The Watchtower society's Commentary on the Book of Judges

A reproduction of the Watchtower Society's article

 

 

JUDGES, BOOK OF

 

A Bible book that basically covers a period of some 330 years between Israel’s conquest of Canaan and the beginning of the monarchy. Earlier, the Israelites had been forewarned that their failure to drive out the inhabitants of the land, as divinely commanded, would lead to their adopting the debased religious practices of the Canaanites. Finally this would result in Jehovah’s disfavor and his abandoning them to their enemies. (Ex 23:32, 33; 34:11-17; Nu 33:55; De 7:2-5) The historical record found in the book of Judges shows how the warning became a reality. However, rather than deal extensively with Israel’s unfaithfulness and the resultant foreign oppression, the book primarily relates the exploits of the judges and the marvelous deliverances Jehovah performed by means of them. Thus Jehovah’s saving ability and his long-suffering, mercy, undeserved kindness, and justice are highlighted. The judges themselves stand out as sterling examples of faith.—Heb 11:32-34, 39, 40.

Arrangement. Judges is linked with the preceding Bible book by its opening words, “And after the death of Joshua.” However, some of the happenings narrated therein evidently occurred before Joshua died. For example, Judges 2:6 reads: “When Joshua sent the people away, then the sons of Israel went their way, each to his inheritance, to take possession of the land.” So it appears that Judges 1:1–3:6 serves as an introduction, the writer having drawn on events taking place before and after Joshua’s death in order to provide the historical background for the account that follows. The section running from chapter 3, verse 7, to the end of chapter 16 is, basically, in chronological order and relates the activities of 12 judges (not including Deborah), starting with Othniel and concluding with Samson. The last part of the book could be termed an appendix and fits a period much earlier than Samson’s judgeship. The capture of Laish by the Danites could reasonably have taken place before Joshua’s death. (Compare Jos 19:47; Jg 18:27-29.) The mass sex crime of the men of Gibeah and subsequent events resulting in the near extermination of the tribe of Benjamin probably occurred not many years after Joshua’s death. (Jg 19:1–21:25; Jos 24:31) This would allow sufficient time for the Benjamites to have increased from about 600 men (Jg 20:47) to nearly 60,000 warriors by the time of David’s reign.—1Ch 7:6-12.

Writer and Time of Composition. Internal evidence provides a basis for determining when the book of Judges was written. It was compiled while a king ruled over Israel. Otherwise, the writer, when referring to the past, would not have said: “In those days there was no king in Israel.” (Jg 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25) Yet it was at a time when the Jebusites still inhabited Jerusalem. (Jg 1:21) Since, in 1070 B.C.E., David captured “the stronghold of Zion” (a part of Jerusalem) from the Jebusites and transferred his capital there (2Sa 5:6-9), the book of Judges must have been committed to writing before that date, probably during Saul’s reign. At that time Samuel was the main advocate of true worship and, as Jehovah’s prophet, would have been the logical one to have recorded this book.

Authenticity. That the book of Judges rightly occupies a place in the Bible canon there can be no question. It is frank and honest, and it does not hide Israel’s gross sins. Throughout, the book gives glory and honor, not to the human judges, but to Jehovah God as Israel’s real Deliverer. It shows that God’s spirit empowered the judges (Jg 3:9, 10; 6:34; 11:29; 13:24, 25; 14:6, 19; 15:14, 18; 16:20, 28-30) and they, in turn, recognized Jehovah as Judge (11:27) and King (8:23). Other inspired Bible books refer to events recorded therein.—1Sa 12:9-11; 2Sa 11:21; Ps 83:9-12; Isa 9:4; 10:26; Heb 11:32-34.

[Box on page 135]

HIGHLIGHTS OF JUDGES

  A vigorous account of the deliverances that Jehovah repeatedly performed for Israel through the Judges when Israel abandoned idolatrous practices and earnestly sought his help

  Likely written by Samuel, the book covers about 330 years between the conquest of Canaan and the beginning of the monarchy

Background for conditions prevailing during time of the Judges (1:1–3:6)

  After Joshua’s death, the tribes of Israel fail to drive the remaining inhabitants of Canaan out of the land

  Instead, they intermarry with these pagans and are ensnared by their false religion

  Jehovah abandons them to their foes; but from time to time he raises up Judges to deliver them

Deliverances from oppression when Israel abandoned false worship and called out to Jehovah for help (3:7–16:31)

  Through Othniel, Israel is delivered from an eight-year subjugation to the Mesopotamian king Cushan-rishathaim

  The 18-year domination by Moabite King Eglon ends when he is killed by Ehud, who then assembles an Israelite army and subdues the Moabites

  Shamgar single-handedly strikes down 600 Philistines, thus saving Israel

  Barak, encouraged by the prophetess Deborah, defeats Jabin, thus ending his 20-year oppression of Israel; Jabin’s army chief, Sisera, is killed by Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite; Deborah and Barak commemorate this victory in song

  Gideon is commissioned to deliver Israel from seven-year harassment by Midianites; Jehovah grants victory after he reduces Gideon’s army to just 300 men; Gideon subsequently refuses kingship

  Tola judges Israel for 23 years, and Jair judges for 22 years

  Israel suffers at the hands of the Ammonites; Jehovah provides deliverance through Jephthah, who subsequently carries out his vow to surrender his only child, a daughter, to Jehovah’s service

  Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon judge Israel a combined total of about 25 years

  Jehovah gives Samson enormous strength and uses him to release Israel from a 40-year domination by the Philistines; his betrothal to a Philistine woman from Timnah gives him occasions to act against them; his betrayal by Delilah eventually leads to a situation in which he kills more Philistines at his death than he had killed in his lifetime

Further undesirable situations that developed during the time of the Judges (17:1–21:25)

  In Ephraim, Micah sets up an image in his home and employs a young Levite as a priest

  Certain Danites come to Micah’s house and later steal his idolatrous objects; they also take the Levite to serve as their priest

  Men of the Benjamite city of Gibeah are guilty of a mass sex crime against the concubine of a Levite; failure to hand over the guilty ones for punishment prompts the other tribes to undertake a punitive war against Benjamin; the tribe is almost annihilated

Hebrews10-13 NWT(2013 Edition)

10 For since the Law has a shadow+ of the good things to come,+ but not the very substance of the things, it* can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make those who approach perfect.+ 2 Otherwise, would not the sacrifices have stopped being offered, because those rendering sacred service once cleansed would have no consciousness of sins anymore? 3 On the contrary, these sacrifices are a reminder of sins year after year,+ 4 for it is not possible for the blood of bulls and of goats to take sins away.

5 So when he comes into the world, he says: “‘Sacrifice and offering you did not want, but you prepared a body for me. 6 You did not approve of whole burnt offerings and sin offerings.’+ 7 Then I said: ‘Look! I have come (in the scroll* it is written about me) to do your will, O God.’”+ 8 After first saying: “You did not want nor did you approve of sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sin offerings”—sacrifices that are offered according to the Law— 9 then he says: “Look! I have come to do your will.”+ He does away with what is first in order to establish what is second. 10 By this “will”+ we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.+

11 Also, every priest takes his station day after day to offer holy service*+ and to make the same sacrifices often,+ which can never take sins away completely.+ 12 But this man offered one sacrifice for sins for all time and sat down at the right hand of God,+ 13 from then on waiting until his enemies should be placed as a stool for his feet.+ 14 For it is by one sacrificial offering that he has made those who are being sanctified perfect+ for all time. 15 Moreover, the holy spirit also bears witness to us, for after it has said: 16 “‘This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days,’ says Jehovah.* ‘I will put my laws in their hearts, and in their minds I will write them.’”+ 17 Then it says: “And I will no longer call their sins and their lawless deeds to mind.”+ 18 Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness* for the way of entry into the holy place+ by the blood of Jesus, 20 which he opened up* for us as a new and living way through the curtain,+ that is, his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,+ 22 let us approach with sincere hearts and complete faith, having had our hearts sprinkled clean from a wicked conscience+ and our bodies bathed with clean water.+ 23 Let us hold firmly the public declaration of our hope without wavering,+ for the one who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider* one another so as to incite* to love and fine works,+ 25 not forsaking our meeting together,+ as some have the custom, but encouraging one another,+ and all the more so as you see the day drawing near.+

26 For if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth,+ there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left,+ 27 but there is a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a burning indignation that is going to consume those in opposition.+ 28 Anyone who has disregarded the Law of Moses dies without compassion on the testimony of two or three.+ 29 How much greater punishment do you think a person will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God and who has regarded as of ordinary value the blood of the covenant+ by which he was sanctified, and who has outraged the spirit of undeserved kindness with contempt?+ 30 For we know the One who said: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again: “Jehovah* will judge his people.”+ 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 However, keep remembering the former days in which, after you were enlightened,+ you endured a great struggle along with sufferings. 33 At times you were publicly exposed* both to reproaches and to tribulations, and at times you shared* with those who were having such an experience. 34 For you expressed sympathy for those in prison and you accepted joyfully the plundering of your belongings,+ knowing that you yourselves have a better and an enduring possession.+

35 Therefore, do not throw away your boldness,* which will be richly rewarded.+ 36 For you need endurance,+ so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise. 37 For yet “a very little while,”+ and “the one who is coming will arrive and will not delay.”+ 38 “But my righteous one will live by reason of faith,”+ and “if he shrinks back, I have* no pleasure in him.”+ 39 Now we are not the sort who shrink back to destruction,+ but the sort who have faith for the preserving of our lives.*

 

11 Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for,+ the evident demonstration* of realities that are not seen. 2 For by means of it, the men of ancient times* had witness borne to them.

3 By faith we perceive that the systems of things* were put in order by God’s word, so that what is seen has come into existence from things that are not visible.

4 By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice of greater worth than that of Cain,+ and through that faith he received the witness that he was righteous, for God approved* his gifts,+ and although he died, he still speaks+ through his faith.

5 By faith E′noch+ was transferred so as not to see death, and he was nowhere to be found because God had transferred him;+ for before he was transferred he received the witness that he had pleased God well. 6 Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is* and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.+

7 By faith Noah,+ after receiving divine warning of things not yet seen,+ showed godly fear and constructed an ark+ for the saving of his household; and through this faith he condemned the world,+ and he became an heir of the righteousness that results from faith.

8 By faith Abraham,+ when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, although not knowing where he was going.+ 9 By faith he lived as a foreigner in the land of the promise as in a foreign land,+ living in tents+ with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the very same promise.+ 10 For he was awaiting the city having real foundations, whose designer* and builder is God.+

11 By faith also Sarah received power to conceive offspring,* even when she was past the age,+ since she considered Him faithful* who made the promise. 12 For this reason, from one man who was as good as dead,+ there were born children,+ as many as the stars of heaven in number and as innumerable as the sands by the seaside.+

13 In faith all of these died, although they did not receive the fulfillment of the promises;+ but they saw them from a distance+ and welcomed them and publicly declared that they were strangers and temporary residents in the land. 14 For those who speak in such a way make it evident that they are earnestly seeking a place of their own. 15 And yet, if they had kept remembering the place from which they had departed,+ they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they are reaching out for a better place, that is, one belonging to heaven. Therefore, God is not ashamed of them, to be called on as their God,+ for he has prepared a city for them.+

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested,+ as good as offered up Isaac—the man who had gladly received the promises attempted to offer up his only-begotten son+— 18 although it had been said to him: “What will be called your offspring* will be through Isaac.”+ 19 But he reasoned that God was able to raise him up even from the dead, and he did receive him from there in an illustrative way.+

20 By faith also Isaac blessed Jacob+ and E′sau+ concerning things to come.

21 By faith Jacob, when about to die,+ blessed each of the sons of Joseph+ and worshipped while leaning on the top of his staff.+

22 By faith Joseph, nearing his end, spoke of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and he gave instructions* concerning his bones.*+

23 By faith Moses was hid by his parents for three months after his birth,+ because they saw that the young child was beautiful+ and they did not fear the order of the king.+ 24 By faith Moses, when grown up,+ refused to be called the son of Phar′aoh’s daughter,+ 25 choosing to be mistreated with the people of God rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin, 26 because he considered the reproach of the Christ to be riches greater than the treasures of Egypt, for he looked intently toward the payment of the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt,+ but not fearing the anger of the king,+ for he continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible.+ 28 By faith he observed the Passover and the splashing of the blood, so that the destroyer might not harm* their firstborn.+

29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land,+ but when the Egyptians attempted it, they were swallowed up.+

30 By faith the walls of Jer′i·cho fell down after the people had marched around them for seven days.+ 31 By faith Ra′hab the prostitute did not perish with those who acted disobediently, because she received the spies in a peaceable way.+

32 And what more will I say? For time will fail me if I go on to relate about Gid′e·on,+ Ba′rak,+ Samson,+ Jeph′thah,+ David,+ as well as Samuel+ and the other prophets. 33 Through faith they defeated kingdoms,+ brought about righteousness, obtained promises,+ stopped the mouths of lions,+ 34 quenched the force of fire,+ escaped the edge of the sword,+ from a weak state were made powerful,+ became mighty in war,+ routed invading armies.+ 35 Women received their dead by resurrection,+ but other men were tortured because they would not accept release by some ransom, in order that they might attain a better resurrection. 36 Yes, others received their trial by mockings and scourgings, indeed, more than that, by chains+ and prisons.+ 37 They were stoned,+ they were tried, they were sawn in two,* they were slaughtered by the sword,+ they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins,+ while they were in need, in tribulation,+ mistreated;+ 38 and the world was not worthy of them. They wandered about in deserts and mountains and caves+ and dens of the earth.

39 And yet all of these, although they received a favorable witness because of their faith, did not obtain the fulfillment of the promise, 40 because God had foreseen something better for us,+ so that they might not be made perfect apart from us.

 

12 So, then, because we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also throw off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us,+ and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,+ 2 as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus.+ For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake,* despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.+ 3 Indeed, consider closely the one who has endured such hostile speech from sinners+ against their own interests, so that you may not get tired and give up.*+

4 In your struggle against that sin, you have never yet resisted to the point of having your blood shed. 5 And you have entirely forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not belittle the discipline from Jehovah,* nor give up when you are corrected by him; 6 for those whom Jehovah* loves he disciplines, in fact, he scourges* everyone whom he receives as a son.”+

7 You need to endure as part of your discipline.* God is treating you as sons.+ For what son is not disciplined by his father?+ 8 But if you have not all shared in receiving this discipline, you are really illegitimate children, and not sons. 9 Furthermore, our human fathers* used to discipline us, and we gave them respect. Should we not more readily submit ourselves to the Father of our spiritual life and live?+ 10 For they disciplined us for a short time according to what seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit so that we may partake of his holiness.+ 11 True, no discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but it is painful;* yet afterward, it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore, strengthen the hands that hang down and the feeble knees,+ 13 and keep making straight paths for your feet,+ so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but, rather, may be healed. 14 Pursue peace with all people+ and the sanctification*+ without which no man will see the Lord. 15 Carefully watch that no one fails to obtain the undeserved kindness of God, so that no poisonous root springs up to cause trouble and many are defiled by it;+ 16 and watch that among you there is no one who is sexually immoral* nor anyone who does not appreciate sacred things, like E′sau, who gave up his rights as firstborn in exchange for one meal.+ 17 For you know that afterward when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for although he earnestly tried to bring about a change of mind* with tears,+ it was to no avail.*

18 For you have not approached something that can be felt+ and that has been set aflame with fire,+ and a dark cloud and thick darkness and a storm,+ 19 and the blast of a trumpet+ and the voice speaking words,+ which on hearing, the people begged that nothing further should be spoken to them.+ 20 For they could not bear the command: “If even a beast touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”+ 21 Also, the display was so terrifying that Moses said: “I am afraid and trembling.”+ 22 But you have approached a Mount Zion+ and a city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem,+ and myriads* of angels 23 in general assembly,+ and the congregation of the firstborn who have been enrolled in the heavens, and God the Judge of all,+ and the spiritual lives+ of righteous ones who have been made perfect,+ 24 and Jesus the mediator+ of a new covenant,+ and the sprinkled blood, which speaks in a better way than Abel’s blood.+

25 See that you do not refuse to listen to* the one who is speaking. For if those who refused to listen to the one giving divine warning on earth did not escape, how much more will we not escape if we turn away from him who speaks from the heavens!+ 26 At that time his voice shook the earth,+ but now he has promised: “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven.”+ 27 Now the expression “yet once more” indicates the removal of the things that are shaken, things that have been made, in order that the things not shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, seeing that we are to receive a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us continue to receive undeserved kindness, through which we may acceptably offer God sacred service with godly fear and awe. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.+

 

13 Let your brotherly love continue.+ 2 Do not forget hospitality,*+ for through it some unknowingly entertained angels.+ 3 Keep in mind those in prison,*+ as though you were imprisoned with them,+ and those being mistreated, since you yourselves also are in the body.* 4 Let marriage be honorable among all, and let the marriage bed be without defilement,+ for God will judge sexually immoral people* and adulterers.+ 5 Let your way of life be free of the love of money,+ while you are content with the present things.+ For he has said: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.”+ 6 So that we may be of good courage and say: “Jehovah* is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”+

7 Remember those who are taking the lead among you,+ who have spoken the word of God to you, and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out, imitate their faith.+

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.

9 Do not be led astray by various and strange teachings, for it is better for the heart to be strengthened by undeserved kindness than by foods,* which do not benefit those occupied with them.+

10 We have an altar from which those who offer sacred service at the tent have no authority to eat.+ 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is taken into the holy place as a sin offering by the high priest are burned up outside the camp.+ 12 Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the city gate+ in order to sanctify the people with his own blood.+ 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the reproach he bore,+ 14 for we do not have here a city that remains, but we are earnestly seeking the one to come.+ 15 Through him let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise,+ that is, the fruit of our lips+ that make public declaration to his name.+ 16 Moreover, do not forget to do good and to share what you have with others,+ for God is well-pleased with such sacrifices.+

17 Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you+ and be submissive,+ for they are keeping watch over you* as those who will render an account,+ so that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you.

18 Keep praying for us, for we trust we have an honest* conscience, as we wish to conduct ourselves honestly in all things.+ 19 But I especially urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you the sooner.

20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great shepherd+ of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, with the blood of an everlasting covenant, 21 equip you with every good thing to do his will, working in us through Jesus Christ what is well-pleasing in his sight, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

22 Now I urge you, brothers, to listen patiently to this word of encouragement, for I have written you a short letter. 23 I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon, I will be with him when I see you.

24 Give my greetings to all those who are taking the lead among you and to all the holy ones. Those in Italy+ send you their greetings.

25 The undeserved kindness be with all of you.