The Cycle1) 2:7-9 follow God2) 2:10-13 rebellion/

drifting3) 2:14-17 oppressors4) 2:18 help!!5) 2:18-19 judges

Oppressor Years of oppression

Judge Yrs of peace

Mesopotamians

8 Othniel 40

Moabites 18 Ehud 80Philistines ? Shamgar ?Canaanites 20 Deborah &

Barak40

Midianites 7 Gideon 40Abimilech 3 Tola & Jair 45

Ammonites 18 Jephthah, Izban, Elon,

Abdon

6, 7, 10, 8

Philistines 40 Samson 20

Oppressor Years of oppression Judge Yrs of peace

Mesopotamians 8 Othniel 40

Moabites 18 Ehud 80Philistines ? Shamgar ?

Canaanites 20 Deborah & Barak 40

Midianites 7 Gideon 40Abimilech 3 Tola & Jair 45

Ammonites 18Jephthah,

Izban, Elon, Abdon

6, 7, 10, 8

Philistines 40 Samson 20

1) Othniel2) Ehud 3) Shamgar4) Barak5) Tola6) Jair7) Izban8) Elon9) Abdon

Ehud (3:12-30)- left-handed- defeated Eglon, the evil (and obese) King of Moab- 80 years of peace

1) Othniel2) Ehud 3) Shamgar4) Barak5) Tola6) Jair7) Izban8) Elon9) Abdon

Jair (10:3-5)- led Israel for 22 years- had 30 sons who rode 30 donkeys who ruled 30 townsAbdon (12:13-15)- led Israel for 8 years- had 40 sons and 30 grandsons who rode 70 donkeys

The story of Deborah (Judges 4:1 - 5:31)

Good: Deborah (a judge/prophetess)

Barak (also a judge)Jael (wife of Heber)

Bad: King Jabin (King of Canaan)

Sisera (army commander)Heber (husband of Jael)

LessonsQuestion #1: What does Deborah’s leadership role (as a woman) say about the role of women in church leadership?

(June 13, 2010)

LessonsQuestion #1: What does Deborah’s leadership role (as a woman) say about the role of women in church leadership?

(June 13, 2010)Question #2: How can a good God command the slaughter of (large numbers) of people?

(October 14, 2012)

Lessons1) Ask for help from God and others

– and don’t wait 20 years. (4:1-3)

Lessons1) Ask for help from God and others

– and don’t wait 20 years. (4:1-3)2) Take risks and try things that are

“bigger than you” (4:8).

Overcoming fear1) Remind yourself of the truth

that God is with you and you can do more than you think you can.

2) Start with small steps of risk.

Want to talk with someone? Need someone to pray for you? Come on forward after the service to have volunteers from the Prayer Team pray for you.