Week 17 Reading Guide
When Everyone Does What is Right in Their Own Eyes
Judges 12-21
Big Idea: Judges 12–21 reveals the devastating consequences of a society without godly leadership. As “everyone did what was right in their own eyes,” Israel spiraled into moral and spiritual chaos. This darkness points to our need for a true and righteous King. Jesus is that King — the one who rules with justice, mercy, and perfect love. Through Him, we are brought from the chaos of sin into the peace of His kingdom.
Reading Plan
Monday: Judges 12 (Jephthah’s Leadership; Minor Judges)
Tuesday: Judges 13-14 (The Birth and Early Life of Samson)
Wednesday: Judges 15-16 (Samson’s Triumphs and Failures)
Thursday: Judges 17-18 (Micah’s Idols and the Danite Migration)
Friday: Judges 19 (The Levite and His Concubine)
Saturday: Judges 20-21 (The Civil War Against Benjamin; Israel’s Lament)
Weekly DNA Questions
Discover
How do you see the consequences of moral relativism and lack of godly leadership in the world today?
Nurture
The events in Judges reveal both the brokenness of humanity and the patience of God. How do you wrestle with the tension between human sin and God’s justice and mercy?
Act
Pray for godly leaders in your family, church, and community this week. How can you encourage or support them in their work?
Key Verse: Judges 21:25
In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever seemed right to him.
Reflection for the Week
How does the brokenness in Judges reveal what happens when people reject God’s leadership? In what ways does this point to our need for Jesus as our righteous King? Reflect on areas in your life where you may be tempted to follow your own way instead of submitting to Christ. How can you daily choose to follow Jesus and live under His loving rule?
Bible Project Resources
Guide to the book of Judges: The book of Judges explores humanity’s tendency to trust themselves over God and do what is right in their own eyes. This habit highlights humanity’s need for God’s grace and a future king who will rescue people from their self-centeredness.
Judges and Messianic Hope: Discover how the Book of Judges, far from showcasing heroes, exposes Israel's moral collapse and points to the need for a true king to rescue them from themselves.