Freelance Religious Opportunist (Judges 17:1-31). A scoundrel who steals from his own other sets up a shrine with his own household gods. Then he exploits and corrupts a Levite to be his own personal priest. He believes he has brought the LORD under his control.

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Revenge Blow Confession (Judges 16:21–31). Don’t give away the strength in the LORD to pursue the lusts of this world. When we cut off our connection with God we will be surrendered to our enemies. When we are blinded and imprisoned by sin, we can still cry out our confession of faith.

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Binding Strength Lure (Judges 16:1–20). Samson ignores his commitment to the LORD to fulfill his lust for Delilah. She seduces him into revealing the source of strength. When we dismiss the relationship with God we cut the source of strength we take for granted.

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Jawbone Guerilla Combat (Judges 14:20–15:20). Samson changes his mind to go back for the betraying wife he abandoned. After the Philistines murder his former in-laws, he is trying to mete out justice. Though a mighty warrior, Samson demonstrates he is no leader.

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Uncovenanted Bride Confrontation (Judges 14:1–19). Rather than be guided by God Samson is determined to wed outside the covenant. Even though he has the strength to take on a lion, he does not have the strength to control himself.

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Barren Nazarite Dedication (Judges 13:1–15). Exactly where we are at the end of our resources, God makes a promise of a barren woman.  The child is dedicated to God from before birth to be used by God. Are you dedicated to the LORD to be used by God?

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Horrendous Religious Bargaining (Judges 11:1–11, 29–40). When they are attacked again, they beg a hated scoundrel to get them out of trouble. Even this scoundrel knows work of the LORD. And yet he thinks he can bargain with the LORD just like pagans do with false gods.

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Lordship Leadership Fable (Judges 9:1–16, 19–21). Gideon’s bastard son wants to assume leadership. He uses loot from a false idol to hire thugs to murder 69 half-brothers. Among God’s people what is a prerequisite of leadership? Does the LORD lead them. Don’t empower thornbushes.

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Golden Ephod Snare (Judges 8:22–35). God’s people are grateful to Gideon for his leadership. But over time they forget his leadership and forget what the Lord had done. How often do we build a memorial to celebrate the Lord’s blessing in our lives, only to end up idolizing the memorial?

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Satisfying Vengeful Bloodlust (Judges 7:19–8:12).

With just breaking clay jars and blowing trumpets the LORD defeats the oppressive army. But Gideon was not satisfied with the LORD’s vindication. God’s people go too far exacting bloodlust revenge upon the Midianites. They are ungrateful for God’s victory.

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