What is the cycle described in the Book of Judges?

• A. Relapse; retribution; Repentance; Rescue; Rest
• B. Sin; Slavery; Supplication; Salvation
• C. Bondage; Blessing; Breakthrough; Battle; Blessing
• D. Disobedience; Despair; Deliverance; Destiny; Delight

Answer: (A)

Judges presents a recurring pattern: the people turn back to idolatry and sin, God allows oppression as punishment, they cry out and seek help, God raises a deliverer to save them, and there is a period of peace and stability before the cycle starts again. The sequence Relapse; retribution; Repentance; Rescue; Rest fits this pattern exactly. It captures how sin leads to hardship, the people’ response of turning back to God, God’s action to deliver, and the ensuing period of rest that follows, which then cycles anew.

The other options don’t map the cycle as neatly. They either mix up the order, omit the repeating rest phase, or use terms that don’t reflect the continual, cyclical pattern seen in Judges.