Old Testament (Joshua-2 Kings)
Lesson 58: Joshua—Call And Commission
Joshua 1:1-18
Golden Text: Joshua, 1:9
We are now introduced to the new leader of Israel whose history we shall follow for the next eight lessons. I. His Preparation. He had a long period of preparation. This is true of all God’s servants. He must be faithful in the little things of life before he can be entrusted with the greater responsibilities. 1 Timothy 3:6, 10.
1. A courageous soldier; Exodus 17:13. Cp. 2 Timothy 2:3; 1 Timothy 6:11, 12.
2. A devoted servant; Exodus 24:3. He who would lead must first serve. Cp. 2 Kings 3:11; 1 Timothy 3:10; John 13:12-17; Proverbs 15:33; Mark 10:45.
3. A true worshipper; Exodus 33:11. Cp. John 4: 23, 24.
4. A faithful witness; Numbers 14:6-9. He stood out against the popular opinion and witnessed for God. Cp 2 Timothy 1:8-12; 4:1-5; Romans 1:14-16; Proverbs 14:25.
5. Taught in the Word; Exodus 17:14. Cp. 2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 1-9
6. Spirit filled; Numbers 27:18. Cp. Ephesians 1:13; 5:18; Gal 5:22-23.
7. Divinely appointed; Numbers 27:18-23. Cp. John 15:16, etc. Note his name—Joshua means “Jehovah, Saviour;” translated “Jesus.” Hebrews 4:8, and a wonderful type of Christ.
II. His Commission; Joshua 1:1-18.
1. The charge from God; Vs. 1-2.
2. The promise; Vs. 3-4. Note that personal appropriation was essential. They must possess their possessions. So with the Christian—he has “all things;” 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; and “all blessings,” Ephesians 1:3; but only enjoys that which he appropriates himself. See Genesis 14: 17, 18 “Arise and walk through the land.”
3. The encouragement; Vs. 5-6. (1) The promise of God’s presence; V. 5. Cp. Exodus 33:14, 15; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20; 2 Timothy 4:16-18. (2) Exhortation to strength and courage; V. 6. Cp. 2 Timothy 1:7, 8; 2:1; 1 Corinthians 16:13, etc.
4. The command; Vs. 7-8, 9. The secret of true success and prosperity is the place that God’s word has in the heart and life of the believer. There can be no success without it. (1) To memorize it; V. 8—“Mouth.” (2) To be meditated on; V. 8. (3) To be acted on; V. 8. Obedience is the best commentary. (4) The result: Prosperity and wisdom (marg.). This is what all are seeking for, but here is the only true method. Cp. Proverbs 1:7, 5; 2:3-5; 3:13-26; 2 Timothy 2:13; 2 Peter 3:18. The best way to make sure of a successful past is to have a successful present.
III. The Preparation of the People; 1:10-18.
1. Faith obeys God’s commands; Vs. 10:11.
2. The people’s recognition of Joshua’s authority; Vs. 16-18. God not only prepared Joshua but the people too.
Lesson 59: Rahab
Joshua 2:1-24; 6:25
Golden Text: Romans 10:17
Here is another beautiful picture of God’s salvation.
I. Her Position; 2:1; 6:1, 2.
1. She lived in a condemned city. Under the judgment of God. Cp. John 3:18; 3:36; Romans 5:12; Galatians 3:10; 1 John 5:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9.
2. She lived among an unbelieving- people; Romans 11:32; Ephesians 2:2, 3; Galatians 3:22; Romans 3:23, etc. They had as much evidence as she, but did not act on it.
3. She was a Gentile. Cp. Ephesians 2:11, 12; and as such outside God’s covenants of Israel.
II. Her Condition. 2:1.
1. Morally wrong; 2:1. A harlot. The corrupt nature manifested itself in open sin. Romans 3:10-19; 8:6-8.
2. Helpless to change herself. She needed a new nature. Cp. Jeremiah 13:23; 2:22; Job 9:30, 31; John 3:3.
3. Unable to avert the doom of the city. Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4; Jude 14-15; 2 Peter 3:9, 10.
III. Her Privileges. 2:1-15.
1. She heard of the God of Israel; Vs. 8-11. She had heard of His power in redemption, deliverance, provision and protection and judgment. Well might she tremble! Cp. Romans 10:17. Have you heard of your need, your danger, God’s way of salvation? Privilege brings responsibility.
2. She believed in His person; V. 11. She turned from the idolatrous worship, and believed in the true God.
3. She believed in His word; V. 9 Cp. John 3:32; Romans 3:3-5.
4. She acted upon what she believed thus proving her faith; 4:12-15; Hebrews 11:31; Romans 4:5; James 2:17-26.
IV. Her Deliverance.
1. Outside of herself. She did not plan it. Cp. John 3:16; 1 John 4:10; Ephesians 2:2-9; 1 Corinthians 1:29.
2. All of grace—she was the least deserving. Cp. 2 Corinthians 8:9; Deuteronomy 7:7-9; 1 Timothy 1:15; Matthew 9:13.
3. The scarlet line—true picture of the precious blood of Christ. (1) The scarlet line made her safe; 2:18. Cp. Exodus 12:13; 1 Peter 1:18; Romans 3:25. (2) The word made her sure} 2:12, 18. Cp. 1 John 5:10-13; John 5:24, etc., etc.
4. Her salvation; Joshua 6:25. God is true to His word. Cp. Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 45:19.
5. Her missionary spirit; Joshua 2:13; 6:22, 23, 25. The unselfishness of faith. Have you sought to bring your friends and relatives under the shelter of the blood? Romans 10:9, 10; Luke 8:39; Mark 16:15, etc.
6. Her blessing; V. 25. Brought into fellowship with a redeemed people. Cp. Ephesians 2:19-22; Acts 2:41, 42.
7. Her posterity; Matthew 1:5. One of the line through whom the Messiah came. What hath God wrought?
Lesson 60: The Crossing Of The Jordan
Joshua 3:1—4:18
Golden Text: Romans 6:10, 11
I. The Preparation; 3:1-13.
1. The removal to Shittim; V. 1.
2. The directions; Vs. 2-4. The ark (a type of Christ) to be the guide on the untrodden pathway. Cp. John 10:4; Psalm 23:1-2; Hebrews 12:1, 2.
3. The command and the promise; V. 5. Cp. 2 Corinthians 6:14; 7:1; John 17:17; 1 John 1:7-9.
4. The encouragement; Vs. 7-8. God’s commands are His enablings. Behind Joshua was the eternal God to Whom all things are possible.
5. The further directions; Vs. 9-13; Note V. 11.
II. The Crossing; 3:14-17.
1. The miracle of the divided waters; Vs. 14-16. What a sight it must have been. Note the period; V. 15; the time of overflow.
2. The sheltering ark; V. 17. Note where the ark stood. It remained there until all had safely crossed.
3. The safe crossing, “all;” V. 17. None lost. Cp. John 17:12; Hebrews 7:25.
III. The Memorial 4:1-24.
1. The representative men; Vs. 1-2.
2. The typical stones; Vs. 3-9. Taken up, carried over, laid down and set up.
3. The purpose; V. 6. A memorial. Picture the children of future generations asking “What mean these stones?” Cp other memorials God has given. Exodus 12:26, 27; 13:13, 14; Deuteronomy 6:20-25; Psalm 44:1; 78:1-8. Present memorials: Baptism, Matthew 28:19; The Lord’s Supper, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Explain: What mean ye by this service?
IV. The Type.
1. The passage of the Jordan is a type, picture or illustration of the believer’s death with Christ. Cp. Romans 6:1-11; Ephesians 2:5, 6; Colossians 3:1-3. God views the believer as identified with Christ in His death, burial, resurrection and ascension. As the believer reckons this to be true and acts upon it he will be enabled to enter into his spiritual inheritance and enjoy it.
2. Picture of the gospel, in that the passage or the Jordan, like God’s way of salvation, was
(1) A strange way; Acts 17:18-20, unexpected.
(2) A new way; Joshua 3:4; Hebrews 10:20. (3) An easy way; Ephesians 2:8, 9. No works, bridges of man’s making, etc. (4) A short way; John 6: 47; no long detour such as ceremonials, penance, resolutions, etc. (5) A safe way; John 10:28: V. 17. All “clean over.” (6) A divinely appointed way; Joshua 3:7, 8. Joshua did not devise it and the people did not ask for it; John 3:16, etc. (7) The only way; Acts 4:12. If they had refused to accept it they could not have crossed.—Alf. Sandham.
Lesson 61: The Fall Of Jericho
Joshua 5:12—6:27
Golden Text: 1 Corinthians 1:21
I. The Unseen Commander; Joshua 5:12; 6:5.
1. The new food; Vs. 11-12. For forty years God had sustained them by the manna. Cp. 1 Peter 2:2; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Hebrews 5:12-14. Cp. John 12:24; 6:57. The manna spoke of Christ in humiliation. The corn of the land speaks of Christ in exaltation. The Christian must be occupied, not only with a Saviour who has died for him, but with one who ever lives to keep and satisfy His own. Christ crucified, saves. Christ glorified, satisfies.
2. The wondrous vision; Vs. 13-14. One of the many theophanies of the O. T., i.e., a manifestation of God to men by actual appearance. These theophanies were undoubtedly appearances of the second Person in the Trinity. Cp. Genesis 18; Ex. 23:20; 32:34; Judges 6:12-14; 13:15-21. Note marg of V. 18, and Cp Isaiah 9:6. Read also Isaiah 6:1-3, and Cp. John 12:41, etc., etc. (1) The question; V. 13. (2) The answer: V. 14. The captain. Cp. Hebrews 2:10. (3) The effect; V. 14. Cp. Isaiah 6:5; Luke 5:8; Daniel 10:8; Job 40:4, 5; 42:5,6, etc. (4) The command; V. 15. Cp. Exodus 3:5; Hebrews 1:1-3; John 1:1-3; 17:5. His eternal glory and intrinsic holiness.
3. The revelation; 6:2-5; of the plan of campaign. (1) The assurance; V. 2. (2) The plan; Vs. 3-5. God’s command and man’s obedience both necessary.
II. The Compassed City; Vs. 6-25.
1. The order of the march; Vs. 6-16. Note the position of the ark—“in the midst;” V. 9. Cp. John 15:5; Matthew 18:20. Christ in the midst. (1) On the cross; John 19:18. (2) In the church; Matthew 18:20; Revelation 1:13. (3) On the throne; Revelation 5:6. Picture the solemn march, day after day with a silent army encompassing the city. Perhaps the people of Jericho jeered at them from the walls as day by day passed with not a word spoken or an attempt made to storm the walls.
2. The warning; Vs. 17-19. Cp. 2 Corinthians 6:17. See 1 John 2:15-17.
3. The final shout; Vs. 16, 20.
4. The astonishing result; Vs. 20-24. To the eyes of the people of Jericho it probably looked foolish to see the encompassing army, but Cp. 1 Corinthians 1:18-29.
5. Rahab saved; Vs. 22-25 According to the promise given her.
III. The Lessons to be learned. The principles governing victory.
1. Rolling away the reproach; 5:9, 10; Separation. The knife of the word applied to the flesh.
2. Obedience; 5:11.
3. Feeding on old corn; 5:11.
4. A commander revealed; 5:13.
5. A worshipful spirit; 5:14.
6. A listening ear; 5:14.
7. An obedient heart; 5:15.
8. A revealed plan; 6:3-5.
9. Obedience implicit and unwavering to that plan; V. 16.
10. Victory always the result. Cp. 1 John 5:4, etc.
Lesson 62: The Sin Of Achan
Joshua 7:1-26
Golden Text: Proverbs 28:13
I. The Sin. V. 1.
1. The plain warning; 6:17, 18. Cp. Matthew 18:7.
2. The deliberate disobedience; V. 1. The essence of all sin is disobedience. Cp. 1 John 3:4; 5:17; 1 Samuel 15:23. Note: all Israel is affected by the one transgression; Rom 5:12; Proverbs 8:36; 1 Corinthians 12:26.
II. The Result. Vs. 2-5.
1. The spies sent out; Vs. 2-5.
2. The defeat; Vs. 4-5. Sin weakens; Isaiah 1:10-17. Cp. Deuteronomy 32:30; Leviticus 26:7, 8; Illus. Judges 16:6-21.
3. The effect; V. 5. “Melted.” Cp. Eccl. 9:18.
III. Joshua’s Cry; Vs. 6-9.
1. Humiliation; V. 6.
2. His cry; Vs. 7-8. Note this carefully.
IV. God’s Answer; Vs. 10-15.
1. The charge; Vs. 10-11. Cp. Jeremiah 4:18; Romans 3:10-19, 23; Hebrews 1:13.
2. The remedy; Vs. 12-15. (1) Separation; V. 13. There can be no toleration with unconfessed and unjudged sin. (2) Confession; V. 14; 1 John 1:9; Psalm 51:2. (3) Judgment; V. 15. Unsparing and complete; Romans 6:23, etc.
V. The Examination; Vs. 16-18.
What must the feelings of Achan have been as the search narrowed itself down to him! Cp. Numbers 32:23 Impress this Cp. 1 Timothy 5:24; Matthew 12:36; 10:26, 27; Luke 12:2, 3; Revelation 20:10-15. Be sure your sin will find you out—if not in time then in eternity!
VI. The Confession; Vs. 19-23. “I have sinned.” Cp. Exodus 9:27; Numbers 22:34; 1 Samuel 15:24; Matthew 27:4; Job 7:20; Luke 15:21. Note the stages of his sin.
1. Saw; V. 21. Cp. Genesis 3:6; 2 Samuel 11:2; 1 John 2:16.
2. Coveted; V. 21; Exodus 20:17; 1 Timothy 6:9-10.
3. Took: V. 21. The next natural step. Doubtless Achan looked each way before taking it, but he didn’t look up.
4. Hid. Nothing can be hidden from God; Hebrews 4:13; Psalm 139:1-12; Proverbs 5:22; Isaiah 57:20.
VII. The Punishment! Vs. 24-26.
Cp. The great assize to come; Revelation 20:10-15. What fearful secrets will there be revealed unless sheltered by the precious blood! John 5:24; Romans 8:1; 1 John 1:7.
1. The day has been appointed; Acts 17:31.
2. The Judge has been selected; John 5:22.
3. The evidence is being gathered; Matthew 12: 36, 37.
4. The witnesses subpoenaed; Matthew 12:41, 42.
5. The accused will all be present; Revelation 20:12.
6. The books will be opened; Revelation 20:12.
7. The sentence will be executed; Revelation 20:14.
Lesson 63: The League With Gibeon
Joshua 9:l-27
Golden Text: Proverbs 22:3
I. The Historic Setting.
1. The fall of Jericho followed by the overwhelming defeat of Ai had struck terror into the hearts of the Gibeonites as well it might. Cp. Isaiah 20:9.
2. The altar in Ebal; 8:30, 31.
3. The reading of the blessings and the curses of the law. Cp. Vs. 32-35; Deuteronomy 27:11-26. Cp. Gal 3:10-13. Picture the solemn scene and apply the truth of Romans 7:7-14. Contrast Romans 6:14 and see the blessings under grace. John 1:17.
II. The Wily Ambassage; Vs. 3-14. What these people confessed through guile should be the true confession of every sinner without any deceit. Note their state.
1. They knew their need of a peace to protect them; V. 24. Cp. Isaiah 57:21; Romans 8:5-8; Ephesians 2:1-3; 4:18; Colossians 1:21, etc. They saw their need—have you?
2. The wine bottles old, rent and bound up; Matthew 9:17. All the attempts of self-reformation in vain. “A new creature” is what God requires. Cp. John 3:3; Jeremiah 2:22; 13:23. Cp. Ephesians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 3:16; 6:19, 20; 2 Corinthians 5:17. The wine bottles could also illustrate the pleasures of sin which for a while bring happiness, but soon fail to thrill and leave the soul barren and thirsty.
3. The old garments; V. 5. Cp. Isaiah 64:6. The filthy rags of the sinner’s self-righteousness. Cp. Philippians 3:4-9; Romans 10:3. Cp. Isaiah 61:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:24-26; Galatians 2:16, etc.
4. The moldy bread; V. 5. The world’s perpetual famine; Luke 15:14; Isaiah 55:2; 1 John 2:15-16. “The world has nothing left to give.” Cp. John 6:35; Philippians 4:19, etc.
5. The far country—where every sinner is by nature. Cp. Isaiah 59:1, 2; Luke 15:13; Ephesians 2:13.
6. They heard the news; V. 9. Of redemption by blood; Exodus 12. Of deliverance by power; Exodus 14. Of miraculous provision; Exodus 16. Of divine preservation. Cp. Acts 13:38; Rom 10:17; John 3:16; Mark 16:15, 16, etc.
7. They took the place of servants—humbled themselves. Cp. Romans 6:16, 17; John 8:34; Luke 14:11.
III. The Leagues Vs. 14-15.
1. The fatal omission; V. 14. They depended on their own judgment. Cp. 1 Samuel 16:7. “The arm of flesh will fail us, we dare not trust our own.”
2. The covenant made; V. 15. A covenant of life. Cp. Hebrews 10:11-17; Isaiah 55:3; Matthew 11:28; John 5:24; 3:16, 36; 10:10, etc.
3. The discovery; V. 16; but the covenant must stand. If the word given by man must stand; how much more of the covenant of God! 1 Timothy 2:13; Romans 11:29; Hebrews 6:17-20.
4. The service; Vs. 22-27. Cp. Romans 6:17-22.
Lesson 64: The Conquest Of Canaan
Joshua 10-11, 14
Golden Text: Joshua 21:45
I. The Conquest of the South; C. 10. A map is essential to a proper grasp of this lesson. Study the positions carefully.
1. The federation of the kings; 10:1-5. Notice, however, all was in the line of God’s purpose; see 11:20. Cp. Psalm 2:1-2; Acts 2:23; 4:28; 3:18, etc.
2. Gibeon’s plea; V. 6. Based on the promise made to them by Joshua. Cp. Romans 5:10.
3. The encouragement; V. 8. Cp. Joshua 1:6-8; Acts 18:9, 10; Hebrews 13:5, 6.
4. The victory; Vs. 9-15. All of God. (1) The rout; V. 10. (2) The storm of hailstones; V. 11. What a fearful scene it must have been. Compare a future storm yet to burst; Isaiah 28:16 23. Note V. 21; Nahum 1:6; Matthew 3:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:8. Who may abide? Answer: Romans 8:1. Are you there? (3) The sun and moon stand still; Vs. 12-14. He who created the sun and moon can control their movements. The Creator is always greater than the thing He creates. Genesis 8:14; Ephesians 3:20.
5. The execution of the kings; V. 16:27.
6. The further victories; Vs. 28-43. This completed the conquest of the South.
II. The Conquest of the North. C. 11.
1. The further federation; Vs. 1-5.
2. The promise renewed; V. 6.
3. The complete conquest; Vs. 10-23. Note V. 23. What God promises He performs.
III. Caleb’s Inheritance. C. 14:6-15; 15:13-19.
1. His character. (1) His confidence in God’s power: Numbers 13:20, and faithfulness to perform what He had promised. (2) His wholehearted devotedness; Numbers 14:30. He followed God fully Cp. Philippians 3:8; Romans 6:13, 14; 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians (6:19, 20; 2 Corinthians 5:15. (3) His consistency and endurance. After 40 years he was still going on with God; Josh 14:8, 10. Cp. 1 Corinthians 15:58. (4) His courage; Josh 14:11. Cp. 1 Tim 6:12; Philippians 1:28; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18. O for more Calebs!
2. His request; Vs. 6-12. (1) His testimony to God’s goodness; V. 7. (2) His faith in the promise of God; V. 9. (3) His appropriation of God’s promise to him to possess his possessions. See Obad. 17.
3. His inheritance; Vs. 13-15. Hebron, the place of many memories. Hebron means “fellowship.” Cp. 1 John 1:3.
4. Possessing the possession; Joshua 15:13-19. Are we possessing what is ours in Christ? We are “accepted in Him;” Ephesians 1:6. Are we seeking to be “accepted of Him?” 2 Corinthians 5:9. We have eternal life in Him; John 5:24. Are we seeking to lay hold on eternal life? 1 Timothy 6:12. Illust. of possession, without appropriation. 1 Kings 22:3.
Lesson 65: Joshua’s Last Words
Joshua 23-24
Golden Text: Proverbs 1:7
I. The First Gathering; C. 23.
1. Note the period—six years had passed. The land had been distributed and Joshua was old; V. 1.
2. The call for conference; V. 2. The periodic coming tog-ether of God’s people for prayer, exhortation and ministry has a good foundation in the word of God.
3. Joshua’s speech. Note carefully its elements; Vs. 2-16. (1) Testimony; Vs. 2-4. To the faithfulness, power and grace of God. (2) Promise; V. 5. Of complete deliverance from all their enemies, conditional, however, on their cooperation with His purpose. (3) Exhortation; Vs. 6-10. (a) To obedience to the Word of God; V. 6. (b) To separation; V. 7. Cp. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11. (c) To whole-hearted devotion; V. 8-11. Cp. Acts 11:23; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:20, 21. (4) Warning; Vs. 12-16. (a) Against the unequal yoke; V. 12. (b) The glowing testimony; V. 4. Note this carefully and Cp. Deuteronomy 7:8, 9; 9:5; 1 Samuel 12:22: 1 Chronicles 28:20; Psalm 89:28, 33, 34; 119:65, 89; 2 Timothy 2:13. (c) Against apostasy; Vs. 15-16 Compare this speech with the last words of the great apostle to his son in the faith, Timothy. In view of the apostasy he warns Timothy and seeks to encourage him in the things of God. 2 Timothy 4:1-8.
II. The Second Gathering. C. 24.
1. The recital of God’s goodness; Vs. 1-13. This illustrates the history of a soul. (1) From idolatry (V. 2). (2) To the promised land (V. 13), and (3) the grace of God all between! Cp. Ephesians 2:12-19. Note the similarity.
2. The exhortation; V. 14. Note “the fear of the Lord.” It is (1) The beginning of wisdom; Psalm 111:10. (2) A fountain of life; Proverbs 14:27. (3) Secret of a holy life; Proverbs 8:13. (4) Secret of assurance: Proverbs 14:26. (5) Secret of true prosperity; Proverbs 22:4; 15:16.
3. The bold decision; V. 15. See some other decisions. Abraham’s; Genesis 12:1. Moses’; Hebrews 11:25. Noah; Genesis 7:1-5. Ruth; Ruth 1:16, 17. Prodigal son; Luke 15:8, etc. What is yours?
4. The reply; Vs. 16-18. The result of testimony. Is anyone else a Christian because you are one?
5. The warning; Vs. 19-22.
6. The practical application; V. 23. Cp. James 1:22; 2:14-26. Practical Godliness is the best proof of a whole-hearted decision.
7. The death of Joshua; Vs. 24-31. A good beginning is necessary for a good ending. Note the reference to the written word of God. Cp. Deuteronomy 31:24. This was written by Divine inspiration; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 2:21.
Lesson 66: Deborah’s Victory And Song
Judges 4-5
Golden Text: Psalm 9:10
The key phrase to the book of Judges is “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes” and this explains the monotonous record of failure that it describes. Jeremiah 10:23.
I. The Historic Setting: Chapters 1-3.
1. The failure of Israel; C 1. Note Vs 19, 21, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33, 35. Whose fault was it? Cp. Micah 2:7; 2 Corinthians 6:12.
2. The warning; V. 2:1-5. Thus God faithfully warned His people of the danger of the unequal yoke and of spiritual apathy. The more sin is tolerated the less evil it appears.
3. The wearisome round; C. 2-3. The history of Israel under the Judges seems to be an ever recurring sequence of (1) Their sin; (2) God’s punishment through their enemies’ oppression; (3) Their repentance and confession; (4) Deliverance and restoration. Illust. Judges 2:11-19. Apply this spiritually.
4. The first Judges; C. 3. (1) Othniel; 3:1-11. (a) Note the sad condition of Israel; Vs. 5-7. From intermarriage they had gone into open idolatry. Cp. 1 John 2:15, 16. (c) The deliverance; Vs. 9-11. Note when; V. 9. Note how; V. 10. By the Spirit; Zechariah 4:6. (2) Ehud; Vs. 12-30. (3) Shamgar; V. 31. Note the weak things that God uses in Judges and by means of which His strength is made perfect; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 2 Corinthians 12:9. The left hand; 3:21; Ox-goad, 3:31; a nail, 4:21: barley cake, 7:13 pitchers and trumpets, 7:20; a millstone, 9:53; jawbone of ass, 15:16, etc.
II. The Victory. C. 4.
1. The servitude; Vs. 1-3. Note for how long. Cp. Jeremiah 2:19, 13; 3:22-23.
2. The prophetess; Vs. 4-5. A unique character. An evidence of the paucity of Israel In real men.
3. The revelation; Vs. 6-9.
4. The Lord’s battle, not Barak’s. Cp. Psalm 24:8.
5. The execution of Sisera; Vs. 18-22, by the hand of a woman.
III. The song. C. 5. Cp. other songs; Exodus 15:1; Psalm 40:1-3; Revelation 5:9.
1. God’s interposition; Vs. 1-5.
2. The people’s apostasy; Vs. 6-8.
3. Deborah’s testimony; Vs. 7, 12.
4. The rebuke to those who did not go to battle; Vs. 16-17, 23. Note especially V. 23. The sin of omission. Compare the hundreds of professing Christians today who take no responsibility in the service of the Lord, but leave it to the faithful few. James 4:17; 1 Corinthians 15:58. The Lord deliver us from the curse of Meroz. The people who did nothing.
5. The battle described; Vs. 19-22.
6. Sisera’s death; Vs. 24-30.
7. Conclusions; V. 31. Cp. Psalm 84:5-7; 2 Timothy 2:1; Ephesians 6:10.
Lesson 67: Gideon’s Call
Judges 6
Golden Text: 1 Corinthians 1:27
I. The Condition of the People. 6:1-6.
1. The old story of sin and its consequences; V. 1.
2. Their pitiable state; Vs. 2-5. Reduced to a state of famine. Cp. The prodigal son; Luke 15. Sin withers, blasts and impoverishes. True of the Christian as well as the unsaved.
3. Their cry; V. 7. Cp. Deuteronomy 4:26-31. They had a promise to plead. Cp. 1 John 1:9; 2:1, 2.
4. The prophet’s message; Vs. 8-10. (1) A reminder of past blessings and deliverances. (2) Of His command; V. 10. (3) A reminder of their sin; V. 10.
II. The Divine Messenger; Vs. 11-24.
1. Who the messenger was. Note Vs. 14, 16, etc. Another of those wonderful Christophanies.
2. The salutation; Vs. 11-12. Note Gideon’s occupation; V. 11. A message of encouragement; V. 12.
3. Gideon’s complaint; V. 13. There is a reason for all God’s dealings with His people. Cp. Hebrews 12:5-11.
4. The message; Vs. 14-16. (1) Its content, (a) The command; V. 14—“Go!” (b) The commission, “Shalt save.” (c) The authority, “I sent.” (2) The objection; V. 15. Refreshing humility. Cp. Exodus 3:11; Luke 14:11; Ephesians 3:8. (3)The promise; V. 16. Cp. 2 Corinthians 12:9; Matthew 28:19, 20; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 3:5. Illustration, an empty glove is powerless to do anything, but when placed on the hand, is clothed with all the strength of the arm.
5. The sign; Vs. 17-24. A Divine phenomenon.
6. The altar; V. 24. Note its name. Cp. Ephesians 2:14, 17; Colossians 1:21; Romans 5:1; Philippians 5:6, 7.
III. The Destroyed Idol. Vs. 25-32.
1. The command; Vs. 25-26. (1) To break down; V. 25. (2) To set up; V. 2. God destroys the bad that He might give the best. Cp. Acts 20:21. “Repentance,” break-down; “faith,” build-up. 1 Thessalonians 1:9.
2. The obedience; V. 27. A brave act in the face of popular opinion.
3. The result; Vs. 28-32. The test of common sense; Vs. 30-31. The foolishness of idolatry; Psalm 115:4-8; Isaiah 40:18-22. Cp. 1 Kings 18:27. If the idol could not protect itself, what protection could it possibly give to anyone else? All man-made gods are silent and powerless in the hour of need. Cp. the gods of pleasure, fame, sport, business, money, etc.
4. The equipment; V 34. (See marg.). Literally, “The Spirit of God clothed Himself with Gideon.” Cp. Daniel 11:32. Yet Cp. John 16:16, 17.
5. The sign of the dew on the fleece; Vs. 36-38.
6. The sign of the dew on the ground; Vs. 39-40.
Lesson 68: Gideon’s Victory
Judges 7
Golden Text: Isaiah 57:15
I. The Tests; Vs. 1-8.
1. The necessity for it; Vs. 1-2. There was an army of 32,000. Cp. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; John 6:63; Matthew 11:25, 26; Deuteronomy 8:11-18; Isaiah 10:13.
2. The first test; V. 3. Cp. Deuteronomy 20:8. The result: Two-thirds of the army depleted. Cp. 2 Tim 2:3; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Philippians 1:28; 2 Timothy 1:7.
3. The second test; Vs. 4-7. To test their earnestness, energy and eagerness for the battle of the Lord by denial of self-indulgence. The result: Only 300 left. Cp. 1 Peter 1:7; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Titus 2:11, 12; 1 Corinthians 9:27.
II. The Encouragement; Vs. 9-15.
1. The visit to the camp. Vs. 9-12.
2. The dream; Vs. 13:14. God’s purpose in dreams in the O. T. Job. 33:14-17. This was for Gideon’s encouragement.
3. The effect; V. 15.
III. The Plan; Vs. 16-18.
1. To human eyes—foolishness, as also is God’s way of salvation through the crucified and risen Son of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18; 3:18-21. God uses weak things—the jawbone of an ass; Judges 15:15. The stone of a shepherd boy; 1 Sam 17: 40. The little maid; 2 Kings 5:2, etc., etc.
2. The equipment—very simple; Vs. 16-17. A trumpet—an empty vessel—a lamp—an. example. A picture of how God works today through His people. (1) The trumpet—Picture of the gospel message to be sounded out; Ezekiel 33:3-6; Acts 13:38; 1 Corinthians 14:8; Mark 16:15, 16. (2)The empty vessel—picture of the redeemed sinner. Cp. 2 Corinthians 4:7. If he is to be used by God he must be emptied of all pride, self esteem, self sufficiency and all that would hinder the purpose of God through him. See 2 Timothy 2:21. (3) The torch or fire brand—Light=testimony. Cp. Matthew 5:16. See also Philippians 2:15. Like John the Baptist the Christian should be “a burning and a shining light.” John 5:35. Only as we burn for Him shall we shine. (4) A leader—an example. Cp. Hebrews 12:1, 2; 1 Peter 2:21. Cp. “Follow Me and I will make you to become” Matthew 4:19. Christ is our example in (a) Love, John 13:34. (b) Self denial. John 12:24, 25. (c) Service, John 13:14, 15. (d) Humility, Philippians 2:5-8. (e) Walk, 1 John 2:6. (f) Suffering, 1 Peter 2:20, 21.
IV. The Victory; Vs. 19-85. Picture this scene: The darkness and silence of the night broken by the shrill trumpets and the blazing lights and the triumphant cry.
1. The Surprise; Vs. 19-22.
2. The confusion; V. 22. Note the source of it.
3. The rout; Vs. 23-24.
Lesson 69: Abimelech And Jephthah
Judges 9-11
Golden Text: Isaiah 57:20, 21
Once again, in these chapters, is the record of the confusion that reigned in Israel during this period of the Judges.
I. Abimelech’s Treachery; 9:1-6.
1. The cause of it—Love of power, popularity and position. How many a man since has lost his soul for these same things! Ill. Pilate, Agrippa, Judas. Cp. Mark 8:36, 37.
2. The effect of it—his fearful sin. What God has to say about the sanctity of human life. Genesis 9:6; Psalm 73:3-12. Often the ungodly seem to prosper but the reckoning day is yet to come; Revelation 20:10-15; Hebrews 9:27.
II. Jotham’s Parable; Vs. 7-21. Really a fable.
1. Its purpose; V. 7; to bring home the sin of Abimelech to the people. The chief point In it is to drive home the fact that no worth while and useful person would have acted thus; but only a worthless bramble like Abimelech. Cp. Nathan’s parable; 2 Samuel 12; and Christ’s Matthew 13:3, etc.
2. The parable; Vs. 8-15.
3. The application; Vs. 16-21.
III. Abimelech’s death; Vs. 22-57. His reign was short and turbulous. Cp. Isaiah 57:20, 21; 2. I Kings 9:22; Hosea 8:7; Galatians 6:7; Job 4:8. There is no reduction in the wages of sin; Romans 6:23; Eccl. 5:8.
IV. Tola and Jair. C. 10.
1. Tola; 10:1-2.
2. Jair; 10:3-18. Note the description of Israel’s condition. (1) Their idolatry, V. 6. A good Bible dictionary will give a description of these idols. (2) The punishment; Vs. 7-9. (3) Their confession and God’s answer; Vs. 10-14. (4) Their repentance; Vs. 15-16.
V. Jephthah the Deliverer. C. 11.
1. The outlaw; Vs. 1-5; the despised one.
2. The plea; Vs. 6-8.
3. The ambassage to Ammon; Vs. 12-28. Jephthah’s reply to the King of Ammon reveals the common knowledge of the history of Israel, obtained from the scriptural record.
4. The preparation; V. 29. This special enduement is mentioned often in Judges—trace the work of the Spirit of God in the O. T.
5. The vow; Vs. 30-40. (1) His vow; Vs. 30-31. Jephthah was not acting on God’s orders when he made his rash vow. It was purely his own idea. Scripture simply records the .history of it, but in no way commends it. (2) Victory; Vs. 32-33. (3) His grief; Vs. 34-36. Verses 37-40 seem to indicate she was not put to death but rather took a vow of perpetual virginity. Note especially Verse 40 (margin).
Lesson 70: Samson—His Early Life
Judges 13-14
Golden Text: Proverbs 20:1
The story of Samson is the tragic record of the weakest strong man of Scripture. It contains much in the way of warning concerning the danger of making shipwreck of one’s life. Samson’s promised much and yielded so little for God. I. The Divine Messenger; Vs. 1-23.
1. The condition of Israel; V. 1. The same story again with the same condition brought about by their own sin.
2. The promise of the son; Vs. 2-5. (1) Another of the Christophanies—the manifestation of the Son of God. (2) The promise; V. 3. (3) The warning; Vs. 4-5. Cp. Numbers 6:1-5. The practical application—denial of self and separation unto God; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 7:1; 2 Timothy 2:21, 22; 1 Corinthians 9:25-27. (4) The plea; Vs. 6-8.
3. The second appearance; Vs. 9-23. (1) The emphasized conditions; Vs. 9-14. The blessings of temperance. (2) The offer; Vs. 51-17. Note V. 16 and Cp. Matthew 19:17. (3) The revelation of His name; V. 18. See marg. and Cp. Isaiah 9:6. “Wonderful.” Wonderful in (a) His birth, (b) in His life, (c) in His works, (d) in His words, (e) in His death, (f) in His resurrection, (g) in His present ministry, (h) in His coming again. (4) The offering; Vs. 19-23. What a marvelous sight!
II. The Birth of Samson; Vs. 24-25.
1. The fulfilled promise; V. 24. Cp. Numbers 23:19; Joshua 21:45, etc.
2. The preparation; V. 25.
III. Samson’s Riddle; V. 14.
1. His visit to Timnath; Vs. 1-4. Notice Samson’s answer to his father’s objection: “She pleaseth me.” Here is the key to his weakness— self pleasing There are three kinds of pleasers: (1) “The God-pleasers. How? Romans 8:8; Hebrews 11:6; 1 John 3:22; Psalm 69:31; Colossians 1:10; Philippians 2:12, 13; Psalm 51:19. (2) The self-pleasers; Romans 15:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15. (3) The men-pleasers; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Galatians 1:10; Colossians 3:22; Ephesians 6:6. To which class do we belong? True greatness consists of living the God-pleasing life. See Hebrews 11:5.
2. The lion slain; Vs. 5-6. Note the power for this superhuman task of slaying a lion single handed. How sad to think that such a strong person could become so weak! What great possibilities for God and His people were Samson’s, and how little were these possibilities realized because of his lack of cooperation with God!
3. The strange sight; Vs. 7-9. Sweet from the strong; life from death. A good illustration of the blessings that flow to man through Christ’s finished work—Life and sweetness; 2 Timothy 1:10.
4. The riddle; Vs. 10-14.
5. The strategy; Vs. 15-17.
6. The solution; V. 18.
7. The result; Vs. 18-20.
Lesson 71: Samson—His Downfall And Death
Judges 15-16
Golden Text: 2 Timothy 2:1
By definite steps he descended until he was ruined
I. His Great Feat of Strength. C. 15-16:3.
1. Its Source. Cp. 15:14, 19; 14:6, etc. See also Isaiah 40:29-31; 30:15; 26:4; Psalm 18:1; 138:3; 95:4; Ephesians 3:16.
2. Its Condition—Separation unto God. Psalm 52:7; Judges 8:21; Psalm 31:3, 10; 147:10, 11.
3. Its Manifestation. “Weak things.” 15:9-20; Cp. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29. Only as Samson yielded himself to the Lord was he given that strength which made him famous. His strength was in the Lord.
II. His Folly and Downfall. A picture of the Backslider. Chap. 16:4-30.
1. The Unequal Yoke. V. 4; Cp. Deuteronomy 7:2-4; Ezra 9:1, 2, 12; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Hosea 7:9.
2. The Temptation. Vs. 5-16. Instead of fleeing from it he played with it. Cp. James 1:13, 14; 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Illust. Joseph, Genesis 39. Notice her question: “Tell me, pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth?” In what does the believer’s strength lie? (1) In the Lord. Psalms 46:1; 140:7; 73:26; 84:5. (2) By prayer. Isaiah 40:31. (3) By a separated life. Job 17:9. (4)By the joy of the Lord. Nehemiah 8: 10. (5) By consciousness of our own weakness and reliance on Him. 2 Corinthians 12:9. (6) By faith. Romans 4:20; Hebrews 11:24. (7) By the Word of God. 1 John 2:14. The neglect of any of these results in spiritual weakness and failure.
3. The Sleep. Vs. 17-20. On the knees of his temptress, in the midst of his enemies. How foolish! Cp. Luke 22:46. 1 Thess 5:5-8; Proverbs 24:33, 34; Ephesians 5:14; Romans 13:11, 12. A sleeping Christian is a menace and stumbling block to the unsaved. Beware of the sleep of worldliness, formality, self indulgence. It leads to loss of power.
4. The Capture. Vs. 20. 21. (1) His pitiable ignorance. V. 20. Is it true of us? (2) His ignominious defeat.
5. The Pitiable Bondage. V. 21. (1) Blinded— walking in darkness. Cp. Isaiah 59:8-10; John 8:12. The light of testimony put out. Matthew 5:16: Cp. Luke 11:33-36. (2) Caused God to be blasphemed. V. 24. Cp. 2 Samuel 12:14; Romans 2:24; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:5. (3) Made an object of ridicule instead of fear. V. 27. The world has no respect for the backslider. (4) Grinding in the prison. V. 21. Cp. Romans 6: 13, 16. The Devil dines, wines, blinds, binds, and grinds his victims.
III. His Death. 16:25-31.
1. The forgotten lesson. V. 22
2. The Prayer. V. 28; Cp. Psalm 51:12; Jeremiah 3: 12. 22; 31:20; Hosea 14:4; 2 Chronicles 7-14; 1 John 1:9 etc.
3. The Result. V. 30. Thus ended a life that promised so much for God, but accomplished so little.
Lesson 72: The Story Of Ruth
Ruth 1-4
Golden Text: Ruth 1:16
I. Ruth Deciding. C. 1.
1. The Wrong Choice; vs. 1, 2. (1) The Famine, cp. 1 Kings 8:35, 36. Its cause and cure. (2) The sojourn in Moab—the place of stagnation; Jeremiah 48:11; cp. other disastrous sojourns; Abraham, Genesis 12:10; Issac, Genesis 26:1; Lot, Genesis 13:11-13, and their consequences.
2. The Fearful Consequences; vs. 3-5. Death and desolation; Jeremiah 2:19; Hebrews 3:12; Proverbs 13:15.
3. The Glad Tidings, v. 6, of revival arid provision, due to confession and self judgment. See Judges 3:9, 15, 4:3, 6:6,. The great need of the church today is revival. Revival is a stirring up of the soul after God and His word, will and way. See Psalms 85:6; 138:7.
4. The Great Decision; Vs. 8-18. (1) Naomi the backslider. (2) Orpah the mere professor. (3) Ruth the real possessor. Which are you? Note the appeal; Vs. 12-15. The response; Vs. 16, 17. The result; V. 18. Compare other great decisions. Rebekah’s; Genesis 24. Joshua’s; Joshua 24, Moses’; Hebrews 11. Prodigal Son; Luke 15, etc.
5. The Sad Confession; Vs 19, 20; Cp. Jeremiah 2:19.
II. Ruth Gleaning. C. 2.
1. The Kinsman with the right to redeem; Va. 1, 20. Cp. Ours; Hebrews 2:11, 14-17, Galatians 4:4-6.
2. The Service; Vs. 2, 3.
3. The Blessing and the Gleaning; Vs. 4-23. (1) The blessing. Vs. 4-13. (2) The provision; Vs. 14-23. Gracious, abundant, free! Cp. Psalm 107:9; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:19.
III. Ruth Resting. C. 3.
1. Her Position—at His Feet; Vs. 1-7. The place of blessing; Cp. Luke 7:38; 8:35, etc.
2. Her Relation—Kinsman; V. 9. Near and with right and will to redeem. Boaz means “In him is strength.” How like the Lord Jesus, the strong Son of God and Son of Man! The great Kinsman Redeemer! Psalm 80:15; 89:8.
3. Her Promise; Vs. 11-14.
4. Her Earnest; Vs. 15-18; Cp. 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:14
IV. Ruth Rewarded. C. 4.
1. The Redemption; Vs. 1-12. Here is a beautiful type of Christ the Redeemer. According to the law, the redeemer must possess five qualifications. (1) He must have the right as Kinsman. Leviticus 25:47-49. Christ earned this right by becoming Man. Hebrews 2:14. (2) He must be willing to redeem. V. 10. Christ revealed His willingness. See Mark 10:45; John 10:10; 6:37. (3) He must have the power, a slave cannot redeem a slave, he must be a free man. So Christ had no sin. Death had no claim on Him—He magnified the law Isaiah 42:21. (4) He must have the price. Christ as Redeemer paid the full price—His Own precious blood. 1 Peter 2:9; 1:18; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Ephesians 5:25. (5) He must have the receipt. See V. 8. The receipt is the resurrection and glorification of our Redeemer, Romans 4:25 etc.
2. The Relationship; V. 13. His Bride.
3. The Rejoicing; Vs. 14-17.
Lesson 73: The Birth Of Samuel
1 Samuel 1—2:11
Golden Text: Ephesians 3:30, 21
I. A Sorrowful Woman. Vs. 1-8.
1. Childless; Vs. 1-2. A reproach in Israel; Cp. Genesis 30:23. Apply spiritually; Galatians 4:19; 1 Corinthians 4:15.
2. Provoked; V. 6. Note by whom. “The Adversary,” Cp. 1 Peter 5:7-9.
3. Vexed in soul; Vs. 6-8.
II. A Fervent Prayer. Vs. 9-18.
1. Its cause—bitterness of soul; Cp. Psalm 107:5, 6, 12-13, 18-19, 27-28, etc. Man’s extremity—God’s opportunity.
2. Its object—“Lord of Hosts.” The God of the impossible.
3. Its reality. (1) From the heart; Vs. 10. (2) Definite; V. 11. (3) Earnest; V. 15. “Poured out soul.” (4) Persevering “continued;” V. 12; Cp. Matthew 6:6; Ephesians 6:18; James 5:17, 18. (5) Someone has pointed out five things that prayer does, (a) It makes God’s presence real, (b) It makes God’s power felt, (c) It makes God’s will clear, (d) It makes God’s service easy, (e) It makes God’s blessings available. Prayer expresses our own need and helplessness and God’s supply and omnipotence.
III. A Misunderstanding Priest; 12-18. The prayerful person must be prepared to be misunderstood even by those from whom it is least expected.
1. His wrong conclusion, V. 13, based on mere outward observance. John 7:24. Cp.