Judges of Israel

Reforming leaders in Israel who guided God's people through cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.

The Origin of Judges in Israel

Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, advised him to appoint assistant judges to deal impartially with the various minor disputes rather than having to deal with all the cases that came before him. These civil magistrates were to be of sound character, know the laws of God and the duties required, so there would be justice (Ex 18:13-26).

The Period of the Judges

Following the death of Joshua a series of judges led the Israelites over a period of 325 years, commencing in 1375 BC until the Kingdom of Israel was established with Saul as its first king. During this period 12 deliverers or judges (one was a woman), were used by God to lead His people out of six periods of captivity and back into freedom and peace.

This was a period of disorganisation and defeat but when the people cried out to the Lord, "He raised up judges who saved them" (Jdg 2:16). There were repeated cycles of sin by the Israelites, servitude to their enemies as a consequence, their crying out to God in repentance, and His salvation through a judge or deliverer (Jdg 3:7-11). However, when the judge died they cast off restraint and became corrupt and "everyone did as they saw fit" (Jdg 2:19, 17:6, 21:25).

Notable Judges of Israel

Deborah, Gideon and Samson are three of the 12 deliverers in addition to the priests Eli and Samuel who also judged Israel (1 Sam 4:18, 7:15). These heroes had their failings and weak points too, as shown by Samson being seduced by the Philistine woman, Delilah, which resulted in his being taken captive.

A prophetess and the only female judge, Deborah led Israel with wisdom and courage. She summoned Barak to battle against Sisera, commander of the Canaanite army, and through her faith and guidance, Israel achieved victory (Jdg 4-5).

Called by God to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression, Gideon demonstrated both doubt and faith. With only 300 men, he defeated a vast enemy army through God's power, showing that victory comes not by might but by divine assistance (Jdg 6-8).

A Nazirite from birth with extraordinary physical strength, Samson judged Israel for twenty years. Despite his moral failings, God used him to begin delivering Israel from Philistine oppression. His final act of sacrifice destroyed the temple of Dagon and killed more enemies than in his lifetime (Jdg 13-16).

Reflection and Application:

While individually we will be held accountable, instinctively we aspire to emulate the example of role models.
Find godly people and imitate their desirable qualities.
Pattern your life on theirs for without sound guidelines humanity inevitably deteriorates.
God raises up leaders in times of need; remain faithful and responsive to His call.

See also: Deborah, Delilah, Eli, example, Gideon, Judges (Jdg), pattern, Samson, Samuel.