This Bible Quiz on Judges Chapter 1-21 features 100 thought-provoking questions carefully crafted to cover almost all the chapters in the book of Judges.
Each multiple choice question is followed by five possible answers, giving you ample opportunity to challenge your knowledge and understanding of this Book of Judges Chapter 1-21.
Keep in mind, this Bible Quiz on Judges Chapter 1-21 is meant to be tricky, so ensure you cross-reference with Book of Judges in the KJV Bible to validate your answers at the end of the entire questions.
All right, let’s dive into the deep waters of the book of Judges Chapter 1-21!
(READ ALSO: The Book of Judges Summary by Chapter (1-21): Concise and Comprehensive)
The Book of Judges Quiz
Here are 100 captivating quiz questions inspired by the Book of Judges, each followed by its correct answer. Please select your response before reviewing the accurate answer provided below.
100 Bible Quiz on Judges Chapter 1-21
Question 1: In Judges 1, who takes the lead in going up against the Canaanites after the death of Joshua?
a. The tribe of Dan.
b. The tribe of Benjamin.
c. The tribe of Ephraim.
d. The tribe of Levi.
e. The tribe of Judah.
Answer:
e. The tribe of Judah.
Explanation:
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquire of the Lord who should go up against the Canaanites first to fight them. The Lord responds that Judah shall go up, indicating that this tribe takes the lead in the initial battles against the remaining Canaanites in the land.
Question 2: In Judges 3, who is the first judge to deliver Israel from its oppressors?
a. Ehud.
b. Othniel.
c. Deborah.
d. Gideon.
e. Samson.
Answer:
b. Othniel.
Explanation:
Othniel, the nephew of Caleb, becomes the first judge to deliver Israel. The Israelites are oppressed by King Cushan-Rishathaim of Aram, and when the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel as a deliverer. Othniel goes to war, and the Lord gives Cushan-Rishathaim into his hand, bringing peace to the land for 40 years.
Question 3: In Judges 4, who is the prophetess that leads Israel at the time of Jabin’s oppression?
a. Rahab.
b. Esther.
c. Miriam.
d. Deborah.
e. Huldah.
Answer:
d. Deborah.
Explanation:
Deborah is the prophetess and judge leading Israel during the time of oppression by King Jabin of Canaan. She sends for Barak and instructs him to lead an attack against Jabin’s army, led by Sisera. Deborah’s leadership and prophecy play a crucial role in the victory over the Canaanites.
Question 4: In Judges 6, who is called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites?
a. Jephthah.
b. Gideon.
c. Samson.
d. Abimelech.
e. Ibzan.
Answer:
b. Gideon.
Explanation:
God calls Gideon to deliver Israel from the Midianites in Judges 6. Gideon is initially hesitant, questioning his strength and the state of Israel, but through various signs and assurances, God confirms his calling. Gideon then goes on to lead a small army to a miraculous victory over the Midianites, emphasizing God’s power and Gideon’s leadership.
Question 5: In Judges 7, how does Gideon reduce his army from 32,000 men to 300?
a. By sending home those who are fearful and afraid.
b. By selecting only those who lap water like a dog with their tongue.
c. By conducting a test of skill and bravery.
d. Both a and b
e. Both b and c.
Answer:
d. Both a and b.
Explanation:
In Judges 7, God instructs Gideon to reduce his army so that Israel might not boast against Him that their own strength had saved them. First, Gideon sends home those who are fearful and afraid, reducing the number from 32,000 to 10,000. Then, he further reduces the army by observing how the men drink water from a river, keeping only the 300 men who lap it with their hands to their mouths. These 300 men go on to achieve a remarkable victory over the Midianites.
Question 6: Who is the left-handed man that delivers Israel from Eglon, the king of Moab, in Judges 3?
a. Shamgar.
b. Ehud.
c. Elon.
d. Abdon.
e. Tola.
Answer:
b. Ehud.
Explanation:
Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, is the deliverer who frees Israel from Eglon, the king of Moab, in Judges 3. He makes himself a double-edged sword and hides it on his right thigh, under his clothing. Ehud then goes to present a tribute to Eglon and afterwards claims to have a secret message for him. Once they are alone, Ehud kills Eglon, escapes, and leads Israel to victory against the Moabites.
Question 7: In Judges 5, who sings a song celebrating the victory over Sisera and his army?
a. Deborah and Barak.
b. Jael and Heber.
c. Gideon and his men.
d. Samson and Delilah.
e. Ruth and Naomi.
Answer:
a. Deborah and Barak.
Explanation:
In Judges 5, after the defeat of Sisera and his army, Deborah and Barak sing a song celebrating the victory. This song, known as the Song of Deborah, recounts the courage of the leaders and the people who volunteered to fight, praises the Lord for the victory, and narrates the dramatic downfall of Sisera, who is killed by Jael. The song is a poetic and triumphant recounting of the battle and the divine intervention that led to their victory.
Question 8: Who is the woman who kills Sisera by driving a tent peg through his temple in Judges 4?
a. Rahab.
b. Deborah.
c. Jael.
d. Delilah.
e. Ruth.
Answer:
c. Jael.
Explanation:
Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, is the woman who kills Sisera in Judges 4. After Sisera flees the battlefield and seeks refuge in Jael’s tent, she gives him milk and covers him. When Sisera is fast asleep, Jael takes a tent peg and a hammer and drives the peg through Sisera’s temple into the ground, effectively killing him and delivering Israel from his oppression.
Question 9: In Judges 9, who becomes king over Israel after Gideon’s death and leads them into conflict and tyranny?
a. Abimelech.
b. Jotham.
c. Tola.
d. Jair.
e. Ibzan.
Answer:
a. Abimelech.
Explanation:
Abimelech, one of Gideon’s sons, becomes king over Israel after Gideon’s death in Judges 9. His rise to power involves treachery and violence, including the killing of his 70 brothers to eliminate rivals. Abimelech’s reign leads to conflict and tyranny, ultimately resulting in his downfall and a cautionary tale about the dangers of unrighteous rule and the pursuit of power at any cost.
Question 10: In Judges 11, who is the judge that makes a rash vow leading to a tragic outcome with his daughter?
a. Jephthah.
b. Samson.
c. Elon.
d. Ibzan.
e. Abdon.
Answer:
a. Jephthah.
Explanation:
Jephthah, a judge of Israel in Judges 11, makes a rash vow to the Lord before going into battle against the Ammonites. He promises that if God gives him victory, he will sacrifice whatever comes out of his house to greet him upon his return. Unfortunately, his daughter, his only child, is the first to come out to meet him. The story concludes with the tragic fulfillment of his vow, leading to her commemoration and highlighting the dire consequences of thoughtless promises and vows made to God.
Question 11: In Judges 2, who is the angel that appears to the Israelites at Bochim, and what message does he deliver?
a. Guardian Angel; he instructs them to build an altar.
b. Michael; he rebukes them for not practicing justice through out the land but are full of wickedness and lust.
c. Michael; he encourages them to remain faithful to God.
d. Guardian Angel; he rebukes them for not obeying God’s command to drive out the inhabitants of the land.
e. Angel of the Lord; he rebukes them for not obeying God’s command to drive out the inhabitants of the land.
Answer:
e. Angel of the Lord; he rebukes them for not obeying God’s command to drive out the inhabitants of the land.
Explanation:
In Judges 2, the angel of the Lord appears to the Israelites at Bochim and delivers a message of rebuke. He reminds them of God’s command to not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land and to tear down their altars. However, the Israelites have not obeyed God’s voice. This disobedience prompts the angel to declare that God will not drive out the inhabitants before them, and they will become thorns in their sides, and their gods will be a snare to them.
Question 12: Which judge in Judges 3 defeats the Moabites using a double-edged sword he made himself?
a. Gideon.
b. Shamgar.
c. Othniel.
d. Ehud.
e. Samson.
Answer:
d. Ehud.
Explanation:
Ehud, a judge in Judges 3, defeats the Moabites using a double-edged sword he made himself. Ehud is left-handed, which allows him to hide the sword on his right thigh and carry it undetected into the presence of Eglon, the king of Moab. Ehud then uses the sword to kill Eglon, leading to Israel’s victory over the Moabites.
Question 13: In Judges 4, what is the role of Barak in the battle against Jabin’s army?
a. He serves as Deborah’s advisor.
b. He is the commander in chief of Jabin’s army.
c. He is the commander of the Israelite army.
d. He is a spy for the Israelites.
e. He negotiates a peace treaty with Jabin.
Answer:
c. He is the commander of the Israelite army.
Explanation:
Barak plays a key role in Judges 4 as the commander of the Israelite army in the battle against Jabin, king of Canaan, and his commander Sisera. At the urging of Deborah, the prophetess and judge of Israel, Barak leads the troops to Mount Tabor. He initially hesitates to go into battle without Deborah, reflecting his reliance on her prophetic guidance. Under Barak’s command, and with God’s help, the Israelites achieve a decisive victory.
Question 14: What unusual weapon does Shamgar use to kill 600 Philistines in Judges 3?
a. A jawbone of a donkey.
b. A wooden staff.
c. A slingshot and stones.
d. An oxgoad.
e. A sharpened plowshare.
Answer:
d. An oxgoad.
Explanation:
Shamgar, mentioned briefly in Judges 3, uses an oxgoad to kill 600 Philistines. An oxgoad is a long, pointed stick used for prodding oxen, which Shamgar repurposes as a weapon. This feat is noted for its unusual nature, demonstrating how Shamgar, with limited resources, delivers Israel from their enemies through courage and ingenuity.
Question 15: Who betrays Samson to the Philistines by revealing the secret of his strength in Judges 16?
a. Delilah.
b. Jael.
c. Deborah.
d. Rahab.
e. Tamar.
Answer:
a. Delilah.
Explanation:
In Judges 16, Delilah betrays Samson to the Philistines by discovering and revealing the secret of his strength. After being persuaded by the Philistine rulers with the promise of a substantial reward, Delilah coaxes Samson into revealing that his strength lies in his uncut hair. Once she has this information, she arranges for a Philistine to shave Samson’s hair while he sleeps, leading to his capture and subsequent downfall.
Question 16: In Judges 6, what sign does Gideon ask for from God to prove that He will save Israel by his hand?
a. Mist around a fleece but not on the sky, and then the reverse.
b. Parting of the sea.
c. Dew on a fleece but not on the ground, and then the reverse.
d. Thunder and lightning.
e. A voice from heaven.
Answer:
c. Dew on a fleece but not on the ground, and then the reverse.
Explanation:
In Judges 6, Gideon asks for a sign from God to confirm that He will save Israel through Gideon’s leadership. Gideon places a fleece of wool on the threshing floor and asks that dew fall only on the fleece and not on the ground around it. When this happens, he asks for a second sign: this time, the fleece should remain dry while the ground around it is covered in dew. God grants both signs, confirming His promise and Gideon’s role in delivering Israel.
Question 17: In Judges 9, what parable does Jotham tell the people of Shechem to warn them about Abimelech?
a. The parable of the trees seeking a king.
b. The parable of the vineyard and the tenants.
c. The parable of the sower.
d. The parable of the lost sheep.
e. The parable of the wise and foolish builders.
Answer:
a. The parable of the trees seeking a king.
Explanation:
Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, tells the parable of the trees seeking a king to the people of Shechem in Judges 9. In this parable, the trees ask the olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine to be their king, but each declines. Finally, the bramble agrees to be king under the condition that they take refuge in its shade, but if not, it threatens to destroy the cedars of Lebanon. This parable symbolizes the folly of the people in choosing Abimelech, a bramble-like leader, warning them of the destructive consequences of their choice.
Question 18: How is Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, killed in Judges 4?
a. In battle by Barak’s sword.
b. He is struck by lightning.
c. He is crushed under a collapsing wall.
d. He is killed by Jael with a tent peg.
e. He drowns while fleeing.
Answer:
d. He is killed by Jael with a tent peg.
Explanation:
Sisera, the commander of King Jabin’s army, meets his end at the hands of Jael in Judges 4. After fleeing from the battlefield, Sisera seeks refuge in the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. Jael gives him milk and covers him, and as he sleeps, she takes a tent peg and a hammer and drives the peg through his temple into the ground, killing him. This act leads to the defeat of King Jabin’s army and the liberation of Israel from his oppression.
Question 19: Who leads Israel to victory over the Midianites in Judges 7 with only 300 men?
a. Samson.
b. Gideon.
c. Jephthah.
d. Othniel.
e. Ehud.
Answer:
b. Gideon.
Explanation:
In Judges 7, Gideon leads Israel to victory over the Midianites with only 300 men. After reducing his army from 32,000 to 300 through a series of tests, Gideon and his men, armed with trumpets and jars with torches inside, surround the Midianite camp. They break the jars, blow the trumpets, and shout, causing confusion and panic in the enemy camp. The Midianites turn on each other, leading to a significant victory for Israel with a comparatively tiny force, demonstrating that the victory was due to God’s power, not human strength.
Question 20: In Judges 10, who are the two minor judges mentioned that ruled Israel before Jephthah?
a. Ibzan and Elon.
b. Tola and Jair.
c. Shamgar and Abdon.
d. Ehud and Shamgar.
e. Abimelech and Tola.
Answer:
b. Tola and Jair.
Explanation:
In Judges 10, before the account of Jephthah, two minor judges, Tola and Jair, are mentioned as ruling Israel. Tola, who arises after Abimelech, leads Israel for 23 years. After Tola, Jair leads Israel for 22 years. These brief accounts provide continuity in the cyclical pattern of Israel’s history during the time of the judges, indicating periods of relative peace and stability between the more detailed narratives of major judges and national crises.
Question 21: In Judges 12, what unique word is used as a test to distinguish Ephraimites from Gileadites?
a. Euphrata
b. Manna.
c. Jordan.
d. Shibboleth.
e. Gilead.
Answer:
d. Shibboleth.
Explanation:
In Judges 12, during the conflict between the Ephraimites and the Gileadites, the Gileadites use the word “Shibboleth” as a test to distinguish Ephraimites from Gileadites. The Ephraimites could not pronounce the word correctly, saying “Sibboleth” instead. This pronunciation difference led to the identification and subsequent slaying of 42,000 Ephraimites by the Gileadites.
Question 22: What is Samson’s source of strength, and how is it eventually taken from him in Judges 16?
a. His sword; it is stolen.
b. His eyesight; it is blinded.
c. His hair; it is cut.
d. His armor; it is broken.
e. His covenant with God; it is broken.
Answer:
c. His hair; it is cut.
Explanation:
In Judges 16, Samson’s source of strength is his hair, which has never been cut since he is a Nazirite dedicated to God from birth. Delilah, whom he loves, is persuaded by the Philistines to discover the secret of his strength. After three failed attempts, she finally coaxes the truth from him. While he sleeps, Delilah has a man shave off the seven locks of his hair, and Samson’s strength leaves him. The Philistines then capture, blind, and imprison him.
Question 23: Who is the only female judge mentioned in the Book of Judges?
a. Miriam.
b. Deborah.
c. Jael.
d. Ruth.
e. Huldah.
Answer:
b. Deborah.
Explanation:
Deborah is the only female judge mentioned in the Book of Judges. In Judges 4-5, she is depicted as a prophetess and a leader of Israel who advises Barak to lead the army into successful combat against the Canaanite commander Sisera. Deborah’s wisdom, courage, and leadership are celebrated in the Song of Deborah, a victory hymn found in Judges 5.
Question 24: In Judges 11, to whom does Jephthah make a rash vow, and what is the outcome?
a. To the people of Ammon; he defeats them but loses his daughter.
b. To the Lord; he sacrifices his daughter as a burnt offering.
c. To the Gileadites; he becomes their leader.
d. To the king of Moab; he gains territory.
e. To the elders of Gilead; he wins the battle but is exiled.
Answer:
b. To the Lord; he sacrifices his daughter as a burnt offering.
Explanation:
In Judges 11, before going into battle against the Ammonites, Jephthah makes a rash vow to the Lord that if he is given victory, he will sacrifice whatever comes out of his house to greet him upon his return as a burnt offering. Jephthah wins the battle, but upon returning home, his only child, his daughter, comes out to meet him with tambourines and dancing. The story concludes tragically with Jephthah fulfilling his vow, sacrificing his daughter after allowing her two months to mourn her virginity with her friends.
Question 25: How does Gideon prove to the Israelites that Baal is powerless in Judges 6?
a. He challenges Baal’s prophets to call down fire from heaven.
b. He destroys Baal’s altar and builds one to the Lord.
c. He survives an assassination attempt by Baal’s priests.
d. He wins a battle without any weapons, just torches and trumpets.
e. He prays for rain during a drought, and it rains.
Answer:
b. He destroys Baal’s altar and builds one to the Lord.
Explanation:
In Judges 6, Gideon proves that Baal is powerless by destroying the altar of Baal at night as instructed by God. He then builds an altar to the Lord in its place and prepares a bull as a sacrifice using the wood of the Asherah pole that was beside the altar of Baal. When the people of the town discover what he has done, they call for his death, but Gideon’s father defends him, suggesting that if Baal is a god, he can defend himself. When Baal does not respond or retaliate, it demonstrates his impotence compared to the Lord.
Question 26: What unusual method does Gideon use to reduce his army from 32,000 to 300 in Judges 7?
a. By choosing those who are not afraid.
b. By selecting those who lap water like dogs.
c. Both a and b.
d. By casting lots.
e. All of the above.
Answer:
c. Both a and b.
Explanation:
In Judges 7, Gideon reduces his army from 32,000 to 300 using two methods as directed by God. First, he allows all those who are afraid to go home, reducing the number to 10,000. Then, he further reduces the number by observing how the men drink water from the river: those who kneel to drink are sent home, while those who lap the water with their hands to their mouths are kept. Ultimately, 300 men who lap the water like dogs are chosen, emphasizing the Lord’s desire to demonstrate that the upcoming victory is due to divine power, not human strength.
Question 27: In Judges 13, who is the mother of Samson, and what is unique about his birth?
a. A nameless woman of Aljalon; she is barren before an angel announces Samson’s birth.
b. A nameless woman of Zorah; she is barren before an angel announces Samson’s birth.
c. Deborah; he is prophesied to be a judge.
d. Jael; he is the first of many mighty warriors she will bear.
e. A nameless woman of Hebron; she is barren before an angel announces Samson’s birth.
Answer:
b. A nameless woman of Zorah; she is barren before an angel announces Samson’s birth.
Explanation:
In Judges 13, the mother of Samson is a nameless woman from Zorah, the wife of Manoah. She is initially barren, but an angel of the Lord appears to her and announces that she will conceive and give birth to a son. The angel instructs her to follow certain Nazirite vows because the child will be dedicated to God from the womb and is destined to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. This announcement and the subsequent birth of Samson are marked by divine intervention and the miraculous nature of his conception and purpose.
Question 28: Who is the Canaanite king defeated by Deborah and Barak in Judges 4?
a. Sisera.
b. Jabin.
c. Eglon.
d. Cushan-Rishathaim.
e. Abimelech.
Answer:
b. Jabin.
Explanation:
In Judges 4, Deborah and Barak defeat Jabin, the king of Canaan, whose army is led by the commander Sisera. Jabin has been oppressing the Israelites for twenty years. Deborah, a prophetess and judge, instructs Barak to lead the Israelite army against Jabin’s forces. The Lord grants them victory, leading to the death of Sisera by Jael’s hand and ultimately to the downfall of King Jabin’s oppressive reign.
Question 29: What is the significant act of Jael in the story of Deborah and Barak in Judges 4?
a. She leads the Israelite army after Deborah.
b. She sings a victory song with Deborah.
c. She kills Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army.
d. She betrays Israel to King Jabin.
e. She prophesies the end of Canaanite oppression.
Answer:
c. She kills Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army.
Explanation:
In the story of Deborah and Barak in Judges 4, Jael plays a pivotal role by killing Sisera, the commander of King Jabin’s army. After Sisera flees from the battle and seeks refuge in Jael’s tent, she offers him hospitality. However, when Sisera falls asleep, Jael takes a tent peg and a hammer and drives the peg through his temple into the ground, effectively killing him. This act leads to the defeat of Jabin’s army and the liberation of Israel from his oppression.
Question 30: In Judges 17-18, what does the story of Micah and the Levite illustrate about Israel during the time of the judges?
a. The unity and strength of Israel.
b. The spiritual and moral decline of Israel.
c. The prosperity and wealth of Israel.
d. The international relations between Israel and neighboring nations.
e. The effectiveness of the Levitical priesthood.
Answer:
b. The spiritual and moral decline of Israel.
Explanation:
The story of Micah and the Levite in Judges 17-18 illustrates the spiritual and moral decline of Israel during the time of the judges. Micah sets up his own shrine with an ephod and household gods and ordains his son as a priest, later replacing him with a Levite who agrees to become his personal priest. This account, along with the subsequent theft of Micah’s idols and the Levite by the tribe of Dan, reflects the confusion, idolatry, and lack of centralized worship and leadership in Israel. The refrain “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” underscores the anarchy and religious decay of the period.
Question 31: In Judges 14, what riddle does Samson pose to the Philistines during his wedding feast?
a. “What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?”
b. “What is faster than an eagle? What is mightier than the sea?”
c. “What goes on all fours in the morning, two at noon, and three in the evening?”
d. “Out of the eater came something to eat. Out of the strong came something sweet.”
e. “Who can count the dust of Jacob, or number the fourth part of Israel?”
Answer:
d. “Out of the eater came something to eat. Out of the strong came something sweet.”
Explanation:
During his wedding feast, Samson poses a riddle to the Philistines that stems from his earlier encounter with a lion, which he had killed with his bare hands. When he later passes by the carcass, he sees bees and honey inside it and eats from it. The riddle, “Out of the eater came something to eat. Out of the strong came something sweet,” refers to the lion as the eater and the strong, and the honey as the sweet thing that came out of it. The Philistines, unable to solve the riddle, threaten Samson’s wife into coaxing the answer from him.
Question 32: Who is the father of Samson, and what is his reaction to the announcement of Samson’s birth in Judges 13?
a. Elkanah; he is skeptical and fearful.
b. Manoah; he is initially frightened.
c. Joash; he doubts the angel’s message.
d. Axtophel; he rejoices and prepares for Samson’s future.
e. Zorah; he is indifferent and dismissive.
Answer:
b. Manoah; he is initially frightened.
Explanation:
In Judges 13, Manoah is identified as the father of Samson. When an angel of the Lord appears to his wife and then to both of them, announcing the birth of Samson and the Nazirite vows he must keep, Manoah is initially frightened, especially after realizing they have seen an angel. However, he responds by offering a sacrifice to the Lord, seeking to honor and obey the divine message regarding his son’s special consecration and future as a deliverer of Israel.
Question 33: In Judges 15, how does Samson retaliate against the Philistines for burning his wife and her father?
a. He calls upon the Israelites to wage war.
b. He sets the Philistine fields on fire using foxes.
c. He challenges the Philistine champions to single combat.
d. He prays for a natural disaster to strike them.
e. He destroys their city with supernatural strength.
Answer:
b. He sets the Philistine fields on fire using foxes.
Explanation:
In Judges 15, as retaliation for the Philistines burning his wife and her father, Samson engages in a unique act of revenge. He captures 300 foxes, ties their tails together in pairs, and attaches a torch to each pair of tails. He then releases the foxes into the standing grain of the Philistines, setting fire to both the grain and the vineyards and olive groves. This act of destruction is a direct response to the personal injustice he suffered and escalates the conflict between him and the Philistines.
Question 34: What is the significance of the place called “En Hakkore” in the story of Samson in Judges 15?
a. It is where Samson was born.
b. It is where he slew a thousand Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone.
c. It is where he prayed for water, and God provided it.
d. It is the site of his final battle with the Philistines.
e. It is where he took his Nazirite vow.
Answer:
c. It is where he prayed for water, and God provided it.
Explanation:
In Judges 15, after Samson has defeated a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey, he becomes very thirsty and calls out to the Lord. He is in a desperate state, fearing death from thirst after the exertion of the battle. God responds by splitting open a hollow place in Lehi, and water comes out. Samson drinks, his strength returns, and he revives. The place is then called En Hakkore, which means “the spring of the caller” in recognition of how Samson’s plea was answered by God.
Question 35: In Judges 17, what does Micah do that reflects the religious disorder in Israel at the time?
a. He leads a rebellion against the priesthood ,stating that sacrifices can be eating by anyone.
b. He started the worship ephod and household gods.
c. He openly defies the laws of Moses.
d. He wants to become a priest himself, despite not being a Levite.
e. He prophesies the fall of Israel due to their sins.
Answer:
b. He started the worship ephod and household gods.
Explanation:
In Judges 17, Micah establishes his own place of worship, which reflects the religious disorder and syncretism prevalent in Israel during the time of the judges. He creates an ephod and some idols, essentially setting up a shrine in his house. He then ordains one of his sons as a priest and later hires a Levite to act as his personal priest. This individualized and improper worship practice illustrates the widespread departure from the centralized worship of God and adherence to the Law, encapsulating the era’s theme where “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
Question 36: What event leads to the civil war against the tribe of Benjamin in Judges 20?
a. The kidnapping of an Israelite woman by the Benjaminites.
b. The refusal of Benjamin to hand over the men of Gibeah who committed an atrocity.
c. The refusal of Benjamin to hand over the men of Zebulun who committed an atrocity.
d. The refusal of Benjamin to hand over the men of Ekron who committed an atrocity.
e. None of the above
Answer:
b. The refusal of Benjamin to hand over the men of Gibeah who committed an atrocity.
Explanation:
In Judges 20, the event that leads to the civil war against the tribe of Benjamin is their refusal to hand over the men of Gibeah who committed a heinous crime. A Levite’s concubine is brutally abused and dies as a result of being offered to a mob in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin. When the Levite disseminates pieces of her body throughout Israel, the tribes assemble and demand justice. The tribe of Benjamin refuses to surrender the perpetrators, leading to a tragic and bloody conflict between Benjamin and the rest of the Israelite tribes.
Question 37: How is Jephthah described before he becomes a judge of Israel in Judges 11?
a. A wealthy and influential leader, but kind and generous.
b. A mighty warrior, but the son of a prostitute.
c. A devout priest in the line of Aaron.
d. A humble farmer with a large family, poor and oppressed.
e. A scholar and teacher of the Law.
Answer:
b. A mighty warrior, but the son of a prostitute.
Explanation:
Jephthah is described in Judges 11 as a mighty warrior, but he is also the son of a prostitute. He is driven out of his home by his half-brothers who do not want to share their inheritance with him due to his mother’s status. Jephthah lives in the land of Tob, where a group of worthless men gather around him. Despite his initial rejection and the circumstances of his birth, Jephthah rises to become a leader and judge of Israel, chosen to confront the Ammonites.
Question 38: In Judges 18, what tribe is seeking an inheritance and ends up taking the idols and priest from Micah’s house?
a. The tribe of Dan.
b. The tribe of Judah.
c. The tribe of Benjamin.
d. The tribe of Ephraim.
e. The tribe of Zebulun.
Answer:
a. The tribe of Dan.
Explanation:
In Judges 18, the tribe of Dan is seeking an inheritance, as they have not yet received land that suits them. They send out spies who come across Micah’s house and his religious idols and priest. Seeing an opportunity, the Danites later return with 600 armed men, take the idols and the Levite priest, and convince the priest to come with them. They then go on to conquer the city of Laish, reestablishing themselves there and setting up the stolen idols as their own religious objects, further illustrating the spiritual chaos of the time.
Question 39: What is the fate of the city of Laish in Judges 18 when the Danites conquer it?
a. It is burned to the ground and rebuilt as Dan.
b. It becomes a major religious center for Israel.
c. It successfully repels the Danite attack and remains independent.
d. It is abandoned and becomes known as the cursed city.
e. It is turned into a tribute-paying vassal of the Danites.
Answer:
a. It is burned to the ground and rebuilt as Dan.
Explanation:
In Judges 18, when the Danites conquer the city of Laish, they attack the peaceful and unsuspecting people living there, using swords and burning the city to the ground. They then rebuild the city and settle there, naming it Dan after their ancestor. The city of Dan becomes known for the idolatrous worship established there with the idols taken from Micah’s house, marking a significant moment of departure from the proper worship of God.
Question 40: Who is the Levite in Judges 19 whose concubine is abused, leading to a national crisis?
a. Eleazar, son of Aaron.
b. Phinehas, son of Eleazar.
c. Jonathan, grandson of Moses.
d. Manoah, father of Samson.
e. None of the above.
Answer:
e. None of the above.
Explanation:
In Judges 19, the Levite whose concubine is abused, leading to a national crisis and civil war, is not given a name. The chapter simply refers to him as a Levite from the remote hills of Ephraim. His concubine is brutally abused in Gibeah, a town in the tribe of Benjamin, and the outrage over this incident leads to a demand for justice by the other tribes of Israel. This horrific event and the subsequent response highlight the lawlessness and moral decay of the time, illustrating the phrase repeated throughout Judges: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
Question 41: In Judges 1, what cruel punishment do the Israelites inflict on Adoni-Bezek?
a. They blinded him and striped him off his clothes.
b. They cut off his thumbs and big toes.
c. They force him into hard labor.
d. They banish him to the desert to wander.
e. They execute him publicly.
Answer:
b. They cut off his thumbs and big toes.
Explanation:
In Judges 1, the Israelites capture Adoni-Bezek and inflict on him the same cruel punishment he had inflicted on seventy kings: cutting off his thumbs and big toes. Adoni-Bezek himself acknowledges this as retribution for his own actions, noting that God has repaid him for what he did to the kings he conquered.
Question 42: In Judges 2, what recurring cycle is introduced that characterizes the Israelites’ behavior throughout the book?
a. Israel serves the Lord, becomes complacent, is oppressed, cries out, and is delivered.
b. Israel prospers, forgets the Lord, is invaded, repents, and is rescued.
c. Israel follows God, rebels, experiences famine, returns to God, and is restored.
d. Israel worships idols, is punished, repents, and is forgiven.
e. Israel fights among themselves, seeks peace, forgets God, and is subdued by enemies.
Answer:
a. Israel serves the Lord, becomes complacent, is oppressed, cries out, and is delivered.
Explanation:
Judges 2 introduces a recurring cycle that characterizes the Israelites’ behavior throughout the book: Israel serves the Lord while the judge lives, then becomes complacent and turns to other gods once the judge dies, leading to oppression by surrounding nations. The Israelites then cry out to the Lord in their distress, and God raises up a new judge to deliver them. This cycle of faithfulness, apostasy, oppression, and deliverance repeats throughout the narratives of the various judges.
Question 43: Who is the Moabite king defeated by Ehud in Judges 3?
a. Balak.
b. Eglon.
c. Cushan-Rishathaim.
d. Mesha.
e. Sihon.
Answer:
b. Eglon.
Explanation:
In Judges 3, Ehud defeats Eglon, the Moabite king who has oppressed Israel. Ehud makes himself a double-edged sword and hides it on his right thigh. He then goes to Eglon under the pretense of delivering a message from God and assassinates him in his private chambers, leading to Israel’s liberation from Moabite oppression.
Question 44: What is the outcome of Jephthah’s battle against the Ammonites in Judges 11?
a. He loses and is forced to become a vassal of the Ammonites.
b. He wins decisively and secures peace for Israel for many years.
c. He won but has to sacrifice his daughter.
d. The battle is inconclusive, and tensions remain.
e. He is betrayed by his own people and flees.
Answer:
c. He won but has to sacrifice his daughter.
Explanation:
In Judges 11, Jephthah wins a decisive victory against the Ammonites. However, before the battle, he makes a rash vow to the Lord that if he is victorious, he will sacrifice whatever comes out of his house to meet him upon his return as a burnt offering. Tragically, his daughter, his only child, is the first to greet him. Despite his immense grief, Jephthah fulfills his vow, leading to one of the most tragic and controversial stories in the Bible.
Question 45: In Judges 13, what Nazirite restrictions must Samson observe from birth?
a. He must not touch dead bodies, eat unclean food, or marry outside Israel.
b. He must not drink wine, cut his hair, or touch anything unclean.
c. He must pray daily, offer sacrifices, and remain celibate.
d. He must live in the wilderness, wear specific garments, and fast regularly.
e. He must not enter the temple, speak to foreigners, or sleep during the day.
Answer:
b. He must not drink wine, cut his hair, or touch anything unclean.
Explanation:
In Judges 13, the angel of the Lord specifies that Samson is to be a Nazirite from birth. The Nazirite vow includes abstaining from wine and other fermented drink, not cutting his hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies or anything else that would make him unclean. These restrictions are set apart to indicate his dedication to God and are pivotal in Samson’s story, particularly the stipulation about his hair, which is directly linked to his strength.
Question 46: How does Deborah encourage Barak in Judges 4?
a. By promising him victory over Sisera.
b. By offering to lead the army herself.
c. By telling him he will be remembered as a great hero.
d. By going with him to the battle.
e. By prophesying that a woman will claim the honor of victory.
Answer:
d. By going with him to the battle.
Explanation:
In Judges 4, when Barak is hesitant to go into battle against Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, without Deborah, Deborah encourages him by agreeing to go with him. However, she prophesies that because of his hesitation, the honor of killing Sisera will not go to him but to a woman. Deborah’s presence gives Barak the confidence he needs to gather the troops and lead them into battle, and her prophecy is fulfilled when Jael kills Sisera.
Question 47: Who is the Canaanite general defeated by the Israelites under Deborah and Barak’s leadership in Judges 4?
a. Jabin.
b. Sisera.
c. Hazor.
d. Harosheth.
e. Abinoam.
Answer:
b. Sisera.
Explanation:
In Judges 4, Sisera is the Canaanite general defeated by the Israelites under the leadership of Deborah and Barak. Sisera leads the army of King Jabin of Hazor against Israel. Despite his powerful chariots and formidable force, Sisera’s army is thrown into confusion and defeated by the Israelites. Sisera flees the battlefield and seeks refuge in the tent of Jael, who kills him, fulfilling Deborah’s prophecy that a woman would claim the honor of victory.
Question 48: In Judges 5, what natural event helps Deborah and Barak defeat Sisera’s army?
a. A sudden flood.
b. A fierce storm.
c. A great earthquake.
d. A sandstorm.
e. A fire from heaven.
Answer:
b. A fierce storm.
Explanation:
In Judges 5, the Song of Deborah describes a fierce storm that contributes to the defeat of Sisera’s army. The storm causes the Kishon River to flood, sweeping away many of Sisera’s men and chariots. This natural event, seen as an act of divine intervention, helps turn the tide in favor of the Israelites, leading to their victory over the Canaanite forces.
Question 49: What vow does Jephthah make in Judges 11, and who is affected by it?
a. He vows to give a tenth of his land to the Lord; his family is affected.
b. He vows to become a Nazirite if he wins; he is personally affected.
c. He vows to build a temple for God; his entire community is affected.
d. He vows to dedicate his next battle to God; his soldiers are affected.
e. None of the above
Answer:
e. None of the above
Explanation:
In Judges 11, Jephthah makes a vow to the Lord that if he is victorious in battle against the Ammonites, he will offer whatever comes out of his house to meet him as a burnt offering. Tragically, after his victory, the first to come out of his house is his only child, his daughter, who dances to greet him with timbrels. The vow deeply affects Jephthah and his daughter, leading to her being offered as a burnt offering, highlighting the tragedy of rash vows and their unintended consequences.
Question 50: In Judges 19-21, what incident prompts the near extermination of the tribe of Benjamin?
a. A violent crime committed in Gibeah against a Levite’s concubine.
b. A violent crime committed in Gibeah against a Saul’s concubine.
c. A violent crime committed in Gaza against a Levite’s concubine.
d. An idolatrous practice adopted by the Benjamites.
e. A political revolt led by a Benjamite leader.
Answer:
c. A violent crime committed in Gibeah against a Levite’s concubine.
Explanation:
In Judges 19, a Levite and his concubine are traveling through Gibeah, a city of the tribe of Benjamin. The concubine is brutally abused by men of the city and dies. The Levite then cuts her body into twelve pieces and sends them throughout Israel, prompting outrage and a call for justice. The other tribes demand that the perpetrators be handed over, but the Benjamites refuse, leading to a devastating civil war. The conflict results in the near extermination of the tribe of Benjamin, illustrating the depth of moral and social decay in Israel during the time of the judges.
Question 51: What strategy do the Israelites use to provide wives for the surviving men of Benjamin in Judges 21?
a. They allow the men of Benjamin to marry foreign women.
b. They capture women from Jabesh-gilead who did not participate in the assembly.
c. They negotiate marriages with the daughters of Shiloh during a festival.
d. Both a and b
e. Both b and c.
Answer:
e. Both b and c.
Explanation:
In Judges 21, the Israelites devise a strategy to provide wives for the surviving men of Benjamin after the civil war. First, they attack Jabesh-gilead, a city that did not participate in the assembly against Benjamin, and capture young virgins to give as wives to the Benjamites. Then, they advise the Benjamites to hide in the vineyards during the annual festival at Shiloh and catch the young women of Shiloh as they come out to dance. Both strategies are employed to repopulate the tribe of Benjamin without directly breaking the oath the Israelites made not to give their daughters to the Benjamites.
Question 52: In Judges 4, who prophesies that the honor of defeating Sisera will go to a woman?
a. Barak.
b. Deborah.
c. Jael.
d. Gideon.
e. Samson.
Answer:
b. Deborah.
Explanation:
In Judges 4, Deborah, the prophetess and judge, prophesies that the honor of defeating Sisera, the commander of King Jabin’s army, will go to a woman. This prophecy is made to Barak when he hesitates to go into battle without her. Deborah accompanies him but tells him that because of his reluctance, the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman. This prophecy is fulfilled when Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, kills Sisera.
Question 53: Who kills 600 Philistines with an oxgoad in Judges 3?
a. Samson.
b. Shamgar.
c. Gideon.
d. Jephthah.
e. Othniel.
Answer:
b. Shamgar.
Explanation:
In Judges 3, Shamgar is noted for killing 600 Philistines with an oxgoad. An oxgoad is a sharp, pointed tool used to drive oxen. Shamgar’s use of such an unconventional weapon to achieve a remarkable victory highlights the recurring theme in Judges of God empowering individuals to deliver Israel in unexpected ways.
Question 54: What is the name of Gideon’s son who kills his brothers and becomes a tyrant in Judges 9?
a. Abimelech.
b. Jether.
c. Joash.
d. Zebah.
e. Zalmunna.
Answer:
a. Abimelech.
Explanation:
In Judges 9, Abimelech, the son of Gideon, kills his 70 brothers on one stone in a ruthless grab for power. He is then made king by the people of Shechem and rules as a tyrant until his violent death. Abimelech’s story is a cautionary tale of ambition and the destructive potential of unchecked power.
Question 55: In Judges 8, what do the Israelites ask Gideon to become after his victory over the Midianites?
a. A king.
b. A high priest.
c. A permanent judge.
d. A military general.
e. A prophet.
Answer:
a. A king.
Explanation:
In Judges 8, after Gideon’s victory over the Midianites, the Israelites ask him to become their king, saying, “Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also, for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” Gideon, however, refuses, insisting that the Lord will rule over them instead. Despite his refusal, he makes an ephod from the spoils of war, which becomes an object of worship and leads Israel astray.
Question 56: What is the test that Gideon sets before God to confirm his calling in Judges 6?
a. Walking on water.
b. Catching a lion.
c. The fire consuming a sacrifice.
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
Answer:
e. None of the above
Explanation:
In Judges 6, Gideon sets a test before God to confirm his calling to save Israel from the Midianites. He places a fleece of wool on the threshing floor and asks that if God is truly calling him, the fleece should be wet with dew while the ground remains dry. After this is fulfilled, he asks for a second sign: the fleece should remain dry while the ground around it becomes wet with dew. God complies with both requests, confirming Gideon’s calling.
Question 57: What do the Israelites do that angers God at the beginning of Judges 2?
a. They ask for a human king.
b. They fail to drive out all the inhabitants of the land.
c. They offer sacrifices to Baal despites the warnings from the lord.
d. They refuse to go to war when commanded and complained they are tired of war.
e. They steal sacred objects from the Tabernacle.
Answer:
b. They fail to drive out all the inhabitants of the land.
Explanation:
At the beginning of Judges 2, the Israelites anger God by failing to drive out all the inhabitants of the land of Canaan, as He had commanded them. Instead, they make treaties with some of the inhabitants and even adopt their worship practices, leading to idolatry and apostasy. This disobedience sets the stage for the cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterize the book of Judges.
Question 58: Who is the judge that defeats the Ammonites in Judges 11?
a. Jephthah.
b. Samson.
c. Gideon.
d. Barak.
e. Othniel.
Answer:
a. Jephthah.
Explanation:
In Judges 11, Jephthah is the judge who defeats the Ammonites. He is a mighty warrior from Gilead, initially rejected by his family but later called upon to lead the Israelites in battle. Before the battle, he makes a rash vow to the Lord, which tragically affects his daughter. Despite the personal cost, Jephthah leads the Israelites to a significant victory over the Ammonites, securing peace for Israel for a time.
Question 59: In Judges 5, what role does the river Kishon play in the battle against Sisera’s army?
a. It serves as a natural barrier protecting the Israelites.
b. It floods and sweeps away many of Sisera’s chariots.
c. It is where Sisera’s body is found.
d. It is where the Israelites gather to celebrate their victory.
e. It dries up, allowing the Israelites to cross and attack.
Answer:
b. It floods and sweeps away many of Sisera’s chariots.
Explanation:
In Judges 5, the Song of Deborah mentions the river Kishon as playing a critical role in the battle against Sisera’s army. The river floods at a crucial moment, contributing to the chaos and panic among the Canaanite forces. Many of Sisera’s chariots are swept away by the waters, leading to a significant advantage for the Israelites and ultimately to their victory over the Canaanites.
Question 60: In Judges 20, what leads to the near extermination of the tribe of Benjamin?
a. A prolonged famine that they refuse to share resources during.
b. Their alliance with foreign invaders.
c. Their refusal to provide the murderers of a Levite’s concubine
d. A plague that disproportionately affects them.
e. Their attempt to secede from the Israelite confederation.
Answer:
c. Their refusal to provide the murderers of a Levite’s concubine
Explanation:
In Judges 20, the near extermination of the tribe of Benjamin results from their refusal to hand over the men of Gibeah who committed a heinous crime against a Levite’s concubine. The other Israelite tribes demand justice, but the Benjamites resist, leading to a devastating civil war. The conflict escalates, with the Benjamites initially winning some battles but eventually suffering near-total defeat, with only a few hundred men surviving. This episode highlights the severe internal strife and moral decay within Israel during the time of the judges.
Question 61: In Judges 4, how does Jael kill Sisera?
a. She poisons his food, symbolizing the deceit of the Canaanites.
b. She drives a tent peg through his head.
c. She stabs him with a sword, representing the strength of Israelite women.
d. She pushes him off a cliff, illustrating the downfall of Canaanite power.
e. She sets a trap in her tent, signifying the cunning of Israel.
Answer:
b. She drives a tent peg through his head.
Explanation:
In Judges 4, Jael kills Sisera by driving a tent peg through his temple while he is sleeping. This act is significant because it fulfills Deborah’s prophecy that the honor of defeating Sisera would go to a woman. Jael’s action demonstrates that God can use unexpected means and people to achieve His purposes, highlighting the pivotal role of women in this victory over the Canaanites.
Question 62: What is Samson’s final act against the Philistines in Judges 16?
a. He leads an army to defeat them in battle.
b. He sets fire to their fields and vineyards.
c. He destroys their temple by pulling down its pillars.
d. He challenges their champions to individual combat and wins.
e. He prophesies their defeat and dies in peace.
Answer:
c. He destroys their temple by pulling down its pillars.
Explanation:
Samson’s final act against the Philistines in Judges 16 is his destruction of their temple. Captured, blinded, and brought to the temple of Dagon to entertain the Philistines, Samson prays to God for strength one last time. He then pushes against the central pillars of the temple, collapsing it and killing many Philistines along with himself. This act of destruction symbolizes Samson’s role as a judge and deliverer of Israel, even in his death.
Question 63: In Judges 8, why does Gideon refuse the offer to become king over Israel?
a. He believes only God should rule over Israel.
b. He is afraid of being assassinated.
c. He wants his son to be king instead.
d. He feels unworthy of the position.
e. He plans to establish a democratic system.
Answer:
a. He believes only God should rule over Israel.
Explanation:
In Judges 8, when the Israelites ask Gideon to become their king after his victory over the Midianites, he refuses, saying, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.” Gideon’s refusal is based on his belief that only God should be Israel’s ruler. This response emphasizes the theocratic nature of Israel’s governance at the time, where God was seen as the ultimate leader.
Question 64: Who is the only woman mentioned in the Bible as leading Israel in battle in Judges 4?
a. Jael.
b. Jabin
c. Delilah.
d. Rahab.
e. None of the above
Answer:
b. None of the above.
Explanation:
Deborah is the only woman mentioned in the Bible as leading Israel in battle. In Judges 4, she serves as both a prophetess and a judge of Israel. Deborah gives Barak the command from God to lead an army against the forces of Jabin, king of Canaan, and Sisera, his commander. She also accompanies Barak to the battle, providing leadership and support. Her role in the battle and her subsequent song of victory highlight her significant status as a leader and prophetess in Israel.
Question 65: In Judges 3, what does Ehud say to Eglon to gain a private audience with him?
a. He claims to have a secret message from God.
b. He offers a large tribute from Israel to the king.
c. He pretends to defect to the Moabites.
d. He feigns illness and asks for help.
e. He brings news of a supposed rebellion from Judah.
Answer:
a. He claims to have a secret message from God.
Explanation:
In Judges 3, Ehud gains a private audience with Eglon, the king of Moab, by claiming to have a secret message from God. Eglon dismisses his attendants to hear this message. Once they are alone, Ehud reveals a concealed sword and assassinates the king, an act that leads to Israel’s liberation from Moabite oppression. This story illustrates Ehud’s cunning and the role of individual initiative in delivering Israel from its enemies.
Question 66: What object does Gideon destroy that causes his town to turn against him in Judges 6?
a. The altar to Baal.
b. The golden calf.
c. The statue of Dagon.
d. The royal edicts of Midian.
e. The Asherah pole.
Answer:
a. The altar to Baal.
Explanation:
In Judges 6, Gideon destroys the altar to Baal and cuts down the Asherah pole beside it, as commanded by God. This act angers the people of his town, who demand his execution. Gideon’s father, however, challenges the defenders of Baal to let their god contend for himself. This event marks the beginning of Gideon’s role as a judge and deliverer of Israel, challenging the idolatry that had taken hold among the Israelites.
Question 67: How does Jephthah defeat the Ammonites in Judges 11?
a. By setting up an ambush in the mountains.
b. Through a direct attack with a large army.
c. By using a strategy of divide and conquer.
d. With a surprise attack during a religious festival.
e. By cutting off their water supply.
Answer:
b. Through a direct attack with a large army.
Explanation:
In Judges 11, Jephthah defeats the Ammonites through a direct attack with a large army. Before the battle, he tries to negotiate peace with the Ammonite king, but his efforts are unsuccessful. Jephthah then leads the Israelite forces against the Ammonites and, with God’s help, achieves a significant victory, subduing them and ending their oppression of Israel.
Question 68: In Judges 17, what does Micah add to his household that signifies the religious anarchy of the time?
a. A golden calf.
b. A priest of his own choosing.
c. A collection of foreign gods.
d. An altar to the stars.
e. A Canaanite prophetess.
Answer:
b. A priest of his own choosing.
Explanation:
In Judges 17, Micah adds a priest of his own choosing to his household, which signifies the religious anarchy of the time. Initially, he consecrates one of his sons as his priest. Later, he meets a young Levite and persuades him to become his personal priest and live with him, treating him like a son. This private establishment of a priesthood, along with the idols and ephod Micah has made, reflects the widespread departure from centralized and proper worship practices prescribed by the Law of Moses.
Question 69: What tribe is nearly wiped out in the civil war described in Judges 20-21?
a. Ephraim.
b. Dan.
c. Benjamin.
d. Gad.
e. Simeon.
Answer:
c. Benjamin.
Explanation:
In the civil war described in Judges 20-21, the tribe of Benjamin is nearly wiped out. The conflict begins after a Levite’s concubine is brutally abused and dies in Gibeah, a town of the Benjamites. When the other tribes demand justice, the Benjamites refuse to surrender the perpetrators. The resulting war is devastating, with the Benjamites suffering severe losses and the tribe almost completely annihilated. The rest of Israel mourns this near extinction and takes extraordinary measures to ensure the tribe’s survival.
Question 70: Who is the father of Ibzan, who ruled Israel for seven years in Judges 12?
a. Bethlehem.
b. Elon.
c. Zebul.
d. Abdon.
e. None of the above
Answer:
e. None of the above
Explanation:
In Judges 12, Ibzan becomes a judge who rules over Israel for seven years. The text mentions that he is from Bethlehem and that he had thirty sons and thirty daughters, whom he gave in marriage outside his clan while bringing in thirty daughters from outside for his sons. However, the text does not provide the name of Ibzan’s father or additional details about his family background, focusing instead on his rule and the social connections he made through marriages.
Question 71: What action by the Israelites in Judges 1 leads to future trouble by allowing some Canaanite inhabitants to remain?
a. They make treaties with them for economic benefits.
b. They impose heavy tribute instead of completely driving them out.
c. They intermarry with the Canaanites.
d. They adopt some of the Canaanite religious practices.
e. They fear the Canaanites’ chariots of iron and do not conquer them.
Answer:
b. They impose heavy tribute instead of completely driving them out.
Explanation:
In Judges 1, rather than completely driving out the Canaanite inhabitants as God commanded, the Israelites often allow some to remain, imposing heavy tribute on them instead. This compromise leads to future trouble as the remaining Canaanites influence the Israelites toward idolatry and other practices contrary to God’s commands. The Israelites’ failure to fully obey God’s command to remove all inhabitants of the land sets the stage for recurring cycles of sin and oppression throughout the Book of Judges.
Question 72: In Judges 3, which judge is noted for having killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad?
a. Othniel.
b. Ehud.
c. Shamgar.
d. Gideon.
e. Samson.
Answer:
c. Shamgar.
Explanation:
In Judges 3, Shamgar is noted for having killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, a long, pointed stick used for driving cattle. This act is mentioned briefly but highlights Shamgar’s bravery and the deliverance he brought to Israel. His use of an oxgoad as a weapon is a testament to the unconventional means by which God sometimes empowers leaders to save Israel in the Book of Judges.
Question 73: What is the name of Gideon’s son who conspires to become king and leads Israel into false worship in Judges 9?
a. Abimelech.
b. Jotham.
c. Zebul.
d. Jerubbaal.
e. Phurah.
Answer:
a. Abimelech.
Explanation:
In Judges 9, Abimelech, the son of Gideon, conspires to become king by killing his 70 brothers. He is supported by the people of Shechem and rules Israel for three years. However, his reign is marked by tyranny and idolatry, leading to a violent end. Abimelech’s ambition and the subsequent division and conflict illustrate the dangers of forsaking God’s leadership and the instability of human rule in the period of the judges.
Question 74: In Judges 16, how do the Philistines finally capture Samson?
a. They overpower him in battle.
b. They trick him at a feast.
c. By cutting his hair.
d. They poison him.
e. They use a giant to defeat him.
Answer:
c. By cutting his hair.
Explanation:
In Judges 16, the Philistines finally capture Samson after Delilah betrays him. Delilah, whom Samson loves, is persuaded by the Philistine rulers to find out the secret of his strength. After several attempts, Samson finally reveals that his strength is in his uncut hair, a vow of his Nazirite dedication to God. While Samson sleeps, Delilah has a man shave off his seven locks of hair, and Samson’s strength leaves him. The Philistines then capture, blind, and imprison him, leading to his final act of destruction against them.
Question 75: In Judges 6, what sign does Gideon ask for to confirm his call to lead Israel against the Midianites?
a. A burning bush that is not consumed.
b. Fire to come down from heaven and consume an offering.
c. Water to turn into blood.
d. None of the above
e. All of the above
Answer:
d. None of the above
Explanation:
In Judges 6, Gideon asks for a sign to confirm his call to lead Israel against the Midianites. He places a fleece of wool on the threshing floor and requests that if God is truly with him, the fleece should be wet with dew while the ground remains dry. After this happens, he asks for a second sign: the fleece should remain dry while the ground around it is wet with dew. God graciously grants both signs, confirming Gideon’s call and strengthening his faith.
Question 76: What tragic vow does Jephthah make in Judges 11, and who is affected by it?
a. He vows to offer as a burnt offering whatever comes out to greet him upon his victorious return; his daughter is affected.
b. He vows to dedicate ten years of his life to solitude; his entire family is affected.
c. He vows to kill the first enemy he encounters; his best friend is affected.
d. He vows to give away all his possessions; his community is affected.
e. He vows never to marry or have children; his lineage is affected.
Answer:
a. He vows to offer as a burnt offering whatever comes out to greet him upon his victorious return; his daughter is affected.
Explanation:
In Judges 11, Jephthah makes a tragic vow to the Lord before going into battle against the Ammonites, promising to offer whatever comes out of his house to greet him upon his victorious return as a burnt offering. When he returns, his only child, his daughter, comes out to meet him with dances and tambourines. Devastated by the realization of what his vow entails, Jephthah ultimately fulfills his vow, affecting his daughter and leading to one of the most heartbreaking stories in the Bible.
Question 77: Who leads Israel into successful battle against the Midianites with only 300 men in Judges 7?
a. Samson.
b. Gideon.
c. Barak.
d. Jephthah.
e. Othniel.
Answer:
b. Gideon.
Explanation:
In Judges 7, Gideon leads Israel into a successful battle against the Midianites with only 300 men. God instructs Gideon to reduce his army so that Israel may not boast of their own strength. Gideon selects 300 men who lap water with their hands, and with this small force, he defeats the vast Midianite army through a clever night attack involving torches, jars, and trumpets. This victory demonstrates God’s power and Gideon’s leadership.
Question 78: In Judges 19-21, what incident leads to a civil war and the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin?
a. The tribe of Benjamin refuses to pay tribute to the central sanctuary.
b. A Levite’s concubine is brutally abused and killed by men of Gibeah.
c. Benjamin attacks the other tribes during a religious festival.
d. The Benjamites assassinate a high priest.
e. The tribe of Benjamin introduces idol worship into Israel.
Answer:
b. A Levite’s concubine is brutally abused and killed by men of Gibeah.
Explanation:
In Judges 19-21, a Levite’s concubine is brutally abused by men of Gibeah, a town in the territory of Benjamin, leading to her death. The Levite then dismembers her body and sends the parts throughout Israel to highlight the atrocity. The other tribes are outraged and demand that the perpetrators be handed over for justice. The tribe of Benjamin refuses, leading to a devastating civil war that results in the near extinction of Benjamin. This incident reflects the depth of moral and social decay in Israel during the time of the judges.
Question 79: In Judges 8, what unusual items does Gideon make after defeating the Midianites, and what becomes their significance?
a. A crown of gold, signifying his authority.
b. An ephod, which becomes an object of idolatrous worship.
c. A series of monuments, commemorating the victory.
d. A set of golden shields, representing Israel’s strength.
e. A written record of the battle, becoming part of Israel’s sacred history.
Answer:
b. An ephod, which becomes an object of idolatrous worship.
Explanation:
In Judges 8, after defeating the Midianites, Gideon makes an ephod from the gold earrings collected from the spoils of war. He places it in his city, Ophrah, and it becomes an object of idolatrous worship for all Israel. Instead of reminding the people of God’s deliverance, the ephod leads them astray, contributing to their spiritual downfall. This story illustrates how even a well-intentioned memorial can become a snare when it diverts worship and dependence away from God.
Question 80: How does Samson initially reveal his incredible strength to the Philistines in Judges 14?
a. By lifting a large boulder blocking a city gate.
b. By defeating a lion with his bare hands.
c. By breaking chains that bind him.
d. By winning a wrestling match against their champion.
e. By tearing down the walls of their fortress.
Answer:
b. By defeating a lion with his bare hands.
Explanation:
In Judges 14, Samson reveals his incredible strength to the Philistines by defeating a lion with his bare hands. As he travels to Timnah, a young lion comes roaring toward him, and the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon Samson, allowing him to tear the lion apart as one might tear a young goat. This feat of strength is a precursor to the many acts of power Samson performs against the Philistines and serves as an early indication of his unique abilities and divine calling.
Question 81: What is the reason for the Israelites’ suffering and oppression at the beginning of Judges 3?
a. Their failure to drive out all the inhabitants of the land, leading to idolatry and sin.
b. A natural disaster that leaves them vulnerable to enemy attacks.
c. Internal conflicts and power struggles among the tribes as they had no king that time.
d. A curse placed on them by a neighboring nation’s king.
e. The loss of their leader, Joshua, without a clear successor.
Answer:
a. Their failure to drive out all the inhabitants of the land, leading to idolatry and sin.
Explanation:
At the beginning of Judges 3, the Israelites suffer and are oppressed because they fail to drive out all the inhabitants of the land. This failure leads them to compromise with the Canaanites, eventually adopting their idolatrous practices and sins. God allows these neighboring nations to remain as a test and a means to discipline the Israelites, teaching them the ways of warfare and reminding them of the need to follow God’s commands.
Question 82: Who is the Moabite king that oppresses Israel in Judges 3, and who is raised up to defeat him?
a. King Balak; defeated by Othniel.
b. King Eglon; defeated by Ehud.
c. King Mesha; defeated by Shamgar.
d. King Sihon; defeated by Jephthah.
e. King Cushan-Rishathaim; defeated by Gideon.
Answer:
b. King Eglon; defeated by Ehud.
Explanation:
In Judges 3, King Eglon of Moab oppresses Israel. Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, is raised up by God to defeat him. Ehud makes a double-edged sword, hides it on his right thigh, and goes to Eglon under the pretense of delivering a tribute. He then assassinates Eglon, leading to Israel’s liberation from Moabite oppression. This story is one of the many examples in Judges of God raising up deliverers to save Israel from their oppressors.
Question 83: In Judges 5, what does the Song of Deborah say about the roles of the various tribes in the battle against Sisera?
a. All tribes united and fought bravely together to win the battle.
b. Some tribes participated actively while others did not.
c. The tribe of Judah led the charge.
d. The tribes relied more on prayer than on fighting.
e. Only the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali fought.
Answer:
b. Some tribes participated actively while others did not.
Explanation:
In Judges 5, the Song of Deborah mentions the roles of various Israelite tribes in the battle against Sisera. The song praises the tribes that participated actively, such as Ephraim, Benjamin, Zebulun, and Naphtali, while criticizing those who did not join the battle or remained on the sidelines, such as Reuben, Gilead, Dan, and Asher. This song highlights both the unity and division within Israel during this critical battle.
Question 84: What unusual weapon does Samson use to slay a thousand Philistines in Judges 15?
a. A jawbone of a donkey.
b. A wooden staff.
c. A sharpened plowshare.
d. A sling and stone.
e. An oxgoad.
Answer:
a. A jawbone of a donkey.
Explanation:
In Judges 15, Samson uses an unusual weapon, the jawbone of a donkey, to slay a thousand Philistines. After being betrayed and bound by fellow Israelites to be handed over to the Philistines, Samson breaks free from the ropes. He then finds a fresh jawbone of a donkey and uses it to kill a thousand Philistines, demonstrating his extraordinary strength granted by God. This event is one of several in which Samson single-handedly battles the Philistines.
Question 85: In Judges 6, what does Gideon destroy at night out of fear of his family and townspeople?
a. The golden calf and the Asherah pole beside it.
b. The altar of Baal and the Asherah pole beside it.
c. A statue of Dagon and the Asherah pole beside it.
d. The altar of the Lord and the Asterite pole beside it.
e. The altar of Dagon and the Asherah pole beside it.
Answer:
b. The altar of Baal and the Asherah pole beside it.
Explanation:
In Judges 6, Gideon destroys the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole beside it at night because he fears his family and the townspeople. God commands Gideon to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it, then build a proper altar to the Lord on top of this stronghold. Gideon does so at night due to his fear of the reaction of his family and the men of the town. This act marks the beginning of Gideon’s role as a judge and a leader of Israel against the Midianites.
Question 86: What is the outcome of Samson’s riddle wager at his wedding feast in Judges 14?
a. He wins and gains great wealth.
b. He loses and has to provide clothes to the Philistines.
c. The answer is never revealed, leading to a dispute.
d. The feast ends in a fight, and the wager is forgotten.
e. The Philistines refuse to pay after he gives them the answer.
Answer:
b. He loses and has to provide clothes to the Philistines.
Explanation:
In Judges 14, the outcome of Samson’s riddle wager at his wedding feast is that he loses. Unable to solve the riddle, the Philistine men threaten Samson’s wife to coerce her into finding the answer. She weeps before Samson until he tells her the answer, which she then reveals to the Philistines. When they give the answer before the seven days of the feast are over, Samson realizes they have cheated and says, “If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have found out my riddle.” He then goes to Ashkelon, kills thirty men, takes their clothes, and gives them to those who had solved the riddle, fulfilling his wager in a fit of anger.
Question 87: Who are the parents of Samson, and what is unique about his conception in Judges 13?
a. Manoah and his wife, who was barren before his conception.
b. Elkanah and Hannah, who prayed for a child at the tabernacle.
c. Joash and his wife, who received a prophecy about their son’s future.
d. Amram and Jochebed, who hid their child from an oppressive ruler.
e. A Levite and his wife, who were visited by a prophet.
Answer:
a. Manoah and his wife, who was barren before his conception.
Explanation:
In Judges 13, the parents of Samson are Manoah and his wife, who was barren before the conception of Samson. An angel of the Lord appears to Manoah’s wife and announces that she will conceive and bear a son. The angel instructs her to follow specific Nazirite vows, as the child will be dedicated to God from the womb and is destined to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. Samson’s conception is marked by divine intervention and foretells his future role as a judge and deliverer of Israel.
Question 88: In Judges 9, what parable does Jotham shout from Mount Gerizim to criticize Abimelech’s leadership?
a. The parable of the bramble king.
b. The parable of the wise and foolish builders.
c. The parable of the good shepherd.
d. The parable of the lost sheep.
e. The parable of the sower and the seeds.
Answer:
a. The parable of the bramble king.
Explanation:
In Judges 9, Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, shouts the parable of the bramble king from Mount Gerizim to criticize Abimelech’s leadership. After Abimelech kills his brothers to become king, Jotham tells a parable in which the trees seek a king. The olive tree, fig tree, and vine all refuse the offer, but the bramble agrees to be king under the condition that the trees take refuge in its shade, threatening fire otherwise. This parable symbolizes the folly of choosing Abimelech, a destructive and thorny leader, and predicts the fire of conflict that will arise between Abimelech and the people of Shechem.
Question 89: What is the name of the Philistine city where Samson meets Delilah in Judges 16?
a. Timnah.
b. Ashkelon.
c. Gath.
d. Ekron.
e. Gaza.
Answer:
e. Gaza.
Explanation:
In Judges 16, Samson meets Delilah in the Philistine city of Gaza. It’s in Gaza where Delilah is approached by the lords of the Philistines to discover the secret of Samson’s strength. Over time, Delilah persistently questions Samson until he finally reveals that his strength lies in his uncut hair, a Nazirite vow. Delilah then has his hair cut while he sleeps, leading to his capture and imprisonment by the Philistines.
Question 90: How does the tribe of Benjamin replenish its population after the civil war in Judges 21?
a. They are given women from among the Israelite captives.
b. They marry foreign women from the surrounding nations.
c. They kidnap women from Shiloh during a festival.
d. They are allowed to intermarry with the women from the tribe of Judah.
e. They adopt children from other tribes.
Answer:
c. They kidnap women from Shiloh during a festival.
Explanation:
In Judges 21, after the civil war that decimates the tribe of Benjamin, the Israelites devise a way for the few hundred surviving Benjamite men to replenish their population. Since the Israelites had sworn not to give their daughters to the Benjamites, they instruct the men of Benjamin to hide in the vineyards during an annual festival at Shiloh. When the young women of Shiloh come out to dance, the Benjamite men are to catch and take them as wives. This plan allows the tribe of Benjamin to recover its numbers without directly breaking the Israelites’ oath.
Question 91: What is the recurring phrase in the Book of Judges that summarizes the cycle of Israel’s behavior?
a. “But they did evil in the eyes of the Lord.”
b. “And the land had rest for forty years.”
c. “Yet they would not listen to their judges despite the warning of the Lord.”
d. “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.”
e. “And the Lord raised up a deliverer for Israel after they have and punished.”
Answer:
d. “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.”
Explanation:
The recurring phrase in the Book of Judges that summarizes the cycle of Israel’s behavior and the anarchical spirit of the time is “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” This phrase highlights the lack of centralized leadership and the resulting moral and social chaos as the Israelites repeatedly turn away from God’s commands and do what is right in their own eyes.
Question 92: Who is the Judge known for tearing down his father’s altar to Baal and then defeating the Midianites with 300 men?
a. Samson.
b. Othniel.
c. Jephthah.
d. Jerubbaal.
e. None of the above.
Answer:
d. Jerubbaal
Explanation:
Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is the Judge known for tearing down his father’s altar to Baal and the Asherah pole beside it. Subsequently, he defeats the Midianites with a small army of 300 men, chosen by God to demonstrate that the victory is due to divine power, not human strength. Gideon’s story, including the signs of the fleece and the unconventional battle tactics, is a testament to God’s deliverance and the importance of faith in Him.
Question 93: What unusual vow does Jephthah make before battling the Ammonites?
a. He vows to sacrifice the first animal he sees; he sacrifices his prized bull.
b. He vows to sacrifice the first thing that comes out of his house.
c. He vows to never return home if he loses; he goes into exile.
d. He vows to dedicate ten years to God; he becomes a hermit.
e. He vows to give all his wealth to the temple; he becomes impoverished.
Answer:
b. He vows to sacrifice the first thing that comes out of his house.
Explanation:
Before battling the Ammonites, Jephthah makes an unusual and rash vow to the Lord in Judges 11, promising to offer whatever comes out of his house to meet him as a burnt offering if he returns victorious. Tragically, after defeating the Ammonites, the first thing to come out of his house to greet him is his only child, his daughter. The story concludes with Jephthah fulfilling his vow, resulting in one of the most somber and debated narratives in the Bible regarding the consequences of rash vows and the importance of careful speech.
Question 94: In Judges 4, which tribe’s territory does the battle against Sisera’s army primarily take place?
a. Judah.
b. Naphtali.
c. Zebulun.
d. Ephraim.
e. Benjamin.
Answer:
b. Naphtali.
Explanation:
In Judges 4, the battle against Sisera’s army primarily takes place in the territory of Naphtali. Deborah, a prophetess and judge, instructs Barak to gather troops from Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them against Sisera, the commander of King Jabin’s Canaanite army. The battle occurs near the Kishon River, and the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun play a significant role in the victory.
Question 95: What act of deception do the Gibeonites use to make a covenant with the Israelites in Judges 9?
a. They pretend to be ambassadors from a distant country.
b. They claim to be relatives of the Israelites.
c. They offer false prophecies of peace and prosperity.
d. They disguise themselves as fleeing slaves.
e. They create a fake treaty with neighboring nations.
Answer:
a) They pretend to be ambassadors from a distant country.
Explanation:
The Gibeonites’ deception occurs in the Book of Joshua, not Judges. They pretend to be ambassadors from a distant country, wearing worn-out clothes and carrying old wineskins and dry, moldy bread. They tell the Israelites they have come from a far-off land because of the fame of the Lord their God, and they ask to make a covenant with them. The Israelites, deceived by their appearance and not consulting the Lord, make a peace treaty with them, only to discover later that they are actually neighboring Hivites.
Question 96: Who is the only Judge said to have judged Israel in the city of Jerusalem?
a. Samson.
b. Deborah.
c. Gideon.
d. Othniel.
e. None of the above.
Answer:
e. None of the above.
Explanation:
In the Book of Judges, there is no judge mentioned as judging in the city of Jerusalem. The judges are often associated with various other locations throughout the land of Israel, and their activities are described in the context of those regions. Jerusalem does not become the central city of Israelite rule until the time of King David in the subsequent biblical narrative.
Question 97: What is the name of the Philistine god whose temple Samson destroys in Judges 16?
a. Baal.
b. Dagon.
c. Molech.
d. Astarte.
e. Chemosh.
Answer:
b. Dagon.
Explanation:
In Judges 16, the name of the Philistine god whose temple Samson destroys is Dagon. Samson is brought to the temple of Dagon to entertain the Philistines. He prays to God for strength one last time and pushes against the two central pillars of the temple, causing it to collapse on himself and all the people in it. This act results in his death but also kills many Philistines, including their leaders, and deals a significant blow to their morale.
Question 98: What unusual method does the Israelites use to provide wives for the Benjamites in Judges 21?
a. They hold a beauty contest and offer the winners to the Benjamites.
b. They allow the Benjamites to kidnap women during a festival at Shiloh.
c. They arrange for marriages with foreign captives.
d. They negotiate a truce with a neighboring nation and request women.
e. They ask for volunteers among the Israelite women.
Answer:
b. They allow the Benjamites to kidnap women during a festival at Shiloh.
Explanation:
In Judges 21, the Israelites use an unusual method to provide wives for the surviving men of Benjamin after a civil war. During a festival at Shiloh, they instruct the Benjamites to hide in the vineyards and kidnap the young women who come out to dance. This act allows the Benjamites to replenish their numbers without directly breaking the Israelites’ earlier oath not to give their daughters to Benjamin.
Question 99: In Judges 7, what does Gideon overhear in the Midianite camp that strengthens his resolve to attack?
a. Plans of the Midianites to retreat.
b. A prophecy of defeat for the Midianites
c. The Midianites expressing fear of Israel’s God.
d. The commanders arguing and revealing their weakness.
e. None of the above
Answer:
e. None of the above.
Explanation:
In Judges 7, Gideon and his servant Purah sneak down to the outskirts of the Midianite camp, where they overhear a soldier recounting a dream. The dream is about a loaf of barley bread tumbling into the camp and overturning a tent. Another soldier interprets the dream as symbolizing Gideon and the sword of the Lord bringing about the Midianites’ downfall. This dream and its interpretation strengthen Gideon’s resolve and confidence that God has given the Midianite camp into his hands.
Question 100: In the final chapters of Judges, what tragic incident initiates a civil war among the Israelite tribes?
a. A dispute over the High Priesthood.
b. The assassination of a tribal leader.
c. The theft of the Ark of the Covenant.
d. The brutal abuse and death of a Levite’s concubine in Gibeah.
e. The worship of a false idol by one of the tribes.
Answer:
d. The brutal abuse and death of a Levite’s concubine in Gibeah.
Explanation:
In the final chapters of Judges (19-21), a tragic incident involving the brutal abuse and subsequent death of a Levite’s concubine in Gibeah of Benjamin initiates a civil war among the Israelite tribes. The Levite cuts up her body and sends the pieces throughout the tribes of Israel to demonstrate the atrocity. This act outrages the Israelites, leading them to demand justice. The tribe of Benjamin’s refusal to surrender the perpetrators leads to a severe conflict, almost resulting in the tribe’s extinction. This story highlights the moral and social decay prevalent in Israel during the time of the judges and serves as a somber conclusion to the book, emphasizing the need for righteous leadership and adherence to God’s laws.
