The Historic Context

The book of Judges concerns Israel’s successive overwhelming defeats over four centuries (1390-1000 BC), in contrast to the victories recorded in the book of Joshua.

The Author

Although the biblical text doesn’t give any precision about this, the Talmud attributes the authorship of the book of Judges to the prophet Samuel.

The General Theme

This book evokes many defeats, but also recounts remarkable deliverances. As early as the first chapter a cycle is established: rebellion against God, divine punishment, repentance of the people and then restoration by an intermediary of one or another of the twelve judges raised up by God. Certain judges only exercise their function over some tribes while others are national liberators, for example Othniel Judges 3:8-11, or Gideon Judges 6:11-8:32. The degradation increases as the pages turn leading to moral decline and murderous civil war, Judges chapters 17-21.

The Characteristics

God always chooses for himself unexpectant instruments – the weak to confound the strong, 1 Corinthians 1:27-28. Some examples of judges chosen for God’s work include:

• Othniel, the son of the younger brother of Caleb Judges 3:9
• Ehud, who did not serve with his right-hand Judges 3:15
• Shamgar, a worker in the fields Judges 3:31
• Deborah and Jael, two women who the military chiefs would not have regarded Judges 4:4; 5:24-26
• Gideon, the youngest person from a very poor family in Manasseh Judges 6:15
• Jephthah, illegitimate and banished from society Judges 11:1-3
• Samson, physically formidable but morally vulnerable Judges chapters 14-16

However, many of these are among those mentioned in Hebrews 11:32-34 as prime examples of faith. These judges were supported by God to do His work, Judges 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 13:25; 14:6; 15:14.

The Key Verse

“In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes,” Judges 21:25, cp 17:6; 18:1; 19:1.

Chapter Overview

Section 1: Ch 1:1-3:6 Deterioration – The spared Canaanites impose their idolatry on Israel.
Section 2: Ch 3:7-16:31 Deliverance – God sends deliverers when Israel prays and humbles themselves.
Section 3: Ch 17:1-21:25 Deprivation – Moral decline leads to anarchy Judges 21:25.