The Period of the Judges

The period of the Judges is a significant chapter in the biblical history of Israel, marked by a cycle of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. It tells of a time when Israel was not ruled by kings, but by individuals known as judges who were chosen by God to deliver and lead the people. We find the story of the period especially in the Book of Judges, which spans the time between the death of Joshua and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, perhaps from the 1300s to the 1000s BC.

The period begins with the Israelites in the land promised to them by God, Canaan. Although God had commanded them to expel all the Canaanites in the land, they did not fully do so. This coexistence with people who served other gods would prove harmful to Israel’s faith and obedience. The Canaanites’ pagan influences eroded the Israelites’ commitment to Yahweh, leading them to fall regularly into a pattern of idolatry and disobedience.

This era is characterized by a repetitive cycle. The Israelites’ idolatry and abandonment of God led to oppression by neighboring nations. In their distress, the Israelites would cry out to God for deliverance. God, in his mercy, would raise up a judge, a charismatic leader and warrior, to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors and restore peace and righteousness in the land. Despite these interventions, the Israelites repeatedly fell back into sin and idolatry once the judge died, and the cycle would begin anew.

The Book of Judges recounts the stories of several judges, each unique in their calling and contribution. One of the most prominent judges was Deborah, who was both effectively the political leader of Israel and a prophetess at the same time. She is a testament to the fact that God has always called women to lead, even in the Old Testament. The general Barak begs for her help in fighting against the Canaanite commander Sisera.

Gideon was another judge. Through him, Israel defeated the Midianites with just 300 men, highlighting God’s power. Samson, blessed with supernatural strength, fought against the Philistines, but his moral weaknesses ultimately led to his downfall. 

Throughout this period, the Israelites struggled to maintain their covenant relationship with God. The influences of the surrounding nations and their gods led the Israelites astray, causing them to forget God’s laws and promises. Each judge brought a temporary reprieve from oppression and a return to faithfulness, but these periods of peace were short-lived. The consistent theme throughout the Book of Judges is Israel’s failure to remain faithful to Yahweh and the consequences of their disobedience.

The cyclical pattern of sin and deliverance during the Judges era highlighted the Israelites’ need for a consistent, godly leadership. The Book of Judges concludes with the statement, “In those days Israel had no king. Everyone did as they saw fit” ( Judges 21:25). This sets the stage for the Israelites’ request for a king, a request that would be granted with the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel, as told in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel.

The period of the Judges was a tumultuous time in Israel’s history, marked by a continuous cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The Judges, though used by God to provide temporary relief and deliverance, were unable to lead the Israelites to lasting faithfulness and obedience. The period underscores the consequences of disobedience and idolatry, and the graciousness of God in delivering his people despite their recurrent rebellion.