Judges
INTRODUCTION
The Book of Judges spans the period between the death of Joshua, about 1375 B.C., to the crowning of Israel’s first king, Saul, around 1040 B.C. The book traces the deterioration of Israel’s faith and fortunes. It explains why the people of God failed to experience His blessing. Judges takes its name from the charismatic leaders God raised up when Israel abandoned idolatry and turned to Him for help. The “judges” were national leaders in the fullest sense. Typically they functioned as military commanders, religious leaders, and governors of the tribes they served. This small book is usually valued for its stories of heroes like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. But its message is more grim. The future is bleak for any nation that abandons God and the righteous way of life His Law describes.
OUTLINE OF CONTENTS
| I. | Causes of the Judges Era | Jdg. 1:1–3:6 |
| II. | Conditions During the Judges Era: | Jdg. 3:7–16:31 |
| Seven Cycles of Oppression/Deliverance | ||
| 1. Othniel | Jdg. 3:7–11 | |
| 2. Eglon | Jdg. 3:12–31 | |
| 3. Deborah and Barak | Jdg. 4:1–5:31 | |
| 4. Gideon | Jdg. 6:1–8:32 | |
| 5. Tola and Jair | Jdg. 8:33–10:5 | |
| 6. Jephthah | Jdg. 10:6–12:15 | |
| 7. Samson | Jdg. 13:1–16:31 | |
| III. | Human Consequences of the Judges Era | Jdg. 17:1–21:25 |
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