Samuel is in a way the last of the judges. Though not listed in the book of judges, he is the final ruler in Israel before the time of the kings. Yet he is unique among the judges for a number of reasons. First, he is not raised to battle a foreign invader. Samuel is […]
The story of Ruth is a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Jewish people in the time of the judges. Through this book, we are introduced to the Kinsman-Redeemer, a title that has immediate impact on us who follow Jesus Christ. Ruth, honorably giving up her livelihood and possibly even her life out of […]
As the sin cycle of the book of Judges ends, a new phrase takes prominence in the narrative, “In those days, Israel had no king.” It began in yesterday’s reading but continues today. Not only did they have no king, they also had no judge, and in fact no enemies from whom they needed saving. […]
The story of Samson is the story of lost possibility. Unlike any other person in history, Samson was a Nazarite from birth. Normally, when someone wanted to make a life vow to God, they would proclaim themselves a Nazarite and this would bind them by three things: they would not touch a dead animal, they […]
The story of Samson is the story of lost possibility. Unlike any other person in history, Samson was a Nazarite from birth. Normally, when someone wanted to make a life vow to God, they would proclaim themselves a Nazarite and this would bind them by three things: they would not touch a dead animal, they […]