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Gideon’s Small but Mighty Army
In Judges 7:1-25, Gideon gathers an army to fight the Midianites, but God tells him there are too many soldiers. To show that victory comes from Him, not human strength, God reduces the army from 32,000 to just 300 men. Armed with trumpets, torches, and jars, Gideon’s men surround the enemy camp at night. When they break the jars, blow the trumpets, and shout, the Midianites panic and turn on each other. The Israelites win without even fighting, proving that God’s power, not their numbers, brings victory.
The Birth of Samson
In Judges 13:1-25, the Israelites are once again in trouble because they have turned away from God, and the Philistines rule over them. One day, an angel appears to a woman who cannot have children and tells her she will give birth to a special son, Samson. He must follow special rules, like never cutting his hair, because he is chosen by God to help rescue Israel. When Samson is born, God’s Spirit begins to work in him, preparing him for the great things he will do in the future.
Samson’s Riddle
In Judges 14:1-20, Samson sees a Philistine woman and decides to marry her, even though his parents are unsure about it. On his way to see her, he kills a lion with his bare hands. Later, he finds honey inside the lion’s body and eats some. At his wedding feast, he tells a riddle about the lion and honey, challenging the Philistine guests to solve it. When they can’t, they pressure his wife to get the answer from him. She does, and the Philistines solve the riddle, making Samson furious. In anger, he strikes down thirty men and leaves the wedding, showing his great strength but also his temper.
Samson’s Revenge
In Judges 15:1-20, Samson returns to see his wife but finds out that her father has given her to someone else. Angry, he catches 300 foxes, ties their tails together with torches, and sets them loose in the Philistines’ fields, burning their crops. In retaliation, the Philistines harm his wife and her family. Samson fights back and then hides in a cave. When the Philistines come looking for him, the Israelites hand him over, but God gives Samson great strength. He breaks free and defeats 1,000 Philistines using only a donkey’s jawbone. Afterward, God provides water for him, showing that He is still with Samson.
Samson and Delilah
In Judges 16:1-21, Samson falls in love with Delilah, but the Philistine leaders bribe her to find out the secret of his strength. Three times, Samson tricks her with false answers, but she keeps pressuring him. Finally, he tells her the truth—his strength comes from his uncut hair, a sign of his dedication to God. While he sleeps, Delilah has his hair cut, and Samson loses his strength. The Philistines capture him, blind him, and throw him in prison. This tragic moment shows how Samson’s weakness for Delilah leads to his downfall.
Samson’s Final Victory
In Judges 16:22-31, Samson’s hair begins to grow back while he is in prison. The Philistines bring him to their temple to mock him during a great celebration. Weak and blind, Samson prays to God for strength one last time. He stands between two pillars, pushes with all his might, and the temple collapses, killing him and many Philistines. Even though Samson made mistakes, God still uses him to defeat Israel’s enemies. His story shows that God can work through people, even when they have failed.
Ruth’s Loyalty
In Ruth 1:1-22, a woman named Naomi loses her husband and two sons while living in a foreign land. Heartbroken, she decides to return to her hometown of Bethlehem. She tells her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to stay behind and start new lives. Orpah leaves, but Ruth refuses to go, declaring her loyalty to Naomi and to God. She says, “Where you go, I will go; your God will be my God.” Together, they travel to Bethlehem, arriving just as the harvest begins. Ruth’s kindness and faithfulness will soon lead to unexpected blessings.
Ruth Meets Boaz
In Ruth 2:1-23, Ruth goes to gather leftover grain in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi. She happens to work in the field of Boaz, a kind and wealthy man who is also a relative of Naomi’s late husband. Boaz notices Ruth’s hard work and kindness toward Naomi, so he protects her and ensures she has plenty to eat. When Ruth tells Naomi about Boaz’s kindness, Naomi is overjoyed and sees hope for their future. God is quietly working behind the scenes to care for Ruth and Naomi through Boaz’s generosity.
Ruth’s Bold Request
In Ruth 3:1-18, Naomi encourages Ruth to seek Boaz as a possible husband since he is a close relative who can help their family. Following Naomi’s advice, Ruth goes to Boaz at night while he is sleeping near his harvested grain. She gently uncovers his feet and lies down, a humble way of asking for his protection and care. Boaz is surprised but impressed by Ruth’s kindness and loyalty. He promises to help her, but first, he must settle things with another relative. Naomi assures Ruth to wait patiently because Boaz will take care of everything.
Ruth’s Happy Ending
In Ruth 4:1-22, Boaz meets with a relative who has the first right to marry Ruth and buy Naomi’s land. When the man refuses, Boaz steps in and gladly takes Ruth as his wife. They have a son named Obed, bringing joy to Naomi and securing their family’s future. Obed later becomes the grandfather of King David, showing how God had a special plan for Ruth all along. Her story is a beautiful reminder that faithfulness and kindness lead to unexpected blessings.