The seventh book of the Old Testament takes its name from the title of the men who ruled Israel during the period from Joshua through Samuel. The Hebrew title is, ‘ Shopetim ' meaning, “judges”, “rulers”, and “deliverers” or “saviors”. The Septuagint used the Greek equivalent of this word, ‘ krital ' (“Judges”). The Latin Vulgate called it ‘ Liber Judicum '. The “Book of Judges”.

The book makes no clear claim to authorship or date of composition. It is believed to be authored by Samuel, prior to the appointment of Saul as Israel 's first king.

The purpose of the book of Judges is to bridge the gap in the history of Israel from Joshua to Samuel, prior to the appointment of Saul as king; and to show the moral and political degradation of the people of Israel who have neglected their religious heritage and toyed with the pagan religions around them.

The book has an easy and short outline:

 I. Introduction - 1:1-2:10 . Including the state of things at the death of Joshua.

 II. Main body – 2:11-16:31 . The cycle of judges.

 III. Appendix – Chap. 17-21. Life in Israel in the days of the judges.

 For the first time the Israelites had a homeland. Each tribe had its own territory. Each family within each tribe soon had its own plot of ground to farm or use however it chose. This was a great time in their history.

However, the Israelites had failed to remove the remaining Canaanites completely from their land, as God had commanded. In addition, they failed to heed the warning of Moses concerning idolatry and turning from the God that saved them.

The Israelites first tolerated the Canaanites worship of Baal, and then they began to experiment with this idolatrous practice themselves. As the battles to conquer the land ceased; God was angry with the people because they had not obeyed Him. The day came when He told them He would no longer help drive out the remaining people. They would be left to prove Israel to see if they would be faithful in spite of the idolatrous worship of their surrounding neighbors ( Judges 2:20 -23 ).

Israel failed the test innumerable times as the years went by . As they failed, God punished them. When they cried out for God, he raised up a judge to save them.

An important theme for Christians as we read this book; is the understanding that Israel set aside God's law and in its place substituted “ what was right in his own eyes ” ( Judges 21:25 ).

Good Reading!