Study the Book of
Judges
A guide to understanding the structure, themes, and message of
Judges
Overview
Judges portrays a turbulent era in Israel’s history when the nation repeatedly turns away from God and God raises leaders to rescue them from oppression.
Quick Facts
Date
c. 1100 BC
Author
Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Testament
Old Testament
Biblical Division
7d18de2d-51af-442d-9981-46b9bf47aa9a
Literary Genre
Historical narrative
Purpose
To show the consequences of abandoning God and the need for righteous leadership in Israel.
Historical & Biblical Context
Judges covers the period between the death of Joshua and the rise of Israel’s monarchy. Israel experiences cycles of rebellion, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. God raises judges such as Deborah, Gideon, and Samson to rescue the people. Over time the nation’s spiritual condition deteriorates. The book repeatedly states that everyone did what was right in his own eyes, highlighting the instability of this era and preparing the way for the establishment of kingship.</p>
Structure
Major Themes
Key Passages
How to Study
Judges
Guided Study Path
If you're not sure where to begin, this pathway breaks the book into study units that can be carefully observed and meditated on in one sitting, though they don't have to be. Study 1, for example, can take several days, while Study 2 may be only one day. It's intentionally not broken into timed units, so that you can move at your own pace and spend time with each passage.
Continue Your Study
Character Studies Related to
Judges
Word Studies Related to
Judges
Dig Deeper into
Judges
Our Bible study guides walk through each book with structured questions that help you observe the text carefully, trace major themes, and understand how the message fits within the larger story of Scripture. The Study Guide can be used individually or with the Leader Guide in a group setting.
Study guides are currently in development. Check back soon for when they become available.