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.

In this episode, we read Judges chapters 11–13. We follow Jephthah’s rise as a judge of Israel, his tragic vow, and the victory God granted through him. Then, in chapter 13, we witness the angel of the Lord announcing the miraculous birth of Samson, a deliverer set apart from birth to begin rescuing Israel from the Philistines. These chapters remind us of both the weight of our words and the faithfulness of God in raising up deliverers for His people.

In this episode, we read Judges chapters 9 and 10, where Abimelech rises to power through violence and deceit, only to face the consequences of his actions. We then see Israel once again turn away from God, leading to oppression and cries for deliverance. These chapters highlight the dangers of pride and rebellion, and the Lord’s call for His people to repent and return to Him.

In this episode, we read Judges chapters 7 and 8, where God shows His power by using Gideon’s small army of just 300 men to defeat the vast Midianite forces. We see how the Lord brings victory through faith and obedience, not human strength. The story continues with Gideon’s leadership after the battle, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and the need for humble reliance on Him.

In this episode, we read Judges chapters 4 through 6, where God raises up new deliverers for Israel. We follow the story of Deborah, a prophetess and judge, who leads Israel alongside Barak to victory over Sisera. Then we meet Gideon, a humble man called by God to deliver Israel from Midian, who learns that the Lord’s strength—not human might—brings true victory. These chapters highlight God’s power to work through unexpected people and His faithfulness to deliver His people when they trust in Him.

In this episode, we read Judges chapters 1 through 3, where Israel begins life without Joshua’s leadership. We see the tribes struggle to fully drive out the inhabitants of the land, leading to cycles of compromise and disobedience. The Lord raises up judges—deliverers like Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar—to rescue His people when they cry out. These chapters introduce the recurring theme of the book: Israel’s need for God’s deliverance and faithfulness, even in their weakness.