Originally posted: 10/14/19

“…may the Lord, the Judge, judge today between the sons of Israel and the sons of Ammon,” (11:27).

The book of Judges is a detailed and despondent account of the nation’s repetitive cycle of sin, and God’s great grace in sending judges to rescue them again and again.

But only One is the True Judge; for none but God alone is Powerful and Righteous and Just to deliver.

The study note in the NIV Study Bible points out that this Hebrew noun translated as “Judge” is used only one time in all of the book of Judges. Of course; for He alone is the One True Judge.

Consider Him, the One True Judge

Judge: “This Hebrew noun judge is derived from the verb- “8199. שָׁפַט šāp̱aṭ: A verb meaning to judge, to govern. This word, though often translated as judge, is much more inclusive than the modern concept of judging and encompasses all the facets and functions of government: executive, legislative, and judicial,” Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance.

• As the One True Executive Judge He has all authority; He alone is Powerful.
  • The Lord, the God of Israel, gave Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they defeated them; so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country, (11:21).

• As the One True Legislative Judge He rightfully enacts and ordains His law; He alone is Righteous.
  • “Since now the Lord, the God of Israel, drove out the Amorites from before His people Israel, are you then to possess it?  ²⁴ Do you not possess what Chemosh your god gives you to possess? So whatever the Lord our God has driven out before us, we will possess it,” (11:23).

• As the One True Judicial Judge He renders all judgments in His justice; He alone is Just.
  • “I therefore have not sinned against you, but you are doing me wrong by making war against me; may the Lord, the Judge, judge today between the sons of Israel and the sons of Ammon,’” (11:27).

How do we respond to Him, the One True Judge?

Let us commit, today, to take the time to consider, ponder and meditate on Him, the One True Judge. As we come in submission, obedience and faith before Him, may His Powerful, Righteous and Just Word examine our hearts and lives. As we see Him, the One True Judge, and hear His verdict, may we be changed.

• Let us be changed to submit to His Authority; He is the One True Executive Judge.
  • “Our Father who is in heaven,
    Hallowed be Your name.
    ¹⁰ Your kingdom come.
    Your will be done,
    On earth as it is in heaven,” (Matthew 6:9-10).

• Let us be changed to obey His Law; He is the One True Legislative Judge.
  • I delight to do Your will, O my God;
    Your Law is within my heart, (Psalm 40:8).
  • And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments… (2 John 1:6).

• Let us be changed to trust His Justice in His Son, Jesus Christ; He is the One True Judicial Judge.
  • And Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me. ⁴⁵ He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. ⁴⁶ I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. ⁴⁷ If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. ⁴⁸ He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. ⁴⁹ For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. ⁵⁰ I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me,” (John 12:44-50).

 Let’s Grow Together!