Catholic Scripture Study International: Judges
Overview
Includes 11 lessons with suggested responses and commentary on the biblical text.
The Book of Judges records the Israelites’ descent into sin and the terrible consequences. The 12 heroes of the book seem larger than life but were imperfect, just as we are, which makes this book just as relevant today. Judges is a stern reminder that God punishes sin but is always ready to forgive the repentant sinner back.
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- Closely studies the book of Judges chapter-by-chapter
- Comes with study questions for group study and individual testing
- Includes a Group Leader Guide to assist leaders in facilitating discussion
Top Highlights
“The theme of Joshua was national fidelity to God. The key phrase in Judges is ‘every man did what was right in his own eyes’ (Judg 17:6, 21:25).” (Page 5)
“The Church’s theology teaches us, like the book of Judges taught the Jews, that suffering can be both punitive and medicinal for our spiritual lives, leading us to repentance, restoration, spiritual healing, and fidelity to God. There is another aspect of suffering that is redemptive—the uniting of our suffering with that of Our Lord, but that lesson is for another time.” (Page 9)
“obedience > blessing > complacency > sin > oppression > repentance > deliverance” (Page 6)
“The cycles begin with obedience to God, which results in God’s blessing. The blessing of God brings freedom and abundance. This results in ease and comfort—which eventually turns into complacency and self-centeredness, which then quickly turns to neglect of God and sloth. This, in turn, gives way to sin and disobedience. God ultimately rewards Israel’s apostasy with punishment, manifested in the invasion and occupation of the tribes’ inheritances by surrounding nations.” (Pages 5–6)
“Joshua emphasized the cohesiveness of the nation. Joshua led the people, and they fought as a unit. Individual tribes were secondary to the interests of the nation as a whole. Judges shows another story—tribes acting alone or with the assistance of another. Gone is the national solidarity centered in Shiloh with God as the reason for the commonwealth of tribes.” (Page 9)
This Bible study program is rooted in sound biblical scholarship and in the Church’s magisterium. I hope you will welcome and support this important Bible study program in your parishes.
—Most Rev. Peter Jugis, bishop, Charlotte
This program covers all the desirable bases—thorough textual analysis and exegesis, stimulating questions to engage the individual subscriber, and direct and faithful connections of what has been studied to the Catechism, and to the magisterial writings of the Church. I can easily assure any pastor, that this program will not only enhance the spiritual lives of your people individually, but also the level of spiritual vitality of your parish.
—Most Rev. John F. Donoghue, archbishop emeritus, Atlanta
- Title: Catholic Scripture Study International: Judges
- Author: Steve Ray
- Series: Catholic Scripture Study International Studies
- Publisher: Catholic Scripture Study International
- Publication Date: 2012
- Pages: 182