PRAYER - "Samson's Last Prayer"

Tragedy befell Samson for compromising his Nazarite vow to Delilah's ploys. She cut his hair while he slept, and the Philistines captured him, put out his eyes, and put him to grinding in prison. But his hair grew again, and Samson renewed his vow. The Philistines mocked him at a feast to their god, Dagon, but Samson prayed God to avenge him. God heard him, and Samson toppled the pillars on which the house stood

Judges 16:30 - "...So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life."


PRINCIPALS - "Judges"

Both Moses and Joshua could see a time coming when Israel would forsake God's commandments. There would be no king in Israel, and every man would do what was right in his own eyes. Yet, in those times, great men and women stood for God and righteousness, judging Israel in isolated circumstances. Gideon, Sampson, Deborah, Samuel and others were heroic. The moral: even in bad times, one person can save the day.

Judges 2:10 - "...there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel."
PRINCIPLES - "The Woman Gets Honor"

Deborah was a godly judge and prophetess in Israel during a twenty year oppression by the Canaanites. God commanded Deborah to send troops after Sisera, Canaan's army captain. She delivered the word of the Lord to Barak to lead an attack, but he would not go without her. Deborah showed herself a champion, but another woman, Jael, became the heroine who assassinated Sisera that day.

Judges 4:9 - "...I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman."

PROPHECIES - "Joshua Prophesies"

Modern Israel should read Joshua's prophecies again. His message as he was dying was essentially this: Remember the mighty things God has done for you. He will always defend you if you faithfully obey and serve Him. But if you compromise yourself with heathen nations, becoming like them, the LORD will stop defending you. They will become snares, traps, scourges and thorns to you, and you will perish off the land.

Joshua 23:15 - "...as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things."

PRAYER - "Need Water?"Samson miraculously slew 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of an ass. But when he finished, he was famished for a drink of water. He asked God to provide water.

Judges 15:18-19 - "And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised? But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived."

PRINCIPALS - "How Each Tribe Received The Land"

Three tribes, Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh, settled east of the Jordan River. Inside the Promised Land, God defined borders for every division. Joshua cast lots to give each tribe (except Levi) one division. God guided the lottery. The first lot went to Judah (15:1). Ephraim and Manasseh each received one lot (17:17). Each tribe gave individual cities by lot to Levi.

Joshua 19:1-40 - "...the second lot came forth to Simeon, ...the third lot..., ...Zebulun, ...the fourth lot..., ...Issachar, ...the fifth lot..., ...Asher, ...The sixth lot.. Naphtali, ...the seventh lot..., ...Dan." "...the lot of ... Benjamin," (Joshua 18:11).

PRINCIPLES - "A Fair Trial"

In Numbers 35, Moses introduced the plan for cities of refuge, where accused murderers could flee until they could receive a fair trial. When Joshua apportioned the land to each tribe, he also appointed the cities of refuge. This is one of many evidences of God's justice and mercy.

Joshua 20:9 - "These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation."

PROPHECIES - "Receiving the Promises"

After forty years of wandering, Israel finally possessed what God promised to them. God will do all He promised for you, too. Just persevere!

Joshua 21:43-45 - "And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: ...the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass."

PRAYER - "Manoah's Prayer"
Again, Israel sinned against God, and oppressors overtook them: Philistines - for forty year. God sent an angel to Manoah's barren wife, informing them that they would have a son (Samson). He would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. The angel ordered him to be a Nazarite, but Manoah wanted to know how they should raise him. He prayed that God would send the angel again to clarify the instructions. Ask God again, when you do not understand.

Judges 13:9 - "...God hearkened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again unto the woman."

PRINCIPALS - "Caleb's Son-In-Law"

Joshua 15 contains a tedious description of the land God assigned to the tribe of Judah. Caleb received a portion including a place called Kirjathsepher, and offered his daughter as wife for any man who would conquer it. Othniel volunteered, took the city, and won Caleb's daughter, Achsah. Caleb's new son-in-law became a great hero - the first judge in Israel after Joshua and Caleb died. Heroes tend to inspire other heroes.

Joshua 15:17 - "...Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife."

PRINCIPLES - "Robbing Bees and Milking Cows"

The land given to Ephraim and Manasseh was the choicest of all the lands, but they complained of the Canaanites with their chariots of iron, and of the mountains with their heavy woods. Joshua simply told them, "You're a great people. Go and take it!" In this land which flowed with milk and honey, they were about to learn that you have to rob the bees and milk the cows.

Joshua 17:17-18 - "And Joshua spake, ...saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power... thou shalt cut it down, ...and thou shalt drive out the Canaanites."

PROPHECIES - "Joseph's Inheritance"

From his childhood, Joseph seemed to be under the powerful influence of prophetic destiny, due to his favor with God's chosen man, Jacob. Once inside the Promised Land, Joseph's inheritance included some famous places: Bethel - where Abraham and Jacob met the Lord; Jericho - first city taken; and many other cities. This land of Ephraim and Manasseh stretched from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, lush and well-watered; the choicest of properties.

Joshua 16:1,3 - "And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan... and the goings out thereof are at the sea."

PRAYER - "Who Shall Go Up First?"
When Joshua died, Israel asked God who should lead in battle against their enemies. The Lord said, "Judah." So Judah led the way, taking the Canaanites, Perizzites, Jerusalem, Hebron, Debir, Hormah, Gaza, Askelon and Ekron. Those victories should be remembered on "World News Tonight." God gave those cities to Israel 3400 years ago. It pays to pray.

Judges 1:1-2 - "...the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand."

PRINCIPALS - "The House Of Him That Hath His Shoe Loosed"

If any man in Israel died without leaving children, his brother was to take his widow and bear a child for his brother's namesake. If a man would not do this, the widow reported it to the city elders. They witnessed as she removed the man's shoe and spit in his face. His name was then called, "The house of him that hath his shoe loosed," (verse 10).

Deuteronomy 25:6 - "...the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel."

PRINCIPLES - "The Bill of Divorcement"

God requires sexual faithfulness in marriage. Fornication or adultery betrays a marriage. God allows an innocent person to divorce one who is an adulterer. But, "...whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery," (Matthew 5:32). Jesus added that a woman who puts away her husband and marries another commits adultery (Mark 10:12). What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Deuteronomy 24:1 - "When a man ...hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand."

PROPHECIES - "Fire in Hell"

The Old Testament concept of Hell is two-fold. The Hebrew word "sheol" is translated "hell" in more than half the verses it is used, and "grave" in the others. In most cases you can clearly see the references to burning, fire, pain, destruction and punishment. A lifeless human body may rest quietly in its grave, but that person's sinful soul will be tormented endlessly in hell. Moses taught that God's anger causes the fire that burns in hell.

Deuteronomy 32:22 - "...a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell."

PRAYER - "Crying For A Deliverer"
After Joshua died, the children of Israel began to forsake the Lord and turn to the gods of the heathen. God allowed their enemies to overcome them. From time to time, Israel came to their senses and began to repent and cry out to God for deliverance. The book of Judges recounts how God raised up several anointed judges who brought miraculous deliverance. Surely God yearns to hear our cry when we have sinned.

Judges 3:9 - "And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them..."

PRINCIPALS - "Inaugurating the Promised Land"

Moses instructed Israel to do several things upon entering the Promised Land. 1.) Keep all the Commandments I taught you. 2.) When you cross over Jordan, build a stone memorial, and write the Commandments on it. 3.) Build an altar, offer sacrifices and rejoice. 4.) Stand half the tribes on Mount Gerizim and recite the blessings I promised. 5.) Stand the other tribes on Mount Ebal and recite the curses I promised if you forsake. 6.) Have the Levites curse everyone who breaks the laws of God.

Deuteronomy 27:11 - "And Moses charged the people the same day..."

PRINCIPLES - "Dress Code"

The twentieth century was a revolutionary period for gender identity. Never in history was there such a massive, radical shift in dress codes. Women in war defense jobs began wearing masculine garments. Hollywood starlets promoted the trend. Since that time, sexual identities have become muttled and homosexuality is epidemic. God says men should be men, women should be women.

Deuteronomy 22:5 - "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God."

PROPHECIES - "Moses Blesses The Tribes"

Each of the twelve tribes of Israel had a divine posterity. Moses took time to speak to them again before he died. Each tribe received a blessing, except for Simeon. Jacob, their father, had prophesied that Levi and Simeon would be scattered because of the war over Dinah at Shechem. Moses affirmed that Levi would be scattered among all the tribes, but completely ignored Simeon. Over time, Simeon left an erratic history. Blessings and curses are very real.

Deuteronomy 33:1 - "And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death."

PRAYER - "Othniel, First Judge"
It often takes a crisis to make us pray. Such was the case in Israel after Joshua died. The people began worshiping Baalim and groves of idols, so God sent the king of Mesopotamia to rule harshly over them. Finally the people cried unto the Lord for a deliverer, and He sent to them a godly leader: Othniel, the son of Kenaz, Caleb's brother; Israel's first judge.

Judges 3:10 - "And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand."

PRINCIPALS - "Joshua"

Moses' protégé', Joshua, is one of the squeakiest clean characters in the Bible. His testimony was virtually flawless - great faith, courageous, loyal to God and leader. It is no surprise that God handed the reigns to him when Moses died. Here is a great lesson for all would-be men and women of God. God rewards obedient faithfulness.

Joshua 1:5 - "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."

PRINCIPLES - "Be Strong and Courageous"

Joshua made an inspiring "pep talk" to Israel before crossing Jordan. "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest," (Joshua 1:9). Do you think they would have conquered Canaan if they had been weak and afraid? Of course not! Every person faces weakness and fear eventually, but it has to be overcome. God commands it! Toss out all the self-doubts right now, and move forward.

Joshua 1:18 - "...only be strong and of a good courage."

PROPHECIES - "The Death of Moses"

At 120, Moses viewed the Promised Land from Mounts Nebo and Pisgah, across Jordan, near Jericho. He could see where several tribes would settle. Then he died in the mountain. God buried him in a secret place near Bethpeor. Michael the archangel contended with Satan over Moses' body, rebuking him in the name of the Lord (Jude 1:9). Peter, James and John saw Moses standing on the mount with Jesus 1400 years later.

Deuteronomy 34:5 - "So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD."

PRAYER - "Treasure Your Audience With God"
This one is pretty scary. God reminded Israel of a long list of nations He had delivered them from. "Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation," (Judges 10:11-16). Israel went into mortifying repentance and "they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD." Do not jeopardize your audience with God. Nothing is worse than losing access to Him.

Judges 10:16 "...and His soul was grieved..."

PRINCIPALS - "Distributing the Inheritance"

Even though Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, he had a pretty good understanding of how the land would be divided, and put it in the record before he died. When Joshua took over, God gave him more specific boundaries for dividing the land. We should never discount the divine component of this conquest. It was all written in the mind of God long before it happened. So is OUR inheritance.

Joshua 13:32 - "These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward."

PRINCIPLES - "The Premise of Possession"

The premise upon which the nation of Israel is founded is God's jealousy over the world He created, and His sore displeasure with the sins of heathen nations. God is not arbitrarily prejudiced against any nation, but He certainly hates their worship of false gods, their idolatries, their moral depravities, and more. God does not owe anyone apologies for saying to Joshua and Israel, in effect, "Take this land." It is His land.

Joshua 12:7,24 - "...these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote... all the kings thirty and one."

PROPHECIES - "Give Me This Mountain!"

Joshua and Caleb had been the only two men among 600,000 who really believed they could take the Promised Land. "Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God," (Joshua 14:9). At 85 years old, Caleb boasted that God had kept him strong, and he was still ready to take the land. He and his descendants inherited Hebron.

Joshua 14:12 - "Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day."