Posts that reference the book of Judges

STT: Dew

study Tip tuesday water water everywhere Dew title graphic

“I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily.” – Hosea 14:5

While floods and storms demonstrate God’s dramatic power, Scripture also reveals His gentle presence through more subtle forms of water. Dew and mist represent God’s quiet, often unnoticed provision and His refreshing presence that comes without human effort or fanfare.

Dew as Symbol of Divine Blessing

Throughout Scripture, dew represents God’s faithful, daily provision:

Dew as Daily Provision in the Wilderness

Manna, Israel’s wilderness food, appeared with the morning dew: “When the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell with it” (Numbers 11:9)
This connection between dew and manna emphasized God’s consistent, daily care
The Israelites were instructed to gather manna early before the sun melted it, teaching dependence on God’s timely provision

Dew as Sign of Fertility and Abundance

Isaac’s blessing over Jacob included “the dew of heaven” (Genesis 27:28), representing agricultural prosperity
In ancient agricultural societies, dew was essential during dry seasons when rain was scarce
Moses blessed Joseph’s land with “the precious dew from heaven above” (Deuteronomy 33:13)

Dew as Metaphor for Divine Refreshment

David compared brotherly unity to “the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion” (Psalm 133:3)
The psalmist described God’s people as refreshed by “the dew of youth” (Psalm 110:3)
Proverbs states that the king’s favor is “like dew on the grass” (Proverbs 19:12)

Gideon’s Fleece: Dew as Confirmation

One of the most famous dew narratives involves Gideon seeking confirmation of God’s call:

Dew as Sign of Divine Selection

Gideon requested that God make dew fall only on a fleece while the ground remained dry (Judges 6:36-37)
Then he asked for the opposite sign—dry fleece, wet ground (Judges 6:39-40)
This controlled appearance of dew served as tangible evidence of God’s presence and purpose

The Significance of Gideon’s Request

Gideon’s request revealed both faith and doubt—he believed God could control the dew but needed reassurance
The miracle demonstrated God’s patience with human weakness and His willingness to provide confirmation
The precision of the sign (first only on the fleece, then everywhere except the fleece) showed God’s sovereign control over even the most subtle natural processes

Mist in Creation and Providence

Mist appears at significant moments in biblical narrative:

Mist in the Creation Account

“A mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground” (Genesis 2:6)
This pre-rain watering system represented God’s perfect provision in Eden
The mist suggests a gentle, harmonious relationship between heaven and earth before the fall

Mist as Divine Covering

God’s presence was often depicted with cloud or mist imagery
The tabernacle and temple were filled with a cloud representing God’s glory (Exodus 40:34-35, 1 Kings 8:10-11)
This misty manifestation both revealed and concealed God’s presence, making it approachable yet mysterious

The Absence of Dew as Judgment

Just as the presence of dew signified blessing, its absence indicated divine displeasure:

Elijah’s Prophecy

Elijah declared, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word” (1 Kings 17:1)
The withholding of both rain and dew represented complete agricultural devastation
This judgment targeted Baal worship, as Baal was believed to control both rain and dew

Haggai’s Warning

When the people neglected rebuilding the temple, Haggai proclaimed, “Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce” (Haggai 1:10)
The absence of dew served as a call to reprioritize spiritual matters
The promise of restored dew accompanied the call to renewed obedience

Dew in Spiritual Symbolism

Beyond its agricultural significance, dew carries rich spiritual symbolism:

Symbol of Resurrection and Renewal

Isaiah prophesied, “Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light” (Isaiah 26:19)
This connects dew with resurrection and spiritual renewal
The morning appearance of dew symbolizes new beginnings and fresh starts

Symbol of God’s Word and Teaching

Moses said, “May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew” (Deuteronomy 32:2)
This imagery suggests that God’s word, like dew, brings gentle but essential nourishment
Unlike flooding rain, dew represents subtle but transformative spiritual influence

Symbol of the Holy Spirit’s Quiet Work

Hosea prophesied God saying, “I will be like the dew to Israel” (Hosea 14:5)
This metaphor depicts God’s refreshing presence coming quietly, almost imperceptibly
Unlike dramatic spiritual manifestations, dew represents the Spirit’s gentle, consistent work

Study Application

When you encounter dew and mist in your Bible reading, consider:

Provision aspect: How does this subtle form of water represent God’s care?
Timing element: Note that dew appears in the quiet of night and early morning—what might this teach about God’s timing?
Effortless nature: Unlike wells that must be dug or water that must be carried, dew comes without human effort—what spiritual principle does this illustrate?
Temporary quality: Dew evaporates quickly in sunlight—what might this teach about appreciating God’s daily mercies?

Dew and mist in Scripture remind us that God works not only through dramatic interventions but also through quiet, consistent provision that we might easily overlook. His refreshing presence often comes in the stillness, without fanfare or human striving.

STT: Water, Water Everywhere: Rivers

By Paula Wiseman

Studt tip Tuesday Water Water everywhere Rivers title graphic

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.” – Psalm 46:4

Throughout Scripture, rivers serve as more than mere geographical features—they are powerful symbols that help tell God’s story of redemption. By understanding the significance of these waterways, we gain deeper insight into biblical narratives and their theological meaning.

The Jordan River: A Boundary of Promise

The Jordan River stands as perhaps the most significant waterway in Scripture. When Joshua led the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land, the Jordan represented the final barrier between their wilderness wandering and their inheritance. As the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the water, “the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap” (Joshua 3:16), allowing God’s people to cross on dry ground.

This miraculous crossing echoed the Red Sea deliverance and demonstrated God’s faithfulness to His promises. The twelve memorial stones taken from the riverbed served as a lasting reminder that “the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over” (Joshua 4:23).

The Jordan as Symbol of Transition

Throughout Scripture, the Jordan consistently marks significant transitions:

For Israel, crossing the Jordan represented the transition from nomadic wilderness life to settlement in the Promised Land (Joshua 3-4)
For Elijah, the Jordan marked his transition from earthly ministry to heavenly reward as he crossed it before being taken up in the chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:6-8)
For Elisha, crossing back over the Jordan using Elijah’s mantle symbolized his transition into the prophetic office (2 Kings 2:13-14)
For Jesus, his baptism in the Jordan marked the transition from his private life to public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17)

The Jordan as Symbol of Cleansing

The Jordan’s waters are repeatedly associated with cleansing:

Naaman the Syrian was instructed to wash seven times in the Jordan to be cleansed of leprosy, symbolizing both physical and spiritual purification (2 Kings 5:10-14)
John the Baptist conducted his ministry of repentance at the Jordan, where people were “baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins” (Mark 1:5)
Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan established it as the archetypal location for Christian baptism, which Paul later describes as washing away sins (Acts 22:16)

The Jordan as Symbol of New Beginnings

The Jordan consistently appears at moments of new beginnings in biblical narrative:

Israel’s new beginning as a nation in their own land commenced with crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3)
Elisha’s new ministry began after crossing the Jordan (2 Kings 2)
The Gospels present Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan as inaugurating a new covenant, marked by the voice from heaven and descent of the Spirit (Luke 3:21-22)

Other Rivers That Tell God’s Story

The Nile River: Symbol of Both Provision and Judgment

The Nile River features prominently in Egypt’s relationship with God’s people:

It became the cradle of protection for baby Moses when his mother placed him in a basket among the reeds (Exodus 2:3-5)
God demonstrated His sovereignty over Egypt’s most revered resource by turning the Nile to blood as the first plague (Exodus 7:17-21)
The Nile represented Egypt’s agricultural prosperity and false security, which Isaiah prophesied would dry up as judgment (Isaiah 19:5-7)
In Egyptian culture, the Nile was worshipped as a god, making God’s control over it a powerful statement about His supremacy over false deities

The Euphrates and Tigris: Boundaries of Civilization and Empire

These rivers defined the cradle of civilization and played significant roles in biblical history:

Both are mentioned in the Garden of Eden narrative, establishing them as part of God’s original creation (Genesis 2:14)
The Euphrates marked the northeastern boundary of God’s territorial promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18)
Babylon, situated on the Euphrates, became the place of Israel’s exile and captivity (2 Kings 24:10-16)
The prophets used the Euphrates symbolically in their messages about coming judgment and restoration (Jeremiah 13:1-11)
Revelation depicts the Euphrates drying up to prepare the way for the kings from the east in end-time events (Revelation 16:12)

The Jabbok River: Site of Spiritual Transformation

Though smaller, the Jabbok River marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s spiritual history:

Jacob wrestled with God at the ford of the Jabbok, experiencing profound spiritual transformation (Genesis 32:22-32)
After crossing this river and encountering God, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel (“he struggles with God”)
This river crossing represents the spiritual struggle that precedes blessing and the intimate encounter with God that transforms identity

The Kishon River: Instrument of Divine Victory

The Kishon demonstrates how God uses natural features in His deliverance:

This river became the site of Deborah and Barak’s victory over Sisera’s army when God sent a flood that immobilized the enemy’s chariots (Judges 4:7, 5:21)
The Kishon is celebrated in Deborah’s song as having “swept them away,” showing how God uses creation itself to accomplish His purposes

Rivers in Prophetic Vision: Future Hope and Restoration

Rivers feature prominently in prophetic literature as symbols of God’s future restoration:

Ezekiel’s vision of the river flowing from the temple (Ezekiel 47:1-12) grows deeper and wider, bringing healing and life wherever it flows
This imagery finds its fulfillment in Revelation 22:1-2, where “the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” sustains the tree of life whose leaves are “for the healing of the nations”
Isaiah speaks of God making “rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19), symbolizing the miraculous provision and restoration God promises His people

Each of these rivers carries not just water but profound theological significance, helping us understand God’s character, His dealings with humanity, and His ultimate purposes for creation.

When you encounter rivers in your Bible reading, consider:
Historical context: How did this river impact the geography and history of God’s people?
Symbolic meaning: What might this river represent in the spiritual narrative?
Connections: How does this river connect to other biblical passages and themes?
Personal application: What spiritual lessons can you draw from this river narrative?
Rivers in Scripture often mark boundaries between promise and fulfillment, slavery and freedom, death and life. They remind us that God often leads us through barriers that seem impossible to cross, making a way where there seems to be no way.
For reflection: What “Jordan River” stands between you and God’s promises in your life? How might God be calling you to step into those waters in faith, trusting Him to make a way?

The Call

By Paula Wiseman

[God] has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. 2 Timothy 1:9

It’s easy to dismiss the call of God as something only for preachers or missionaries or other A-list Christians, but God has called each of us. In one sense, answering the call is fulfilling the purpose God had in mind for us when He saved us. In another sense, it’s an expression of our obedience.

The call is unmistakable. (Judges 6:22)
Everyone in Scripture knew they had heard from God. Admittedly they may have been reluctant to answer. They may have stalled or delayed. But they knew it was God calling.

The call is according to God’s purpose. (2 Timothy 1:9)
God never calls us to busywork. Everything He involves us in is fulfilling His kingdom purposes.

The call leads to being sent out. (Mark 6:7)
I’ve yet to find an example of someone God ordained and equipped who was not immediately put to work. There is no orientation period, no job shadowing, no time to research the pros and cons. Part of the reason for this is that we are sent out in His strength, not ours.

The call often comes in answer to prayer, but usually not our own. (Esther 4)
Israel prayed for deliverance, God calls Moses. The people prayed for rescue from Midian, God raised up Gideon. Jesus prayed all night, then called the right guys to be His disciples.

The call comes when God is ready to act. (Exodus 3:7,10)
We don’t have to wait on God’s timing. By the time He has called, it is His timing, and we need to respond.

What has God called you to? How did you respond?

Joshua

By Paula Wiseman

So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel. Judges 2:7

Do you know someone like Joshua?

Someone who served as a role model for you.
Someone who served God with consistent passion.
Someone who lived their faith rather than simply professing it.

You could argue that generation had great faith because they saw great works.
I would suggest that they had great faith first, so they saw great works.
Joshua called on Jehovah as a slave in Egypt before he ever saw the Red Sea part or the walls of Jericho fall.

We have a generation who desperately needs a Joshua or two, or more.

We need people who will serve as role models.
People who serve God with consistent passion.
People who live their faith rather than simply professing it.

People who will exercise great faith so God can reveal His mighty works.

Take time to thank God for your Joshua.
Commit to being the next one.

Fleecing God

By Paula Wiseman

So Gideon said to God, “If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said–look, I shall put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” Judges 6:36-37

You’re probably familiar with the story of Gideon. Israel was oppressed by the Midianites, and God called Gideon to rise up and deliver Israel. Gideon was less than enthused with his mission, as his exchange with God showed.

We all want to know and then follow God’s will. We believe God, and we genuinely want to honor Him in the decisions that we make. And we want to be sure, sure that we’re doing the right thing. All of those are good and reasonable. But that’s not what Gideon was doing.

Gideon was stalling.

God had already promised to deliver Israel through Gideon. Just in these two verses, Gideon himself repeats that promise twice. Leading up to these verses, he had called for an army to assemble and they had. He had seen God face to face. He had witnessed his offering miraculously consumed. He already had more than enough evidence that he was commissioned by Yahweh to deliver Israel.

Gideon didn’t need confirmation, he needed obedience.
His problem wasn’t discernment, it was reluctance.
Gideon was testing God rather than trusting Him.

Essentially Gideon was saying,

Your miracles so far are not enough.
Your word is not enough.
Your promises are not enough.
Your character is not enough.

Fleecing God

Like Gideon, sometimes our desire for confirmation is a smokescreen for our reluctance to obey. It is camouflage for our need to call the shots. We won’t move until our conditions are satisfied, until our criteria are met.

Interestingly, after mentioning the stuff about wool, Webster’s defines “fleece” as “to strip by extortion or fraud.” Requiring, or even requesting God to give a sign before we move in obedience is extortion. God, in His grace, has saved us, commissioned us, and equipped us. He has given far more than we deserve. We have no space to make further demands. We just move in faith.

Often, because of God’s great love and mercy, He meets us at the point of our doubt and disobedience. Like He did with Gideon. However, that should not be our typical mode of operation. Let’s adopt the psalmist’s attitude instead. Eager. Obedient. Joyful.

I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.” Psalm 40:8 NLT

There is more on Gideon’s call in the VTreat Answer the Call

Fear or Victory

By Paula Wiseman

Therefore, tell the people, ‘Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.’” So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight. Judges 7:3 NLT

In Judges 7, we read the story of Gideon. You probably remember the amazing story of the three hundred soldiers who defeated a Midianite army who outnumbered them 400 to 1. Before the battle, Gideon stands with his army of 30,000 men and God says to send home everyone who is afraid. Twenty thousand men–inexperienced soldiers who have done the math and knew they are facing over a hundred thousand professional soldiers–go home.

God doesn’t berate them, or shame them. Gideon doesn’t beg them to stay or offer incentives. Just a simple announcement, “If you are afraid and want out, you are free to go.” And they did.

It seemed like a rational decision. I’ll be honest, if my husband had been in that number I would have more than glad to see him home early and in one piece.

But here’s the thing. Yes, the fearful survived unscathed, but they didn’t get to participate in the victory.

I know I have had plenty of opportunities present themselves, doors that God has unmistakably opened, and I’ve gone home rather than go forward. I’m afraid I won’t measure up. I’m afraid of what it will cost. I’m afraid it will be hard.

And I miss a victory.

Here’s what I know about fear, though. It makes us take our eyes off Him. It distracts us from what He calls us to do. Fear never comes from God. Paul stresses that in 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

John reiterates it 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

Perfect love, that’s the kind that God has for each of us. Fear is a sure sign we don’t grasp or trust that love or the God who demonstrates it.