Author Archives: Joseph Malekani

Judges 11 Commentary The story of Jephthah is similar to Abimelek’s. Both are born under similar circumstances, and you expect animosity and abuse among the siblings. But strangely, the LORD God doesn’t have these dividing lines! Like Abimelek, Jephthah found solace in a group of scoundrels. He was an effective leader.When Ammon pressed against Israel,ContinueContinue reading “Judges 11 Commentary”

Judges 10 Commentary After the time of Abimelek, we have a couple of Judges but without details. Our attention is drawn to the eighth judge, Jephthah. He comes into the picture when Israel is in great distress. And for a change, Israel prays the right prayer: “We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and servingContinueContinue reading “Judges 10 Commentary”

Judges 9 Commentary The history of Israel during this time was defined by the two idol temples mentioned in this chapter. Baal-Berith was a temple of crime. The other unnamed temple was a temple of sinful indulgence and revelry, from which Abimelek’s opponent mounted an insurrection. Idol temples have continued to influence world history. Today,ContinueContinue reading “Judges 9 Commentary”

Joshua 8 Commentary Now we can approximate the size of the army that had gathered against Israel. How can an army of 120,000 be defeated by 300 poorly equipped men? With God, nothing is impossible. We are also reminded of the promise that one would put a thousand to flight. This is one important factContinueContinue reading “Judges 8 Commentary”

Judges 7 Commentary Hidden in the lines of Chapter 7 is an important contrast that can help us decipher what the LORD is trying to do. Coming up against Gideon is a league of nations, led by Midian, and so numerous that they could not be numbered. So really, the thirty-two thousand that Gideon marshaledContinueContinue reading “Judges 7 Commentary”

Judges 6 Commentary It’s Midian’s turn. Another enslavement – the severe kind. Another cry for help and yet another prophet.Prophets deliver God’s word. Predicting the future isn’t one of the specs! Unless, of course, it’s part of God’s word.The prophet works but all in vain. The angel of the LORD comes into the picture, andContinueContinue reading “Joshua 6 Commentary”

Judges 5 Commentary This chapter is fully devoted to Deborah’s song. It is a song of praise, but there is a lot more to look at.“God chose new leaders when war came to the city gates, but not a shield or spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel.” Verse 8. It’s a picture ofContinueContinue reading “Judges 5 Commentary”

Judges 4 Commentary It speaks of God’s generosity that Israel’s cry for help can be heard. We also know any such relief is short-lived, as it functions like a bucket of water. It will not heal the leaky roof. The LORD does, however, help Israel, and the human agent is the courageous leader in Deborah,ContinueContinue reading “Judges 4 Commentary”

Judges 3 Commentary Chapter 3 is fast-paced. We have three Judges: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. They all intervene at critical moments in the history of the nation. But what has brought Israel here? The chapter is beautifully arranged to highlight the realities on the ground. The LORD providentially subjects Israel to warfare. The thought isContinueContinue reading “Judges 3 Commentary”

Judges 2 Commentary Chapter two summarizes the entire book. It all begins with the appearance of an angel of the LORD. Why has Israel fallen into idolatry? Why has Israel failed to keep the covenant? The choice between the LORD, the Creator God, and the gods isn’t like a choice between football teams. There areContinueContinue reading “Judges 2 Commentary”