In this episode, we read Judges chapters 20–21. Israel responds to the grievous sin committed in Gibeah, leading to a devastating civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. Though justice is sought, the conflict nearly wipes out a whole tribe of God’s people. Yet, even in the midst of brokenness and sorrow, the final chapters of Judges show Israel’s struggle for restoration and survival. These passages serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences when people turn away from God and do what is right in their own eyes.

In this episode, we read Judges chapters 17–19. These chapters reveal the troubling spiritual and moral decline of Israel during the time of the judges. We see Micah’s household idols, the tribe of Dan seeking their own way apart from God, and a shocking account of violence and sin in Gibeah. These stories highlight the dangers of a nation turning from God, reminding us of the repeated phrase in this book: “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

In this episode, we read Judges chapters 14–16. These chapters follow the life of Samson—his marriage to a Philistine woman, his feats of incredible strength, and his ongoing struggles with temptation. Ultimately, we see his downfall through Delilah’s betrayal and his final act of faith, calling on the Lord to defeat the Philistines. Samson’s story is one of both human weakness and God’s power to use even the flawed for His purposes.