The Gospel in the Age of the Judges (Paperback or Softback)

Most blessed among women is Jael,
the wife of Heber the Kenite,
most blessed of tent-dwelling women.
He asked for water, and she gave him milk.
In a magnificent bowl she brought him curds.
She reached for the tent peg,
her right hand for the workman's hammer.
She struck Sisera and crushed his skull;
she shattered and pierced his temple.
At her feet he collapsed, he fell,
there he lay still;
at her feet he collapsed, he fell;
where he collapsed, there he fell dead.

So sang Deborah, “a mother in Israel.” We might think this a most unmotherly notion. Does it not contradict the purpose of the Gospel? By no means. As P. J. Hoedemaker makes clear, while God is merciful He is also just, and during the Age of the Judges called upon His people to execute that judgment. Just as He will call His people to execute judgment over the 12 tribes of Israel (Matthew 19: 28), and over the world and the angels (1 Corinthians 6: 2–3).
Contrary to the usual perception, the Age of the Judges constituted a major step forward in this program. For in it, judgment begins in the house of God (1 Peter 4: 17), a judgment which brings about mercy and redemption. What appear to be a series of failures are actually stepping stones to a greater and higher salvation. Hoedemaker unfolds this tale with a masterful hand.