Judges 4 begins another cycle of Israel’s rebellion, oppression, and deliverance. After Ehud dies, the people once again do evil in the sight of the Lord. God allows Jabin, king of Canaan, and his commander Sisera to oppress Israel cruelly for twenty years with an army supported by nine hundred iron chariots.

The problem, however, was not the strength of the chariots. Israel had already seen God defeat powerful armies and fortified cities. Their weakness came from turning away from the Lord and losing the protection and blessing that came through obedience.

In this session, Glenn and Steve introduce Deborah, a prophetess and respected leader who judged Israel beneath the palm of Deborah. She summons Barak and reminds him that God has already commanded him to gather ten thousand men and confront Sisera’s army.

Barak hesitates and agrees to go only if Deborah accompanies him. His response reveals a mixture of faith and doubt. Yet Deborah remains faithful, holds him accountable, and goes with him. Together, they demonstrate how God can use believers with different strengths: Deborah provides spiritual confidence and accountability, while Barak ultimately obeys and leads the army.

The passage reaches its turning point when Deborah declares, “Arise! For this is the day in which the LORD has given Sisera into your hands. Behold, the LORD has gone out before you.” God had already declared the victory before the battle began.

This study encourages believers who sometimes feel more like Barak than Joshua. Faith may be mixed with fear, hesitation, or uncertainty, but God can still work through those who ultimately trust and obey Him.

Scripture: Judges 4:1–16
Series: The Book of Judges — An RTTB Study

Questions discussed in this session:  

• What do we do if we find ourselves with doubting God?
• When God commands us to do something, do we need experience before we trust Him? 
• Do we have to be in perfect obedience before God can bless us? 
• Does God give us signs that He is with us? 

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May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Judges 3 introduces the first specific deliverers whom God raises up for Israel. The chapter begins by explaining that God left certain nations in the land to test Israel and to teach a new generation how to wage war. The test was not designed to give God information He lacked. It revealed Israel’s condition and exposed whether the people would obey His commandments.

Instead of remaining separate from Canaanite influence, the Israelites lived among the pagan nations, intermarried with them, and eventually served their gods. They became comfortable with the very practices God had warned would become a snare. This raises an important application for believers today: what we tolerate around us can eventually begin shaping what we accept and worship.

The chapter then repeats the familiar cycle of Judges. Israel forgets the Lord and does evil. God allows an enemy to oppress them. The people cry out, and God raises up a deliverer. After a period of peace, the people return to disobedience and the cycle begins again.

This session also explores the biblical themes of being sold under sin, redemption, and Christ paying the debt that sinners cannot pay for themselves. Israel’s bondage to foreign kings provides a picture of humanity’s deeper bondage to sin and the need for a Redeemer.

The study then turns to Ehud, the left-handed Benjaminite whom God uses to deliver Israel from King Eglon of Moab. The account is violent and graphic, reminding us that sin and judgment are not pleasant realities. Yet it also shows God’s faithfulness when His people cry out for help.

Finally, the chapter briefly introduces Shamgar, who defeats six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. Shamgar receives only one verse, but his faithfulness was no less valuable than that of judges who receive several chapters. God does not require fame, recognition, or a large audience. He calls His people to faithfully accomplish the work He places before them.

Scripture: Judges 3:1–31
Series: The Book of Judges — An RTTB Study

 Questions discussed in this session:

• Were the Israelites supposed to marry outside Israel? 
• What happens when we worship what seems right to us? 
• Why would God want to teach people warfare? 
• Do people today forget the good things that God does for us? 

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May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Judges 2:11–23 introduces the repeating cycle that will shape the rest of the Book of Judges. Israel forsakes the Lord, serves the Baals and Ashtoreth, provokes God to anger, suffers under enemy oppression, and then receives mercy when God raises up judges to deliver them.

In this session, Glenn and Steve examine the Canaanite worship of Baal and Ashtoreth and explain why this idolatry was so dangerous for Israel. Rather than completely rejecting Yahweh at first, Israel began adding Canaanite worship to the worship of the Lord. That kind of syncretism led them deeper into idolatry and away from the covenant commitment they had made in Joshua.

The study also addresses the relationship between God’s wrath and His lovingkindness. God’s anger is not arbitrary or uncontrolled. His anger burns against evil because He is holy and just. At the same time, this passage shows His mercy because He raises up deliverers for people who did not deserve His grace.

The discussion then turns to practical application. Israel repeatedly turned away from God, and believers today must recognize the same danger in their own lives. Staying close to the Lord requires daily prayer, time in Scripture, fellowship with other believers, and keeping short accounts with God when sin appears.

This session also explains the difference between feeling sorry and genuine repentance. Repentance is not merely regret over being caught or suffering consequences. It is a change of mind that results in turning back toward God.

Scripture: Judges 2:11–22
Series: The Book of Judges — An RTTB Study

Questions discussed in this session:

• Did Israel deserve God’s love and grace? 
• When we come in contact with unbiblical things, what usually happens?
• Is God wrathful? Should we concern ourselves with God’s wrath?
• Why would God describe idol worship as being like a prostitute?
• Is God loving or does He get angry? 

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May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Israel’s decline continues in Judges 1:23–2:10 as the people begin making deals with the Canaanites instead of fully obeying God. What may have seemed practical in the moment became spiritually dangerous over time. The Israelites spared people they were commanded to drive out, allowed pagan influence to remain in the land, and eventually placed some of the Canaanites into forced labor for economic gain.

In this session, we examine the danger of partial obedience and why compromise often becomes a trap. The discussion contrasts Israel’s deal with the man from Bethel with Rahab’s faith in Joshua. Rahab trusted the God of Israel, but in Judges the Israelites are no longer acting from faith. They are negotiating with the very people God had warned would turn their hearts away from Him.

Judges 2 then introduces the Angel of the Lord, who confronts Israel for breaking the covenant. He reminds them that God brought them out of Egypt, gave them the land, and would never break His covenant. Yet Israel failed to tear down the pagan altars and made covenants with the inhabitants of the land. Because of this, those nations would become thorns in Israel’s side, and their gods would become a snare.

The session also explains how sin works like a snare. It is often hidden, attractive, and dangerous before a person realizes how trapped they have become. Israel’s compromise with idolatry did not remain harmless. It pulled the nation deeper into disobedience and removed the protection and blessing they had previously enjoyed.

Finally, the study turns to one of the saddest statements in the early chapters of Judges: a new generation arose that did not know the Lord or the works He had done for Israel. The people had failed to pass down the knowledge of God’s faithfulness. This becomes a serious warning for parents, churches, and believers today.

Scripture: Judges 1:23–2:10
Series: The Book of Judges — An RTTB Study

Questions in this session include:  

• Can I disobey so much that God stops working in my life? 
• What happens when I leave evil in my life? 
• What happens when Israel does not tell their children about God?
• How many of the things that caused Israel to forget the Lord do we see today? 

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May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The Book of Judges begins after the death of Joshua and covers the period between Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land and the rise of the kings. Joshua was largely a story of faith, victory, and obedience. Judges presents a much darker picture of unbelief, defeat, oppression, and repeated spiritual decline.

In this opening session, we introduce the historical setting of Judges and examine the verse that summarizes the book: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). When people reject God’s standard and become their own authority, confusion and moral disorder soon follow.

We also examine the recurring cycle that shapes Judges. Israel enjoys God’s blessing, turns to idols, falls under enemy oppression, cries out in distress, and receives deliverance through a judge whom God raises up. After a period of peace, however, the nation repeats the same pattern.

Judges 1 begins positively when Israel inquires of the Lord. Yet the chapter soon reveals the first small compromises. Judah asks Simeon to accompany them even though God had identified Judah to go first. Israel later adopts the cruel practices of Adoni-bezek, fails to complete God’s commands, and eventually accepts defeat before iron chariots without seeking the Lord for an answer.

The problem was not that iron chariots were too powerful for God. Israel had already seen Him defeat Egypt, part the Red Sea, bring down Jericho, and conquer numerous fortified cities. The deeper problem was that the people were beginning to rely on themselves rather than inquire of God.

This study also considers the historical reliability of Judges, the role of the judges as deliverers, Caleb’s continued faithfulness, and Achsah’s wise request for springs of water.

Join us as we begin a verse-by-verse study through one of the darkest yet most relevant books of the Old Testament.

Scripture: Judges 1:1–22
Series: The Book of Judges — An RTTB Study

  Questions from this session:

• Why does Israel have trouble driving out the Canaanites?
• Was Israel supposed to make deals with the people of Canaan?
•  What happens when we do not go to God at the first sign of trouble?  

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May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

In this special theology discussion, Reasoning Through the Bible steps away from the normal verse-by-verse format to address an important question: Does God change His mind, emotions, or knowledge based on what people do?

This session looks at passages where Scripture says Israel provoked the Lord to anger, God tested people, God regretted making man, and God relented. How should these passages be understood alongside other Scriptures that say God does not change, does not grow weary, does not learn, and is not like man?

The discussion explains key theological terms such as immutability, impassibility, omniscience, and anthropomorphism. It also addresses open theism, word of faith teaching, prayer, God’s emotions, and why biblical language sometimes describes God in human terms so people can understand His actions.

Topics in this episode include:

•  Does God change His mind? 
•  God’s immutability 
•  God’s impassibility 
•  God’s emotions 
•  anthropomorphic language in Scripture 
•  omniscience and God’s knowledge 
•  open theism 
•  prayer and God’s will 
•  does God learn? 
•  can we make God more angry? 
•  does God regret? 
•  biblical theology and systematic theology 

Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.

 Questions from this session:

• Does God have human emotions? 
• Can humans change God’s emotions? 
• Can God change His mind? 
• Was Christian theology built upon Greek philosophy? 

Support the show

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You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible 

May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

In this special Reasoning Through the Bible discussion, we step away from the normal verse-by-verse format for an informal conversation on eschatology and end-times systems. This session compares views such as premillennialism, amillennialism, covenant theology, preterism, and postmillennialism, while asking a central question: Does God still have a future plan for Israel?

The discussion focuses on the sequence found in the Old Testament prophets: Israel’s sin, God’s judgment, the nations gathering against Jerusalem, Israel crying out to the Lord, and God restoring His people. We examine passages and themes from Ezekiel, Zechariah, Joel, Daniel, Romans 11, Acts 1, and Revelation 20, showing why we believe the biblical pattern points to a future restoration of Israel and a future kingdom ruled by Christ.

A major emphasis in this episode is that there is only one way of salvation. Israel is not saved apart from Christ. Gentiles are not saved apart from Christ. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. At the same time, God’s national promises to Israel, the Abrahamic covenant, and the future kingdom should not be erased or replaced by the church.

Topics in this episode include:

• eschatology and end times
• premillennialism
• amillennialism
• covenant theology
• preterism
• postmillennialism
• Israel and the church
• Abrahamic covenant
• Romans 11 and Israel
• Ezekiel 36 and restoration
• Zechariah and the pierced Messiah
• Revelation 20 and the millennium
• Jesus reigning from Jerusalem
• one salvation through Christ

Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.

Support the show

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You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

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May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 24, Reasoning Through the Bible reaches the final chapter of the book of Joshua. Joshua gathers Israel at Shechem, a place filled with covenant history, remembrance, and spiritual significance. From Abraham to Jacob, from the renewal of the covenant to the burial of Joseph’s bones, Shechem served as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people.

This session explores why Joshua retells Israel’s history, why remembering God’s works matters, and how gratitude strengthens faith. Joshua reminds the people that God brought Abraham out from idol worship, delivered Israel from Egypt, gave them land they did not labor for, and placed them in cities they did not build. The proper response is not pride, but worship, humility, and service.

A major theme in this episode is Joshua’s famous challenge: “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve.” Joshua does not present faith as passive or vague. He calls Israel to make a clear decision, put away foreign gods, and serve the Lord in sincerity and truth. His personal declaration, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” becomes one of the strongest examples of faithful leadership in Scripture.

The study also addresses why Israel still had idols in their midst, why old patterns can cling to God’s people, how spiritual compromise begins, why strong leadership matters, and how Joshua’s generation remained faithful while godly leadership remained in place.

Topics in this episode include:

•  Joshua 24 study 
•  choose whom you will serve 
•  as for me and my house 
•  serve the Lord 
•  put away idols 
•  Shechem in the Bible 
•  remembering God’s faithfulness 
•  gratitude in the Christian life 
•  faithful leadership 
•  Joseph’s bones 
•  resurrection hope 
•  finishing the book of Joshua 

Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.

 Questions from this session:

• Is there a benefit of physical reminders of what God has done for us? 
• What good things has God done for us? 
• Can we half-heartedly follow God?
• Whom will you follow? 

Support the show

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You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

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May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 23, Reasoning Through the Bible looks at Joshua’s farewell address to the leaders of Israel. Joshua is old, advanced in years, and near the end of his life. His final message is not about himself, but about the faithfulness of God and the need for Israel to remain faithful after he is gone.

This session explores why Joshua reminded the people that the Lord had fought for them, why there was still work to do even after Israel had rest, and why the remaining nations were still a danger. Joshua warns Israel not to turn aside to the right or left, not to cling to pagan nations, and not to worship other gods.

A major theme in this episode is finishing faithfully. Joshua remained true to the Lord to the end of his life, and his final words challenge believers today to leave behind a clear testimony of faith. The session also applies Joshua’s warning to the Christian life by showing how believers can stop fighting sin, grow tired spiritually, and allow the world, the flesh, and the devil to remain too close.

Topics in this episode include:

•  Joshua 23 study 
•  Joshua’s farewell address 
•  faithful to the end 
•  final words to the next generation 
•  God fights for His people 
•  unfinished obedience 
•  fighting sin after salvation 
•  do not turn to the right or left 
•  love the Lord your God 
•  blessings and warnings 
•  God’s discipline and judgment 

Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.

Questions from this session:

• How can we pass along our beliefs to our children?
• Why would Israel stop fighting before they finished? 
• What would you want to pass along when you die? 
• How do we reconcile God’s justice and love? 
• How can I stay faithful to the end?

Support the show

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May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 22, Reasoning Through the Bible continues the account of the altar built by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan. When the rest of Israel hears about the altar, they fear that these tribes are turning away from the Lord and repeating the sins of the past.

This session looks back at two serious examples: the sin at Peor and Achan’s sin at Ai. Both remind Israel that sin does not remain isolated. One person, one group, or one act of rebellion can bring consequences on the larger body. The discussion also distinguishes between the guilt of sin and the consequences of sin. God truly forgives those who repent, but the consequences of sinful choices may still remain.

A major theme in this episode is the danger of spiritual drift. The eastern tribes intended the altar to be a witness for future generations, but their separation from the main body of Israel still created long-term danger. Their concern for their children was right, but the solution showed how easy it is for worship to begin shifting away from God’s revealed pattern.

Topics in this episode include:

• Joshua 22 study
• sin at Peor
• Achan’s sin
• guilt and consequences of sin
• no victimless sin
• the remnant in Israel
• the witness altar
• passing faith to children
• teaching the next generation
• blood sacrifice and atonement
• spiritual drift
• staying close to God’s people

Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.

 Questions from this Session: 

• What happens when we do not ask God’s guidance?
• Is a bloodless sacrifice a good thing or not? 
• What happens when we settle away from other believers? 
• Is there a difference in the guilt of sin and the consequences of sin? 

Support the show

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You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible

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May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve