The Judges & Ruth

1375–1050 BC

The books of Judges & Ruth

~ Before the rise of each judge, “everyone did what was right in their own eyes” (Judg. 17:6, 21:25).

The time of the Judges was a turbulent season in Israel’s history. After Joshua’s death, the people lacked strong leadership and repeatedly turned away from God. Each cycle began with Israel falling into idolatry and moral decay. In response, God allowed the surrounding nations to oppress them. When the people cried out, He raised up judges—strong military and religious leaders—to rescue them.

Heroes like Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson brought victory, yet their leadership was often temporary. Again and again, Israel slipped back into rebellion. Despite Israel’s failures, God’s mercy shone through in His relentless deliverance.

In the days of the judges, a famine drove a woman named Naomi and her family from the land of Israel to Moab. After the death of her husband and sons, Naomi returned to her home town of Bethlehem with Ruth, her devoted daughter-in-law, who vowed, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1: 16). Ruth’s excellent character and love for Naomi drew the attention of Boaz, who later became the kinsman redeemer of Ruth and the family property. Ruth, a Gentile, became the great-grandmother of King David and appears in the lineage of Jesus.

~ After this chaotic season in Israel’s history, Samuel became the last judge of Israel and the first prophet of the monarchy.

Significance

• This period revealed both humanity’s weakness without God and His unshakable faithfulness to preserve His people.
• “Doing what is right in our own eyes” leads away from the righteous will of God. It leads to idols, chaos, oppression, and moral decay. Our ways are not God’s ways.
• Compromised faith affects our families, communities, and nation.
• God can use flawed people—even people like us. He is an expert at using our weakness to reveal His glory and strength.