Judges records Israel’s repeated apostasy, foreign oppression, Jehovah’s merciful deliverance through judges, and the moral collapse that follows covenant compromise.
The Israelite Cycle of Apostasy, Oppression, Deliverance, and Judges
Israelite Division of the Land and the Death of Joshua
Joshua oversaw a public, covenant-based division of the land, established cities of refuge and Levitical towns, renewed the covenant, and then died.
Joshua’s Leadership and the Conquest Beginning 1406 B.C.E.
Joshua led Israel in 1406 B.C.E. as Jehovah opened the Jordan, overthrew Jericho, judged sin at Ai, and broke Canaanite coalitions.
The Israelite Spies, Rebellion, and Forty Years of Wandering
The spies’ report exposes unbelief, leading to rebellion and Jehovah’s sentence of forty years, as Israel learns holiness, order, and trust in the wilderness.
The Israelite Wilderness Wanderings and Covenant at Sinai
In the wilderness Jehovah forms Israel through provision, discipline, and worship, climaxing in the covenant at Sinai and the tabernacle as His dwelling place.
The Israelite Exodus in 1446 B.C.E. and the Red Sea Crossing
The Exodus in 1446 B.C.E. culminates in Jehovah’s public deliverance at the Red Sea, ending Pharaoh’s claim and founding Israel’s identity.
The Ten Plagues of Egypt and the Passover Institution
The ten plagues displayed Jehovah’s supremacy over Egypt, culminating in Passover—blood-marked deliverance and a memorial for Israel’s worship.
Moses’ Call at the Burning Bush and Signs Before Pharaoh
Moses was called at Horeb by Jehovah’s holy presence, commissioned in covenant faithfulness, and equipped with signs to confront Pharaoh.
Israel’s Oppression in Egypt and the Cry to Jehovah
Israel’s oppression in Egypt set the stage for Jehovah’s covenant deliverance as their cry rose to Him and He acted in faithfulness.
The Ancient Egyptian Economy Dependent on the Nile
Ancient Egypt’s wealth, labor rhythms, and survival depended on the Nile’s annual inundation, canals, and river transport under Jehovah’s sovereignty.
