The Book of Judges

Judges covers a turbulent period in Israel’s history, marked by a cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance. The Israelites repeatedly turn away from their laws, leading to foreign domination. In response, God raises judges—military and tribal leaders—to rescue them.
Notable judges include Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. Each delivers Israel, but as the book progresses, moral decay increases. The book ends with a bleak picture of lawlessness: “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.”