Proverbs 6:18 feet that be swift in running to mischief,
In this passage, Solomon is laying out seven things that are an abomination unto the Lord. The fifth item in this list is a person who is quick to do evil. When God created us, HE created us in HIS own image. God cannot do evil, […]

Judges 7:6 And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.
Gideon had blown a trumpet and had sent messengers across the land and 32,000 men answered the call. However, 22,000 men were […]

Judges 21:1 Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpeh, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.

Just before the children of Israel attacked the tribe of Benjamin for the wickedness that was committed by the city of Gibeah, the children of Israel swore that they would not give their daughters unto Benjamin. The children of Israel had no obligation to God to make such a vow, but they made it. The children of Israel understood that once they made the vow, there was no way that they could release themselves from the vow.

The children of Israel were distraught because they had made a vow that was going to result in the utter destruction of the tribe of Israel. They realized that because they had utterly destroyed the tribe of Benjamin with the exception of 600 men, that Benjamin could not marry. The children of Israel realized that there was one community in Israel that had not come up to fight and as such did not make the vow. The children of Israel went and destroyed everyone in Jabesh-gilead with the exception of the 400 virgins for the Benjaminites to have as wives.

The children of Israel were not going to break their vow to God yet a problem existed that 200 Benjaminites still did not have a wife. The children of Israel were not going to break their vow, but they did inform the 200 Benjaminites who did not have a wife that they could kidnap a wife for themselves at one of their festivals. The children of Israel reasoned with those who had just had their daughters kidnapped that they did not break their vow before God because they did not willingly give their daughters but their daughters were taken.

The children of Israel understood something that you may have a hard time fully comprehending. If you make a vow unto God, you had better not break that vow under any circumstances. You have no obligation to make a vow, but once you make it, you are bound by your word unto God.

Be careful about the promises that you make unto God when you are in distress. Be careful that you are going to be able to make the commitments that you are making. God is God and HE holds you to your word. HE does not take kindly to you telling HIM that you are going to do something and then you refusing to fulfill your word.

The children of Israel had made a vow and now had to go to great lengths to ensure that they did not break their word yet restore the tribe of Benjamin. The children of Israel did not need to make a vow but once they did, they kept their word unto God.

Do you fully comprehend the significance of your promises to God? It takes faith to understand that God hears your every word and demands that you fulfill your promises to HIM just has HE has fulfilled HIS promises to you. HE allowed HIS only Son to die for you so that HE could fulfill HIS promises to you. HE paid the ultimate price for you to keep HIS word. You would be very hesitant to break a promise you made to your best friend. Why should God be any different? Why should God not hold you to your word with HIM just as your best friend holds you to your word? It takes faith to see God for who HE really is and to treat your promises that you made to HIM serious.

Judges 20:26-27 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the Lord, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. And the children of Israel enquired of the Lord, for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,

The nation of Israel had just heard of the wickedness of the men of Gibeah that was from the tribe of Benjamin. The men of Gibeah were perverse and were willing to commit lewd acts on both men and women who traveled through their town. As a result of their perverseness, they killed a woman. When the rest of the nation heard this, they gathered together and they demanded that Benjamin hand over the men from the city of Gibeah. The tribe of Benjamin refused and the children of Israel cried out to God for direction. The children of Israel were not going to battle against their own kind absent having clear instruction from God.

The children of Israel understood the seriousness of the issue before them and as such, they were not quick to make a decision but instead took the time to pray about it. They understood that there was wickedness in the land that needed to be destroyed. However, they were not going to administer their punishment absent the Lord�s direction. They took the time to hear God and ensure that they did not punish Benjamin out of anger.

The nation of Israel was angry, but they ensured that they did not let their anger control their actions. Instead, they wisely waited and sought the Lord to ensure that their direction was controlled of God and not by passion.

The Lord desires to direct your steps. HE allows you to experience certain things so that you can serve HIM by taking care of it here on this earth. You must allow the Lord to direct your steps. If you allow yourself to be controlled by anger, then Satan will be able to control your actions and you may do more damage then good. You cannot afford to allow yourself to be controlled by passion and anger. Instead, you must use passion and anger to cause yourself to go before God and seek direction.

If the nation of Israel would have attacked immediately, they still may have won and they still would have done the will of God. Nonetheless, by attacking in anger, their attitude would have shown. In addition, the nation of Israel would have constantly been wondering if they had done the Lord�s will in almost utterly destroying a whole tribe. Great dissention would most likely exist between Israel and Benjamin had Israel attacked in anger. However, because they sought the Lord�s will, after Israel corrected Benjamin, Israel was in the position to help Benjamin restore itself.

There is no such thing as a small decision with God. Every decision that you make should not be rash but should be made fully understanding the will of God for your life. Rarely is there a decision that you must make that you must make when your passions are enflamed. Jesus set an example for you when HE saw the wickedness in the temple of the Lord and HE came back the next day to cleanse the temple. You understand that God desires to lead you and guide you in the way you should go. By faith you will take the time to seek HIS will for your life and ensure that you do not simply react to circumstances around you but that you seek HIS will and you obey HIS voice.

Judges 16:28 And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.

Samson had lost his strength and was now a prisoner of those whom he was suppose to destroy. The Philistines for 20 years lived in fear of Samson but now they enjoyed mocking him. It was at one of there feast days when 3,000 men and women were in one building a feast that they called for Samson. The lad who led Samson helped him find the support pillars. Once Samson found the pillars, he asked God to give him strength one more time and he bowed himself bringing down the pillars and the entire house.

Samson had violated God�s commandment for his life and he lost his gift from God that enabled him to do the will of God. Samson saw and lusted after Philistine women and he destroyed the ministry God had for him. Samson not only lost his strength but God allowed the enemy to pluck out the eyes also. Samson no longer had his strength nor his eyesight and he was just betrayed by the person whom he loved.

Samson had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. God punished Samson for this sin. However, by faith, Samson believed that God would show him mercy one last time and give him the gift of strength so that Samson could do that which he was given strength to do, destroy the enemies of the Lord. Samson understood God�s purpose for his life and while Samson knew that he could no longer fulfill the purpose of judging Israel, Samson had boldness and asked the Lord to return and give him the strength so that he could fulfill part of his purpose.

Samson was the strongest man in the Bible yet he sinned and fell short of God�s purpose for his life. Just because you are not the strongest person that ever lived, it does not mean that you are immune from Satan�s attempts to cause you to sin and violate God�s purpose for your life. The higher your purpose, the more Satan would like to make an example of you to destroy your ministry for God. When you sin and fall short of the glory of God, you must repent. God is just and there are consequences to your sin. This means that HE must punish you for your willful violations of HIS perfect law.

Nonetheless, just because God has punished you for your willful violations of HIS perfect law, do not hide and assume that God no longer has any use for you. Instead, demonstrate your faith like Samson who looked for a opportunity for God to use him again. Your sin may result in a diminishing of your ministry, but do not allow Satan to win the last battle by your giving up on God using you at all. God still has work for you to do.

Satan will try to remind you of your willful violations and try to convince you that God no longer desires to use you. However, you must remember that the blood of Christ completely washes away your sin. You have been forgiven and it is time for you to spend time seeking the Lord and find ways that you can use your present situation to do God�s will. If Samson had not sinned, he would not have been in the position to destroy 3,000 Philistines. Samson killed more Philistines after his sin then 20 years prior to his sin. God can still use you to do great things for HIM. You too can still be used of God no matter what your sin was. God will forgive, have faith and ask HIM to use you for HIS glory.

Judges 16:17 That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother�s womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall be like any other man.

Delilah had been offered a lot of money if she could figure out the source of Samson�s faith and make him weak. Delilah on three other occasions had asked Samson�s the source of his strength and Samson told Delilah a lie. Finally, Delilah wore Samson down and he told her the source of his strength. Delilah knew that he had told her the source and she informed the Philistines to bring their money for she was going to deliver Samson to them. Delilah shaved Samson�s hair and then watched the Philistines take him away. The Philistines put out his eyes and put him in prison.

Samson made the mistake of telling the wrong person something God had shared with him. Samson told Delilah who had no desire to help and support Samson in his duty to God the source of his ability to do God�s work. Delilah used the inside information not to help Samson but to bring him down. Samson did not have to tell Delilah his secret, but he did because he loved his relationship with Delilah more then he desired to serve God.

Samson had already been betrayed once when he told his Philistine wife the answer to the riddle and she told her fellow countrymen. He should have been more careful when telling Delilah the source of his strength. He had a duty to serve God, and he should have realized that Delilah did not really care about Samson destroying the Philistines and delivering Israel. Since Delilah was not interested in a similar calling, Samson had no right sharing special truths that God had given him to someone who was not going to help him fulfill God�s purpose for his life.

Samson had a calling from God and if he was looking for a wife she should have had a similar calling so as to support him. Samson�s calling was to deliver Israel from the Philistines, by looking for love among the Philistine women; Samson was showing his lack of faith by putting himself in a compromising situation. Samson did compromise by telling things that God had shared with him to Delilah.

Not ever deep spiritual truth or word from the Lord needs to be shared with everyone. Jesus commanded you that you should not cast your pearls before swine. Just because God has shared something exciting and new with you, it does not mean that you can rush out and tell everyone what the Lord is doing. Instead, you must be judicious in whom you share deep spiritual truths with. You have an obligation to God to determine if the person you are sharing with has a similar heart for the Lord and whether they will rejoice with you and encourage you to do what the Lord has said. If you do cast great spiritual pearls before swine, then Satan may be able to bring you down as he brought Samson down.

You have an obligation to God to be careful about what you share. You do not have a duty to share everything with everyone. The world does not have a right to know everything about you. By faith you will be slow to answer when you start to share the deeper direction of God. You can share the things that God has done for you, but you must be careful when you start sharing the Lord�s direction and guidance to others. First discover whether the person you are sharing with desires to encourage or destroy you.

Judges 16:18 And he was sore athirst, and called on the Lord, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?

Samson had just killed 1,000 men with the jawbone of an ass. Samson gave credit to God for his deliverance from the enemies. Now Samson uses this deliverance as a reason why God cannot allow him to die of thirst. Samson understood that God�s power through Samson was spreading as a result of his resent victory. If Samson became weak because of thirst and was captured, all the good that Samson had completed for God�s kingdom with his great victory would have been diminished. The heathen would have seen God only as a God of war.

Samson reasoned with God and gave God a reason why HE needed to provide Samson with water. Samson did not just make a request for water, but showed God why HIS reputation was on the line. God heard Samson�s request and brought water out of the jawbone. The same jawbone that killed 1,000 men provided substance for one man to live. God responded to Samson�s prayer in such a way that Samson knew it was God who gave him his strength and it was God who would provide for his needs.

A good mother does not give her child a cleaning assignment absent knowing that the proper supplies are available to do the job. The child may not be able to reach the proper tools and may have to come back and ask their mother for help. The mother will not be angry with her child for asking for help in obtaining the proper tools if it is something that was out of reach of the child.

So likewise, God has given you certain responsibilities. When something happens that is beyond your control, God does not hold it against you that you ask HIM to help you. God desires to hear you call upon HIM. God yearns for you to keep in communication with HIM. God does not consider it a lack of faith for you to ask HIM for something that you need even though HE just demonstrated HIS strength in your life in a different matter. God desires to be apart of every aspect of your life. HE desires that you turn to HIM regardless of the size of your problem.

God gave Samson deliverance from HIS enemies and God gave him water to sustain him. Samson understood that God had a purpose on his life and he did serve the Lord by judging Israel for 20 years. Samson did have a weakness in the area of lust. Samson�s weakness does not appear to be something that Samson requested God to help him escape. Samson would have done well to rely upon God in all areas of his life.

God understands that you are human. God knows that you cannot see how HE plans to help you overcome your current trial. Your trial is an opportunity for you to draw near unto God. You need to recognize that the same God who can deliver you from one thing is the same God who can deliver you from another trial. When you have seen God�s power in one area of your life, you can demonstrate your faith by acknowledging God�s power to deliver you from a trial that is new and different. You demonstrate a lack of faith in God when you do not believe that God can deliver you. You have a trial, demonstrate your faith and reason with God and cry out to HIM for deliverance.

Judges 16:14-15 � and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands. And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.

Samson had just conducted a great slaughter because the Philistines had burned his wife and his father-in-law. Samson then went and dwelt at the rock Etam. The Philistines came to war with Judah and Judah went to find Samson to turn him over to the Philistines. Judah did not want to fight the enemy. Samson was bound and brought before the Philistines. God was with Samson and even though he was bound and betrayed, he was able to break his bonds, find a jawbone of an ass and kill 1,000 Philistines.

Samson may not have had the support of his fellow countrymen but he did have the support of God. Samson may not have had a conventional weapon but with God on his side, he was able to take that which as available to him and kill 1,000 men. Samson may have mathematically been outnumbered and conventional wisdom would have said that he should surrender but Samson understood that with God on his side, how could he lose.

Samson had probably been told from a youth that God had a special purpose for his life. Every time his parents had to remind him of his Nazarite vows, they probably also told him how God had told them that he would begin to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines. Samson may not have had any support, but he did have the power of God in his life. Samson had seen this strength when he killed a lion, when he killed the 30 Philistines, when he caught 150 foxes, and when he destroyed those who killed his wife.

Samson had seen God give him strength in other situations and was willing to trust God that God had enough strength for him to destroy a whole army. Samson was given great strength and he used that strength to fulfill God�s purpose for his life. Samson did not stop and wonder what he was getting himself into. Samson simply destroyed the enemy that God brought before him.

To many Christians are terrified of attacking the enemy because they do not have the faith of Samson. They see the impossibility of the situation and they would rather be like the 3,000 men of Judah who betrayed Samson rather then confront the enemy. They say that they are just trying to live at peace with their neighbors, but in reality, they are giving up the fight before it even begins.

All around you there is a battle storming. Satan is trying to take God out of every aspect of your daily life. Satan is attempting to destroy the foundations so that everyone can do that which is right in their own eyes. Satan is so prevailing that one who attempts to live for righteousness is considered archaic while those who do evil are idolized.

The battle is before you. You may not have anyone�s help but Gods. With God on your side fighting the Lord�s battles, the only question you should be asking is how in the world can you lose. By faith you can overcome any obstacle. By faith you will see great victory. The victory belongs to God who through you will do many wonderful things. You must simply find your enemy and take them on when God brings them to you.

Judges 14:4 But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the Lord, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.

Samson had found a Philistine that he desired to marry. His parents attempted to talk him out of such marriage proposal because she was a foreigner. His parents probably did not approve for the simple reason that she was a Philistine and they knew that God had told them that Samson would begin to deliver the nation of Israel for the Philistines. However, Samson was persistent and his parent consented.

Scripture tells us that Samson�s falling in love with a pagan woman was part of God�s plan for Samson�s life. Samson was comfortable with the Philistine oppression. Although Samson had a special calling to start to deliver his people, Samson appears to not be preparing for that calling. Samson was more concerned about himself and not what God desired to do through him.

God allowed Samson to fall in love knowing that Samson would be betrayed and that his anger would start the chain of events that would build animosity between the Philistines and Samson. God had called Samson and HE needed to spur Samson to action. What Samson�s parents did not understand that this Philistine girl was a part of God�s plan.

Was it naturally God�s best for Samson�s life that he fell in love with a heathen woman? Naturally, it would have been better for Samson to be pursuing God�s plan for his life first. As Samson pursued God�s will, his priorities in a wife would have changed and he would have been looking for a wife that would have been encouraging him to fulfill God�s purpose in his life rather then a girl whose beauty appealed to his lusts.

Samson was not pursuing God�s will and God allowed Samson to do something that seemed unnatural and against the will of his parents. We know that God turns all things to good for those who love HIM and are called according to HIS purposes. Samson was called according to God�s purposes, and God was going to use this Philistine woman to drive Samson to HIS will of delivering Israel.

God has a perfect plan for your life. Are you pursuing God�s perfect plan? If you are pursuing God�s perfect plan, then God will not need to permit certain things to occur in your life to drive you to HIS will. It is always better for your to strive to do God�s will for your life rather then have HIM drive you to do HIS will.

Samson suffered a broken heart because he was not naturally pursuing God�s purpose in his life. You too may suffer needlessly if you do not seek to follow God�s will for your life. However, do not think that because you are following God�s will that you will not suffer. Suffering is a tool that God uses in your life to drive you closer to HIM. However, there is some suffering that you bring upon your own life because you are not following God�s will. By faith you should take the time to understand God�s will for your life and you should pursue it. Samson knew God�s will and yet he attempted to form an alliance with the same people he was called to destroy. You cannot expect God�s blessing upon your life if you attempt to pursue something that is contrary to God�s plan for your life

Judges 13:8 Then Manoah intreated the Lord, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.

Manoah did not initially see the angel of the Lord. Manoah�s wife was visited by the angel and the angel told her that she was going to bare a son and that the son was to be a Nazarite from the womb. Manoah�s wife came and reported this news to Manoah. Manoah believed his wife that an angel or man of God had spoken to her, but he also believed that the word�s that were spoken to his wife were going to come true. There does not appear to be any doubt in Manoah�s mind even though he did not see the messenger from God initially.

God heard Manoah�s prayer and HE answered the prayer by sending the angel again to Manoah�s wife. Manoah�s wife found Manoah and Manoah asked the angel how they should order the child. After the angel instructed Manoah, he asked the angel to stay while they prepared some food. The angel said he could not eat but said if he was going to make a burnt offering, make it unto the Lord. Manoah made a burnt offering unto the Lord and the angel ascended in the flame.

Manoah demonstrated his faith by having no doubt towards the word of God that was spoken to his wife. Most likely Manoah and his wife had been praying to God that HE would open her womb. Manoah and his wife were looking for God to answer their prayers so when the angel appeared, Manoah was ready to accept what the angel said as the truth even though he himself did not hear the words. Nonetheless, Manoah desired to learn more details about how he was to raise this son whom God saw fit to send a special messenger. Since he had experienced God�s answer to prayer in that a son was coming, Manoah had no qualms about asking God to send the angel again.

Is there anything in your life that you have been persistent in prayer over? If God were to send an angel to you today telling you that your prayer was answered, do you think that you would respond as Manoah responded, or do you feel that you would be more credulous and say something to the affect that you will believe it when you see it?

If you feel that you would be credulous, then this is one indication of your lack of faith. God needs individuals who trust in HIM to step forth in faith and believe the words that God has spoken. God needs you to demonstrate your faith to HIM without any doubt so that HE can use you to do great things for HIM. If you have any doubt, it is a demonstration of your lack of trust in God. Why should God answer your persistent prayers if you yourself do not believe that God has any desire to answer them? Faith is believing God can do the impossible and trusting the words that HE has spoken to you.

Manoah believed the word of the Lord but was bold in asking the Lord for a personal visit not because he doubted but because he wanted to ensure that both him and his wife raised the child the way the Lord desired. God is waiting to answer your prayers but HE first needs to see that you believe that HE is able to do that which you request. The Lord may just be waiting on you to believe without doubt before HE answers your prayer. You may be the biggest hindrance to God answering your prayer.

Judges 11:35 And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! Thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, and I cannot go back.

Jephthah made a vow unto the Lord that if the Lord delivered the enemy into his hands, that he would offer the first thing that came out of his house as a burnt offering. Jephthah had no obligation to make the vow. God did not require a vow to be made prior to going to battle. Nonetheless, once Jephthah had opened his mouth, he understood that it was a vow that he could not break.

Bible scholars argue as to whether or not Jephthah actually followed through with making his daughter a burnt offering. Some believe that because God despised human sacrifice that Jephthah simply dedicated his daughter to the Lord to serve the Lord. No matter which course of action taken by Jephthah, it was something he did not want to do. Jephthah was now regretting the vow that he made because he did not count the costs of his vow prior to making it.

Solomon tells us in the book of Ecclesiastes that �When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.� Solomon understood that we have no obligation to make a vow unto God. God is perfect. HE does not break HIS word. HE holds HIS promises very serious and as such, HE expects you to keep your word.

You do not have an obligation to make any promises to God. However, you do have an obligation before God to keep your promises once you make them. You can rationalize the reasons why you should be permitted to void your vow, but by faith, you must understand that unless there is a scriptural way to void the vow as in a father voiding the vow of his daughter of a husband voiding the vow of his wife, God is going to hold you to the words that you spoke.

God created this world with HIS words. With HIS mouth HE promised Abraham a son. Throughout scripture, you can read how God did not go back on his word. God did not make promises to every person in scripture. God was very selective in whom HE spoke with and made promises to. Nonetheless, the promises HE made HE kept.

God knows the vows that you are going to make long before you ever make them. God is not caught off guard when you make a vow to HIM. However, the vow that you have made, HE expects you to exercise your faith and keep your vow. By faith you understand that God holds the promises of your mouth very seriously. By faith you understand that God has kept HIS promises with you. By faith you understand that while your vow may have been rash like Jephthah�s vow was, you still have an obligation to fulfill your word.

Be very careful before you open your mouth and make a vow before God. God is going to expect you to keep your vow and to pay that which you have promised. Take the time to think through what you are about to say to ensure that you are going to have the ability to fulfill that which you have promised. By faith you will keep your vow.

Judges 11:24 Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the Lord our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.

Jephthah was corresponding with the King of Ammon asking him why he was trying to fight Israel. The King of Ammon tried to claim that the land Israel possessed belonged to his people and he was reclaiming it. Jephthah countered with how Israel had no intention of taking the land away from the people of Ammon but when Ammon attacked Israel prior to entering the promise land, Israel defended itself and took the land.

For three hundred years, the nation of Israel had possessed the land. Jephthah was willing to defend Israel on land Israel possessed because he understood God had given them the land. Since God had given them a possession, then God surely intended for them to keep it and as a mighty warrior, he was going to do his part to defeat the enemies of the Lord who were trying to take away God�s gift.

Jephthah understood the history of Israel and as such, he was prepared and able to defend the enemy�s claim to the land. Jephthah first tried to reason with the enemy, but when the enemy refused to listen, Jephthah led the nation into battle. Jephthah was a mighty man of valor. Nonetheless, he was educated in the history of God�s working with his country and he was willing to first see if he could handle the conflict peaceably. When he could not be solved by reason, then Jephthah led the nation into battle.

Judges 8:27 And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.

After Gideon�s victory, he was approached by the nation and asked to rule. Gideon declined. Gideon told the people that it was the Lord who was their ruler. However, Gideon asked the people to bring the gold earrings that were confiscated from the enemy. Gideon took this gold and made an ephod. An ephod was something the priest wore. We do not know if this was something Gideon actually wore himself or if the priest in his town wore it. Nonetheless, we do know that the golden ephod did lead the nation to do that which is right in their own eyes and to once again violate their covenant with God.

Gideon was called of God to destroy the enemy and its wicked influences. Nonetheless, Gideon allowed the gold of the enemy to be a snare to him and his relationship with God. Gideon had demonstrated his faith in hearing God and obeying. Gideon tore down the altar of Baal, he freed the nation of Midianites, he refused to be made ruler over the people, yet he stumbled by receiving the spoil from those who had taken it from the enemy and he used this gold to draw the nation away from God.

Judges 7:20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.

Scripture does not tell us that God gave Gideon his battle strategy. God told Gideon to go fight, but HE did not tell him how to fight. God reassured Gideon that it was HIS will to fight, but as for a military plan, it does not appear that God directed specifically. God�s direction was general, and it was up to Gideon to find a way to obey.

Gideon chose a plan in which he divided his 300 men into 3 groups of 100. Gideon�s plan used a pitcher, a lamp, a trumpet, and a shout. Throughout scripture, one will find that God is the potter and we are the clay. Gideon�s first step of breaking the pitcher symbolizes our duty to God to be broken so that you can be put back on the potter�s wheel so that HE can mold you in the way that HE desires.

The second step of allowing the light to shine is akin to Jesus telling you that you are to let your light shine on a hill. Until you are willing to put your life back into the hands of God and be broken for HIM, you are not ready to shine. Jesus is the light and we are not to hide HIM, but instead you are to be broken for HIM so that through you the world will see HIM.

Judges 7:15 And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshiped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.

You have heard about the faith of Gideon, but have you ever thought about the faith of the 300 men. These 300 men did not see the angel. They did not see the fleece. They did not hear the voice of the Lord telling Gideon that the army was too big. They did not hear the Midianite soldier interpret a dream. All they heard was Gideon blow a trumpet and they showed up to battle. They showed up with 31,700 other men ready to fight and they watched Gideon dismiss those who were afraid and dismiss those who were not watchful.

Scripture does not reveal to us anything that would cause us to see that God had any communication with the 300 men. These men were simply trusting that God was speaking to Gideon. They had faith that if they followed Gideon that God would deliver them from their enemies These men probably had families and if they lost the battle, their families would be in danger of retaliation from the Midianites.

These men had the faith of a little child. They heard Gideon say what God�s will was and they simply obeyed. They were all men of war, yet this was going to be a battle like they had never seen or heard. These men did not need to hear from God themselves. All they needed to be told was that God was with them and they were willing to do what it took to do the will of God. These men did not ask questions, they just obeyed.

Judges 7:10-11 But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host: And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that were in the host.

God understood that after HE had cut Gideon�s army from 32,000 to 300 that Gideon was having some reservations about the Lord being with him. Gideon had seen God�s direction with the two fleeces, but that was when Gideon had 32,000 men. Gideon had obeyed God twice when he cut his army to 10,000 and then to 300. Gideon probably would have obeyed God�s instruction to attack that night. Nonetheless, God understood that while Gideon was going to obey, God wanted to encourage Gideon�s heart so that Gideon would have confidence going into battle that he was doing God�s will.

God sent Gideon to the people whom he was about to attack. Gideon and his servant heard one man telling a dream. The other man then interpreted the dream saying that God was going to deliver Midian into Gideon�s hands. The enemy was talking about how they already were doomed. God used this dream and interpretation to encourage Gideon�s heart and to give him the confidence he needed to attack that night.

Judges 7:4 And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.

God had told Gideon that he was going to use him to lead the nation into battle against the Midianites. Gideon obeyed the Lord and 32,000 men showed up to follow him. The Lord had Gideon dismiss all those who were afraid and Gideon was left with 10,000 men. 10,000 men against the multitude of Midianites was not exactly what most would call too many men. Nonetheless, 10,000 men were too many men for God to deliver Israel.

Judges 7:2 And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.

Gideon had blown the trumpet and 32,000 men showed up to fight. Gideon was outnumbered with only 32,000 men, but God told him it was too many men. God had Gideon tell the men who were afraid to go home. Gideon obeyed God and he lost 22,000 men. Only 10,000 men trusted God could be with them against insurmountable odds.

All Israel had heard the stories of Moses and Joshua and how God led the nation supernaturally. However, some believed that God could do it again, while others just did not have enough faith to be the one that God used to deliver Israel. They would rather sit on the sidelines and watch God work and enjoy the benefits. These 22,000 men had other priorities that they would rather worry about. What would the Midianites do to their wives and children should God not be with Gideon?

Judges 6:38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.

Gideon came before the Lord and asked the Lord to confirm HIS will for his life. Gideon asked the Lord to confirm by causing the fleece to be wet with dew and the ground to be dry. Gideon�s test to God was not something that normally occurs. Instead, it was a supernatural event that Gideon used to help him ensure that he was hearing God correctly. Gideon was anxious to see what the Lord was going to do and as such, he rose up early in the morning to see what God had done. Gideon was not passively waiting for the Lord to confirm HIS will, but was taking an active part in hearing God�s voice.

Judges 6:25-26 And it came to pass the same night, that the Lord said unto him, Take thy father�s young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.

Before God had Gideon free the people from the Midianites, God needed him to first free the people from the influences of Baal. By destroying the altar of Baal, this was going to be Gideon�s first opportunity to see how God protects him as he obeys.

Judges 6:22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the Lord, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord God! For because I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face.

Gideon was a humble man. When the angel of the Lord first came to him and gave him the command from the Lord regarding his delivering Israel, Gideon attempted to explain his family�s position in Israel and his position within his family. Gideon was not use to being a leader, he was used to doing what everyone else told him to do. The Lord must have seen the humility and obedience of Gideon and knew that this would be a man who would obey HIM and would do those things to rid the nation of the Midianites.

Judges 4:21 Then Jael Heber�s wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.

God discomforted the chariots of Sisera before Barak and Deborah. Sisera seeing this lighted down off his chariot and fled to the tent of Heber. He fled to tent of Heber because he understood that there was peace between Heber and his king Jabin. Sisera knew where to go to find shelter that he could count upon. By the time Sisera reached the tent of Heber, he was weary and he received a drink of milk prior to falling asleep.

Judges 4:4-5 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

Deborah was Israel�s only woman judge. It was unusual for a woman to be a leader during that time of Israel�s history. However, even though it seemed to be against her culture Deborah judged Israel because God gave her the wisdom to do it and continued to bring the people unto her. Deborah did not shirk from God�s calling for her life simply because she would have been pressured by many woman of her time that she was not doing something that was pleasing to the Lord.

Judges 4:8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.

Deboarh had just called Barak to the mount of Ephraim where she judged Israel. Deborah told Barak that God commanded that he take 10,000 men from the tribe of Naphtali and Zebulun and that he was to go to the river Kishon and Jabin�s army would be delivered into his hands. Barak apparently did not doubt that this was the word of the Lord for him because there is no indication that he felt he needed to receive confirmation from God himself and there is no indication that he looked for a sign to assure himself of the word�s of Deborah. Barak�s response was not one of doubt of the calling; his response was a lack of faith that God would be with him absent Deborah being present.

Judges 3:31 And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.

In this short verse God gives us a glimps into the life of Shamgar. While God may not have given us very much on this mighty man who helped deliver Israel, there are a few lessons in faith that can be observed from this passage. An ox goad was a long stick approximately eight to ten feet long. A plowman would hold the ox goad in his hand and would prick the oxen if they were straying to far one way or the other.

It appears from this short verse that Shamgar was a simple plowman who when his country needed help delivering themselves from the Philistines, he took the weapon that was familiar to him and went and killed 600 enemy. We do not know if Shamgar killed 600 Philistines at the same time like Samson killed 1,000 Philistines or if he killed these Philistines one at a time over a period of time.

Judges 3:28 And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the Lord hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.

The nation of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and the Lord delivered them for eighteen years to Eglon the king of Moab. When the nation cried out to God for deliverance, the Lord raised up Ehud. Ehud made a dagger that had two edges and was a cubit long. Ehud took a present to Eglon and then told Eglon he had a secret. Eglon dismissed his servants and Ehud killed Eglon, locked the door and escaped while Eglon�s servants waited for their master to come out. Ehud then led the nation in battle over the enemy. For eighty years, there was peace in Israel.

Judges 3:10 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the Lord delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.

The nation of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and the anger of the Lord was hot. Rather then obeying God and utterly destroying the heathen, they dwelt with them. They not only dwelt with the heathen, but they intermarried with them. The Lord delivered them to Chushanrishathaim. For eight years, the nation of Israel was in bondage before they cried out for deliverance. When the nation of Israel cried out for deliverance, the Lord raised up a deliverer named Othniel.