The book of Judges was written somewhere between 1045-1000 BC by the prophet, Samuel. Although Samuel is never identified as the author, the Jewish Talmud declares that he penned it; furthermore, as one who lived and wrote (1 Samuel 10:25) during the events of Judges, Samuel would be qualified to document the history of Israel in this time period. The historical events written in Judges span approximately 350 years (1383-1043 BC), which begin with the death of Joshua (1383 BC) and end just before the monarchy was instituted in Israel (1043 BC). While the book of Joshua celebrated Israel’s obedience to God and inheritance of the Promised Land, Judges was a dark period in Israel’s timeline because of their disobedience and idolatry. After the death of Joshua, the nation of Israel gradually began moving away from the Lord by failing to remove the Canaanites from the land (Judges 1), worshiping other gods (Judges 2), and intermarrying with the Canaanites (Judges 3:5-6). Moses had forewarned Israel about the dangers of all three of these things and told them about the consequences of not obeying God (see Deuteronomy 7); however, they failed to listen to the voice of Moses as well as Joshua.
Each time Israel disobeyed the Lord, He would send judgment upon them by allowing their enemies to conquer them and each time their enemies had victory over them, Israel would cry out to the Lord for deliverance. In the book of Judges, God’s deliverance arrived for Israel whenever He would send judges (men to protect Israel from their enemies) to call the people to repent and return to the Lord. The history of these fourteen judges is recorded in Judges 3:7-16:31. Here is a listing of the judges:
Othniel (Judges 3:7-11)
Ehud (Judges 3:12-30)
Shamgar (Judges 3:31)
Deborah and Barak (Judges 4-5)
Gideon (Judges 6:1-8:32)
Abimelech (Judges 8:33-9:57)
Tola (Judges 10:1-2)
Jair (Judges 10:3-5)
Jephthah (Judges 10:6-12:7)
Ibzan (Judges 12:8-10)
Elon (Judges 12:11-12)
Abdon (Judges 12:13-15)
Samson (Judges 13:1-16:31)
Even though Israel was unfaithful to God, He delivered them from their enemies every time they were oppressed. God’s mercy is clearly recognized throughout the book of Judges, but those who love God must not take advantage of His willingness to forgive. It is always best to obey the first time. Although God’s mercy is demonstrated numerous times during this 350 year time period, the concluding words of Judges still read like this, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (21:25). The words of this book should be a firm reminder that God expects obedience in all areas of life and anyone who ignores Him will experience the consequences of their sin.
Dear God, help me to obey You the first time.
I agree, In 1 Samuel 8 the people have still not learned from their past experiences with appointing Judges as a go between between them and God. Now they demand a king like the other nations who were wicked, no change there then.
I have always queried why the people wanted yet another leader but this time a king. maybe as they could not manipulate the Judges they thought they could a King, and they were right, but it did them no good.
I wandered if God was upset when they refused to have Him as King, but there again He knew what they were like and gave them what they wanted not what they needed.
Now we have prime ministers and presidents, more of the same. How about an Autocracy or a Theocracy, shiver shiver. I suppose we will just have to wait for the King of Kings.
Clive
Thanks for your comment and thoughts on this!