Pray: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."

1. 1

   What do you learn about God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways, or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

2. 2

   In verses 1-6, was the Lord intentional in allowing the nations to stay and go to war with the Israelites? What reasons did the Lord give for the wars? In verses 5-6, what did the Israelites do in direct rebellion against God's commands in chapter 2:1-2?

3. 3

   In verses 7-11, what was evil in the sight of the Lord? How did this impact the Lord, and what did He do? How long did they serve Cushan-rishathaim? What led to the Lord sending Othniel, the judge and deliverer of the people? How many years did the people have rest?

4. 4

   In verses 12-14, because the people again did evil, what did the Lord do? How long did the people serve Eglon, king of Moab?

5. 5

   In verses 15-23, what led to the Lord raising up Ehud, the judge and deliverer of Israel? How did Ehud get an audience before the king of Moab? What did Ehud make for himself? How is Eglon described? How did Ehud kill king Eglon?

6. 6

   In verses 24-30, why didn't the king's servants enter the chamber right away? What did this give Ehud time to do? How long did Israel have rest after their battle with the Moabites? Note: another judge, Shamgar, is mentioned in verse 31. He fought the Philistines and saved Israel. How many men did he kill, and what tool did he use?

7. 7

   Ponder: How has this chapter impacted your thoughts about wars? Is there a time for war, or should we only seek peace? For more insight: https://www.gotquestions.org/war-Bible.html. One of the reasons for the wars in this chapter was to test the people to see if they would obey the commandments of the Lord when life was difficult. When the trial of war came, would they choose to obey and follow the Lord, or take matters into their own hands? When we face trials in our lives, they will reveal our faith and trust in the Lord. Just like silver, it is only under the heat that the quality of the silver is discovered. When God tests us, He wants us to realize how solid our faith is, and He wants us to learn to trust Him more. Read James 1:12, James 1:3-4, and 1 Peter 1:6-7. How does this lead you to pray?