military machine came against them. Jabin’s general Sisera brought heavily armed Canaanite warriors to the Valley of Jezreel. They must have looked somewhat like the armed men shown in the wall carving from Egypt illustrated on the next page, top right. The war equipment of Egypt influenced that used in Canaan, including the most terrifying part of Sisera’s weaponry— 900 war chariots! But a torrential downpour swells the Kishon with overwhelming floodwaters. As Barak and his men march down Mount Tabor under cover of the storm, they witness the havoc wrought by Jehovah’s unleashed fury. Barak’s men pick off the terrified, fleeing Canaanites, and none escape. What a warning for our oppressors who presume to fight against God!—Judges 4:3-16; 5:19-22. Those Canaanite chariots would have been veritable mobile firing platforms. The driver might have wrapped the reins around his waist so that his hands were free for handling weapons. Or he might have concentrated on his charging horses while a companion employed the weaponry. The chariots had iron scythes extending from the wheel hubs. To Barak’s men looking down from Tabor, the massed chariots must have seemed frighteningly unstoppable, invincible. Yet, Jehovah had promised Barak: “I shall certainly draw to you at the torrent valley of Kishon Sisera . . . and his war chariots and his crowd.” At the right moment, the valiant Israelites poured down the side of Tabor.—Judges 4:1-14. Of more value than the mere advantage of surprise was the help Israel received from their powerful God in heaven. Deborah later sang: “From heaven did the stars fight, from their orbits they fought against Sisera. The torrent of Kishon washed them away . . . You went treading down strength, O my soul.” (Judges 5:20, 21) Yes, though the lightly equipped but courageous Israelites put the armed Canaanites to flight, God determined the real outcome. He caused a sudden overwhelming torrent in the dry riverbed, immobilizing the frightful chariots. Below you see part of the river Kishon. In the rainy season, it can overflow its banks and turn the area into a marsh. Picture the Canaanite war chariots trying to escape through such mud. The raging waters carried off some fleeing soldiers or chariots, or both. Israel’s victory even overtook General Sisera, who had abandoned his chariot, escaping on foot from the scene of battle. Page 4 of 4
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