JUDGES

The Book of Judges tells the story of the Israelites after the death of Joshua, covering a period before Israel had kings. It describes a repeating cycle: the Israelites would disobey God and worship other gods, leading to God allowing foreign nations to oppress them. When the people cried out for help, God would raise up a "judge" – a leader or deliverer – to rescue them from their enemies. After a period of peace, the cycle would begin again. The book reveals the consequences of not fully obeying God and highlights how God remained faithful to His covenant with His people, even when they were unfaithful. It famously ends by stating that "everyone did what was right in their own eyes," emphasising the spiritual and moral chaos of the time.