Page 23 - Divinity_F5

Divinity for Advanced Secondary Schools

Good governance is the concept moment, and the Lord heard his
that underlines our discussion in the prayer. Use this episode to show
book of Judges. Biblical judges were how important current leaders must
commissioned by God as leaders be faithful to God in maintaining
to govern his people. Under strong good governance.
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leadership based on the rule of Law
(God’s laws), Israel became prosperous
and peaceful; however, in the absence The books of Samuel
of effective leadership, people plunged The two books of Samuel are part of a
into sin and were later attacked by larger collection of the Old Testament
their enemies. Today’s Christians must known as former prophets. The books of
consider that good governance is God’s Samuel cover the time between 1050 to
agenda to maintain peace and justice 961 BCE. The books show the transition
and bring true development. of Israel from a community under
the heavenly king (God) “theocracy”
Activity 2.2 to a community under earthly kings

1. Read the story of Gideon as a Judge (monarchy). The books highlight some
and show how he practised good key factors in the practice of good
governance. governance for the welfare of society.

2. Visit a nearby village, talk with The two books draw their title from
village leaders about maintaining one of the central figures in the books,
good governance in the local that is, Samuel. Tradition attributes the
government and write a report authorship of the books to Samuel, a
comparing what you have learned in political patron, judge, prophet, priest,
this section. and kingmaker.

Exercise 2.2

1. What are the lessons learned from
the Israelites’ Apostasy.

2. Write your views on the concept and
the practice of good governance in
the book of Judges.

3. Compare and contrast between
Biblical Judges and modern world
Judges.

4. Although Samson fell into lust
and sinned against the Lord, he
remembered the Lord at his last Figure 2.2: Samuel, the Judge and Prophet

14 Form Five Student’s Book