FHBC Sermon Notes

v. 1-21 - This section focuses on the tribe of Judah. Yet even here we see the seeds of disobedience as the people only partially follow the commands of God.
v.9-21  - We see the transition to a new generation. Here from Caleb to Othniel, his nephew, who we will learn in chapter 2 will be the first judge. Othniel is connected to the former and faithful generation. Though not perfect he is probably the most faithful of the judges. It progresses though as each following judge gets worse and worse. Lots of detail here. Othniel asks for a field and Caleb's daughter asks for water.
v.16 We see here mention of the Kenites, Moses' father-in-law's people who had been traveling as part of the people of Judah. But they decide to become part of the Canaanite people, forsaking the commands of God. This is a trend throughout Judges. As one writer put it this is the "Canaan"-ization of the people of Israel.
What we begin to see, is that their success is only by the grace of God, and not because they followed in full obedience. It is a message of mercy. The day of judgment is coming.  Repent and trust in the grace of a loving God.