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'''Judges''' is the seventh book of the [[Old Testament]] relating to events associated with the temporary leaders of [[Israel]] called "Judges".  Specifically, this "Book of Judges" describes the time period between the passing away of [[Joshua]] and the prophecies of [[Samuel]] and the leadership of King [[Saul]].  During this period [[Israel]] had no king and [[God]] called upon special people, "judges", to lead His people.  They were leaders in society and battle and not like judges today.

'''Judges''' is the seventh book of the [[Old Testament]] of the [[Bible]] and relating to events associated with the temporary leaders of [[Israel]] called "Judges" and covers a period of about 200 years.  Specifically, this "Book of Judges" describes the time period between the passing away of [[Joshua]] and the prophecies of [[Samuel]] and the leadership of King [[Saul]].  During this period [[Israel]] had no king and [[God]] called upon special people, "judges", to lead His people.  They were leaders in society and battle and not like judges today.  Judges would often lead for 40 years (a biblical generation).

The Book of Judges describes how the ancient [[Hebrews]] tended to obey [[God]] when there was a judge, but disobey Him (and fall prey to their enemies) when there was not a judge, whereupon the people would cry to [[God]] for help and He would respond by appointing a new judge.<ref>Judges 2:16-19.</ref>

The Book of Judges describes how the ancient [[Hebrews]] tended to obey [[God]] when there was a judge, but disobey Him (and fall prey to their enemies) when there was not a judge, whereupon the people would cry to [[God]] for help and He would respond by appointing a new judge.<ref>Judges 2:16-19</ref> who would then save them from their calamity, sometimes with their help (Deborah, Gideon) and sometimes without (Samson).

The authorship of the Book of Judges has traditionally be attributed to [[Samuel]].

The authorship of the Book of Judges has traditionally be attributed to [[Samuel]].

One judge was a woman and the remainder were men.  The more prominent judges were:

One judge was a woman and the remainder were men.  The more prominent judges were:

* Gideon<ref>Judges chapters 6-8.</ref>

* [[Gideon]]<ref>Judges chapters 6-8.</ref>

* Samson<ref>Judges chapters 13-16.</ref>

* [[Samson]]<ref>Judges chapters 13-16.</ref>

* Deborah<ref>Judges chapters 4-5.</ref>

* [[Deborah]]<ref>Judges chapters 4-5.</ref>

== References ==

== References ==

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