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The "Be" Commentary
Be Available (Judges): Accepting the Challenge to Confront the Enemy
"In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes." Judges 21:25 Centuries have come and gone since those words of Scripture were written, but our self-centered, pleasure-minded human race has never seemed to learn the lessons of history. Philosopher George Santayana was right when he said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Today's world and the world of the Judges are similar in many ways. Greed. Sexual immorality. Disregard for moral absolutes. Even God's people can't seem to work together. But Warren Wiersbe reminds us through this study that here and there God is raising up men and women who believe Him, confront the enemy, and win the victory. The challenge of the Book of Judges be available! No matter how dark the day, God can still work through people who will trust His word, yield to His spirit, and do His bidding.
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1994
123 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Warren W. Wiersbe
663 books409 followersWarren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 1, 2012
Since the beginning of September, I have been studying the Book of Judges. The sentence in the bible that would best summarize the Book of Judges is --Judges 21:25. "In those days Israel had no kings; all the people did whatever seemed right in their eyes." Sound familiar? The Book of Judges shows us how far some of the tribes had wandered away from God. This book is not just about the past but also about God's people today.
Warren Wiersbe is truly a talented author! I will be honest that this is a difficult book to get through. "There is no king in Israel. People are doing what is right in their own eyes. God's people can't seem to work together. people are in bondage to various enemies. Horrible acts of moral wickedness and rape. Every chapter shows how things are getting worse than the previous chapters.
"During Judges there was great apostasy in Israel, the nation underwent political and religious turmoil as the people tried to possess those parts of the land that had not yet been fully conquered. Tribes fought among themselves, nearly wiping out the tribes of Manasseh and Benjamin. The pattern of behavior was - the people rebelled through idolatry and disbelief; God brought judgment through foreign oppression -- God raised up a deliverer (judge) -- the people repented and turned back to God, where the people fell back into sin and the cycle started over again."
Message: Memory is a gift! God chastises us when we sin because He did not forget His covenant and because of His great love for His people. Also remember no Christian can do everything, but every Christian can do something, and God will put all these "somethings" together to get His work done in this world. You can never tell what God has planned for you, so BE AVAILABLE!!
Warren Wiersbe is truly a talented author! I will be honest that this is a difficult book to get through. "There is no king in Israel. People are doing what is right in their own eyes. God's people can't seem to work together. people are in bondage to various enemies. Horrible acts of moral wickedness and rape. Every chapter shows how things are getting worse than the previous chapters.
"During Judges there was great apostasy in Israel, the nation underwent political and religious turmoil as the people tried to possess those parts of the land that had not yet been fully conquered. Tribes fought among themselves, nearly wiping out the tribes of Manasseh and Benjamin. The pattern of behavior was - the people rebelled through idolatry and disbelief; God brought judgment through foreign oppression -- God raised up a deliverer (judge) -- the people repented and turned back to God, where the people fell back into sin and the cycle started over again."
Message: Memory is a gift! God chastises us when we sin because He did not forget His covenant and because of His great love for His people. Also remember no Christian can do everything, but every Christian can do something, and God will put all these "somethings" together to get His work done in this world. You can never tell what God has planned for you, so BE AVAILABLE!!
July 14, 2018
An encouraging look at a difficult book.
October 9, 2016
Enjoyed his commentaries. A good overview of a long and mostly dark time of Israels history.
December 18, 2017
Warren Wiersbe guides well through what might seem like a rather boring book in the Bible. He draws out contemporary messages from the context of complicated names and historical events. I didn’t find this to be an easy read, but I would never have persisted with Judges without the help of “Be Available”.
September 23, 2010
Title: BE AVAILABLE
Author: Warren W. Wiersbe
Publisher: David C. Cook
September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4347-0048-3
Genre: Inspirational/Bible studies/commentary/Old Testament
We live in a time similar to the period described in the book of Judges. People are living according to their own values, we can’t seem to work together or agree on anything, etc. Also, as Dr. Wiersbe points out, there is no king in Israel, and people are in bondage to various enemies. The book of Judges reminds us, that as He did back then, He is currently raising of men and women who believe Him, confront the enemy, and win the victory.
The theme of Judges, according to Dr. Wiersbe, is BE AVAILABLE, and we are reminded that: Obedience brings God’s blessings; disobedience brings God’s discipline.
BE AVAILABLE starts with a suggested outline for the book of Judges, and also includes a key verse. This study guide is excellent for use with small groups, and individual studies. Like for instance, chapter one includes Judges 1 and 2, and it starts with what could be current day newspaper headings (though actually, they were all taken from Judges). It goes on to include an in-depth study of Judges, with verses to look up (some are printed, but not all.) Then at the end of the chapter is a page (front and back) of discussion questions.
Dr. Wiersbe is a name that I grew up with, as my parents had his entire collection of commentaries and study guides. I was thrilled when, as a young adult, I actually attended the same church as Dr. Wiersbe while my husband attended seminary. We might have spoken once or twice, but I was very much in awe of the man and still am today.
These books were previously published, and are enjoying being reprinted to make them more readily available to today’s scholars. If you are interested in a deep Bible study by a respected Bible scholar, then I highly recommend BE AVAILABLE, or any of the other books in the Be series. These are not to be missed. $12.99. 199 pages.
Author: Warren W. Wiersbe
Publisher: David C. Cook
September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4347-0048-3
Genre: Inspirational/Bible studies/commentary/Old Testament
We live in a time similar to the period described in the book of Judges. People are living according to their own values, we can’t seem to work together or agree on anything, etc. Also, as Dr. Wiersbe points out, there is no king in Israel, and people are in bondage to various enemies. The book of Judges reminds us, that as He did back then, He is currently raising of men and women who believe Him, confront the enemy, and win the victory.
The theme of Judges, according to Dr. Wiersbe, is BE AVAILABLE, and we are reminded that: Obedience brings God’s blessings; disobedience brings God’s discipline.
BE AVAILABLE starts with a suggested outline for the book of Judges, and also includes a key verse. This study guide is excellent for use with small groups, and individual studies. Like for instance, chapter one includes Judges 1 and 2, and it starts with what could be current day newspaper headings (though actually, they were all taken from Judges). It goes on to include an in-depth study of Judges, with verses to look up (some are printed, but not all.) Then at the end of the chapter is a page (front and back) of discussion questions.
Dr. Wiersbe is a name that I grew up with, as my parents had his entire collection of commentaries and study guides. I was thrilled when, as a young adult, I actually attended the same church as Dr. Wiersbe while my husband attended seminary. We might have spoken once or twice, but I was very much in awe of the man and still am today.
These books were previously published, and are enjoying being reprinted to make them more readily available to today’s scholars. If you are interested in a deep Bible study by a respected Bible scholar, then I highly recommend BE AVAILABLE, or any of the other books in the Be series. These are not to be missed. $12.99. 199 pages.
September 30, 2010
"BE Available" is a commentary on Judges, but it's written more like a filled-in Bible study or interesting sermon series than a Bible reference book. As in, you could go to a certain chapter and verse reference and read the entry for more information, but the book was designed to be read from start to finish. The book was easy to understand and an enjoyable, quick read.
Each chapter in this book covered 1-3 chapter in Judges. The author tied in relevant Old and New Testament verses, pointed out the meanings of Hebrew words that don't fully translate into English, and explained background historical information that helped to bring out the full impact of the verses. There were 10 to 11 questions at the end of each chapter. Some tested to see if you remembered/understood what the author had said, but others were discussion/reflection questions about how you could apply what you had just learned.
I gained some new insights from reading this book. It's a good, solid study of Judges, especially for those who aren't very familiar with it. Overall, I'd recommend this book as a personal devotional/Bible study for those who want a deeper understanding of the Word.
I received this book as a review copy through the The B&B Media Group.
Each chapter in this book covered 1-3 chapter in Judges. The author tied in relevant Old and New Testament verses, pointed out the meanings of Hebrew words that don't fully translate into English, and explained background historical information that helped to bring out the full impact of the verses. There were 10 to 11 questions at the end of each chapter. Some tested to see if you remembered/understood what the author had said, but others were discussion/reflection questions about how you could apply what you had just learned.
I gained some new insights from reading this book. It's a good, solid study of Judges, especially for those who aren't very familiar with it. Overall, I'd recommend this book as a personal devotional/Bible study for those who want a deeper understanding of the Word.
I received this book as a review copy through the The B&B Media Group.
October 3, 2017
I'm a big fan of Wiersbe's "BE" series, but this title isn't one of my favorites. One of the cardinal rules of inductive bible study is "Don't read into the passage something that isn't clearly there." A few times in this commentary I felt that Wiersbe went beyond the facts and imagined what someone's motivation might have been.
Nevertheless I always appreciate Wiersbe's breadth of biblical knowledge and his ability to refer to New Testament truths in the context of Old Testament stories.
And I enjoy his pithy sayings:
"When God goes to war, he usually chooses the most unlikely soldiers, hands them the most unusual weapons, and accomplishes through them the most unpredictable results."
"Before we can be successful warriors, we must first become sincere worshippers."
"The essence of idolatry is enjoying God's gifts while ignoring the Giver."
"In too many churches, the laughter of religious entertainment has replaced the holy hush of worship."
All in all, this was a helpful overview of the book of Judges.
Nevertheless I always appreciate Wiersbe's breadth of biblical knowledge and his ability to refer to New Testament truths in the context of Old Testament stories.
And I enjoy his pithy sayings:
"When God goes to war, he usually chooses the most unlikely soldiers, hands them the most unusual weapons, and accomplishes through them the most unpredictable results."
"Before we can be successful warriors, we must first become sincere worshippers."
"The essence of idolatry is enjoying God's gifts while ignoring the Giver."
"In too many churches, the laughter of religious entertainment has replaced the holy hush of worship."
All in all, this was a helpful overview of the book of Judges.
October 5, 2010
Be Available by Warren W. Wiersbe is a thoughtful study of the book of Judges. Wiersbe is probably my favorite theologian of the second half of the twentieth century. His writing is always incredibly insightful and inspiring. Be Available goes through the stories in Judges in the years after Joshua's death and before Saul became King of Israel. The Israelites were in a cycle of falling away from the Lord, facing attacks and enslavement from foreign nations, then turning back to God and a judge arising from the people who rescues them and brings peace. This cycle is repeated several times, and there are many lessons in it for Christians. Wiersbe breaks down each story and explains what God was doing in it and what it means for believers today. He even gave my heart some peace over a chapter that always troubled me: Jephthah's sacrifice of his daughter. He makes the Bible very relevant and vital with a writing style that is enjoyable and intelligent.
October 1, 2010
I found Dr. Wiersbe's study to be both easy to read and enjoyable. I enjoyed his writing style and found that the studies aren't lengthy, but can lead into some very interesting and deep studies - depending on how deep you want to go. One of my favorite parts of the book was the chapter on faith and Gideon. In that chapter he said something that I really liked, "A faith that can't be tested can't be trusted."
This would be a great book for both individual, family or group studies. This book is part of the Be Series. I haven't done any of the other series, but I have enjoyed this study so much, that I will be looking for more of them in the future!
***Dr. Wiersbe uses the King James Version unless otherwise noted.
This would be a great book for both individual, family or group studies. This book is part of the Be Series. I haven't done any of the other series, but I have enjoyed this study so much, that I will be looking for more of them in the future!
***Dr. Wiersbe uses the King James Version unless otherwise noted.
December 18, 2012
This is sort of an ongoing reread for me for many years now. Somehow he gets me to see, after shaking my head at the unimmaginably stupid things people did in judges, that the issues are really much the same today. Perhaps lesser in degree but in kind similar. Issues like cowardice, self will , procrastination, short term thinking.
And the most basic temptation everyone faces. . . being less than God dreams and puts in our heart , that we could be.
David Lawrence
And the most basic temptation everyone faces. . . being less than God dreams and puts in our heart , that we could be.
David Lawrence
Want to read
August 27, 2010*Thanks to the TBBMedia Group for providing a copy for review through FIRST Wild Card Tours.*
February 7, 2011
His commentaries go great as devotional helps along with your daily Bible reading.
Want to read
July 15, 2016I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14108508
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14108508
could-not-finish
March 22, 2017Very dry.
August 2, 2017
Helpful in a study through a book in which not much is written. Solid theology, but sometimes a bit narrow in interpretation and application.
September 2, 2017
Love this author and the way he simplifies and outlines so many tough biblical passages.
December 22, 2021
The book of Judges is one of the oddest in Scripture. The phrases “There was no king in Israel” and “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” are repeated. In the preceding book, Joshua was the nation’s leader who had followed Moses. Now there was no national leader and Israel had by and large fallen away from following God as they had promised. The behavior in the book dramatically shows the need for godly leadership and personal righteousness.
Warren Wiersbe helps readers navigate through the book of Judges in Be Available: Accepting the Challenge to Confront the Enemy.
Wiersbe points out that, ““Deuteronomy 6 outlined the nation’s basic responsibilities: Love and obey Jehovah as the only true God (vv. 1–5); teach your children God’s laws (vv. 6–9); be thankful for God’s blessings (vv. 10–15); and separate yourself from the worship of the pagan gods in the land of Canaan (vv. 16–25). “Unfortunately, the new generation failed in each of those responsibilities” (p. 18, Kindle version). “The sin in our lives we refuse to conquer will eventually conquer us” (p. 26).
“The first step the new generation took toward defeat and slavery was neglecting the Word of God, and generations ever since have made that same mistake” (p. 23). Wiersbe applies this across the ages: “I fear that too many believers today are trying to live on religious fast food dispensed for easy consumption (no chewing necessary) by entertaining teachers who give people what they want, not what they need” (p. 23).
Wiersbe makes this interesting observation: “Whether in a nation or a local church, the absence of qualified leaders is often a judgment of God and evidence of the low spiritual level of the people” (p. 112).
By the time of the Judges, ““Unfortunately, God’s people aren’t working together to defeat the enemy, but here and there, God is raising up men and women of faith who are experiencing His blessing and power and are leading His people to victory” (p. 20, Kindle version).
Sometimes those leaders were a surprise: ““When God goes to war, He usually chooses the most unlikely soldiers, hands them the most unusual weapons, and accomplishes through them the most unpredictable results” (p. 31). “Never underestimate the good that one person can do who is filled with the Spirit of God and obedient to the will of God” (p. 36). Others were a disappointment: though they yielded to God and were used by Him, at other times they yielded to the flesh.
The last few chapters show the low level Israel sank to and set us up for the monarchy to come. But even though some of the future kings were godly and inspiring, all of them failed in various points. One of my former pastors used to say that throughout the OT, we see the best of the judges and kings, but we also see the worst. These point us to the only completely righteous and perfect King, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Warren Wiersbe helps readers navigate through the book of Judges in Be Available: Accepting the Challenge to Confront the Enemy.
Wiersbe points out that, ““Deuteronomy 6 outlined the nation’s basic responsibilities: Love and obey Jehovah as the only true God (vv. 1–5); teach your children God’s laws (vv. 6–9); be thankful for God’s blessings (vv. 10–15); and separate yourself from the worship of the pagan gods in the land of Canaan (vv. 16–25). “Unfortunately, the new generation failed in each of those responsibilities” (p. 18, Kindle version). “The sin in our lives we refuse to conquer will eventually conquer us” (p. 26).
“The first step the new generation took toward defeat and slavery was neglecting the Word of God, and generations ever since have made that same mistake” (p. 23). Wiersbe applies this across the ages: “I fear that too many believers today are trying to live on religious fast food dispensed for easy consumption (no chewing necessary) by entertaining teachers who give people what they want, not what they need” (p. 23).
Wiersbe makes this interesting observation: “Whether in a nation or a local church, the absence of qualified leaders is often a judgment of God and evidence of the low spiritual level of the people” (p. 112).
By the time of the Judges, ““Unfortunately, God’s people aren’t working together to defeat the enemy, but here and there, God is raising up men and women of faith who are experiencing His blessing and power and are leading His people to victory” (p. 20, Kindle version).
Sometimes those leaders were a surprise: ““When God goes to war, He usually chooses the most unlikely soldiers, hands them the most unusual weapons, and accomplishes through them the most unpredictable results” (p. 31). “Never underestimate the good that one person can do who is filled with the Spirit of God and obedient to the will of God” (p. 36). Others were a disappointment: though they yielded to God and were used by Him, at other times they yielded to the flesh.
The last few chapters show the low level Israel sank to and set us up for the monarchy to come. But even though some of the future kings were godly and inspiring, all of them failed in various points. One of my former pastors used to say that throughout the OT, we see the best of the judges and kings, but we also see the worst. These point us to the only completely righteous and perfect King, the Lord Jesus Christ.
January 4, 2021
At first I thought this was going to be depressing and frustrating. They did evil and turned from God, they were captured, they repented, God sent someone to deliver them, repeat, repeat, repeat. But the more I read the more I saw parts of my own life. Then I really saw God's grace and patience with me. I really liked the last chapter review. How you can really look at history and see how God was using the leaders even when they weren't "qualified". It really was a book about hope and grace.
September 12, 2018
Wow, Judges is bizarre
Can it get any more crazy? Alas yes. Judges does get a bad wrap because there are some unfaithful people, but there is light despite the devastation. I wondered how Christians from our time period will be viewed by future Christians. What apostasy will be evident to them to which we are blind.
Can it get any more crazy? Alas yes. Judges does get a bad wrap because there are some unfaithful people, but there is light despite the devastation. I wondered how Christians from our time period will be viewed by future Christians. What apostasy will be evident to them to which we are blind.
May 15, 2018
Companion Book
Great companion for reading through Judges, and helpful in understanding the correct of what was written. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys studying the Bible because it's light but still very educational.
Great companion for reading through Judges, and helpful in understanding the correct of what was written. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys studying the Bible because it's light but still very educational.
October 27, 2018
Great study of the book of Judges. A lot of what is described in this study about Israel's behavior could also easily apply to lifestyles lived by many tiday. Sad, sobering, and more than a little scary. A wonderful exposition on a book of the Bible that is too often overlooked.
June 1, 2019
5/50 of be series. i read alphabetically.
like the book of judges, be available mean we must ready whenever God want to used us. the background in the book of Judges and our conditions now not any better, so this message still alive in this time.
like the book of judges, be available mean we must ready whenever God want to used us. the background in the book of Judges and our conditions now not any better, so this message still alive in this time.
November 24, 2023
A great book on embracing our calling to confront challenges and stand against the forces that oppose us. Wiersbe reveals the importance of being available for God's work, even in the face of formidable adversaries.
July 31, 2024
As with his other books, there are valid insights made, but the lack of separation between the author’s opinion and biblical truth, as well as the unfortunate misogyny, make it less valuable as a biblical resource.
April 4, 2018
Loved it
Am working through the complete be series and am very excited to continue reading these books. Will begin work on Joshua next
Am working through the complete be series and am very excited to continue reading these books. Will begin work on Joshua next
March 31, 2020
Judges
I have always thought that this book of the Bible had to be boring. But no! It is so full of life and circumstances that match our world today!
I have always thought that this book of the Bible had to be boring. But no! It is so full of life and circumstances that match our world today!
February 23, 2021
Great insight into the book of Judges. Make sure that you read the footnotes in the back as it helps to clarify the text.
May 16, 2024
Love the way he writes and breaks things down in a way I'm able to understand
April 11, 2025
Insightful!
Yes, insightful, sobering too! But a wonderful guide to the book of judges. Maybe the most valuable resource! Gods story continues!
Yes, insightful, sobering too! But a wonderful guide to the book of judges. Maybe the most valuable resource! Gods story continues!
April 4, 2024
Be Available is a study of the book of Judges. This Bible study shows how God works through ordinary people who make themselves available to Him. Wiersbe writes: “No matter how dark the day, God can still work through people who will trust His Word, yield to His Spirit, and do His bidding. Will you be among them?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews