Israel’s Judges - Word Foundations

The Book of Judges names 12 leaders who served as judges in Israel following Joshua’s death.

Othniel is first mentioned in Judges 1:12-13. His service as Israel’s first judge is reported in 3:7-11. He came to power after the Israelites had been oppressed for eight years by Cushan-rishathaim, an Aramean king. He defeated this king and ruled in Israel for 40 years.
Ehud’s leadership as a judge over Israel is described in Judges 3:12-30. Eglon, Moab’s king, had oppressed Israel for 18 years. In response to the cries of God’s people for deliverance, the Lord “raised up Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed Benjaminite, as a deliverer for them” (v. 15). Under Ehud’s leadership, Moab was subdued, “and the land was peaceful 80 years” (v. 30).
Israel’s third judge was Shamgar: “After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath became judge. He delivered Israel by striking down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad” (v. 31).
Next, Deborah and Barak provided leadership; Deborah’s tenure as judge is reported in Judges 4:1–5:31. Deborah convinced Barak to lead a successful military offensive against the Canaanites. The Canaanites were led by Jabin, their king, and Sisera, the military commander. After this victory, Israel enjoyed 40 years of peace.
Gideon judged Israel after Deborah. We read an account of his leadership in Judges 6:1–8:35. Under Gideon’s leadership, Israel’s enemy the Midianites were subdued, “and they were no longer a threat. The land was peaceful 40 years during the days of Gideon” (5:28).
Judges 10:1-2 tells of Tola’s 23-year tenure as judge over Israel.
Judges 10:3-5 speaks of Jair’s leadership, which lasted 22 years.
Jepthah was Israel’s eighth judge. Under his leadership, the Ammonites were defeated. Judges 11:1–12:7 gives an account of Jepthah’s six-year tenure.
In Judges 12:8-10, we read of Ibzan’s seven-year tenure as Israel’s judge. Ibzan was from Bethlehem.
Judges 12:11-12 reports that “Elon, who was from Zebulun, judged Israel after Ibzan.” He served as judge for a 10-year period.
Abdon was Israel’s next judge, and he led Israel for eight years (see Judg. 12:13-15).
Sampson was Israel’s next judge, and he served for 20 years. His leadership occurred during a period when the Philistines were Israel’s primary enemy. Chapters 13–16 of Judges report Sampson’s exploits and failures, including his final triumph over the Philistines, which took place at the cost of his own life.

Samuel gave leadership to Israel following those who are named as judges in the Book of Judges. Samuel, whose leadership is reported in 1 and 2 Samuel, often is considered the last of the judges and the first of the prophets.

Holman Bible Handbook, 214

Holman QuickSource Guide to the Bible, 50

Scriptural account