Chapter Summary

Further apostasy; servitude to Philistines and Amorites.

Discussion Questions for Judges, Chapter 10

1. In verses 1-2, we read that Tola, whose name means "worm," became judge after Abimelech died. Knowing that Abimelech was very pretensious and hungry for power, what does Tola's name indicate about his character?
2. Jair's leadership over a period of 22 years is described in verses 3-5. He gave each of his 30 sons a town to rule and a donkey. What does the lack of conflict or war during Jair's judgeship indicate about this era?
3. Following the peace and prosperity of Jair's rule, Israel abandoned the Lord and followed the gods of their neighbors. In verses 7-9, what did the Lord do in response? What does this say to us today about our devotion to God?
4. In verse 10, Israel cries out to the Lord for salvation from their oppressors. How does the Lord respond in the following verses? Why does God respond this way?
5. In verses 11-12, God lists Israel's oppressors by name. When you realize that your problems do not escape the Lord's notice, does this strengthen your trust in Him? If so, in what way?
6. God accuses Israel in verse 13: "But you have abandoned me" (CSB). What does abandoning the Lord look like today?
7. In that same verse, the Lord also accuses Israel of worshiping other gods. What gods do people turn to today instead of the Lord?
8. According to verse 13, is God under any obligation to rescue us from the trouble we get into when we follow other gods? Why is it presumptuous for us to believe that we can abandon God and He must help us?
9. The Lord tells Israel, "Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen; let them deliver you..." (verse 14, CSB). What does this tell us about false gods? What is it about the nature of the Lord that demands sole allegiance to Him?
10. What response from Israel in verse 16 can we emulate if we are serious about our devotion to God? If we refuse to get rid of the other gods that lead us away from the Lord, what does that say about us?

Key Words/Phrase

Vexed, oppressed, v. 8.

Characters

God, Tola, Jair.

Strong Verse(s)

10, 14, 16.