Bible in a Year: Judges 10 - I Samuel 3
This week’s reading takes us from Judges 9 through 1 Samuel 3, covering the final downward spiral of Israel’s leadership, the book of Ruth, and the beginning of the prophetic era with Samuel. As we transition from Judges to Samuel, we see a nation in chaos, a story of redemption, and the rise of a prophet who will anoint Israel’s first kings. Let’s dive into the highlights and see what God is teaching us in these chapters.
Major Highlights:
The Continued Downfall in Idolatry & the Need for a King
As we finish the book of Judges, we see Israel’s condition worsening. Idolatry, immorality, and lawlessness take over, and the book ends with the repeated statement: ‘In those days, there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes’ (Judges 21:25). This isn’t just a political problem—it’s a spiritual one. Israel has rejected God as their King, setting the stage for their demand for a human king in 1 Samuel. This moment is a preview of both God’s plan for a future righteous King and Israel’s misguided desire for a human ruler.
The Book of Ruth – A Story of Redemption
Right in the middle of this darkness, we get a beautiful interlude—the book of Ruth. While Judges shows national rebellion, Ruth zooms in on a story of personal faithfulness and redemption. This book takes place during the time of Judges but focuses on Naomi, a Jewish woman, and Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law. After losing their husbands, they return to Bethlehem, where Ruth meets Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer who marries her and preserves the family line.
This story isn’t just about personal blessing—it’s about God’s bigger plan. Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David, meaning she is part of the lineage of Jesus, the Messiah. Even in the midst of national chaos, God is at work in individual lives, orchestrating His plan of redemption.
The Transition into 1 Samuel & the Calling of Samuel
Ruth serves as a bridge between Judges and 1 Samuel, giving us a glimpse of how God is working through faithful individuals to bring about His divine plan. Now, as we enter 1 Samuel, we see the birth of Samuel, the last judge and the first great prophet of Israel.
Hannah, Samuel’s mother, is barren and desperately prays for a child, vowing to dedicate him to the Lord. God answers, and Samuel is raised in the temple under Eli the priest. In chapter 3, we see God calling Samuel in the night, establishing him as a prophet who will lead Israel and anoint its first kings—Saul and David. This moment marks the beginning of a new era for Israel.
Key Themes to Pay Attention To:
The Importance of Following God Wholeheartedly
Israel’s downfall in Judges is a direct result of half-hearted obedience. They repeatedly turned away from God, seeking their own ways. This theme challenges us: Are we fully devoted to God, or are we compromising in areas of our lives? Jesus calls us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength (Matthew 22:37). Let’s learn from Israel’s mistakes and pursue God wholeheartedly.
God Takes Care of Us – Ruth’s Story
Ruth’s story is an incredible reminder that God provides, even when we don’t see it. Ruth, a Moabite and outsider, had no claim to God’s promises, yet He guided her to Boaz, who became her redeemer. This points us to Jesus, our ultimate Redeemer, who takes us—outsiders and sinners—and brings us into His family. Even when life seems uncertain, God is working behind the scenes for our good.
Trusting in God – Hannah’s Prayer
Hannah’s story teaches us how to bring our burdens before God. She pours out her heart in desperate prayer, trusting that God hears. When He answers, she follows through on her vow, dedicating Samuel to serve Him. Her faith challenges us: Are we willing to trust God completely, even when the outcome is uncertain?
Supernatural Worldview Focus:
Seed of the Woman vs Seed of the Serpant
A fascinating tradition from Jewish texts tell us that Orpah, Ruth’s sister-in-law, became the mother of Goliath and his brothers. While this isn’t in the Bible, it fits into a larger biblical theme—the ongoing conflict between the seed of the woman (lineage leading to Jesus) and the seed of the serpent (the incursion of fallen angels to disrupt and stop the Messianic lineage ).
As we consider this, it means that while Ruth’s lineage led to King David and ultimately Jesus, Orpah’s lineage produced Goliath, the Philistine giant David would later defeat. This contrast highlights a deeper spiritual battle unfolding in the biblical narrative: the battle between God’s chosen people and the forces that oppose Him.
This also reminds us of the Genesis 3:15 prophecy, where God declared that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent’s head. The story of Ruth and Orpah—one leading to the Messiah and one leading to an enemy of Israel—illustrates that history is not just a series of random events; it is a spiritual war with eternal consequences. And in the end, we know that Jesus, the true Seed of the Woman, will have ultimate victory.
Closing
This week’s reading gives us a stark contrast between faithfulness and rebellion. Judges ends in darkness, but Ruth gives us a glimpse of hope. And in 1 Samuel, we see God beginning a new chapter with the birth of Samuel.
Take some time to reflect: Are you fully following God, or are there areas of compromise in your life? Like Ruth, are you willing to trust God even when you don’t see the full picture? And like Hannah, are you bringing your deepest desires to God in faith?
Here’s an ending Challenge: This week, take time to pray as Hannah did—pouring out your heart before God and trusting Him completely.