The Channel is for the glory of God, the edification of the Lord's people and the awakening of lost sinners who desperately need a Saviour.
Mike was born in England and saved by faith in the finished work of Christ alone, in England just before his 21st birthday. He has been preaching the Word of God around the globe since 1984 when he left secular employment. Particular burdens include the Gospel, Revival, NT Principles, Holiness & Church History.

Mike Attwood

Judges 18:7,27-28 Careless before Catastrophe

God had insisted on a place where He chose to place His Name to be the center of worship. The Tribe of Dan set up a rival place of worship based on Idolatry.

Judges 18:27-30 A Rival Place

The children of Isra'el once again did evil in the sight of the LORD. In spite of having peace, they followed their pattern and the LORD gave them into the hand of the Philistines for 40 years. Forty years was the longest time of servitude in the book of Judges, yet they do not cry out for deliverance. 
 
Amidst this bleak scene of bondage and apathy God begins to move and affect deliverance. Even though they did not ask, the Lord in His grace raised up a deliverer. The previous judges were already grown when called, but this time God starts with a new-born baby from the tribe of Dan. 
 
We consider the tribe, village, and family into which Samson was born. It was a very humble setting for the birth of a deliverer/saviour. Samson is a beautiful type of Christ in certain ways. 
 
The woman was barren, but unlike other women we read about in this condition, she did not cry out to God for a child. We see a pattern of God beginning with a baby, and consider some of them in this session. 
 
The three Nazarites from birth that we know of all came out of barren wombs: Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptiser. 
 
Who is this angel/messenger? The woman said, "a man of God". Manoah said, v22, "we have seen God". The angel himself said his name was "secret" or "wonderful". 
 
We look at Numbers 6 where the Nazarite vow is explained, as well as Amos and the Psalms. 
 
Samson began a work of deliverance that would be completed by David. Certainly was better than his contemporaries, but not much better and that's the tragedy and a lesson Samson has for us: We may be not much better than our contemporaries, yet we should be.

The children of Isra'el once again did evil in the sight of the LORD.  In spite of having peace, they followed their pattern and the LORD gave them into the hand of the Philistines for 40 years.  Forty years was the longest time of servitude in the book of Judges, yet they do not cry out for deliverance.

Amidst this bleak scene of bondage and apathy God begins to move and affect deliverance.  Even though they did not ask, the Lord in His grace raised up a deliverer.  The previous judges were already grown when called, but this time God starts with a new-born baby from the tribe of Dan.

We consider the tribe, village, and family into which Samson was born.  It was a very humble setting for the birth of a deliverer/saviour.  Samson is a beautiful type of Christ in certain ways.

The woman was barren, but unlike other women we read about in this condition, she did not cry out to God for a child.  We see a pattern of God beginning with a baby, and consider some of them in this session.



Judges 13:1-14 The birth of Samson

How the Men of Ephraim were killed for their failure to pronounce one letter, and how easy it is to destroy our brothers.

Judges 12:4-13:1 Killed for One Letter

This is probably the most difficult portion to deal with in the entire book of Judges. 
 
Although the text here is unclear, Scripture clearly forbids human sacrifice. Passages in Leviticus and Deuteronomy are examples. These practices were completely contrary to the mind of God for his people. 
 
What we've learnt about Jephthah is that he had a great knowledge of the Scriptures and is one of the great men of faith in Hebrews 11, so he surely knew about this prohibition. The Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah right before his vow, so we would expect him to not make a rash vow while the Spirit was guiding him. 
 
Vows are a serious matter. Scripture gives guidance and makes provisions for properly handling vows. Our culture does not take vows seriously, not even the solemn wedding vows which are routinely broken, but we must take vows seriously. The Lord must be very grieved when his children make and break this vow. 
 
Why do people even make vows? 
 
From Jephthah's daughter we learn what a good father he must have been. She shows such deep love and respect for her father, and is not only willing to obey him no matter how difficult, but his own integrity is as important has her own in that she supports the keeping of his vow. 
 
Was his daughter killed as a sacrifice, or was there some other explanation that fits the literal text (without adding or subtracting)? Looking carefully at what the words say happened, we are told of her virginity but not her death. Many places in Scripture tell us of women devoted to temple service, who were likely older widows. Jephthah's daughter was young. Fulfilling her father's vow deprived Jephthah of his only child and any hope of grandchildren. 
 
Then we see the men of Ephraim again upset because they were not in the spotlight. Jephthah responds by exposing their deception, but then sadly focuses on what he had done rather than negotiating in humility as Gideon had done. How do we react when challenged by cruel people?

This is probably the most difficult portion to deal with in the entire book of Judges.

Although the text here is unclear, Scripture clearly forbids human sacrifice.  Passages in Leviticus and Deuteronomy are examples.  These practices were completely contrary to the mind of God for his people.

What we've learnt about Jephthah is that he had a great knowledge of the Scriptures and is one of the great men of faith in Hebrews 11, so he surely knew about this prohibition.  The Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah right before his vow, so we would expect him to not make a rash vow while the Spirit was guiding him.

Vows are a serious matter.  Scripture gives guidance and makes provisions for properly handling vows.  Our culture does not take vows seriously, not even the solemn wedding vows which are routinely broken, but we must take vows seriously.  The Lord must be very grieved when his children make and break this vow.

Why do people even make vows?

From Jephthah's daughter we learn wh

Judges 11:29-12:3 Jephthah's Vow & Victory

Examining the so called DMM movement in the light of one of their key passages, showing the system to be unbiblical and dangerous.

The Person of Peace Acts 10:33-48

We are going to see Jephthah's vindication of Israel. He is going to negotiate peace with the Ammonites, and they are going to respond, "OK, you can have peace as long as you give us your land". Afterwards we will see Jephtha's victory and his vow in the final section. 
 
Jephthah -- whom we have seen leading a band of brigands in the area of Tob, a man accustomed to conflict -- the first thing he does when asked to be a military leader is to negotiate peace. We learn that he's got a good grasp of the word of God and that he is eloquent. As a man of war he knows he doesn't want any more of it. 
 
Jephthah's name means, "to release, to open". He opens his mouth and what comes out is the word of God. 
 
The whole dispute is over who owns the land. That question resonates to this very hour regarding Israel. 
 
There are three parts to Jephthah's argument: 
 i. an argument from history in verses 14-22 
 ii. an argument from theology v23-24 
iii. an argument from experience v25-27 
 
This is a good method for us to remember when in a confrontation: start with history, move to theology, and put our personal experience last. 
 
Who actually owns the land? It doesn't belong to the Ammonites, it doesn't belong to Israel, and it doesn't belong to the Palestinians. Several portions of Scripture are examined to show that God himself claims and holds title to the land of Israel. 
 
Jephthah says that Israel did not take away the land from Moab and Ammon because God told them not to. The land in dispute now was never in possession of the Ammonites; it had been occupied by the Amorites, and God gave it to Israel. So the Ammorites' claim is false; they had no historical basis for a quarrel with Israel. The king of the Ammonites was distorting the truth to cause a conflict. 
 
In the ~319 years since Israel possessed the land, they had never made a claim until this point. If it really was their land, why did they wait 300 years before claiming it? We can see this happening in modern times: In 1948 when Israel was declared a nation by the UN, suddenly people became interested in land that had been considered a wasteland for hundreds of years. 
 
We can trace God's dealings in history and we know that everything we believe has a historical basis. If you have a modern sect, such as the Mormons, come to your door, they won't be able to give you any historical basis for the Book of Mormon. Christianity has deep roots that go back to the first man. 
 
If we come to the Scriptures with a bowed will, then God will reveal great truths. But if we say, "I want to understand, but I don't want to do this or that", then we are going to have a hard time hearing His word. May we be submissive, to have willing hearts that delight to do His will.

We are going to see Jephthah's vindication of Israel.  He is going to negotiate peace with the Ammonites, and they are going to respond, "OK, you can have peace as long as you give us your land".  Afterwards we will see Jephtha's victory and his vow in the final section.

Jephthah -- whom we have seen leading a band of brigands in the area of Tob, a man accustomed to conflict -- the first thing he does when asked to be a military leader is to negotiate peace.  We learn that he's got a good grasp of the word of God and that he is eloquent.  As a man of war he knows he doesn't want any more of it.

Jephthah's name means, "to release, to open".  He opens his mouth and what comes out is the word of God.

The whole dispute is over who owns the land.  That question resonates to this very hour regarding Israel.

There are three parts to Jephthah's argument:
  i. an argument from history in verses 14-22
 ii. an argument from theology v23-24 
iii. an argument from experience v25-27

This is a g

Judges 11:12-28 Land for Peace

We are seeing the parable of Jotham, of fire coming from Abimelech and the devastation that would occur. It should have been the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, held in Sept. of the year. They should have been coming together for a time of joy, but sadly the men of Shechem had turned their back on their God and were worhipping Ba'al. 
 
They cursed Abimelech, the same people who had made him their king. Ga'al says, "Who is Abimelech?" Abimelech highlighted his relationship to his mother and put down his father, and now Ga'al is reminding of the relationship to his father to stir up resentment. 
 
It's easy to boast when the enemy is far away. We need to be very careful of boasting, unless boasting in the Lord. 
 
Ga'al went out and attempted to live up to his boast, but Abimelech chased him off. We see the bramble is burning, as was prophesied in verses 15 and 20: Abimelech causes devastation. 
 
Shechem is destroyed, and it was over a century before it was rebuilt. 
 
They go into the house of their god to be protected, but their god was powerless to protect them from Abimelech's fury. They are hiding in the very place in which they had cursed Abimelech. 
 
God is righteous even in His judgments, limiting it to those who were deserving. 
 
When we get into a rage we do not think well. Abimelech got careless. A woman casts a stone, a piece of an upper mill-stone, probably 30-60cm in diameter and 5-10cm thick, on to his head. The man who had slain his brethren upon one stone was himself crushed by one stone. 
 
Once their leader was dead they all went home. Thus Yotham's prophecy had been fulfilled. 
 
The coming man of sin will display all the characteristics of Abimelech. He will exhibit selfish ambition and cruelty.

We are seeing the parable of Jotham, of fire coming from Abimelech and the devastation that would occur.  It should have been the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, held in Sept. of the year.  They should have been coming together for a time of joy, but sadly the men of Shechem had turned their back on their God and were worhipping Ba'al.

They cursed Abimelech, the same people who had made him their king.  Ga'al says, "Who is Abimelech?"  Abimelech highlighted his relationship to his mother and put down his father, and now Ga'al is reminding of the relationship to his father to stir up resentment.

It's easy to boast when the enemy is far away.  We need to be very careful of boasting, unless boasting in the Lord.

Ga'al went out and attempted to live up to his boast, but Abimelech chased him off.  We see the bramble is burning, as was prophesied in verses 15 and 20:  Abimelech causes devastation.

Shechem is destroyed, and it was over a century before it was rebuilt.

They go into the 

Judges 9:27-57 The Burning Bramble

The stench of the flesh comes off the page of the text of this chapter. It is unpleasant, but instructive in our walk. 
 
Key words and phrases: "Reign thou over us" is seen several times. The word "promoted" is also seen several times. 
 
Trees are symbolic of men in many places in Scripture. Gideon was similar to the fruitful trees in this parable, and he refused to reign over the people as the also the trees in this parable. 
 
This talk considers the symbolic meanings of the olive and fig trees, the vine, and the bramble bush. Each exhibits traits and behaviour that are instructive in our Christian walk. 
 
Paul wrote to the Corinthians that they were living like kings before the time. It's not the time for reigning now. One day we will reign, but now is the time for humble service. 
 
God waited three years before acting, and then acted behind the scenes. This emphasizes the sovereignty of God. Isaiah 45:15 says, "Thou art a God that hideth thyself". Sometimes God may hide himself, but he is not absent. He may not be visible, but it doesn't mean He is not working. 
 
We see in the events that followed the parable how the men's own wrath was that which would fulfil Yotham's curse. God often makes the instruments of men's sins the means of their punishment. 
 
The men who broke faith with the family of Gideon then proceed to break faith with their chosen king, and to choose another king equally bad. This was seen at Calvary: when our Lord rode into Jerusalem they said, "Hoshianah!" and a few days later they cried, "Crucify him!".

The stench of the flesh comes off the page of the text of this chapter.  It is unpleasant, but instructive in our walk.

Key words and phrases:  "Reign thou over us" is seen several times.  The word "promoted" is also seen several times.

Trees are symbolic of men in many places in Scripture.  Gideon was similar to the fruitful trees in this parable, and he refused to reign over the people as the also the trees in this parable.

This talk considers the symbolic meanings of the olive and fig trees, the vine, and the bramble bush.  Each exhibits traits and behaviour that are instructive in our Christian walk.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians that they were living like kings before the time.  It's not the time for reigning now.  One day we will reign, but now is the time for humble service.

God waited three years before acting, and then acted behind the scenes.  This emphasizes the sovereignty of God.    Isaiah 45:15 says, "Thou art a God that hideth thyself".  Sometimes God may hide himse

Judges 9:7-21 The First Parable

Chapter 9 is the longest chapter in the book of Judges, and one of the most depressing. Abimelech was not raised up by God as a deliverer, and did not produce any deliverance. This reminds us of the awesome consequence of choices. Gideon acted like a king by having many wives, and wanting even more he had a concubine with whom he had this son whom he named Abimelech, "my father is king". 
 
Abimelech is a type of the ambitious carnal man grasping for power and leadership among God's people. The early church started with humble shepherds. How did we get from there to people bowing down and kiss a pope's hand? 
 
Instead of associating with the spiritual descendants of Gideon, Abimelech associates with his carnal brethren. Where do we find our fellowship? 
 
Abimelech needed financing, so he took tribute of 70 pieces of silver and hired a mob. The money came from an unclean source, and is used it for a tragic purpose. Abimelech hires a mob of vain and unstable men to go to his father's house slay his 70 brothers. He calls his father by the name Yerubba'al rather than Gideon, reminding the worshippers of Ba'al that his father is the one who pulled down the altars of Ba'al. 
 
This youngest son managed to escape. His name is Yotham, which means YHWH is Perfect. So often it seems like evil is ready to triumph and the righteous close to being exterminated, but God always finds a way to preserve His remnant. 
 
Yotham came out of hiding and stood atop mount Gerizim, giving the first parable in Scripture. The trees are men. The fruitful trees included Gideon, who refused kingship, and the bramble included Abimelech who grasped at kingship. 
 
It's really important for us to pray earnestly for God to raise up spiritual men who love the Lord and His Word. Men who love the flock, who care and see the value of God's flock, and are willing to pour their life into divine service in ministering to God's people. How desperately we need such men.

Chapter 9 is the longest chapter in the book of Judges, and one of the most depressing.  Abimelech was not raised up by God as a deliverer, and did not produce any deliverance.  This reminds us of the awesome consequence of choices.  Gideon acted like a king by having many wives, and wanting even more he had a concubine with whom he had this son whom he named Abimelech, "my father is king".

Abimelech is a type of the ambitious carnal man grasping for power and leadership among God's people. The early church started with humble shepherds.  How did we get from there to people bowing down and kiss a pope's hand?

Instead of associating with the spiritual descendants of Gideon, Abimelech associates with his carnal brethren.  Where do we find our fellowship?

Abimelech needed financing, so he took tribute of 70 pieces of silver and hired a mob.  The money came from an unclean source, and is used it for a tragic purpose.  Abimelech hires a mob of vain and unstable men to go to his father's 

Judges 9:1-6 The man who would be king

We begin by considering the ornaments around the camels' necks, a symbol that connects with other portions of today's reading. 
 
Sometimes after a victory we are tested to see if there is any pride in our hearts for the victory the Lord has given. They said, "thou hast saved us", but Gideon knew that the Lord had saved them. What Gideon said is so commendable, but somehow he began to live like the future kings of Israel. They had forgotten that God was their king. 
 
We all have our heros, and we thank God for them, but we never want to lose sight of the fact that it is God working in and through them, that in all things He might have the preeminance. 
 
An ephod was connected with divine worship. Gideon is making an imitation of something divine, but it is made of Ishmaelite gold, bringing the world into God's place and turning it into an idol. 
 
The ephod itself was nothing. The value was dependent on the person who wore it. An ephod without a priest is a form of godliness without the power thereof. That's what Gideon made, because he was not a priest, so it should not have had any value. 
 
We are told in the word of God that we have to be very careful about the matter of spiritual adultery. James wrote "Ye adulterers... know ye not that friendship with the world is enmity with God?" It's so easy for us to bring the worldly into the divine, and it's a very unholy mixture. There is apostasy in the church, such as theistic evolution, which is a denial of the sufficiency of Scripture. Psychiatry is also rooted in evil. Maslow had a pet demon named Philemon on his shoulder that gave him instructions. 
 
Too often the ways of the world are added to Christianity. God's word is sufficient. 
 
Allow God's forgiveness, but do not presume and take it lightly. Fear Him. Run well to the end. We need each others' help and God's help. Do not corrupt the simplicity that is in the Word of God. Andrew Bonar said, "Let us be watchful after the victory, just as much as before the battle".

We begin by considering the ornaments around the camels' necks, a symbol that connects with other portions of today's reading.

Sometimes after a victory we are tested to see if there is any pride in our hearts for the victory the Lord has given.  They said, "thou hast saved us", but Gideon knew that the Lord had saved them.  What Gideon said is so commendable, but somehow he began to live like the future kings of Israel.  They had forgotten that God was their king.

We all have our heros, and we thank God for them, but we never want to lose sight of the fact that it is God working in and through them, that in all things He might have the preeminance.

An ephod was connected with divine worship.  Gideon is making an imitation of something divine, but it is made of Ishmaelite gold, bringing the world into God's place and turning it into an idol.

The ephod itself was nothing.  The value was dependent on the person who wore it.  An ephod without a priest is a form of godliness without th

Judges 8:21-35 Sowing Bad Seeds

Sometimes it is as difficult to win the brethren as to defeat the enemy. In the account of Gideon we are looking at the tests he faced after the initial victory. 
 
The second test: the men of Succoth and Penuel. Their concern is not for the well-being of the people of God, but for their own safety. They failed to help when help was needed. 
 
The first test was hard enough, and the men of Ephraim did help when called. This second test is against Israelites who had no interest in supporting their brethren. All Gideon is asking for is a few loaves of bread. 
 
Nothing is more trying to the Spirit than to be engaged in the Lord's battles and find no support from His people. We are living in days that could be characterised by spiritual apathy on the part of God's people. 
 
It is our failure to recognise what the Lord has done that produces a lack of faith in our own lives. 
 
When Gideon dealt with the men of Ephraim he gave a soft answer. Now he is dealing completely differently, promising punishment for their lack of support. There is not a one-size-fits-all way to deal with difficulties. 
 
There is a danger of dismissing the seriousness of what these men did. They were guilty of treason against God and His people in siding with the enemy. 
 
Gideon, who started out being timid, is now seen as the son of a king, and has captured the two enemy kings. They confess that they murdered his brothers. According to Mosaic law, a family was to punish those responsible for a murder. It's called an "avenger of blood". There were no police. Each family had this duty for their own. Cities of refuge were for manslaughter, not murder. 
 
How a soldier died was important to his legacy. To be slain by a child was a terrible reproach. David's defeat of Goliath significant in this way. Gideon wanted his son to have the reputation and honour that he was the man who killed Zebah and Zalmunna. However, he was young and not ready, so his father performs the family duty.

Sometimes it is as difficult to win the brethren as to defeat the enemy.  In the account of Gideon we are looking at the tests he faced after the initial victory.

The second test:  the men of Succoth and Penuel.  Their concern is not for the well-being of the people of God, but for their own safety.  They failed to help when help was needed.

The first test was hard enough, and the men of Ephraim did help when called.  This second test is against Israelites who had no interest in supporting their brethren.  All Gideon is asking for is a few loaves of bread.

Nothing is more trying to the Spirit than to be engaged in the Lord's battles and find no support from His people.  We are living in days that could be characterised by spiritual apathy on the part of God's people.

It is our failure to recognise what the Lord has done that produces a lack of faith in our own lives.

When Gideon dealt with the men of Ephraim he gave a soft answer.  Now he is dealing completely differently, promisi

Judges 8:4-21 Faint Yet Pursuing

There has been a radical change in Gideon. He is no longer possessed of that spirit of fear that gripped him previously. His fear had been self-focused, but now his focus was on his faith in the Lord. 
 
He divided the 300 men into three companies and gives them their "weapons": a pitcher, a lamp, and a trumpet. The pitchers were empty earthenware jars whose purpose was to contain the lamp and to be broken. The trumpet was an audible way of communicating God's mind and God's direction to the people. The lamp reminds us of what Jesus said about light and lamps. The trumpet must be sounded, the pitchers must be broken, and the lamp must not be put under a bushel. 
 
Gideon's victory began with him threshing in a winepress. He made his offering on a rock. At the end of this battle the Midian princes are slain on a rock and on a winepress. 
 
Then we read of a series of tests that come to Gideon after the victory. Often it is after a great victory that we are tested. 
 
We learn why Gideon did not call Ephraim initially. To win over God's people can be very difficult. Gideon took the lowly place, making much of what Ephraim has done and belittles his own work.

There has been a radical change in Gideon. He is no longer possessed of that spirit of fear that gripped him previously. His fear ...

Judges 7:15-8:3 Faith is the Victory

No matter how big the enemy is, the Bible reminds us that the Lord is greater. It seems like the enemies of God are overwhelming, but if God is with us who can be against us? If we want to know the fulness of the Spirit we must deal with anything that might hinder His using of us. Is there anything hindering our usefulness? 
 
Gideon needs some assurance; he's a farmer, not a military commander. He feels inadequate for the task. Yet we see, in addition to man's unbelief, God's patience and faithfulness. 
 
In chapter 5 Deborah expressed her disappointment that peopple were not presenting themselves for the battle. In chapter 7 people are offering themselves to battle, but the Lord is saying, Go home. If you are even a little bit scared then go home. God wants to eliminate any chance of human boasting. 
 
The Lord frequently insists that His people must be reduced to utter helplessness so they must recognise that their deliverance can only be chalked up to the Lord's power and mercy. 
 
The odds are 4-to-1 against Isra'el, but God says the odds are too much in Gideon's favour. 
 
First the fearful element is removed. 22,000 left, ten thousand remained. Why were the fearful removed? Because Fear is contangeous. Those 22 thousand had no expectation of victory. They were conditioned to expect small things. Unbelief led to fear. God has not given us the spirit of fear. 
 
Now the odds are 14-to-1. People are mesmerised by statistics and quantities, but numbers are no guarantees of God's blessing. 
 
The Lord says, "The people are yet too many". In our day the mega-church mentality is all around us, but God chooses the foolish and weak things of this world to confound the wise and mighty. 
 
Now the odds are 450-to-1 against Isra'el. 
 
God finally delivers a message out of the mouths of the enemy to bolster his servants' courage. A Midianite private in the Midianite army is God's messenger. A dream that equates Gideon to a very weak thing, indeed, but one by whom will come the destruction of the enemies of God's people. 
 
When the Hall is full and music is blaring, it's easy to get complacent, but when we are down to 12 people we say, "Lord you need to do something, or this is ended". We want to raise the roof with singing praise to the Lord, of course, but sometimes we need to see our weakness in order to remember that He wants us to cry out to Him.

No matter how big the enemy is, the Bible reminds us that the Lord is greater.  It seems like the enemies of God are overwhelming, but if God is with us who can be against us?  If we want to know the fulness of the Spirit we must deal with anything that might hinder His using of us.  Is there anything hindering our usefulness?

Gideon needs some assurance; he's a farmer, not a military commander.  He feels inadequate for the task.  Yet we see, in addition to man's unbelief, God's patience and faithfulness.

In chapter 5 Deborah expressed her disappointment that peopple were not presenting themselves for the battle.  In chapter 7 people are offering themselves to battle, but the Lord is saying, Go home.  If you are even a little bit scared then go home.  God wants to eliminate any chance of human boasting.

The Lord frequently insists that His people must be reduced to utter helplessness so they must recognise that their deliverance can only be chalked up to the Lord's power and mercy.


Judges 6:33-7:15 The Fleece Incident & God's Battle Plan

This chapter is about the pathway to geniune peace among the saints. The prayer for every assembly should be Yehovah Shalom -- YHWH bring peace. 
 
The sword was devouring God's people; there was civil war in Isra'el. The Lord wants us to use our sword, but not against each other: against the real enemy. 
 
In this passage God starts to raise up a deliverer named Gideon. The angel said, "YHWH is with thee, thou mighty man of valour". Gideon is not what we would picture as a mighty man of valour, hiding in the winepress, but it is the LORD with him that makes him a mighty man of valour. It is the same for us: God has always used weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise. 
 
Gideon is concerned about all of his brethren, not just himself. He asks essentially, "If Yehovah is with me, then why are all of my brethren suffering?" 
 
The Lord has promised, "I will build my church...", do we believe that? Some of us need a lot of encouragement, so we can relate to Gideon, and be encouraged to see how the Lord provided the encouragement that Gideon needed. 
 
 
 
Going on to the next portion in verses 25-31: 
 
 
The LORD instructs Gideon to throw down the altar of Baal. This next section is all about removing the idolatry before blessing could come. If we want to see revival, we have to ask what's hindering it. What idols are in our hearts and houses that need to be cut down? What's causing God's discipline and disfavour among us? 
 
Yoash confronts the people with the logic of their complaint: What kind of God is Baal if he cannot even defend himself against my son? 
 
Anything you look to, to satisfy you, more than the Lord Jesus, is an idol.

This chapter is about the pathway to geniune peace among the saints.  The prayer for every assembly should be Yehovah Shalom -- YHWH bring peace.

The sword was devouring God's people; there was civil war in Isra'el.  The Lord wants us to use our sword, but not against each other: against the real enemy.

In this passage God starts to raise up a deliverer named Gideon.  The angel said, "YHWH is with thee, thou mighty man of valour".  Gideon is not what we would picture as a mighty man of valour, hiding in the winepress, but it is the LORD with him that makes him a mighty man of valour.  It is the same for us: God has always used weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

Gideon is concerned about all of his brethren, not just himself.  He asks essentially, "If Yehovah is with me, then why are all of my brethren suffering?"

The Lord has promised, "I will build my church...", do we believe that?  Some of us need a lot of encouragement, so we can relate to Gideon, and be

Judges 6:11-31 Lord Bring Peace

In the last session we saw that the battle had been won ultimately by Barak when he trusted in the LORD. Sisera fled, coming to the tent of Yael, and she put an end to this enemy of Isra'el with a spike through his head. 
 
In v23 we have a double curse and in v24 we have a double blessing. 
 
We are involved in the conflict of the ages. It is a very serious thing not to get involved in the battle. We not only will be reproached when we stand at the judgement seat of Christ, but we also miss out on blessings. 
 
Chapter six brings the fourth cycle of rebelling and then returning and calling-out to YHWH. There are 100 verses that deal with the life of Gideon. The next longest is Samson. Gideon is given more attention that the other judges, which tells of his importance. 
 
An overview of Chapter 6 is this: v1-6 condition of the people, v7-10 the ministry of an unknown prophet, and v11-40 God raises up Gideon in response to their call. 
 
Midian means "strife" or "brawling". This Midyan is a decendant of Abraham (Gen. 25:1-2), but not through Sarah. So they are directly related to the Israelites. Strife is never far away from the people of God. 
 
The anonymous prophet reminds them of what the Lord has done for them, tells them not to fear, and then reprimands them for their disobedience, holding them accountable for their sin. Repentance before revival is always the way it is. The Lord always convicts before He converts, wounds before He heals.

In the last session we saw that the battle had been won ultimately by Barak when he trusted in the LORD.  Sisera fled, coming to the tent of Yael, and she put an end to this enemy of Isra'el with a spike through his head.

In v23 we have a double curse and in v24 we have a double blessing.

We are involved in the conflict of the ages.  It is a very serious thing not to get involved in the battle.  We not only will be reproached when we stand at the judgement seat of Christ, but we also miss out on blessings.

Chapter six brings the fourth cycle of rebelling and then returning and calling-out to YHWH.  There are 100 verses that deal with the life of Gideon.  The next longest is Samson.  Gideon is given more attention that the other judges, which tells of his importance.

An overview of Chapter 6 is this:  v1-6 condition of the people, v7-10 the ministry of an unknown prophet, and v11-40 God raises up Gideon in response to their call.

Midian means "strife" or "brawling".  This Midyan is

Judges 5:23-6:11 Ruin and Recovery

This section is poetry set to music that both Deborah and Barak sang together. 
 
What were the conditions before, during, and after the battle? 
 
How are we to encourage ourselves and each other when situations seem desperate? 
 
What is the reason for persecutions we may experience or witness others suffering? 
 
To go into battle for the Lord, what kind of weapons and defences should we expect him to give us? What do we do if we have none? In this case, Israel had none, and we see clearly why Barak is listed among the great men of faith in Hebrews chapter 11. 
 
When we witness events like Ukraine we can glimpse what it is like when an enemy comes in. We should be thankful for God for the every-day normal things we are able to do, that we do not worry about bombs in our neighbourhoods, etc. We should praise God and use these liberties for his glory. 
 
Barak and his men, rushing into battle barefoot and defenceless, saw the Lord engage in the battle on his people's behalf. They witnessed the Lord fight for His people! How much do we miss when we avoid the conflict? We miss seeing God work in wonderful ways. 
 
We will have a post-battle analysis of our lives one day in the presence of the Lord. We will all realise that we missed glorious opportunities. We should have been more engaged. This is the first day of the rest of our lives. We can offer ourselves willingly today in the battle for the Lord.

This section is poetry set to music that both Deborah and Barak sang together.

What were the conditions before, during, and after the battle?

How are we to encourage ourselves and each other when situations seem desperate?

What is the reason for persecutions we may experience or witness others suffering?

To go into battle for the Lord, what kind of weapons and defences should we expect him to give us?  What do we do if we have none?  In this case, Israel had none, and we see clearly why Barak is listed among the great men of faith in Hebrews chapter 11.

When we witness events like Ukraine we can glimpse what it is like when an enemy comes in.  We should be thankful for God for the every-day normal things we are able to do, that we do not worry about bombs in our neighbourhoods, etc.  We should praise God and use these liberties for his glory.

Barak and his men, rushing into battle barefoot and defenceless, saw the Lord engage in the battle on his people's behalf.  They witnessed 

Judges 5:6-23 Post Battle Analysis

In chapter 1 of Judges we saw a reference to the Kenites. In the reading today we find that God moved a man north so that his wife could be where God intended to use her to win a battle. 
 
Barak leaves his comfort zone, goes down the mountain, into overwhelming odds, believing in the words spoken to him through God's prophetess, Deborah. 
 
Chapter 4 was written in prose. Chapter 5 covers the same events but is written in poetry, the song of Deborah and Barak. It is not Deborah the Prophetess, but Deborah the Poet. Chapter 5 reveals that there was real involvement on the part of a few, and little involvement or apathy on the part of many. Both chapters begin and end with the role of women in victory in Israel. 
 
There was a song sung in Exodus 15, a song of redemption that everyone was expected to sing. This song in Judges 5 is not a song of redemption, but a song of deliverance in the face of overwhelming odds, and it is only two people this time who are singing. 
 
v1-5 is Delight in God. 
v6-11 describes the distress in Israel prior to this victory. 
v12-18 deals with divided loyalties. 
v19-23 describes the defeat of the Canaanites. 
v24-31 covers the death of Sisera and the despondency of his mother. 
 
Every Christian will be reviewed after the battle is over. We have an appointment with the Lord Jesus, and that day will reveal what we have done in the day of battle. The Cross brings not only redemption, but also responsibility. 
 
The same God whose power was seen so clearly at Mount Sinai was seen that day on the field of battle.

In chapter 1 of Judges we saw a reference to the Kenites.  In the reading today we find that God moved a man north so that his wife could be where God intended to use her to win a battle.

Barak leaves his comfort zone, goes down the mountain, into overwhelming odds, believing in the words spoken to him through God's prophetess, Deborah.

Chapter 4 was written in prose.  Chapter 5 covers the same events but is written in poetry, the song of Deborah and Barak.  It is not Deborah the Prophetess, but Deborah the Poet.  Chapter 5 reveals that there was real involvement on the part of a few, and little involvement or apathy on the part of many.  Both chapters begin and end with the role of women in victory in Israel.

There was a song sung in Exodus 15, a song of redemption that everyone was expected to sing.  This song in Judges 5 is not a song of redemption, but a song of deliverance in the face of overwhelming odds, and it is only two people this time who are singing.

v1-5 is Delight in

Judges 4:10-5:6 Nailing Worldly Wisdom, Song of Deborah and Barak

In this session we look at two judges: Samgar and Deborah. God is able to use things that seem insignificant, whatever is in your hand, for His glory, even something as unlikely as an ox goad. The Lord is not looking for our ability, but rather our availability. 
 
The incident in chapter 4 is unique in that there is a victory hymn written in chapter 5 to celebrate what happens in chapter 4. Deborah's prominence signifies a lack of involvement by the men. 
 
Deborah was definitely a worthy and remarkable person. She was a woman who understood headship, did not want to act out of her station, she wanted a man to take the lead. Her name means "bee". She is industrious and has a sting when threatened. She is a prophetess who communicates the mind of God. 
 
Barak was hesitant to go to battle, yet he is listed in Hebrews while Deborah is not, so there is definite faith seen in this man. The wisdom of the world would mock the command the Lord gave to Barak because it seemed suicidal and took faith for him to go. Barak believed God, even with his reluctance.

In this session we look at two judges:  Samgar and Deborah.  God is able to use things that seem insignificant, whatever is in your hand, for His glory, even something as unlikely as an ox goad.  The Lord is not looking for our ability, but rather our availability.

The incident in chapter 4 is unique in that there is a victory hymn written in chapter 5 to celebrate what happens in chapter 4.  Deborah's prominence signifies a lack of involvement by the men.

Deborah was definitely a worthy and remarkable person.  She was a woman who understood headship, did not want to act out of her station, she wanted a man to take the lead.  Her name means "bee".  She is industrious and has a sting when threatened.  She is a prophetess who communicates the mind of God.

Barak was hesitant to go to battle, yet he is listed in Hebrews while Deborah is not, so there is definite faith seen in this man.  The wisdom of the world would mock the command the Lord gave to Barak because it seemed suicidal and 

Judges 3:31-4:9 God can use what seems insignificant

The reasons for the failure of the nation of Isra'el. We saw previously that part of the reason was their failure to go back to Gilgal. A second reason we will see today is the third-generation syndrome. 
 
The important thing is not merely knowing about God's power, wisdom, acts, etc. but caring enough about it to enter into a relationship and acknowledge him in all our ways. 
 
We see God's anger because of their betrayal. He is angry at sin because he knows how destructive it is in our lives. 
 
The "sin cycle" is seen throughout the book of Judges. The children of Isra'el served the Ba'alim; they exchanged the Lord for a new master. The meanings and history of Baal and Ashterosh/Ishtar/Easter are explained in detail, and considerations of where they are still found in today's society. 
 
The Isra'elites wanted the Caananite nations around them. It was their choice. God allowed them to make that choice. Sometimes the worst thing God can give us is the desire of our hearts. Be careful what you wish for. The Lord may give it to you. 
 
We are being proved, tested. How is our love and loyalty to the Lord? He has redeemed us at a great price, he loves us, he chastens us, and he delivers us. On a daily basis our love and loyalty is tested.

The reasons for the failure of the nation of Isra'el. We saw previously that part of the reason was their failure to go back to Gilgal.

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