Horizon Church November Bible Reading Plan: Flawed but Called - the Book of JudgesSample

Introduction to the Book of Judges

The book of Judges is a raw and honest look at Israel’s spiritual decline after the death of Joshua. Set in the time before Israel had kings, this book reveals what happens when a nation forgets its covenant with God and chooses to live by its own standards. Over and over, we read the haunting line: “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.”

Judges follows a repeating cycle: the people rebel, they are oppressed, they cry out, and God raises a judge to deliver them. These judges - leaders like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson - were meant to rescue and guide Israel. But as the story progresses, even the judges become more flawed, and the nation slips further into chaos and compromise.

This book isn’t just a record of history - it’s a sobering mirror. It shows the consequences of turning from God, but also the faithfulness of a God who continues to rescue even when His people don’t deserve it. Judges stirs a longing for a better leader, a true King - one who doesn’t just save from enemies but restores hearts. That longing finds its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus.

To gain a deeper understanding of the book, watch this overview from the Bible Project: