Page 66 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook

After great loss to Philistines, Delilah seduces Samson to reveal the source of his great strength; God’s
Spirit left him, but he was unaware. He dies avenging himself, confused over divine call!

Chapter’s 17-21 focus on the Spiritual condition of the Nation of Israel

Micah and Danites (17:1-18:31) - Israel descends further into spiritual anarchy, everyone doing right in
their own eyes (17:6)! Micah’s mother blesses her thieving son, dedicates silver to YHWH to make idols.
Micah uses idols for a personal shrine, ordains son, and hires Levite as personal priest. On their way to
find new lands, ‘spies’ from Dan aided by Micah’s priest, seek a new home. In their migration, Danites
steal Micah’s idols and priest, and threaten harm to Micah.

Levite and Concubine (19:1-21:25) - Israel descends further into moral anarchy (21:25). After retrieving
his unfaithful concubine, Levite overnights in Gibeah. Nearly killed by residents, Levite gives concubine
to satisfy homosexual demands (Gen. 19)- violated all night, dead in morning. Levite calls Israel to act!
Benjamin won’t cooperate, leading to near annihilation of tribe. Since leaders had vowed not to
intermarry with Benjamin, extinction is avoided by further debauchery, stealing virgins in Shiloh. Truly,
an absurd end to an absurd period in Israel’s history!

The Book of Judges

Ruth
Ruth is a book that narrates God’s providence in a time of Israel’s
decline in leadership and spiritual condition.

Author and Date: The author and date of writing are both
unknown.

Themes include: Steadfastness and Sovereignty.

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