Judges and Ruth: Faith in Troubled Times

Description

Judges and Ruth: Faith in Troubled Times (Live Online Course)  

Israel is in trouble, torn apart by war, internal division, and rebellion against God. Whilst this may sound like a description of modern-day Israel and her current troubles, it also accurately describes Ancient Israel in the period following the death of Joshua son of Nun, during the time of the Judges and the events of the book of Ruth. 

Join us as we embark on an exploration of the books of Judges and Ruth, a period in Israel’s history marked by cycles of disobedience, deliverance, and the gradual shift from the tribal confederacy to the united monarchy.

The book of Judges reveals the spiritual landscape of ancient Israel, as we examine the narratives of major judges, including Othniel, Deborah and Jael, Gideon, Jephthah and his daughter, and Samson. Additionally, we will explore the darker accounts of Micah’s idol-making, the civil war, and the Levite and his concubine. We will come to understand the consequences for a nation that “did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served the Baals,” and explore the implications of the phrase, “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.”

The story of Ruth, set in the same historical period, demonstrates that faith, hope, and love were also present. While Judges portrays a society in turmoil, Ruth offers a touching narrative of loyalty, redemption, and the quiet faithfulness of individuals during a challenging era. We will delve into the themes of the kinsman-redeemer, explore covenant faithfulness, and observe the providential hand of God, as exemplified in the lives of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. And we will examine the genealogy presented in Ruth, its importance, and its contribution to the Davidic and Messianic lineage.

Come join us as we meet some of the Judges and Ruth.

Course Delivery Description

Date: Each Thursday night, 1 May – 19 June 2025. 

Time: 7:30 – 9:00 PM (AEST).

Location: Zoom Webinar 

Cost: $120 full fare / $96 concession  (covers all 8 sessions)

Instructor: Paul Cohen

Important Notes 

• Upon enrolment, the student will receive access to the course page on Moodle, including the Zoom link and reading materials.

Course Instructor

The course will be taught by Paul Cohen. Paul is an experienced biblical studies teacher who has worked with a variety of evangelical missions to the Jewish people in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands. Paul’s teaching brings a richness and depth to the study of the Bible, drawing on the Jewish background of the Scriptures and shedding light on less well-known books and topics. He is a knowledgeable, gracious and patient teacher who always remains faithful to the Word and his teaching points to Yeshua. Paul teaches at the Western Sydney Bible School and works with the ministry of Celebrate Messiah in Sydney, Australia. 

For questions about course content, please email Paul Cohen:

[email protected]

For questions relating to registration or payments, please email

[email protected]