The Book of Judges is the seventh book of the Bible and recounts the period between Joshua’s death and the rise of Israel’s monarchy. During this time, Israel had no king, and the tribes repeatedly turned away from God. The book presents a tragic cycle: the people fall into idolatry, suffer oppression from surrounding nations, cry out to God for help, and are delivered by a judge, only to repeat the pattern again. It reveals the consequences of moral compromise and the need for godly leadership.

Judges opens with a partial conquest of the land, as many tribes fail to drive out the Canaanites. This disobedience leads to spiritual corruption as Israel adopts pagan practices and forgets the LORD. In response, God allows foreign nations to oppress them. When the people cry out, God raises up judges, leaders empowered by His Spirit, to rescue and restore temporary order.

The judges include both well-known and obscure figures. Deborah leads with wisdom and courage. Gideon is called while hiding in fear but becomes a mighty warrior with God’s help. Jephthah delivers Israel but makes a tragic vow. Samson, the most famous judge, is known for his supernatural strength but also his moral weakness. These leaders reflect both God’s mercy and the increasing brokenness of Israel’s spiritual condition.

As the cycles continue, the nation grows more fragmented and violent. The final chapters of Judges contain disturbing stories that show how far Israel has strayed, including civil war and horrific acts of lawlessness. The repeated refrain, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes,” underscores the book’s somber tone.

Judges is a sobering account of what happens when a nation forgets its covenant with God. Yet even in Israel’s rebellion, God remains compassionate and raises up deliverers to preserve His people. The book prepares the way for the hope of a righteous king who will lead with justice and faithfulness, pointing forward to the need for the Messiah.

JJ Bowks, ©CDMI