Judges (Interpretation | INT)

by Jerry Clinton McCann Jr.

Publisher:

John Knox

, 2002

Overview

In this striking commentary, McCann interprets Judges for the church and for the present time. The book shows that when we do not worship and serve God, the results are destructive and ultimately deadly. The story of the book of Judges is the story of a long deterioration in Israel's history when its leaders and people continued to turn away from God and worship false gods or idols. The painful lessons of this unfaithfulness were destruction, time and time again. Yet McCann contends that the book of Judges provides a warning grounded in hope. While Israel experienced the destructive results of its disloyalty and disobedience, it also experienced a God who is utterly faithful—even to a faithless people. The book of Judges is a call to repentance from injustices and abuses that result from self-assertion, idolatry, and the refusal to submit to God's will and ways.

Key Features

• Detailed introduction
• Bibliography

Contents

Top Highlights

“Along with Barak and Jael, Deborah participates in bringing what God intends—that is, deliverance from oppression, or in a word, justice.” (Page 51)

“In short, Gideon is beginning to look at least a little ridiculous. Instead of growing more faithful, he seems to be growing more faithless and more fearful.” (Page 66)

“Another sign that things are getting worse may be the fact that now both a prophet and an angel are required to set in motion the process of deliverance. But even with this increased divine workforce, things will move rather slowly. Gideon will prove to be none too cooperative or faithful. Even when the ‘angel of the Lord’ (6:11–12) becomes simply ‘the Lord’ speaking directly to Gideon (6:14), Gideon responds with questions, excuses, and requests for proof (6:15–17).” (Page 63)

“Thus, Gideon is doing what the word ‘judge’ fundamentally means. He is acting as a ‘bringer of justice,’ the result of which is always shalom, ‘peace’ or ‘well-being’” (Page 65)

“but it also experienced a God who is unfailingly faithful to a faithless people” (Page 3)

Praise for the Print Edition

The Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox Press is clearly established as a rich source for teaching and preaching. They have tapped the talents of a varied and esteemed group of contributors, resulting in what is clearly the essential comprehensive commentary series on the Bible.

—W. Eugene March, A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

The Interpretation series is an invaluable resource for any leader or scholar interested in interpreting the biblical text to the broader church. Its works are essential for pastors, educators, and church libraries.

—Brian K. Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Judges
• Author: J. Clinton McCann
• Publisher: John Knox Press
• Publication Date: 2002
• Pages: 146

About Jerry Clinton McCann Jr.

Clinton’s research and writing have focused on the Psalms. A noted biblical scholar, he served as chair of the Psalms Section for the Society of Biblical Literature for 10 years. His publications on the Psalms include: The Shape and Shaping of the Psalter (1993); A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalms: The Psalms as Torah (1993); the Psalms commentary in The New Interpreter’s Bible (Vol. IV; 1996); Preaching the Psalms (2001); and annotations on the Psalms in The Access Bible, The Learning Bible, and The Westminster Discipleship Study Bible. His most recent book is Judges (2002) in the Interpretation commentary series.