The Bible Recap Kids — Day 89 (Judges 1-2)

Host: Ms. Emily ("Miss Emily")
Date: March 30, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ms. Emily continues the chronological Bible reading journey, focusing on Judges chapters 1 and 2. She explains the role of judges in ancient Israel, discusses the Israelites’ struggle to obey God’s commands, and emphasizes the importance of obedience and God’s patience. The recap is designed to help young listeners grasp key spiritual lessons while making Bible stories accessible and relatable.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. What Is a Judge in the Bible?

Ms. Emily clarifies that biblical judges are different from modern-day courtroom judges.
“When you hear the word judge, you probably think of someone who's in charge of a courtroom. But in the Book of Judges, each judge was a leader of God's people.” — Ms. Emily (00:13)
Judges were appointed by God to lead the Israelites after Joshua’s death.

2. The Failure to Obey God’s Command

Ms. Emily recounts the last instruction Joshua gave: to drive out the remaining Canaanites.
- The Israelites failed to follow through, instead becoming attracted to the Canaanites’ way of life:
  “And as the Israelites see the things that the Canaanites have, fancy buildings and art and exciting cities, they want to be like them instead of like God.” — Ms. Emily (00:38)
God responds with disappointment and rebuke, leading to consequences for Israel’s disobedience.

3. Understanding “Rebuke”

Ms. Emily highlights the Bible word "rebuke” as key to this passage.
- “God shows up as the angel of the Lord to rebuke them. And that is a not so fun, but very important word to remember.” — Ms. Emily (00:50)
TBR Kids Word to Remember:
- “To rebuke is to express sharp disapproval.” — Narrator (01:30)

4. Consequences and God’s Response

Ms. Emily quotes Judges 2:20-21 to show how God expresses anger over Israel’s broken promises.
- “The Lord burned with anger against Israel. He said, because these people have violated my covenant, which I made with their ancestors, and have ignored my commands, I will no longer drive out the nations that Joshua left unconquered when he died.” — Ms. Emily (paraphrased reading, 00:13)
Discussion on the repeated cycle in Judges:
- Israel promises to obey, then forgets and disobeys, resulting in consequences.
- Despite this, God's patience and compassion are constant:
  “Over and over, we see God's patience and compassion when they call out to him and he forgives them.” — Ms. Emily (01:37)

5. Obedience Is Joyful

Ms. Emily encourages young listeners to see obedience as a path to joy, not just a rule to follow.
- “Obeying him brings us joy because he's where the joy is.” — Ms. Emily (01:57)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On the meaning of “judge”:
- “God is in charge and makes the rules, but he gives the people judges to help lead them.” (00:17)
On Israel’s disobedience and longing to fit in:
- “They want to be like them instead of like God.” (00:43)
On God’s persistent love:
- “The more we understand and experience God's great love for us, the more we'll want to obey Him.” (01:48)

Timestamps for Key Segments

00:13 — Reading and explanation of Judges 2:20-21; introduction to “judge” in the Bible.
00:38 — The Israelites' failure and their attraction to Canaanite culture.
00:50 – 01:30 — The significance of “rebuke”; definition and application.
01:37 — God’s ongoing patience and compassion for Israel.
01:48 – 01:57 — The connection between understanding God’s love and joyful obedience.

Episode Summary

Ms. Emily guides young listeners through Judges 1-2, focusing on the Israelites’ struggle with obedience and the consequences of their choices. She unpacks the cycle of forgetting God, the importance of rebuke, and the joyful response to God's enduring love. Throughout, Ms. Emily’s tone remains gentle, engaging, and packed with encouragement for kids to connect obedience with joy.

Key Theme:
God desires our hearts and joyful obedience—not forced compliance—and His patience endures when we turn back to Him.