The plot of Groundhog Day, the 1993 comedy film starring Bill Murray, revolves around a television weather broadcaster who reports from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on February 2, covering the annual appearance of that town’s famous groundhog and its impact upon winter weather patterns.  In a bizarre set of circumstances, he finds that every day is a repeat of the day before it, February 2, “Groundhog Day,” until he breaks the chain with a change of character and attitude.

In some ways, Ancient Israel had its own “Groundhog Day” that lasted for 337 years, with a cycle of events that was repeated over and over throughout that long period of time.

In today’s episode of “Ancient Words, Modern Message” we begin a study of the Book of Judges and learn about this distressing cycle and its disturbing consequences, interrupted periodically by the appearance of a courageous, bold leader, only to resume when the leader is gone.

With this in mind, let’s turn to the fascinating, and all-too-relevant book of Judges for the first of six installments  in a series entitled, “Stout-hearted Men and Women,” an episode we call “Stuck in History.”

Thank you for listening to Ancient Words, Modern Message. You can expect episodes twice a month on Monday. Ancient Words, Modern Message is supported by Hebrew Christian Fellowship. To learn more about our ministry, or to ask a question, contact [email protected]. We might just answer your question on a future episode of Ancient Words, Modern Message.