judges

JUDGES

TITLE
The Hebrew title is Shophetim, and the LXX is "Kritai." Both titles are derived from the book's content,
judges.

AUTHOR
Jewish tradition and the Talmud (Baba Bathra 14b) state Samuel wrote the book.

DATE
@ 1000 BC. The book was compiled and completed during the reign of King Saul from various records
written during the period of the Judges. The time span is @ 1420-1088, covering from Joshua's death at
age 110 (Joshua 1:1) through the end of the Judges of Israel.

THEME

History of Israel during the period of the Judges (recording results of disobedience and breaking
the covenant).
"Doing your own thing" (17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25) brings about confusion and anarchy.

NOTE:
The Judges were executive leaders, governors, and military men God used to lead and deliver Israel from
foreign threats. These men and women "judged" day-to-day matters of the nation of Israel. Judges had
authority only over limited geographical areas, not over all of Israel.

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