Book of Judges

Author: The Book of Judges does not specifically name its author. The tradition is that the Prophet Samuel was the author of Judges. Internal evidence indicates that the author of Judges lived shortly after the period of the Judges. Samuel fits this qualification.

Date of Writing: The Book of Judges was likely written between 1045 and 1000 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The Book of Judges can be divided into two sections: 1) Verses 1-16 which gives an account entirely of the wars of deliverance beginning with the Israelites defeat of the Canaanites and ending with the defeat of the Philistines and the death of Samson; 2) Verses 17-21 which is referred to as an appendix and does not relate to the previous chapters. These chapters are noted as a time “when there was no king in Israel (Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25).” The Book of Ruth was originally a part of The Book of Judges but in A.D. 450 it was removed to become a book of its own.

Key Verses: Judges 2:16-19, "Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders. Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. Unlike their fathers, they quickly turned from the way in which their fathers had walked, the way of obedience to the LORD's commands. Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the LORD had compassion on them as they groaned under those who oppressed and afflicted them. But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their fathers, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways."

Brief Summary: The Book of Judges is an account of how Yahweh [God] was taken for granted by His children year after year, century after century. Yet, God has never failed to open His arms in love to His people whenever they repent from their wicked ways and call upon His name. (Judges 2:18) Through the 15 judges of Israel God honored His promise to Abram to protect and bless his offspring (Genesis 12:2-3).

After the death of Joshua and his contemporaries the Israelites returned to serving Baal and Ashtaroth. God seeing this allowed the Israelites to be controlled by those whom they worshiped. It was then that the people of God would cry out to Yahweh for help. God then sent His children judges to lead them in righteous living. But time after time they would turn their back of God and return to their lives of wickedness. However, keeping with his part of the covenant with Abram God would save His people from their oppressors throughout the 480 year span of The Book of Judges.

Probably the most notable judge was the 12th judge, Samson, who came to lead the Israelites after a 40 year captivity under the rule of the ruthless Philistines. Samson led God’s people to victory over the Philistines where he lost his own life after 20 years as judge of Israel.

Practical Application: The life of a believer is not intended to be a life of failures, judgments, and restorations. Yes, we all fail. Yes, we all need restoration and renewal from God. No, the Book of Judges should not be a description of our daily walk with Christ.

Recommended Resources: NIV Application Commentary Judges/Ruth by K. Lawson Younger.
Judges & Ruth: Holman Old Testament Commentary by W. Gary Phillips.

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Book of Judges