He Gave Them Judges: Jesus in the Book of Judges

by Luke Walker

Seven elite warriors, seven foreshadows of Christ... Judges is action-packed, and among the most exciting books of the Bible to read. And yet, for all the well known characters and stories, much of its rich Christological nature is missed. But Christ is here, lurking in the shadows. This book takes up seven of the judges and explores their nature as types and shadows of the Lord Jesus Christ and his saving work. Endorsement from Dr. Richard "My friend Luke Walker has written a wonderful book for pastors and the people they lead, as well as for unbelievers. The subtitle, Jesus in the Book of Judges, tips readers as to the direction of the discussion. Walker finds aspects of our Lord’s person and work prefigured in the persons and actions of the Judges, and I think he is right to do so. One of the many treats of this book is the vignettes into the hermeneutical method utilized throughout. Viewing the Old Testament as God preparing the world for the incarnation, sufferings, and glory of the Son of God, this book helps readers understand not only that God prepared the world for Christ but how. Historical figures and their acts often point beyond them to a much greater figure and his much greater acts. The historical figures and some of their acts pointing to the future find their terminus or target in our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is the bull’s eye of Holy Scripture, everything in it pointing to Him (the OT) or explaining the fact that He has come (the NT). The end of the biblical narrative is much better than its beginning and middle, but the end is hinted at all along the way in persons, places, institutions, and events. I highly recommend 'He Gave Them Judges.'" Richard C. Barcellos, Ph.D. Grace Reformed Baptist Church, Palmdale, CA Author of "Better than the Creation in Biblical Perspective"

132 pages, Paperback

Published May 18, 2017

Reviews

[Laramie Gildon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and being able to see the shadows of Christ within the judges. I'm thankful for men and women who seek to expound upon scripture in a faithful manner that points us to Christ. This book is well worth reading and I plan on buying a couple of copies for friends and our church.

[Jeremy Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short interesting read. The author walks the reader through the book of Judges touching on some of the main characters and situations that are found in the Bible.

The author's goal is to show how the story of Jesus can be found in various ways throughout the book of Judges. He spends his time on showing similarities between what happened the the Judges and what happened with Jesus. I am a big fan of the book of Judges, one of my favorite books of the Bible, but it can be dangerous to attempt to connect every persons situations with Christ's life. Speculative theology and imagery can be interesting, and the author definitely did a good job of drawing similarities between the Judges and the life of Christ. But, caution should be used when drawing conclusions that are not explicitly drawn by scripture itself.

Good book, worth reading.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially loved the chapter in Samson, but they’re all awesome. Great insight into the book of Judges and how they all point to Christ.

“Why do believers suffer? After all, aren’t we forgiven? We suffer so that God may show his surpassing power in bringing good out of evil even in our own little lives. We are sojourners in this life, and when we gather in the heavenly city we will find ourselves saying, “Out of evil, he brought good. Out of my suffering, he brought me joy. Out of trial, he made me holy. And out of death he brought me here, to glory!””

[Nathan White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful little book that focuses on how the Judges in the book of Judges find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Brief and easy to read, full of catchy illustrations and biting humor, this is one of those books that's great for young and old alike (some chapters might warrant parental guidance!). Walker has an amazing way with words, and this proved to be a valuable source as I preached through the Judges.

[Gabriel Mahalik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book that covers all of the major judges from the book of Judges. Walker in a witty and engaging, yet deeply theological way, shows Christ in all of the judges that he covers. I found myself worshiping in reading this, as I beheld the Ultimate Deliverer who was perfect and lives forever. The One who didn’t “start to save us” from a temporary enemy, but finished saving us from an eternal enemy.

I would recommend letting this supplement your study on Judges.

[Nerdy Theologians · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a top 10 book for me, and I recommend it to everyone I meet (friend or foe).