From Today's Reading: Joshua 22-24, Judges 1-2:
But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
- Joshua 24:15b
Point of Interest:
Prior to Jacob and the 70 members of his household moving to Egypt, there was not an Israelite "nation", just a family ruled by a patriarch. Moses, was the first "national" leader who led the Israelites during the time of the Exodus (approx 1446bc-1406bc).
Joshua assumed the role of national leader at the death of Moses and led the nation until his death (approx 1380bc).
Upon the death of Joshua, Israel is largely without a unifying leader. The 12 tribes have conquered portions of the "promised land" but much remains to be done and their enemies are many.
The book of judges chronicles an approx 330 year time span from 1380bc to 1050bc between the death of Joshua and the coronation of Saul, the first king of Israel.
During this time, the Israelites repeat the same cycle over and over:
- Disobedience to God
- Oppression by their enemies
- Cries to God for help
- Deliverance from oppression
Deliverance is brought through a series of leaders (Judges) that God raises up to lead the Israelites to repentance and victory over their oppressors.
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