Seminary
Lesson 65: Judges 2–4—“Turning to the Lord for Deliverance”
Jesus Christ healing at the pool of Bethesda

Judges 2–4; Judges 6–8: Lesson 65

Judges 2–4

“Turning to the Lord for Deliverance”

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

After the children of Israel entered the promised land, they chose to disobey the Lord’s commandment to drive out all of the wicked inhabitants. As a result, many Israelites adopted the wicked practices of these people and lost the Lord’s protection. However, each time the Israelites cried unto the Lord for deliverance, He “raised up a deliverer” for them (Judges 3:9). This lesson can help you understand the Savior’s role as your Deliverer.

Study the Scriptures

See if you can find the next two numbers in each of the following sequences:

  1. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12,

  2. 1, 3, 7, 13, 21, 31,

  3. 1, 4, 3, 6, 5, 8, 7,

Were you able to find the pattern for each? Here is how to solve each one: A: +2; B: +2, +4, +6, and so on; C: +3, −1, +3, −1

Understanding patterns can help us navigate life. Today as you study a spiritual pattern the Israelites experienced in the book of Judges, think about how it could apply to your life.

When the Israelites entered the promised land, the Lord commanded them to drive out the wicked inhabitants (see Deuteronomy 7:1–4). Many Israelites chose not to fully obey this commandment. In Judges 2–4, we learn about a spiritual pattern, or cycle, the Israelites experienced because they repeatedly failed to follow Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

notebook iconDraw the following chart in your notebook. Or write the numbers 1 through 4.

Sin chart

Add the following items to the corresponding steps in the cycle:

  1. Sin

  2. Consequences

  3. Cry unto the Lord

  4. Deliverance through the Lord

Read Judges 2:10–18. Mark in different colors the verses that represent the four steps. You may also want to make a note next to the verses that illustrate each step in the cycle.

One way to identify principles is to use if-then statements. Finish the following statements:

  • If we choose to reject the Lord, then …

  • If we choose to turn to the Lord, then …

The remainder of this lesson focuses on this principle: If we choose to turn to the Lord, then He will deliver us.

notebook iconLook again at the cycle of deliverance. Consider where you feel you are in the cycle. Think about how you might receive deliverance through Jesus Christ. Record your thoughts next to your drawing.

One of the titles of the Savior is Deliverer (see 2 Samuel 22:2). Elder Kyle S. McKay of the Seventy testified how Jesus Christ is the Great Deliverer.

11:39
Elder Kyle S. McKay

I bear witness that Jesus Christ is the Great Deliverer, and in His name, I promise that as you turn to Him with real intent and full purpose of heart, He will deliver you from everything that threatens to diminish or destroy your life or joy. (The Immediate Goodness of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 107)

To learn more about what the Savior delivers us from, study two or more of the following resources:

notebook icon Write in your notebook ways that the Savior can deliver you.

Different cultures. When reading the Old Testament, as with any history, you’re likely to read about people doing or saying things that, to modern eyes, seem strange or even troubling. Some actions in the stories about Deborah may seem harsh. But remember, these people lived in different cultures and under different circumstances. As you study, you will find eternal truths that apply to all circumstances.

How does Deborah’s example of looking to the Lord help us understand Jesus Christ’s role as our Deliverer?

mark icon Read Judges 4:4–9, 14–23. You could also watch the video “Deborah the Prophetess” (2:10). As you do, mark what Deborah said or did that helped Israel trust in the Lord for deliverance.

2:9

notebook iconRecord in your notebook what you learned about the Savior from Deborah. You could finish the following sentence: “Deborah taught that Jesus Christ can …”

Now What?

President Russell M. Nelson stated:

President Russell M. Nelson

He will “deliver us; yea, insomuch that he [will] speak peace to our souls, and [will] grant unto us great faith, and … cause us that we [can] hope for our deliverance in him.” (“Embrace the Future with Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 76)

notebook iconIn your notebook, complete the following exercises:

  1. Create a scenario about a young person who needs the Savior’s deliverance from a certain situation.

  2. Write a paragraph that summarizes what you have learned about how the Savior can deliver this person.

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you understand the Savior’s role as your Deliverer.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • Your completed cycle drawing. Include ways you have seen the Savior offer deliverance to you or others.

  • The scenario and summary you created in the “Now What?” section.

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?