Regression of the Judges

"Then Israel did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals." (Judges 2:11)

Many of us have heard many of the stories from Judges. In fact, some of the most intriguing Old Testament stories come from this book. Sampson, Gideon, and Deborah all have amazing stories here. Additionally, for many years, readers have observed a recurring cycle of sin, oppression, call to God, and salvation. This cycle occurs over and over as Israel serves other Gods, is oppressed by her neighbors, calls to God, and receives salvation from a judge whom God sends.

Yet, it is also interesting that this cycle does not seem to be merely a circle. Rather, to me it seems like a spiral staircase. We've covered this ground before, and yet, it is not quite the same. In particular, there is a sense that, as Israel continues to serve their gods and Ba'als, the quality of their judges seems to worsen. Among the first few judges whom God sends are Ehud and Deborah. Both judges are moved by a strong conviction of commitment to God and boldly go to face the enemy. They live up to the charge to "be strong and courageous." These are people you want leading Israel.

However, then we come to Gideon. While Gideon demonstrates a good heart to serve God, he is also fearful. He doubts whether God will truly be with him and is a far cry from the leadership of Ehud and Deborah. After Gideon, the regression continues with the godless rule of Abimelek and the foolish oath of Jephthah. Finally, we come to Sampson. Although often regarded as a hero, the life of Sampson is really a tragedy. Although he was set up for greatness, Sampson chased after pagan women and prostitutes and only attacked the enemy when he needed personal revenge. In Sampson, the regression of the judges seems compete. Yet, as if this was not enough, the author ends the book with several stories (apparently out of order chronologically) about how everyone just did as they pleased without leadership and the horrific consequences that followed those actions.

So, why is there this regression? Perhaps the answer lies in the nature of idolatry. Idolatry is not a sin that ends with the worshiping of other gods. Idolatry leads to immorality, as Paul points out in Romans. Thus, the continuation of idolatry in Israel eventually consumed the whole community, including even the judges themselves. If uncleanness is a contagion within the community, then it was only a matter of time before the leaders of Israel fell to the same idolatry and immorality as the people. Perhaps there is also a sense in which this regression among the judges was a judgment from God. If the people continued to put in only half an effort in repenting, then God would being only putting in half an effort in saving. Or, one final possibility is that this literary feature is like Mark's gospel where the disciples seem to regress. Perhaps it is emphasizing the fallen-ness of humanity and our inability to fully follow God. In this sense, it emphasizes human sin and ensures that the focus remains on the faithfulness of God.