1. Survey of the Old Testament
Chapter 12
Judges

2. The Writing of the Book Traditionally ascribed to Samuel
Contemporary narratives later collected by a redactor
Photo: Abimelech "went to his father's home in Ophrah and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers" (Judg. 9:5). Standing stones, like these from Gezer, were used in ancient Israel for a variety or purposes; they were often designated sacred space and thus became the site for rituals.

3. The Background Chronology The Historical Background
Little attention to international events
Late Bronze Age II
The Sea Peoples/Philistines
Cultural Background
Canaan ruled by independent city-states
Map: The Judges of Israel (Zondervan Atlas of the Bible)

4. Purpose and Message
Explores theological and political consequences of Israel's covenant violation
Demonstrates the need for a king over Israel
Photo: This Babylonian seal depicts the hero Gilgamesh kneeling with an outstretched lion above his head. Lions were dangerous foes, and one who defeated a lion was considered great. The Israelite judge Samson killed a lion with his bare hands (Judg. 14:6).

5. Structure and Organization
Failure of Israel to remove the Canaanites
Israel does not fully posses or control the land
Cycles of apostasy: sin, punishment, repentance, and deliverance
Six cycles (chapters 3-16)

6. Major Themes The Nature of Charismatic Leadership
The Spirit of the Lord
Israel's Apostasy