This week, we'll finish the book of Judges (chapters 18-21) and start the story of Ruth. Don’t forget to check out the Rooted Facebook page for a bit more discussion on each chapter.


Discussion Questions:

• What does Judges 18:30-31 tell us about the spiritual condition of Israel during the period of the judges?
What was the sin of the people of Gibeah? (Judg. 19:22-26)

• Why was Benjamin unwilling to turn over the perpetrators of the crime described in the previous chapter? (Judg. 20:12-14)

• What was Israel’s solution to providing brides for the men of Benjamin? (Judg. 21:8-12, 19-23) Why was this considered OK?

• What were Ruth’s feelings for Naomi? (Ruth 1:16-17) What other kind of relationship could be defined using these words?


Some Answers to Last Week's Questions:

• What two identities did Manoah assign to the person who told him about the birth of Samson? (Judg. 13:21-22) – He knew the one he had been talking to was the angel of the Lord and was convinced he had seen God. To Manoah, they were one and the same.

• Did God arrange for Samson to marry a Philistine woman? Or was he planning on using something that Samson had freely chosen to do? (Judg. 14:1-4) – God will not tempt someone to violate His commands (Jam. 1:13). And Israel had been forbidden from marrying outside of their ethnic group (Deut. 7:3-4). So it seems more likely that God used what Samson chose to do.

• What kind of a judge might Samson have been? (Judg. 15:20) – He seemed to be too absorbed with himself to have been a leader who did what was best for his nation.

• Why did Samson eventually tell Delilah about the source of his strength? (Judg. 16:15-17) Surely, he should have known what she would do with that knowledge. – He seemed to live more in the moment than displaying any concern for the future impact of his actions and words.

• What is the significance of Judges telling us there was no king in those days and everyone did what was right in their own eyes? (Judg. 17:6) – It explains the condition of the nation during the time of the Judges, especially the two stories that occupy the last five chapters. When we do what we want, ignoring God, disaster awaits.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your faithfulness, even when I fall short and make poor choices. Help me not to be driven by my own desires, but to seek Your wisdom and follow Your ways. Teach me to think beyond the moment, recognize the consequences of my decisions, and trust Your guidance in every area of my life. Shape my heart to live according to Your will rather than my own. Amen.


Helpful Resources:


• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration 


• Bible Project Old Testament overview videos 

• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps

• A Clay Jar Devotionals