Judges 2 Resources


Chart from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the OT - used by permission
Chart on Judges - Charles Swindoll

RECYCLING SIN
(The High Cost of Compromise)

Jdg 1:1-3:6 Jdg 3:7-16:31 Jdg 17:1-21:25
Introduction History of the Judges Appendix
Causes of the
Cycles

THE REASON

Curse of the
Cycles

THE RECORD

Conditions in
the Cycles

THE RESULTS

Failure to Complete Conquest Jdg 1:1-36
God's Judgment for
Failure Jdg 2:1-3:6
Curse of the
Cycles
Conditions in
the Cycles
Living with
Canaanites
War with the
Canaanites
Living Like the
Canaanites
Religious
Laxity
Political
Uncertainty
Moral
Anarchy
About 350 Years of Israel's History - Almost 25%!
From Compromise to Confusion!
A TIMELINE OF ISRAEL'S HISTORY
"in the days when the JUDGES governed"
(Note: All dates are approximations & time gaps NOT to scale)
Exodus 40 Years Israel Enters Canaan JUDGES Saul David   Messiah

Redemption from Slavery

Wilderness Wandering

Canaan Conquered
Joshua Dies

LIGHT of book of RUTH
Shines forth
in Dark Days of Judges

To obey is better than sacrifice

Man after God's Own Heart

The Lamb that was slain

-- 40 yrs ~24 yrs

350+ yrs

40 yrs 40 yrs Forever
MESSIAH'S LINE   To Salmon was born Boaz by Rahab To Boaz was born Obed by Ruth To Obed was born Jesse To Jesse was born David the King Jesus Christ the Lord
1445BC

1445 -1405

1405 -1381

1381-1051

1051-1011 1011-971 4AD


Another Timeline of Israel's History
Click to Enlarge

from Jensen's Survey of the OT


Click to Enlarge


 

ARCHIVE.ORG
MODERN COMMENTARIES 

Most of these books are newer resources published after 1980 and previously were available only in book form or purchasing in a Bible computer program. This is potentially a very useful resource to supplement your study. In general these books do not allow you to copy and paste. NO CHARGE. But you must log in to borrow most of these books by creating a login account! Click picture of the person in right upper corner and set up your free login. Then you can read many excellent modern commentaries free of charge! After you have checked it out for an hour, in my experience you can usually check it out again which gives you sufficient time to read the section in which you are interested. 

Judges, Ruth. Vol. 6: New American Commentary. DANIEL BLOCK -  Nashville: Broadman & Holman - 1999

Cyril Barber says this is "An exceedingly valuable exegetical and theological exposition. Based on the NIV, though Block gives evidence of working from the Hebrew text. Readers will find this a learned, discerning discussion that readily explains the meaning and message of these twin books. Recommended.

Rosscup - An evangelical contributes 586 pp. on Judges and 151 on Ruth. Introductory sections for both books survey the state of scholarly opinion and his belief in the integrity and reliability of the biblical books. Copious footnotes, often lengthy, reflect on others’ views, verifications of points in the books and also in other scripture, etc. Verse by verse work offers detail on grammar, word meaning, background, customs, and interpretive problems. Block holds that Jephthah sacrificed his daughter in death. On passages overall, this is a standout commentary, yet at times it states convictions without a specific answer to other leading views. One instance is in not commenting on the view that Ruth acted indecently with Boaz at night. Some accounts, as episodes of Samson, seem for the most part to be explained in reasonable detail. (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An annotated bibliography of selected works)

Tim Challies - Tremper Longman, who has not reviewed Dale Ralph Davis’ volume, gives Block’s commentary a 5-star rating and says, “This contribution is clearly the best thing available on the book of Judges. Block is thoroughly aware of all the literature that precedes his own, and he incorporates what is good and criticizes what is bad.” He also praises Block’s insights along with his literary and theological analysis. This commentary is slightly more advanced and in-depth than Davis’.

Judges Commentary -  DONALD CAMPBELL - Leaders in Crisis times (Living for God in a Society that has Forgotten God!)

Former president of Dallas Theological Seminary - has wonderful insights, illustrations and practical applications. Unfortunately this book is no longer being published but you may be able to find used copies.  Excellent practical commentary on Judges with good illustrations for sermons.

Review by Cyril Barber - A well-informed, judicious exposition that combines a timely handling of the text with a practical application of it. Ideal for adult discussion groups. Recommended.

Judges & Ruth: Tyndale Old Testament Commentary - ARTHUR CUNDALL - Tyndale Old Testament Commentary (Judges and Ruth) (1968)

Arthur Cundall writes the commentary on Judges and Leon Morris writes the commentary on Ruth. These both get excellent reviews - see reviews by several users

Here is a more generic review - "The Tyndale volumes have long been the premier shorter-length commentary series on both Testaments throughout the English-speaking world." (Craig Blomberg, Denver Seminary)

Judges Bible Study Commentary PAUL ENNS - Everyman's Bible Commentary (1982) (Zondervan)

Cyril Barber - A practical, clearly outlined, conservative treatment. Ideal for laypeople.

James Rosscup - If one wants down to business exposition, well-organized, with keen sensitivity to providing help on problem texts, this is a very good, brief conservative work by a clear, diligent student. It almost always goes right to the point, deals with pertinent questions, and always upholds a high view of the passages as being the Word of God.

Judges/Ruth - Everyman's Bible Commentary - Arthur Lewis (1979) 132 pages.  1  rating

A Commentary on Judges and Ruth ROBERT CHISHOLM 

Joshua, Judges and Ruth A GRAEME AULD - 

Cyril Barber - Daily Study Bible. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1984. †Auld writes out of the conviction that these books are the Bible's prime witness to Israel's early history in Canaan. He expounds the text skillfully and incorporates important historical, linguistic, and archaeological information into his discussion. 

Studies in Joshua-Job by Newell, William - This same resource is found hereDownload Pdf (allows copy and paste)

Wiersbe says it is "valuable for your library."

Brookman writes "Popular studies with an excellent synopsis of the historical books. It is written in a clear manner, and surveys each book giving key ideas and insights." 

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - Judges by Andrew Boling (20 pages); editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages. User reviews. (See also his 380 page commentary on Judges the Anchor Bible Series)

Hearts of Iron, Feet of Clay -  GARY INRIG - Judges shows us our potential for greatness...our capacity for catastrophe (2005) This is one of my favorite practical commentaries on Judges. - see reviews by users

Journey Through Judges - This is a 50 part series online (no charge) walking you through the entire book of Judges (recommended)! 

Rosscup -  This little book is a "sleeper" and has flown under the radar of many evangelicals. I highly recommend it to supplement your teaching and/or preaching through the Book of Judges. Notice that all the reviewers have given it the highest rating possible..

Not to the strong by McQuaid, Elwood, former president of Friends for Israel -

The Chapters include - In the Grasp of Failure, A Program for Victory, Barak—The Faceless, Gideon—The Fearful, Jephthah—The Forsaken, Samson—The Failure. Conservative. 

Old Testament characters : Bible study guide by Swindoll, Charles R (1991) 132 pages. Chapter 1 = Judges 13-15; Chapter 2 = Judges 16:4-31

Bible Knowledge Commentary - Old Testament - Dallas Theological Seminary Faculty

Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament - Warren Wiersbe - always worth checking

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament by Warren W Wiersbe  - can be very helpful for sermon prep.

"Even the most difficult Scriptures come alive as Warren Wiersbe leads you book-by-book through the Old Testament and helps you to see the "big picture" of God's revelation. In this unique volume, you will find: • Introductions and/or outlines for every Old Testament book • Practical expositions of strategic chapters • Special studies on key topics, relating the Old Testament to the New Testament • Easy-to-understand expositions that are practical, preachable, and teachable If you have used Dr. Wiersbe's popular BE series, you know how simple and practical his Bible studies are, with outlines that almost teach themselves. If not, you can now discover a wonderful new resource. This work is a unique commentary on every book of the Old Testament. It contains new material not to be found in the BE series.

With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe 

STUDY BIBLES, ETC

Note: The first 3 resources have no time restriction and allow copy and paste function: 

(1) KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial.  User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. 

Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective   user reviews 

The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.

(2) The King James Study Bible Second Edition 2240 pages (2013) (Thomas Nelson) General Editor - Edward Hindson with multiple contributing editors. Pre-millennial. See introduction on How to Use this Study Bible.

(3) NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial. 

The MacArthur study Bible : new King James version - John MacArthur

ESV study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 

NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages  - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below.  This resource has been fully revised in 2020. 

HCSB Study Bible : Holman Christian Standard Bible - General Editor Jeremy Royal Howard (2010) 2360 pages. Conservative. Good notes. Include Holmans excellent maps. One hour limit

Life Application Study Bible : New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes

NLT Study Bible (Illustration Version) 

The Living Insights Study Bible : New International Version - Charles Swindoll. Notes are good but somewhat sparse and not verse by verse.

The David Jeremiah study bible - (2013) 2208 pages.  Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."

The Experiencing God Study Bible: the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! 

NIV archaeological Study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 

The Ryrie study Bible - Charles Ryrie (1978) 2142 pages. Conservative. 

The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M.

Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary. Conservative. Notes are generally verse by verse but brief. 

Rosscup - Conservative and premillennial scholars here have been experts in their fields. The work contains brief introductions and attempts to give a verse-by-verse exposition, though it does skip over some verses. The treatments vary with the authors, but as a whole it is a fine one-volume commentary for pastors and students to use or give to a layman. Outstanding sections include, for example: Whitcomb on Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther; Culver on Daniel; Ladd on Acts; Harrison on Galatians; Johnson on I Corinthians; and Ryrie on the Johannine Epistles.

Believer's Bible Commentary - OT and NT - MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages. Conservative. Literal. Often has very insightful comments. John MacArthur, says "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen." Warren Wiersbe adds "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word." One hour limit.

James Rosscup - This work, originally issued in 1983, is conservative and premillennial, written to help teachers, preachers and people in every walk of life with different views, explanation and application. 

MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES

Jensen's Survey of Bible - Old Testament and New Testament (online) by Jensen, Irving  This is an outstanding resource and a great place to begin your study on any book of the Bible. 

IVP Background Commentary  - OT - John Walton

Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel. Well done notes explaining cultural/historical aspects of the texts with color pictures. Interesting resource to supplement your study of the major prophets. 

Back toward the future : hints for interpreting Biblical prophecy by Kaiser, Walter C.,

The Old Testament in contemporary preaching by Kaiser, Walter 

The uses of the Old Testament in the New by Kaiser, Walter C

Nelson's Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament by Unger, Merrill 

Toward Old Testament ethics by Kaiser, Walter C.

Toward an Old Testament theology by Kaiser, Walter

The promise-plan of God : a biblical theology of the Old and New Testaments by Kaiser, Walter C - Excellent.

The Messiah in the Old Testament by Kaiser, Walter C

Every prophecy of the Bible: Walvoord, John F

Zondervan Atlas of The Bible By: Umair Mirza

Dictionary of Biblical Imagery - free for use online with no restrictions (i.e., you do not need to borrow this book). Editors Leland Ryken, J C Wilhoit, Tremper Longman III - This is a potential treasure chest to aid your preaching and teaching as it analyzes the meaning of a host of Biblical figures of speech. Clue - use the "One-page view" which then allows you to copy and paste text. One downside is there is no index, so you need to search 3291 pages for entries which are alphabetical. 

Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT - only 123 pages. No division by books. Strictly confines itself to discussion of archaeology.

Dictionary of deities and demons in the Bible (DDD) - 950 pages (1995) Read some of the 65 ratings (4.8/5 Stars). A definitive in depth resource on this subject. Very expensive to purchase. 

Unger's bible handbook : a best-selling guide to understanding the bible by Unger, Merrill F

Rosscup - A former Professor of Old testament at Dallas Seminary, evangelical writer of many scholarly books, did this in his late years. He has sections on each Bible book, archaeology, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets, between the testaments, the four gospels, epistles of Paul, how the Bible came to us, Bible statistics, outline of church history, creation stories, Ur of Abram’s day, Egypt, Assyria, the Chaldean empire, demonism, miracles, Bethlehem, Dead Sea scrolls, Corinth, Ephesus, Rome, etc. The work includes more than 20 charts and 30 maps and has color sections. Unger has good material at some points in surveying passages, dealing with certain problems, etc., and handles the long-range prophecies in a premillennial way. Often he is very cursory.

Halley's Bible Handbook Henry H. Halley - (2000) 2720 pages (much larger than original edition in 1965 and no time limit on use). (Halley's Bible handbook : an abbreviated Bible commentary - one hour limit 1965 872 pages)

Rosscup - A much-used older evangelical handbook bringing together a brief commentary on Bible books, some key archaeological findings, historical background, maps, quotes, etc. It is helpful to a lay Bible teacher, Sunday School leader, or pastor looking for quick, pertinent information on a Bible book. This is the 72nd printing somewhat revised. Halley packed in much information. Unger’s is better overall, but that is not to say that Halley’s will not provide much help on basic information.

The Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook - Editor - Walter Elwell (1984) 408 pages.

"This hardback is small in size but packed full of content: Brief summaries of every book of the bible, cultural, archaeological and historical info, word definitions, pictures, maps and charts." Worth checking! 

Eerdmans' Handbook to the Bible (1983) 688 pages 

What the Bible is All About Henrietta Mears

The New Unger's Bible Dictionary by Unger, Merrill Frederick, 1909-

J.Sidlow Baxter: Explore The Book - pdf Vol. 2 Judges to Esther

APOLOGETICS

The Apologetics Study Bible Understand Why You Believe - Comments from over 90 leading apologists, including: Ted Cabal, Lee Strobel, Chuck Colson, Norm Geisler, Josh McDowell, Albert Mohler, J.P. Moreland, see reviews. Here is a review from The Christian Reviewer.

Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics by Norman Geisler

Cyril Barber - This is a goldmine of valuable information! Well-indexed. Covers everything from “Absolute Truth” to “Zen Buddhism.” Extensive articles on such topics as “Agnosticism,” “Annihilationism,” “Bible, Alleged Errors in,” “Gnosticism,” “Miracles in the Bible,” “New Testament Manuscripts,” and “Objections to Resurrection,” “Big Bang Theory,” “Edward John Carnell,” “Christ, Death of,” are only a few of the insightful essays in this masterful work. Each article has been written in an understandable way, and a 28 page bibliography forms a valuable source for further research. An excellent resource.

The Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin (another source without restrictions or here)

Mormons : answered verse by verse David Reed 

Jehovah's Witnesses : answered verse by verse David Reed 

Evidence That Demands A Verdict - Josh McDowell (no restrictions)

The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict - Josh McDowell (no restrictions)

More Than A Carpenter - A modern classic by Josh McDowell - Great resource for those who are skeptical that Jesus is fully God, fully Man.

Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties by Archer, Gleason L - or here with no restrictions

Hard Sayings of the Bible - Walter Kaiser

When Critics Ask - Norman Geisler

When Cultists Ask - Norman Geisler

When Skeptics Ask A Handbook  - Norman Geisler

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN THE BIBLE

Today's Handbook of Bible Times & Customs by Coleman, William L

Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Manners & Customs : How the People of the Bible Really Lived by Vos, Howard Frederic

Manners & Customs of the Bible (The New Manners and Customs)  Freeman, James M., 1827-1900 Published 1998

The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times: Gower, Ralph, 1933- Published 1987

Manners and Customs of Bible lands By: Wight, Fred Published 1983

Manners and Customs in the Bible By: Matthews, Victor Harold Published 1991

Handbook of life in Bible times By: Thompson, J. A. (John Arthur), 1913-2002 Published 1986

Illustrated dictionary of Bible manners and customs By: Deursen, A. van (Arie), 1891-1963 Published 1982

The Illustrated Guide to Bible Customs & Curiosities by Knight, George W. 

Orientalisms in Bible lands, giving light from customs, habits, manners, imagery, thought and life in the East for Bible students By: Rice, Edwin Wilbur, 1831-1929 Published 1910

Bible manners and customs By: Mackie, G. M. 1854-1922 Published 1898

Teach it to your children : how kids lived in Bible days By: Vamosh, Miriam Feinberg, author

Everyday life in Bible times : work, worship, and war  By: Embry, Margaret Published 1994

Everyday living : Bible life and times : fascinating, everyday customs and traditions from the people of the Bible  Published 2006

The Land and the Book; or, Biblical illustrations drawn from the manners and customs, the scenes and scenery, of the Holy land  By: Thomson, William M. (William McClure), 1806-1894 Published 1880

Eastern manners illustrative of the Old Testament history By: Jamieson, Robert, 1802-1880 Published 1838

Scripture manners and customs : being an account of the domestic habits, arts, etc., of Eastern nations mentioned in Holy Scripture Published  1895

HEBREW WORD
STUDY 
RESOURCES

Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament by Harris, R. Laird - (5/5 Stars) One of the best OT lexicons for studying Hebrew words.

Here is another link to the TWOT which has no time limit on use and does allow copy and paste. Can be downloaded as PDF. 

Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words - Online pdf

Hebrew Honey: a simple and deep word study of the Old Testament - 330 pages.  The definitions have more of a devotional flavor. For example, see the descriptive definition for "Abide" (Hebrew - gur)

Expository Dictionary of Bible Words by Richards, Larry,  It does not go into great depth on the Greek or Hebrew words but does have some excellent insights. 

So That's What it Means (Theological Wordbook) - Formerly titled "Theological Wordbookedited by Charles Swindoll. It is now under this new title So That's What it Means and can be borrowed - it is more like a dictionary than a lexicon but the comments are superb! The contributors include Donald Campbell, Wendell Johnston, John Witmer, John Walvoord 

Nelson's Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament by Unger, Merrill. Indexed by English word and then any related Hebrew nouns or verbs. Definitions are solid and geared to the lay person. 

Synonyms of the Old Testament-Robert Girdlestone

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
JUDGES 2

DONALD CAMPBELL -

ARTHUR CUNDALL -

GARY INRIG


PAUL APPLE

BRIAN BELL Teaching Notes

DICTIONARY

WAYNE BARBER - audio but worth listening 

ALBERT BARNES

BIBLE FOR HOME

BIBLE.ORG - Articles

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR

DANIEL BLOCK - Judges, Ruth. Vol. 6: New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman - 1999

Cyril Barber says this is "An exceedingly valuable exegetical and theological exposition. Based on the NIV, though Block gives evidence of working from the Hebrew text. Readers will find this a learned, discerning discussion that readily explains the meaning and message of these twin books. Recommended.

Read more user reviews.

  • Judges, Ruth. Vol. 6: New American Commentary archive.org allows you to borrow this book for an hour at no charge and renew. While you cannot copy and paste, this is still a useful resource. 
  • Note you must log in to borrow this book but login is free! Click picture of the person in right upper corner and set up your free login. Then you can read many excellent modern commentaries free of charge! 

JIM BOMKAMP

GEORGE BUSH Judges Notes  1852

Spurgeon: Like other works of this author—of considerable value.

Cyril Barber -  A pleasing synthesis of scholarship and devotion, historical background and relevant exposition. Bible students, whether laypeople or pastors, should eagerly acquire the writings of this fine biblical scholar and for their own edification and enrichment read what he wrote. This valuable reprint of the 1852 edition makes available the rare and rich homiletic suggestions of this Princeton scholar.

CAMBRIDGE BIBLE FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES - J J Lias

CAMBRIDGE BIBLE COMMENTARY 

DONALD CAMPBELL - Leaders in Crisis times (Living for God in a Society that has Forgotten God!)

Former president of Dallas Theological Seminary - has wonderful insights, illustrations and practical applications. Unfortunately this book is no longer being published but you may be able to find used copies.  Excellent practical commentary on Judges with good illustrations for sermons.

Review by Cyril Barber - A well-informed, judicious exposition that combines a timely handling of the text with a practical application of it. Ideal for adult discussion groups. Recommended.

  • Judges Commentary - archive.org allows you to borrow for an hour at no charge and renew. While you cannot copy and paste, this is still a useful resource. 

ALAN CARR - SERMON

RICH CATHERS

ROBERT CHISHOLM, JR - ARTICLE

ADAM CLARKE 

THOMAS CONSTABLE 

W A CRISWELL

ARTHUR CUNDALL - Tyndale Old Testament Commentary (Judges and Ruth) (1968)

Arthur Cundall writes the commentary on Judges and Leon Morris writes the commentary on Ruth. These both get excellent reviews - see reviews by several users

Here is a more generic review - "The Tyndale volumes have long been the premier shorter-length commentary series on both Testaments throughout the English-speaking world." (Craig Blomberg, Denver Seminary)

JOHN CURRID COMMENTARY

RON DANIEL 

J N DARBY

BOB DEFFINBAUGH Judges Sermon Notes

"The Dark Days of Israel's Judges - A Study of the Book of Judges"

JOHN DUMMELOW Commentary

DAN DUNCAN - MP3

CHARLES ELLICOTT COMMENTARY FOR ENGLISH READERS

EASY ENGLISH COMMENTARY

PAUL ENNS - Everyman's Bible Commentary (1982) (Zondervan)

Cyril Barber - A practical, clearly outlined, conservative treatment. Ideal for laypeople.

  • Judges Bible Study Commentary: Judges.  archive.org allows you to borrow for an hour at no charge and renew. While you cannot copy and paste, this is still a useful resource. 
  • Note you must log in to borrow this book but login is free! Click picture of the person in right upper corner and set up your free login. Then you can read many excellent modern commentaries free of charge! 

THEODORE EPP

EXPLORE THE BIBLE

EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - R A WATSON

EXPOSITOR'S DICTIONARY OF TEXTS

A R FAUSSET Judges - An Expository Commentary

Cyril Barber - A work of immeasurable value. Remains one of the finest treatments extant. A must for the expositor.

Well Done If part of a page does not show switch to the two page view or try "refresh" (F5 Key)

DON FORTNER

ARNO GAEBELEIN Annotated Bible on Judges

GENE GETZ PRINCIPLES FROM JUDGES

These are short videos with practical principles.

  • Judges 2:1-5; Forsaking Sin: When we persist in sin, we must understand that we are offending God the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Video
  • Judges 2:6-13; Modeling and Teaching: Adults are to model and teach God's will to the younger generation. Video
  • Judges 2:14-15; God's Discipline: When we persistently disobey God, He will discipline us in order to help us live more godly lives. Video
  • Judges 2:16-18; God's Compassion: Though the Lord will eventually judge all those who ultimately reject His gift of salvation, we should be assured that He is a God of love, mercy, and forgiveness. Video
  • Judges 2:19-23; Internalizing God's Values: With God's help we are to internalize biblical values. Video

JOHN GILL

DAVID GUZIK

MATTHEW HENRY 

GOTQUESTIONS BOOK OF JUDGES

Have also included selected articles from Fausset's Bible Dictionary which is an older but excellent resource.

L M GRANT

SCOTT GRANT Sermons on Judges

DAVE HATCHER - NOTES

ROBERT HAWKER Poor Man's Commentary Judges

DAVID HOLWICK

KEITH KRELL - sermons

INTERNATIONAL CRITICAL COMMENTARY

GARY INRIG - Judges shows us our potential for greatness...our capacity for catastrophe (2005)

This is one of my favorite practical commentaries on Judges. - see reviews by several users

  • Hearts of Iron, Feet of Clay - archive.org allows you to borrow for an hour at no charge and renew. While you cannot copy and paste, this is still a useful resource. 
  • Journey Through Judges - This is a 50 part series online (no charge) walking you through the entire book of Judges (recommended)! 

JAMIESON, FAUSSET, BROWN

JUDGES DEVOTIONALS AND ILLUSTRATIONS 

Today in the Word, Back to the Bible, Our Daily Bread, et al

WILLIAM KELLY

KEIL AND DELITZSCH

HOMER HEATER, JR - Judges

JOHN KITTO

PAUL E. KRETZMANN The Popular Commentary Lutheran Perspective

LANGE'S COMMENTARY Paulus Cassel

DAVID LEGGE Sermons on Judges

WILLIAM MACDONALD

ALEXANDER MACLAREN

MARTIN MANSER - Dictionary Bible themes - interesting 

J VERNON MCGEE

F B MEYER

Rosscup comments: Meyer (1847–1929) published this originally in 1895. He left a big witness as a Christian, husband and expositor on the spiritual life. Here he is clear, simple, to the point, and practical in application. The book is especially suited for pastors, Sunday School teachers and laypersons. Sometimes he overdoes things, as in seeing Hittites and confederates as depicting “The evil habits of the old past” (p 12). Yet in many cases he is apt, as using Gideon to show the need to look to God for adequacy. He sees Saul as unsaved, having the Spirit on him but not in him (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An annotated bibliography of selected works)

G CAMPBELL MORGAN

ROBERT NEIGHBOUR

TOMMY NELSON - Mp3's only - click here for messages below

  • Judges 1:18-2:20: The Art of Destroying a Civilization
  • Judges 2:11-3:11: Cycles of Sin and The first National Hero

NET BIBLE NOTES

JAMES NISBET Church Pulpit Commentary

OUR DAILY BREAD

MYER PEARLMAN

PHIL NEWTON - SERMON

PETER PETT Commentary on Judges

JOHN PIPER

PREACHER'S HOMILETICAL COMMENTARY

PULPIT COMMENTARY

REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE

AREND REMMERS

KIM RIDDLEBARGER

  • Sermons on the Book of Judges
  • Judges 2:16-23 "The LORD Raised Up Judges" --
  • Judges 2:1-15 "They Abandoned the LORD"
  • Judges 2:16-3:6 "The LORD Was Moved to Pity"

RICHARD OWEN ROBERTS

RON RITCHIE

ADRIAN ROGERS Click for sermons listed below

  •   Bring Back the Glory—Judges 1–2
  •   Bring Back the Glory—Judges 1:1–2
  •  

HENRI ROSSIER

ROB SALVATO - SERMON

RAYMOND H SAXE - expository notes

  • Judges 2:1-13 (pdf)
  • Judges 2:14-23 (pdf)

JOHN SCHULTZ - former missionary to Papau, New Guinea

CHARLES SIMEON -SERMONS

CHUCK SMITH

JAMES SMITH 

"WHY HAVE YOU DONE THIS?" Judges 2:1-5.

The "angel of the Lord" may mean "the angel of His Presence," that angelic form which makes the presence of the Lord, a powerful reality. This the Holy Spirit now does. Wherever He is the presence of God is felt. The journey from Gilgal (rolling away) to Bochim (weepers) may in a moral sense be very short. If we do not walk in the light of His will the distance between our successes and failures will never be very great. We observe here—

I. A Work of Grace. This grace was manifested in—

1. A Merciful Compulsion. "I made you to go up out of Egypt" (v. 1). It is a blessed thing when salvation becomes a pressing necessity. Compelled to forsake our godless ways through the force of constraining grace. It was so with Saul while on the way to Damascus (Acts 9). The compulsion of Almighty love.

2. The Gift of a Rich Possession. "I brought you unto the land" (v. 1). This good land was the land of promise. To Israel it meant freedom, peace, plenty, progress, and power. Typical of the possessions the believer has in Christ Jesus.

3. An Unfailing Assurance. "I will never break My covenant with you" (v. 1). The gifts and callings of God are without repentance. God Himself will not alter the thing that has gone out of His lips (Psalm 89:34). We may fail, yet He abides faithful to His own promise. The bargain will never be broken on God's side. He cannot deny Himself.

4. A Needful Warning. "You shall make no league with the inhabitants; you shall throw down their altars" (v. 2). The inhabitants of the land were bitterly opposed to the purposes of God, therefore the children of God must make no covenant with them. The servants of Christ must in no way identify themselves with that spirit that works in the children of disobedience. Their false gods must be thrown down, and the Lord alone exalted.

II. A Miserable Failure. "But you have not obeyed My voice" (v. 2). The failure came in their case, as it often comes in ours, through unbelief. O fools and slow of heart, to believe all that He has spoken! The voice of God is still in His Word, because His Word is the breathings of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). The Scriptures are always living and active (see Hebrews 4:12, R.V.). To turn away from His revealed will is to close our ears to the voice of God. Be not deceived, God knows when His voice is obeyed. He is personally interested in every individual child of His. How often have we complained of our failures? May not the cause be here: "You have not obeyed My voice?"

III. A Searching Question. "Why have you done this?" The "angel of His presence" is jealous for the honor of God. What answer can a disobedient one give to this personal, pointed inquiry? An honest answer would be: "I feared man more than God, and was better pleased with my own thoughts and plans than with His." Paul's "Not I, but Christ," has been changed into "Not Christ, but I." You know that, apart from the presence and power of the Holy Spirit within you, you cannot live or witness for God as you ought; yet you have gone leaning on your own strength and wisdom, and came away defeated. "Why have you done this?" You know that to obey His voice is the secret of heart-restfulness, yet you have not walked in this light. "Why have you done this?"

IV. An Expressive Answer. They answered not by words, but by deeds. Acts speak louder than words—

1. They Wept. "The people lifted up their voice and wept" (v. 4). The message from him who represented the presence of God had gone home to their hearts. "Why have you done this?" smote them with the silence of self-condemnation that could only find expression in tears of repentance. It was a heart question that wrung out this heart-melting response. The crowing of a rooster sent the same burning question into the heart of self-confident Peter, and with the very same result. "He went out and wept bitterly" (Matthew 26:75). "Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of" (2 Corinthians 7:10).

2. They Sacrificed. "And they sacrificed there unto the Lord" (v. 5). Sacrificing unto God is the only possible way of redeeming what we have lost by disobedience. The tears that are not followed with self-denying deeds are not very hot. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit" (Psalm 51:17). The broken spirit allows all that is in it to flow out for God. "I beseech you therefore by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).

PHILIP SMITH

SPEAKER'S BIBLE COMMENTARY

C H SPURGEON

RAY STEDMAN

JOHN STEVENSON

ALAN STEWART

G W THATCHER - generally verse by verse comments

THIRD MILLENNIUM Book of Judges

DAVID THOMPSON SERMONS

TODAY IN THE WORD

JOHN TRAPP Commentary on Judges

JAMES VAN DINE

DAVID WASHBURN

LUKE WISEMAN

Spurgeon comments: Mr. Wiseman in this work tells “of Gideon and Barak, of Samson and of Jephthah,” and he does it in a powerful style. He was one of the best preachers in the Wesleyan body. A man of fulness, and judiciousness; in fact, a wise man.

Cyril Barber - Men of Faith... contains a wealth of practical material; applications are offered to encourage and challenge us today. The author presents a general view of the period of the judges along with an in depth study of the lives of Barak, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson.

STEVE ZEISLER

SERMONS BY VERSE - older works

A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience Alexander Maclaren Judges 2:1
Bochim Bp. Woodford. Judges 2:1-5
Bochim A.F. Muir Judges 2:1-5
Bochim; Or, the Weepers Spurgeon, Charles Haddon Judges 2:1-5
From Gilgal to Bochim R. Winterbotham, M. A. Judges 2:1-5
Sorrow not Repentance De Witt S. Clark. Judges 2:1-5
The Evil of Disobedience to God Spurgeon, Charles Haddon Judges 2:1-5
The Failure of Obedience L. H. Wiseman, M. A. Judges 2:1-5
The Israelites At Bochim T. Kidd. Judges 2:1-5
The Preaching of Repentance W.F. Adeney Judges 2:1-5
The Rushing of Tears T. De Witt Talmage. Judges 2:1-5
Thorough-Going Christianity R. S. Candlish, D. D. Judges 2:1-5
Thy Weeper J. B. Brown, B. A. Judges 2:1-5
Wasted Emotion L. A. Banks. Judges 2:1-5
Israel Forsaking God Sermons by the Monday Club Judges 2:6-10
Israel's Apostasy W. G. Moorehead, D. D. Judges 2:6-10
Joshua and Another Generation D. Davies. Judges 2:6-10
Man Homilist Judges 2:6-10
The Force of Personal Testimony and Influence A.F. Muir Judges 2:6-13
Israel's Apostasy W.F. Adeney Judges 2:11-13
God's Methods with Nations A. P. Foster. Judges 2:11-15
Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience A. Maclaren, D. D. Judges 2:11-15
Mercy is the Midst of Judgment A.F. Muir Judges 2:14-18
The Judges, Their Choice, Function, and Administration L. H. Wiseman, M. A. Judges 2:16-23
Tested by Temptation W.F. Adeney Judges 2:21, 22

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