Emmanuel Evangelical Church Chippenham

Background

God’s plan is to establish the Kingdom of God - the Bible is the account of what God has done, is doing and will do to bring that about.

In Study 3 we saw how the slavery in Egypt corresponds to mankind’s slavery to sin and alien powers: the Passover and Exodus is a demonstration that entry into the kingdom of God is only possible by the miraculous work of God; redemption brings God’s people into a promised land, coming under God’s rule as God lives among them in the tabernacle.

We note in passing that Moses stands as the mediator between God and the people.

Israel travels into the wilderness and soon shows their rebellious nature: e.g. in the incident of the golden calf, and then most tellingly in their refusal to enter the Promised Land. (Numbers 14:10-11)

The book of Deuteronomy is a “treaty covenant” between God and Israel. It emphasises God’s covenant love and the covenant conditions placed on Israel. (e.g. Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

Finally the people enter the land - driving out their enemies by God’s mighty power. Joshua (“Jahweh is salvation”) mediates the saving-judgement acts of God.

Promises Fulfilled?

Through Joshua, God’s people have entered God’s land under God’s rule - all is fulfilled, isn’t it? But what do we see?

In Judges, there is constant unfaithfulness. It starts when Joshua and his generation dies (Judges 2:8-11). A recurring pattern appears in the life of the nation: unfaithfulness to God, judgement as foreign powers take away the blessing of the land and salvation as God raises up individual heroes to rescue the nation. (Judges 2:11-23, especially verses 12a, 14, 16-19)

The book of Judges repeatedly shows us the pattern of salvation: Israel is in God’s land but does not enjoy the blessings because the people do not follow God’s rule. They are saved time and again through the means of a ruler anointed by God.

How does God rule in his kingdom? God’s choice is to rule his kingdom through human beings: Adam, Moses, Joshua and the “judge-saviours” show us the pattern of a human leader mediating God’s rule.