This activity has a couple of options. First, you may work with a Bible which has maps (often located in the back) or Chapter by Chapter Scriptural Maps (instructions) and the scripture texts linked below (download Google Earth free). Second, you may create your map by hand in which case print out the PDF version below, or on your computer in which case use the Pp version. Click here for very brief instructions regarding working with maps in Pp.

Judges of Israel

Use this map (PDF version) (Pp version) (alternate version). Read Judges 3-21 and layout the places where each of the major episodes transpired—Othniel (3:7-11), Ehud (3:12-30), Deborah (4-5), Gideon (6:1-8:28), Abimelech (8:29-9:57), Jephthah (10:6-12:7), Samson (13-16), the migration of Dan (17-18), the treachery of Benjamin (19-21). On the map you are creating: mark locations, the respective judges, scripture references, and in the case of Gideon place arrows to show the progression of the battle in chapters 7 and 8.

Here are a couple of illustrations of how to apply the results of your geographical work to biblical interpretation. One of the things you are likely to discover is the regional and tribal orientation, rather than national, of the Judges episodes. Another set of questions involves the relationship of the migration of Dan, which happened very early chronologically (18:30), and the Philistine problem for the great judge of Dan, Samson (oh). What are the implications of Dan’s failure to take their allotted land?