Judges

Author: Possibly Samuel

When It Happened: 1420–1117 BC

Chapters: 21

Key People: Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Delilah

Summary: Israel turned from God. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes, forgetting God’s laws. The book of Judges tells of a cycle that repeated over 300 years and included the Israelites’ disobedience and idolatry, God’s judgment on the people by allowing neighboring nations to conquer them, the people’s repentance and prayer to God for deliverance, and God’s forgiveness and compassion to them as He raised up judges to save them. The people did not learn and continued to return to their sinful ways.

About God: God is jealous for His glory and will punish idolatry. But He is also faithful to His promises, compassionate, and merciful.