Old Testament Bible Dictionary Project: The Book Of Judges

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BIBLE DICTIONARY PROJECT

Name: McKenzie Pierce

Student ID: L26639386

Course: BIBL 104-B40

Date: September 22, 2014

Old Testament Bible Dictionary Project:

Judges

The book of Judges has become one of my favorites. I am intrigued by the fact that it has several literary genres: poetry, riddles, and narrative history (Smith-“Judges Summary”). The author of the book of judges was not indicated by the text, but Jewish tradition sets authorship to the prophet Samuel (“Book of Judges”). If Samuel was in fact the author of the book, then it is assumed that it dates back to 1050-1000 B.C. (Hindson 103). It has been said that the book’s purpose is to show Israel’s constant struggles while they were trying to maintain their control of the Promised …show more content…

He was one of the authors of the Book of Hebrews, along with Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Samuel, and the prophets (Westby, “Story of Samson”). It has been estimated that he was born in Israel around 1001 and died in 1200 B.C also known as 12th century B.C. (“Samson”). It was stated in a biography of Samson, that he was an Israelite that lived a life by the “proscriptions of Nazirite life” (“Samson”). This life of “proscriptions” was a vow that Samson would dedicated his lifetime to a full-time service of God (Westby, “Story of Samson”). This vow stated that he was not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages or trim his hair (“Samson”). Samson was a “miracle” for his parents, because his mother had been told that she would not be able to conceive children, but with a little help from God, they were given a son (“Samson”). A short time after the birth of Samson, God sent a messenger to tell Samson’s parents that “their son was to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines who were occupying the land and oppressing Israel” (“Samson”). They were given specific directions on how to raise and care for their “miracle” son (“Samson”). Samson was a born with the power from God of tremendous strength; however he lost this power, because his beloved Delilah cut his hair (Westby, “Story of Samson”). “While generally believed to be a legend, some have thought Samson’s story has elements of historical truth” (Westby, “Story of Samson”). The overall lesson from this story is how we need to realize what a merciful, patient, forgiving, and understanding God that we all share. We may make some horrible and unruly decisions, but God is always there to redeem us, just as he redeemed