Judges 4 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 

Explanation - The following list includes not only commentaries but other Christian works by well known evangelical writers. Most of the resources below are newer works (written after 1970) which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/contact. The resources are listed in alphabetical order by the author's last name and some include reviews of the particular resource. 


DANIEL BLOCK - Judges, Ruth. Vol. 6: New American Commentary 

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’.

Read more user reviews.

DONALD CAMPBELL - Judges Commentary  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.

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.

ARTHUR CUNDALL -TOTC Judges & Ruth: Tyndale Old Testament Commentary (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 generic review of the Tyndale series - "The Tyndale volumes have long been the premier shorter-length commentary series on both Testaments throughout the English-speaking world." (Craig Blomberg, Denver Seminary)

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

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

GARY INRIG - Hearts of Iron, Feet of Clay  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.  

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.

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

ROBERT G BOLINGJudges The Anchor Bible. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday and Co., 1975.

Cyril Barber's critique - A new translation with scholarly notes and commentary. Neither as helpful to the expository preacher as Fausset's exemplary treatment, nor as abreast of the latest scholarly research as Wood's invaluable work. What is presented, however, is valuable for its correlation of linguistic and historical data.

WILLIAM NEWELL Studies in Joshua-Job  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." 

JOHN GARSTANG - Joshua Judges: The Foundations of Bible History. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1978.

Cyril Barber's critique - Reprinted after years of neglect, this epochal work treats history, geography, archaeology, and the settlement of Israel in the land. Though he adheres to a modified form of the documentary hypothesis, Garstang's treatment is nevertheless possessed of a freshness and vitality seldom found in works of this nature.

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

BELOW ARE STUDY BIBLES, ETC

KJV Bible Commentary Judges - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. This is not a study Bible per se, but a one volume commentary with over 3000 pages of comments covering the entire OT/NT. There is no restriction on length of time one can use, but there is no copy and paste function. These are excellent conservative comments that interpret Scripture from a literal perspective.  User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. Recommended. 

The King James Study Bible Second Edition (2013) (Thomas Nelson) contributing editors (only first is listed) include Wayne A. Brindle. There is no restriction on length of time one can use, but there is no copy and paste function.

Zondervan NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages  - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below. One hour limit

NIV Study Bible by Barker, Kenneth L; Burdick, Donald W (1995) 2250 pages. This is the first edition. This resource has been fully revised in 2020. One hour limit 

NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H. Wayne (1997, 2007); 917 ratings Very helpful notes. Conservative. There is no restriction on length of time one can use, but there is no copy and paste function.

Believer's Bible Commentary - OT and NT - MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages. Conservative. Literal. Pithy 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.

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: Old Testament and New Testament: New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes especially with application of texts. 4,445 ratings One hour limit

The MacArthur study Bible - John MacArthur. Brief but well done notes 1,275 ratings

ESV study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 6,004 ratings

The David Jeremiah Study Bible - (2013) 2208 pages. 2,272 ratings 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."

Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). 214 ratings Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary. Conservative.

The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes by well known creationist. 45 ratings

New Bible Commentary - Barry G Webb authored Judges. (1994) See user reviews

Compact Bible commentary by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H Wayne, et al - 954 pages.  424 ratings Multiple contributors to the comments which are often verse by verse. The comments are brief but meaty and can really help your study through a given book. A sleeper in my opinion. 

The living insights study Bible : New International Version

The Apologetics Study Bible Understand Why You Believe by Norman Geisler

NIV Archaeological Study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings

NIV Celebrate Recovery Study Bible

Daily study Bible for women : New Living Translation

The woman's study Bible : the New King James Version

The study Bible for women : Holman Christian Standard Bible

Daily study Bible for men : New Living Translation

NIV topical Study Bible : New International Version

The Ryrie Study Bible - Charles Ryrie (1978) 2142 pages. Conservative.  216 ratings

The Hebrew-Greek key study Bible : New American standard study by Strong, James, 1822-1894; Zodhiates, Spiros

The new inductive study Bible : updated New American Standard Bible

With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings

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

Wiersbe's expository outlines on the Old Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W 113 ratings

"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.

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! 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
JUDGES 3

DONALD CAMPBELL -

ARTHUR CUNDALL -

GARY INRIG


PAUL APPLE

ART RELATED To the Book of Judges

KAY ARTHUR

WAYNE BARBER - audio but worth listening 

This is only available in audio, but is listed because Dr Barber's "down home" preaching style draws out many practical insights on the Christian life from the ancient book of Judges. This series was preached in 1996. Wayne is now with the Lord. 

ALBERT BARNES

TONY BECKETT WOODROW KROLL

BRIAN BELL Teaching Notes

BIBLE FOR HOME

BIBLE.ORG - Articles

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR

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 - D A Cooke

CAMBRIDGE BIBLE COMMENTARY  John James Lias

KATHRYN CAPOCCIA

ALAN CARR - SERMON

RICH CATHERS

ADAM CLARKE 

THOMAS CONSTABLE 

PETER CRAIGIE

W A CRISWELL

RON DANIEL 

J N DARBY

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

DICTIONARY

JOHN DUMMELOW Commentary

DAN DUNCAN - MP3

MARK DUNN - Founders.org

CHARLES ELLICOTT COMMENTARY FOR ENGLISH READERS

EASY ENGLISH COMMENTARY

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 4:1-24;Leadership Qualities: When appointing women to leadership positions in the church, we should take seriously the maturity profile outlined specifically for them. Video

JOHN GILL

SANDRA GLAHN

DAVID GUZIK

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

JAMES GRAY - Concise Bible Commentary

JAMES HASTINGS

DAVE HATCHER - NOTES

ROBERT HAWKER Poor Man's Commentary Judges

MATTHEW HENRY 

DAVID HOLWICK

HOMILETICS 

KEITH KRELL - sermons

INTERNATIONAL CRITICAL COMMENTARY George F Moore

JAMIESON, FAUSSET, BROWN

JUDGES DEVOTIONALS AND ILLUSTRATIONS 

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

HAMPTON KEATHLEY IV

WILLIAM KELLY

KEIL AND DELITZSCH

HOMER HEATER, JR - Judges

JOHN KITTO

FRANKLIN KIRKSEY

PAUL E. KRETZMANN The Popular Commentary Lutheran Perspective

LANGE'S COMMENTARY Paulus Cassel

DAVID LEGGE Sermons on Judges

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 3:31-5:17: Deborah and Jael-Women Forced to the Front
  • Judges 5: Song of Deborah: Perils of Sheep and Ships

NET BIBLE NOTES

JAMES NISBET Church Pulpit Commentary

OUR DAILY BREAD

JOSEPH PARKER

PASTORLIFE SERMONS

PHIL NEWTON - SERMON

PETER PETT Commentary on Judges

MATTHEW POOLE

PREACHER'S HOMILETICAL COMMENTARY

PULPIT COMMENTARY

REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE

AREND REMMERS

KIM RIDDLEBARGER

RICHARD OWEN ROBERTS

RON RITCHIE

DAVE ROPER

HENRI ROSSIER

ROB SALVATO - SERMON

RAYMOND H SAXE - expository notes

JOHN SCHULTZ - former missionary to Papau, New Guinea

CHARLES SIMEON -SERMONS

CHUCK SMITH

PHILIP SMITH

SPEAKER'S BIBLE COMMENTARY

C H SPURGEON

RAY STEDMAN

JOHN STEVENSON

JOE TEMPLE Judges Sermons

G W THATCHER - generally verse by verse comments

THIRD MILLENNIUM Book of Judges

DAVID THOMPSON SERMONS

THROUGH THE BIBLE

  • Judges 4 - A Woman's Deliverance, A Woman Executioner
  • Judges 5 - Jdg 5:1-11 The Song of a "Mother in Israel", Jdg 5:12-23 The Stars in their Courses, Jdg 5:24-31 At the Mercy of Midian

TODAY IN THE WORD

JOHN TRAPP Commentary on Judges

JAMES VAN DINE

FRANK WALLACE

DAVID WASHBURN

JOHN WESLEY - Notes on the Bible

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.

Brookman - A valuable classic reprint study that presents a general overview of the period of the Judges along with an in depth study of the lives of Barak, Gideon, Jephthah and Samson."

Wiersbe - (Contains) rich veins of gold that others have ignored or neglected. I rejoice that (this) classic is available again for people who are serious about Bible study...you (will) find insights from the Scriptures that can enrich your life and ministry." 

STEVE ZEISLER

SERMONS BY VERSE - older works

Reappearance of Vanquished Foes L. H. Wiseman, M. A. Judges 4:1-3
Temporary Influences and a Permanent Tendency A.F. Muir Judges 4:1-11
A Sermon for the New Year Homilist Judges 4:4-11
Deborah: Woman's Attribute E. Monro, M. A. Judges 4:4-11
Influence A. Crummell. Judges 4:4-11
Lessons from an Old Story Dean Vaughan. Judges 4:4-11
Self-Reliance Bp. Boyd Carpenter. Judges 4:4-11
The Duty of Woman to Women Bp. H. C. Potter. Judges 4:4-11
Deborah and Barak W.F. Adeney Judges 4:8, 9
The Battle of the Brook Kishon, or Material Force Versus Spiritual A.F. Muir Judges 4:12-17
Jael and Sisera F. F. Statham, B. A. Judges 4:18-24
Jael, a Type of the Unscrupulous Helpers of a Good Cause R. A. Watson, M. A. Judges 4:18-24
Jael's Deed L. H. Wiseman, M. A. Judges 4:18-24
Life's Crises R. A. Watson, M. A. Judges 4:18-24
Sin Slain Spurgeon, Charles Haddon Judges 4:18-24
The Defence and Example of Jael H. Melvill, B. D. Judges 4:18-24
Thou Shalt Say, No George Putnam. Judges 4:20
Thou Shalt Say, No James Walker. Judges 4:20
Patriotic Treachery W.F. Adeney Judges 4:21
Sin Slain Charles Haddon Spurgeon Judges 4:22
A Great Victory -- But God's E. M. Mouchin. Judges 4:23

Book

chapter
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