Many words may be used to describe the role of the judges, including leader, deliverer or even prophet. "Then the Lord raised up judges, who saved them {Israelites} out of the hands of these raiders." Judges 2:16

SEARCHING OUR MEMORY:

1. Discuss how you applied last week's lesson from the Searching our Lives suggestions of last week.

SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURE: Read Judges 3

2. What group of Israelites were being tested and why?

3. What nations of Canaan were left for this test?

4. What were the results of the Israelites being among these nations?

5. Why was God angry with Israel in verses 7 & 8?

6. To whom was Israel sold and for how long?

7. When did God send help?

8. Who did God raise up to save the people?

9. 1. What did we learn about Othniel in chapter 1:13-15?

   2. How was he twice related to Caleb?

10. How do we know the Lord was with Othniel?

11. What enemy did Othniel over power?

12. 1. How long was there peace in Israel?

    2. When did the peace end?

13. Who was Eglon?

14. 1. Who gave Eglon power over Israel? Why?

    2. For how long?

15. What was called the city of Palms?

16. Whom did God send to deliver Israel in verse 15?

17. How did being left handed become a military advantage?

18. In your own words tell of the death of Eglon.

19. After Eglon's death where did Ehud go?

    How do we know he was a leader?

    How many Moabites were killed?

    How many survived?

    How long did Israel have power over Moab?

20. Verse 31 tells about the next judge of Israel. Who was he?

    Who did he kill and how many?

    What was his weapon?

SEARCHING OUR HEARTS:

21. How are some ways we hinder God's working in our lives? Discuss.

22. Othniel had the "Spirit of the Lord". What do we have?

23. Ehud used his lefthandedness. How do you use your uniqueness for the Lord (education, health, lack of health, personality, etc.)?

24. If you were like Shamgar and would only have one verse written about you what do you think it would say?

    What would you like it to say?

SEARCHING OUR LIVES:

This week try to apply this lesson to your life by doing at least one of the following and report to the class next week:

1. This week write a friend and tell them how you see them using their unique talent for God.

2. Don't wait years like the Israelites did to ask for God's help with a problem that is hindering you in your service to Him. Do it this week.

3. Israel had a problem of forgetting God. What can you do this week to remind others about how good God is? Share what extra effort you put forth and how much courage it took.