THE GOD OF MERCY IN THE DAYS OF THE JUDGES

THE GOD OF MERCY IN THE DAYS OF THE JUDGES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 2:16-19

Key Verse: “Nevertheless the Lord raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.” – Judges 2:16

Supporting Texts: Judges 21:25; Psalm 106:43-45; Hebrews 11:32&34

Description: The Book of Judges reveals the cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, showing God’s enduring mercy despite Israel’s repeated failures.

INTRODUCTION
The Book of Judges is one of the most striking portrayals of the mercy of God in Scripture. It describes a period when Israel had no king and everyone did what was right in their own eyes. Despite their repeated rebellion and forgetfulness, God in His mercy never abandoned them but raised judges to deliver them.

Judges illustrates the danger of partial obedience and compromise. When Israel mingled with the Canaanites and their idols, it led to cycles of bondage. Yet, when they cried out, God responded with mercy. His intervention was not based on their righteousness but on His covenant faithfulness.

Ultimately, the Book of Judges reminds us of our need for a perfect and lasting Deliverer—Jesus Christ. Just as Israel could not sustain their deliverance without falling again, so man cannot break free from sin without Christ. He is the fulfillment of what the judges foreshadowed.

1. THE SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF ISRAEL
Israel’s downfall began with spiritual compromise and neglect of God’s commands.

a) Partial obedience (Judges 1:27–28): They failed to drive out the Canaanites completely. Half–obedience became a snare.

b) The danger of compromise (Judges 2:2–3): Mixing with the nations brought idolatry and bondage.

c) Forgetting God (Judges 2:10): A generation arose that did not know the Lord.

d) Doing what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25): Without God’s authority, everyone became their own standard.

Biblical Example: King Saul repeated this cycle of partial obedience, leading to rejection by God (1 Samuel 15:22–23).

2. THE CYCLE OF SIN AND MERCY
The people of Israel lived in repeated cycles of failure, but God’s mercy always made a way.

a) Sin (Judges 2:11–12): Israel turned to idols and forsook the Lord.

b) Servitude (Judges 2:14): God allowed enemies to oppress them.

c) Supplication (Judges 3:9): In desperation, they cried out to God.

d) Salvation (Judges 2:16): God raised judges to deliver them.

Biblical Example: This cycle was seen in the days of Gideon, when Israel cried out and God raised him as deliverer (Judges 6:1–12).

3. THE GOD WHO RAISES ORDINARY PEOPLE
God’s mercy is displayed in His choice of unlikely vessels to deliver His people.

a) Ehud (Judges 3:15): A left–handed man whom God used mightily.

b) Deborah (Judges 4:4): A woman, prophetess, and judge who led Israel to victory.

c) Gideon (Judges 6:12): Fearful yet called “mighty man of valour.”

d) Jephthah (Judges 11:1): Rejected by family but raised as deliverer.

Biblical Example: Similarly, David, the overlooked shepherd boy, was chosen by God to become king (1 Samuel 16:11-13).

4. THE DANGER OF STRAYING FROM GOD
Straying from God always leads to bondage, sorrow, and tragedy.

a) Idolatry led to bondage (Judges 10:6–7): Israel’s sins brought oppression.

b) Rash vows caused sorrow (Judges 11:30-35): Jephthah’s careless vow cost him dearly.

c) Sin weakened great men (Judges 16:20-21): Samson lost his strength and freedom.

d) Lawlessness brought tragedy (Judges 19:25-30): Violence and moral decay spread.

Biblical Example: Solomon’s idolatry and compromise eventually led to national decline (1 Kings 11:4-11).

5. THE HOPE POINTING TO CHRIST
The judges were a shadow of the true Deliverer who was to come.

a) God’s mercy raised judges again and again (Judges 2:18).

b) The judges were imperfect saviours (Hebrews 11:32-34).

c) Christ is the perfect Deliverer who breaks sin’s cycle (John 8:36).

d) Only Christ brings lasting peace, not temporary relief (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Biblical Example: Unlike the judges who gave temporary salvation, Jesus gives eternal salvation to all who come to Him (Hebrews 7:25).

CONCLUSION
The Book of Judges reveals both the weakness of man and the faithfulness of God. While Israel repeatedly fell into sin, God’s mercy always raised deliverers. Yet, their deliverance was never complete because man cannot break free from sin without God’s ultimate plan—Christ.

Today, Jesus stands as our eternal Deliverer. He has broken the cycle of sin through His death and resurrection. Our call is to remain in Him, walk in obedience, and never compromise. By doing so, we live under His mercy and flourish in His will.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, thank You for Your mercy in my life despite my weaknesses.
2. Father, deliver me from every cycle of sin and compromise.
3. Lord, raise me as a vessel of deliverance for my generation.
4. O God, help me to obey You fully and not partially.
5. Father, let me not forget You in times of blessing.
6. Lord, give me victory over every enemy oppressing my life.
7. Holy Spirit, strengthen me to resist idolatry and ungodliness.
8. Lord, help me to be a faithful witness to the next generation.
9. Father, break the hold of lawlessness in our land.
10. Lord Jesus, reign as King in every area of my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You will not fall into the cycle of sin and bondage!
2. The mercy of God will raise you up where life has put you down!
3. You will be God’s deliverer in your family and community!
4. Every power of compromise is broken in your life!
5. Your obedience will bring generational blessings!
6. No enemy will rule over your destiny!
7. You will not forget the Lord in times of abundance!
8. The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon you like Gideon!
9. Your life will point men to Christ, the true Deliverer!
10. You shall live under the authority of God and flourish in His will!