ALPHA MAAMA (A.M.)

 Pulelulu ‘Okatopa 20, 2021

After the death of Joshua

na‘e fakafehu‘i ‘e ha‘a ‘Isileli kia Sihova

Fakamaau 1 (Judges 1)

** The book of Judges is the history of Israel during the government of the Judges, who were occasional deliverers, raised up by God to rescue Israel from their oppressors, to reform the state of religion, and to administer justice to the people. The state of God's people does not appear in this book so prosperous, nor their character so religious, as might have been expected; but there were many believers among them, and the tabernacle service was attended to. The history exemplifies the frequent warnings and predictions of Moses, and should have close attention. The whole is full of important instruction. * Proceedings of the tribes of Judah and Simeon. (1-8) Hebron and other cities taken. (9-20) The proceedings of other tribes. (21-36)

(v. 1-2) PEA hili ‘a e pekia ‘a Siosiua, na‘e fakafehu‘i ‘e ha‘a ‘Isileli kia Sihova, ‘o pehē, Ko hai ‘e fuofua ‘alu hake ma‘amautolu ki ha‘a Kēnani ke fai tau ki ai? Pea folofola ‘a Sihova, Ko Siuta ‘e ‘alu: vakai, kuo u tuku ‘a e fonua ki hono nima.

(v. 1-2) After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?” The Lord said, “Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand.”

David Guzik :: Study Guide for Judges 1

The Book of Judges shows us a time that is sometimes confusing, difficult, and dark. For this reason, many neglect the Judges and regard this period of time as a “dark ages” of Israel’s history. Yet if we neglect this book we neglect a wonderful account of the love and graciousness of God, and how He lovingly corrects His people.

What we find out about man in Judges is depressing; but what we find out about God in Judges is wonderful. “On the human side, it is a story of disobedience and disaster; and on the Divine side, of continued direction and deliverance.” (Morgan)

“There is, however, one light in which the whole book may be viewed, which renders it invaluable; it is a most remarkable history of the longsuffering of God towards the Israelites, in which we find the most signal instances of his justice and mercy alternately displayed; the people sinned, and were punished; they repented, and found mercy. Something of this kind we meet with in every page. And these things are writted for our warning. None should presume, for God is just; none need despair, for God is merciful.” (Clarke)