Quiz 71 – Book of Judges

Judges 6:11-24 (NRSV)

Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the oak at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, as his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites. The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty warrior.” Gideon answered him, “But sir, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our ancestors recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has cast us off, and given us into the hand of Midian.” Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian; I hereby commission you.” He responded, “But sir, how can I deliver Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike down the Midianites, every one of them.” Then he said to him, “If now I have found favor with you, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me. Do not depart from here until I come to you and bring out my present, and set it before you.” And he said, “I will stay until you return.” So Gideon went into his house and prepared a kid, and unleavened cakes from an ephah of flour; the meat he put in a basket, and the broth he put in a pot, and brought them to him under the oak and presented them. The angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened cakes, and put them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And he did so. Then the angel of the Lord reached out the tip of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes; and fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes; and the angel of the Lord vanished from his sight. Then Gideon perceived that it was the angel of the Lord; and Gideon said, “Help me, Lord God! For I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.” But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you; do not fear, you shall not die.” Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it, The Lord is peace.

TAKE A DEEPER DIVE

**Hypotheses:**1. **Divine Calling:** The passage illustrates that God often calls unlikely individuals to lead and deliver His people, emphasizing that divine strength is made perfect in human weakness

2. **Faith and Doubt:** Gideon’s initial doubt and request for a sign reflect a common human response to divine calling, making his story relatable and encouraging for those who feel inadequate.

**Writer’s Intent:**The writer aimed to show that God can use anyone, regardless of their perceived weaknesses, to accomplish His purposes. This would reassure the audience that God’s plans are not limited by human limitations.

**Modern Interpretation:**Today, this passage can encourage individuals who feel unworthy or incapable of fulfilling their callings. For example, someone hesitant to take on a leadership role might find courage in Gideon’s story.

**Historical Accuracy:**While Gideon’s story may have historical elements, it is likely shaped to convey theological truths about God’s power and human response.

Judges 2:1-15 (NRSV)

Now the angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, “I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you into the land that I had promised to your ancestors. I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you. For your part, do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of this land; tear down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed my command. See what you have done! So now I say, I will not drive them out before you; but they shall become adversaries to you, and their gods shall be a snare to you.” When the angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the Israelites, the people lifted up their voices and wept. So they named that place Bochim, and there they sacrificed to the Lord. When Joshua dismissed the people, the Israelites all went to their own inheritances to take possession of the land. The people worshiped the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works that the Lord had done for Israel. Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of one hundred ten years. So they buried him within the bounds of his inheritance in Timnath-heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. Moreover, that whole generation was gathered to their ancestors, and another generation grew up after them, who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and worshiped the Baals; and they abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; they followed other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were all around them, and bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger. They abandoned the Lord, and worshiped Baal and the Astartes. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers who plundered them, and he sold them into the power of their enemies all around, so that they could no longer withstand their enemies. Whenever they marched out, the hand of the Lord was against them to bring misfortune, as the Lord had warned them and sworn to them; and they were in great distress.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Judges 2:1-15

**Hypotheses:**1. **Covenant Disobedience:** The passage highlights the Israelites’ failure to obey God’s command not to make covenants with the inhabitants of Canaan. This disobedience led to their downfall and serves as a warning about the consequences of not following divine instructions

2. **Generational Faithfulness:** The text contrasts the faithfulness of Joshua’s generation with the subsequent generation that did not know the Lord. This suggests a decline in religious education and commitment over time.

**Writer’s Intent:**The writer aimed to convey the importance of faithfulness to God’s commands and the dangers of assimilating with surrounding cultures. The audience, likely post-exilic Israelites, would have understood this as a call to remain distinct and faithful to their covenant with God.

**Modern Interpretation:**Today, this passage can be seen as a reminder of the importance of religious education and maintaining one’s faith amidst a secular society. For example, parents today might ensure their children understand their religious heritage to prevent a decline in faith.

**Historical Accuracy:**While the events described may have a historical basis, the narrative is likely theological, emphasizing moral and religious lessons rather than precise historical details.

Judges 3:7-11 (NRSV)

The Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, forgetting the Lord their God, and worshiping the Baals and the Asherahs. Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram-naharaim; and the Israelites served Cushan-rishathaim eight years. But when the Israelites cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the Israelites, who delivered them, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. The spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel; he went out to war, and the Lord gave King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram into his hand; and his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim. So the land had rest forty years. Then Othniel son of Kenaz died.

TAKE A DEEPER DIVE

**Hypotheses:**1. **Divine Deliverance:** The passage underscores God’s willingness to deliver Israel when they repent and cry out for help, highlighting God’s mercy and faithfulness

**Role of Judges:** It introduces the role of judges as divinely appointed leaders who deliver Israel from oppression, setting a pattern for the rest of the book.

**Writer’s Intent:**The writer intended to show that despite Israel’s repeated failures, God remains merciful and provides leaders to guide them back to righteousness. This would encourage the audience to trust in God’s provision and repent when they stray.

**Modern Interpretation:**This passage can inspire hope that no matter how far one strays, repentance can lead to divine help and restoration. For instance, someone struggling with personal failures might find solace in knowing that turning back to God can bring renewal.

**Historical Accuracy:**The account of Othniel may be based on historical events, but it is framed within a theological narrative to illustrate God’s intervention in Israel’s history.

John 6:60-69, NRSV

“When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, ‘For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.’ Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.'”

Deeper Dive into the Passage

#### Hypotheses and Insights:

1. **Hypothesis 1: The Challenge of Jesus’ Teachings**  – **Context:** In the period when this was written, Jesus’ teachings were revolutionary and often difficult to understand. The concept of eating His flesh and drinking His blood (earlier in John 6) was particularly challenging

– **Insight:** The writer, John, was likely addressing early Christians who were struggling with the radical nature of Jesus’ message. This passage highlights the necessity of faith and the spiritual understanding over literal interpretation

– **Modern Interpretation:** Today, this passage can be seen as a call to deeper faith, especially when faced with difficult teachings. For example, modern Christians might struggle with certain Church doctrines but are encouraged to trust in the spiritual wisdom behind them.

2. **Hypothesis 2: The Role of the Spirit**  – **Context:** The emphasis on the Spirit giving life reflects early Christian theology that prioritised spiritual over physical understanding

– **Insight:** John is conveying that true life and understanding come from the Spirit, not from human effort or literal interpretations

– **Modern Interpretation:** This can be applied today by encouraging believers to seek spiritual growth and understanding through prayer and the Holy Spirit, rather than relying solely on intellectual comprehension.

3. **Hypothesis 3: Peter’s Confession of Faith**  – **Context:** Peter’s declaration of Jesus as the “Holy One of God” is a profound statement of faith, especially in a time when many were abandoning Jesus

– **Insight:** This highlights the importance of steadfast faith and recognition of Jesus’ divine authority

– **Modern Interpretation:** In today’s context, this can inspire Christians to remain faithful even when others doubt or leave the faith. For instance, in times of crisis or doubt, believers can look to Peter’s example of unwavering faith.

#### Historical Accuracy:The account in John 6:60-69 is considered to have a high degree of theological significance, though its exact historical accuracy is debated among scholars. The dialogue and reactions are consistent with the themes of John’s Gospel, which often emphasises belief and the spiritual nature of Jesus’ mission.