Strange Parcel

Judges 19

What is the most unusual gift that you have ever received?

Why is this passage introduced by the lack of a monarchy in Israel?

Is Israel truly without a king at this point, and if so, why are they without a king?

Describe the relationship between the Levite and his concubine at the beginning of the story.

Why does the girl’s father keep stalling them from beginning the long journey back from Bethlehem to Ephraim?

Imagine you are going on this dangerous journey in the ancient world. What thoughts are going through your head as you leave the safety of home?

What does it say about Israel that the servant wants to stay in Jebus for the night?

Why does the Benjaminite want to get to an Israelite city so badly?

What does it tell us about Gibeah that no one offers them hospitality there?

What are some parallels between the old man in the square and Lot at Sodom?
Why does the old man insist that they not spend the night in the square?

Describe the hospitality that the old man provides for them.

The story takes a harsh turn in verse 22 and forward. What is revealed about the character of the Israelite people that this roving gang of rapists is allowed
to continue in this town?

What does it say about their character that they offer their daughter and concubine rather than themselves to this rogue mob?

Why does the man set his concubine outside the door all by herself that night?

What is his attitude towards her the next morning after that inexpressibly horrible night?

What is his purpose in dismembering her and grotesque, morbid gesture of sending her body parts out to the other tribes?

Describe the attitude of the narrator as we come to the end of this text.

What do you expect the responses of the other Israelites will be to this horrible event?

Why does God allow such awful things to happen in his world, among his own people?

When have been some times that you have been person ally confronted by the dangers and violence of the city?

What are some things that we as followers of Jesus can do to help stop violence in our communities?

What are some steps that you need to take to improve the relationships you have with those closest to you?

Shut Your Trap

Judges 11

When has one of your friends or colleagues really put their foot in their mouth?

Describe in detail Jephthah’s family of origin.

What problems from his family may have shaped his later activity?

What are some other stories in our culture that you are reminded of when you hear of his “group of adventurers” who are with him?

How has you family past shaped you into the person you are today?

With the arrival of the war, describe the negotiations that go on between

Jephthah and the elders of Gilead.

Why do they so desperately want his help? Why is he so coy in offering his assistance?

What does it show us about Jephthah that he is willing to treat with the king of the Ammonites?

What is the grievance that the Ammonites have against the Israelites?

What does it show us about Jephthah that he is able to repeat in detail the history of the Israelites in answering the challenge of the Ammonites?

Why does Jephthah take the extra time explain all of this to the enemy?

How could you approve in your ability to present apologetic arguments for your beliefs?

Why does Jephthah make that silly promise to God when God’s Spirit is already upon him?

Why does God give the Israelites victory in this battle?

Imagine you are Jephthah as he sees his daughter come out of the gates. What emotions are surging in your heart as you realize your error?

Why does Jephthah follow through on this awful vow that turned out in a way he clearly did not intend? Why does his daughter go along with this ridiculous promise?

Why does she request a long vacation before the sacrifice is carried out?

How does this horrible incident affect later Israelite culture?

God does not desire child sacrifice, why does he allow Jephthah to do this horrible act?

When are some times when what you have said has gotten you into trouble?
How seriously should we take our word? Why is our word not taken more seriously today?

How can you become more careful in the things that you promise?

What are some (moral) promises that you need to follow through on this week?

What are some (immoral) promises that you need to let go, and accept God’s grace?

He Was Nailed

Judges 4

Describe the worst headache you have ever experienced.

Compare and contrast the beginning of this passage with the text last week.

Why do the Israelites tend to slip into the same unfortunate patterns?

Imagine you are a foot soldier taking on a chariot. How would you feel facing that challenge?

When are times in your life that you absolutely feel overwhelmed?

How should we react as disciples when we face overwhelming situations?

Describe the plan that God gives Barak through Deborah for the rescue of the Israelites.

Why is Barak willing to trust the plan, but only if Deborah is with him?

Why are the soldiers of the tribes of Israel willing to follow such a weak leader?

How would you describe the terrain upon which this battle is happening?

How might this be beneficial for an infantry as opposed to a cavalry of chariots?

Why is it that Israelites experienced such a significant victory on the field of battle?

What in the story foreshadows the problems Sisera is going to face in Jael’s tent?

Why does Sisera trust the help that Jael offer’s him?

What is Jael’s motivation for killing Sisera in such a brutal way?

Why are we given such gory details about the violence in this story?

Why does she leave the body exactly as it was when she killed him?

How would you feel if you were Barak and found that Sisera had been defeated this way?

When is a time in your life that you found it difficult to trust in God?

Who is someone you find easier to trust than God in your life?

Why is it so much easier to trust our friends than it is to trust God?

How do we know that God is ultimately worthy of our trust?

How can you deepen your level of trust in God?