36: The Redemption Cycle

In this episode of The BEMA Podcast, Marty Solomon and Brent Billings delve into the book of Judges, challenging the traditional "sin cycle" interpretation. They encourage listeners to search online for "Judges Sin Cycle" images to see common depictions of Israel's repeated failures. Marty argues that focusing solely on sin overlooks God's endless patience and redemptive pursuit of His people. They discuss key passages in Judges that illustrate this cycle and highlight stories of judges like Othniel, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson (Shemshon). They also touch on the narrative structure of Judges, potential chiasms, and the varying periods of rest achieved under different judges. Marty emphasizes that God's patience doesn't end, even when Israel becomes the "anti-story," and invites listeners to consider the book as a "redemption cycle" showcasing God's persistent love and teaching.