Covenant Word

The Book of Judges is to me a disturbing book to read, for, while it reveals the love and power of God to deliver, it reveals how willing human nature is to withdraw from God and go the human way.  In covenant, the instigator of the covenant waits for response before taking action.  In the exchange of "tokens" there is identity of covenant and that is a deterrent to those who would attack the person or nation in covenant with a protector.  God's Word is such a deterrent to the enemy of our soul. 
The Book of Ruth is written during the time period of the Judges and I Samuel starts in that same period.  The faith and action of Hannah triggers the end of that period.  I Samuel 1:29 (NIV) ²⁸ So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.  I Samuel 3:21(ESVUK) ²¹ And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord. 
God showed Joshua the way to walking in the fulfillment of God's covenant promise.   Joshua 1:8  (ESVUK) ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.   David became a worshipper and an addict to God's Word.  When he sinned, the Word showed him the way back to fellowship with God.  Psalm 19:7-14 (NIV) ⁷ The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. ⁸ The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. ⁹ The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.  The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. ¹⁰ They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;  they are sweeter than honey than honey from the honeycomb.  ¹¹ By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.   ¹² But who can discern their own errors?  Forgive my hidden faults.  ¹³ Keep your servant also from willful sins;  may they not rule over me.  Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.  ¹⁴ May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 119:11-16 (NLT) ¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
¹² I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.  ¹³ I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.  ¹⁴ I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.  ¹⁵ I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.  ¹⁶ I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.