), because the introductory framework in chapter1 states that the Jebusites were living in Jerusalem to this day (Judg. In Judges, He disciplined them for following other gods, disobeying His sacrificial laws, engaging in blatant immorality, and descending into anarchy at times. Most of the book was likely written by Davids time (1010970 b.c.). The land of Canaan was awe-inspiring to the Israelites, as can be seen in the story of the spies who reported on its wealth and strength (Numbers 13). In particular, this text introduces the theme of how God responds to and works through humans. Judges contains the history of Israel during the transition from centralized leadership in the desert under Moses and Joshua to the centralization of leadership in Jerusalem under David and Solomon. The oppressions, chaos, and generally negativepicture in the book are due to Israels repeated sin. 17:1820). Students will also see that the Lord is willing to deliver His people as often as they repent of their sins. 3 Wood, A Survey of Israel's History, 88-90. Moral wickedness, civil war, and its consequences - Judges 19:1-21:25. God is jealous for his people and does not want them to worship other gods. . This foldout poster, originally prepared for issues of the Ensign and Liahona published in 2002, contains a chronological chart of major prophets and events in the Old Testament. The text offers an overview of the main judges who are identified as follows: OthnielWon renown by taking the town of Debir and marrying the daughter of Caleb, Joshua's lieutenant. 14:89, 19; 15:15); and he allowed his hair to be cut (Judg. The theme of Judges is the downward spiral of Israels national and spiritual life into chaos and rebellion against God, showing the need for a godly king (17:6; 21:25). Judges 12 Many of the tribes of Israel fail to remove all the inhabitants of Canaan from their lands. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window). When Naomi's husband and sons die, she decides to return to her home in Israel, and her daughter-in-law Ruth chooses to go with her. I particularly noticed how the Book of Judges appealed to young boys as they acquired their love for Bible "heroes." Because of the startling nature of these narratives, it might seem like the book of Judges lacks a content filter, but this is not true. Introduction to Hebrews. The failure of Israel through idolatry (17:1-18:31) 2. But the conquest was not complete. These judges were generally military leaders and fighters more than preachers of righteousness (see Bible Dictionary, Judges, the). They did not remember the miraculous events that brought them to their land or the covenant that united them to their God. There are no specific allusions to Samuel in the book, C. There is some evidence which points to a time of writing early in the monarchy, perhaps shortly after Sauls coronation (e.g. The distinctive story of the events leading up to his birth parallels the accounts of other important figures in the Bible (e.g., Moses, Samuel, John, Jesus), whose births are reported to emphasize divine involvement in and the significance of their lifes mission (Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, DanaM. Pike, and David Rolph Seely, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament [2009],179). Events within the book of Judges span the geographical breadth of the nation, happening in a variety of cities, towns, and battlefields. In its place in the Christian cannon, it issues the same call, except that the king is Jesus.[13]The following points are taken from J. Alan Groves: Your email address will not be published. This autograph album has that component to make many people fall in love. In Palestine, the system of relatively small, independent city-states in the Middle Bronze Age (c. 21001550 B.C.) The subjects of its title, the "judges," are the tribal leaders and protagonists of the stories in the book, who lead Israel in this transitional period between the era of the covenant-making heroes Moses and Joshua in the books of Moses (that is, the Pentateuch) and Joshua and the nation-making (and -breaking) heroes Samuel, Saul, David, and On the one hand, it is an account of frequent apostasy, provoking divine chastening. This period would correspond to the Late Bronze Age and the early Iron Age. comparable accounts of Joshuas death (Joshua 24:2931; Judges 2:69). The introduction and additions may clearly be separated from the main text, giving the following three divisions: (1) introduction; (2) Book of Judges proper; and (3) appendixes. In John 5:39, we are taught that Jesus is the . The judges were not political rulers (strictly speaking), nor were they moral guides. Judges 1:1 - 2:10 provides a summary of the last portion of the book of Joshua with some additional details and a summary of what remained unconquered at the death of Joshua. The book of Judges was written by the prophet Samuel. Learn Religions, Aug. 25, 2020, learnreligions.com/book-of-judges-701115. . The pattern introduced in Judges 2:1123 shapes the plot: Then the cycle repeats itself. 1416) were guilty of significant sin. Unfortunately, even these godly individuals did not wield sufficient influence to change the nations direction. Therefore, they still interacted with the various Canaanite peoples, and as Judges clearly shows, they were constantly being either led astray because of them or oppressed by them. And third, we'll consider the book's Christian application. hTKa1S As already stated, the judges failed and the people long for a greater judge. The next book in the English Bible is Ruth, which ends with a genealogy that points to David, the godly king par excellence (Ruth 4:1822). To outline a theology of Judges simply: Judges reveals God's plan, purpose, and character: His faithfulness to his covenant. The shining exception was a woman: Deborah (chs. The recurring statement, in those days there was no king in Israel (Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25), points out a contrast between the events happening in the book and the time of its writing. It was written as a justification for the monarchy, since the final verdict of the book, In those days there was no king in Israel. [10] It is important to note that ultimately the hero in the book was never one of the judges. For more information on how to cite this material,see permissions information here. A Levite of Ephraim who took as his maiden a concubine from Bethlehem, A movement from a Moabite to David in Bethlehem 4:17-22, Received his concubine from Bethlehem to which she had fled, A Man left Bethlehem, but unlike the other two stories does not ultimately deface the town, but enhances its name, Came to a young man of Ephraim (Micah) (17:1-5, 8), Returned to Ephraim by way of Gibeah of Benjamin, Bethlehem became the subtle setting for the birthplace of King David, Served as a private chaplain in Micahs illicit chapel (17:10-13), Set upon by evil men who brutalized her and left her for dead, Hired by the tribe of Dan as a priest and relocated in Laish (N. Galilee), Her husband related the event to all of Israel (cut up), Established a cult center which continually caused Gods people to stumble, They attacked the tribe of Benjamin almost annihilating it, The Levite was Jonathan the son of Gershom and the grandson of Moses (18:30), Repopulated Benjamin with women from Shiloh and Jabesh Gilead for the 600 surviving men of Benjamin, Jabesh-Gilead was (probably) the home of Sauls ancestors [thus his interest in it]7, Reflects badly on Benjamin and by implication Saul--Sauls ancestors humiliated and disgraced a Bethlehemite, Bethlehem suffered at the hands of Benjaminites, In Those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in His own eyes(Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25; cf. The theme of Judges is the downward spiral of Israels national and spiritual life into chaos and apostasy, showing the need for a godly king to lead it (Judg. Purpose and Pattern The book of Judges was written to show the consequences of religious unfaithfulness and to point the way to a king who, if righteous, would lead the people to God. We've been through the double introduction to the book. B. YHWH is the true Judge of Israel who delivers and whose judgments are right and just (11:27): 1. Invite your sons and daughters! But despite their flaws, the judges often acted heroically. However, the book reflects the perspective of a much later time, after the northern tribes of Israel had been conquered by Assyria around 721B.C. The Israelites do what is evil in the sight of God; God allows the nation to be conquered and oppressed by a neighboring nation; God sends a judge to deliver them (see chart on ESV Study Bible p.448). But the best founded (2:6-3:6) as an introduction composed expressly for the book. Following the book of Ruth, 1 and 2Samuel relate the establishment of the legitimate Davidic monarchy in Israel, which God was pleased to bless (2Samuel 7). View Chuck Swindoll's chart of Judges, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. Unit 1: Introduction to the Book Considering the Title "Judges" The Date of Judges The Purpose of the Book The History of Interpretation How to Read Judges Extrabiblical Sources Historical and Religious Issues Read as Great Literature Unit 1 Quiz Unit 2: The Canaanization of Israel: Background (Judg 1:1-36) Background and Purpose of Judges 1 The reference to Canaanites in Gezer suggests a date before the time the Egyptians gave that city to Solomons Egyptian wife as a wedding present (1 Ki 9:16). The book includes many of the most graphic, violent, and disturbing (ESV)Judges 21:25In those days there was no king in Israel. Judges 316 The Lord calls 12 judges to help deliver the Israelite tribes from the consequences of their unfaithfulness to the Lord. The next book in the English Bible is Ruth, which ends with a genealogy that points to David, the godly king par excellence (Ruth 4:1822). Time and again the Israelites broke the covenant, turning to the Canaanite gods and doing evil (, Despite Israels repeated falling away, God in his faithfulness continually delivered them. 2023 Insight for Living Ministries. Therefore, the hero of Judges is God. F. The beginning of the conquest of the land was in 1406 B.C. Judges 1:1-3:6 focuses on the closing days of the book of Joshua. Judges is a stern reminder that God punishes sin but is always ready to take the repentant back into his heart. 1) gives a description of the situation in Canaan after the Israelite conquest. INTRODUCTION The Book of Judges is the second book among the section of the historical books of the Christian canon, coming after the Book of Joshua and before the Book of Ruth. The Period of the Judges 2:6-16:31 A. Note that Deborah is introduced as one judging Israel sitting under a tree and calling Barak to deliver the nation (4:4-7), 2. The cycle is introduced in 2:11-19 and repeated in 3:7, 12; 4:1; 6:1; 10:6; 13:1. Judges 2:11-12And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics helps Christians show unbelievers the truth, goodness, and beauty of the gospel as the only hope that fulfills our deepest longings. One of the judges, Samson, fights the Philistines but is captured as a result of his poor choices. Yet, even more so, Jesus sends His Spirit and do what the judges and kings could not accomplish, break the cycle of sin and deliver the people of God by changing their hearts and empowering them to be faithful to God. And now today we'll see the 4 th of the 6 major judges that are chronicled in this book. Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. To develop the historical period from the conquest of the land to the time of Israels first king, B. was a dark age of sorts. . In Judges 1721, we read about the lawlessness and disorder among the tribes of Israel under the judges as they placed their trust in the wisdom of men and chose to disobey the commandments of the Lord. 24:28-31 ). Introduction and background (1:1--3:6) = 20 years, 2. Rough as it was, pottery did continue to be made. Copyright 2023 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved. See this article for further details on Nancy Guthrie's interview and related resources. His patience and compassion in delaying judgment upon his people. He has engaged in post-graduate studies at Dallas T More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. F. If God is raising up someone in every generation to do battle with evil (Gen 3:15) then the number of judges may be equal to the number of generations. The English name of the Book of Judges is a bit misleading. In the book of Joshua, the people of Israel seemed to want to follow the Lord and obey his commands. If the phrase in Judges 18:30, the day of the captivity of the land, refers to the Babylonian exile, then the final form of the book does not precede the time of the exile. The final few chapters (Judges 1721) give an overview of the moral climate during those days and, rather than occurring after the period of the Imported pottery abruptly ceased. It touched me, so I would recommend it to anyone. Difficulty: 3/5 2:3, 1113, 17, 19; 3:6, 7, 12; 4:1; 6:1, 10; 8:2427, 33; 10:6; 13:1; 17:6; 21:25. 2:3, 1113, 17, 19; 3:6, 7, 12; 4:1; 6:1, 10; 8:2427, 33; 10:6; 13:1; 17:6; 21:25). . The Book of Judges tells us of continued struggles in the land as local tribal chieftains or warlords . God had planned for kings to rule in Israel from the beginning (Gen. 17:6, 16; 35:11; 49:10), and had even given instructions for their conduct (Deut. These seven verses are an introduction to the larger story of Deborah, Barak, and Sisera, and to the larger themes in the book of Judges. Judges 1:1-3:6 focuses on the closing days of the book of Joshua. General Religious Characterization of the The book describes the deeds of many of these leaders, some of whom helped deliver the Israelites from the effects of their sinful behavior. C. In Judges obedience is not a prerequisite to blessing. Prelude to apostasy: incomplete conquests (1:12:5), The unfolding and consequences of apostasy (2:63:6). 8:2427). The Hebrew name of the book is Shofetim. Page #9 Study Notes on Judges Introduction to Judges Author The book was evidently written after the death of the other judges yet relatively early in the period of the kings. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/book-of-judges-701115. Alongside an extensive introduction, Webb . A working date would be 1380-1045 B.C. Second, we'll look at its overarching design. Josh. 1), and its unfaithfulness was to blame (Judg. Judges reveals Gods plan, purpose, and character: His faithfulness to his covenant. in the Late Bronze Age. God delivers, not on the basis of human merit or might, but according to His choice of covenantal faithfulness to Abraham. They judged at different times, though some overlap is obvious, such as in Eli, Samson and Samuel. And they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. H. Therefore, Judges lasts for 300 years from 1390-1090 when Saul began to reign.A Very Tentative Reconstruction is as Follows: 1. 21:25)implies that things would havebeen different had there been a (godly) king leading the nation: they would havedone right in Gods eyes. Unlike the kings who came later, the "judges . While Judges portrays the worst with regard to bad behavior, such realism was included to reveal something important about life and human nature apart from God. They are oppressed by their enemies and cry to the Lord for deliverance. %%EOF But God did not forget His covenantand because of His great love for His people, He disciplined His sinful children so that they might return to Him. Ironically, in this book we meet many heroes of faith: Othniel, Gideon, Samson, Shamgar, Deborah, Jephthah, Ehud . Note that Deborah is introduced as one judging Israel sitting under a tree and calling Barak to deliver the nation (4:4-7) 2. Undoubtedly they demonstrated faith (at times) that allowed God to conquer kingdoms through them, but just as surely, the book of Judges focuses more on other aspects of their character to make a point about the widespread apostasy during the period. The book of Ruth is set during the time when Israel was ruled by judges. by Dr. John L. May . the obligation of obedience to YHWH with the understanding that blessing ultimately does not depend upon ones own personal might or worthiness but upon YHWHs faithfulness (1 Samuel will underscore this theme). Jesus, from the line of David (Tribe of Judah), brought about an enduring kingdom and eternal peace. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Substantial theological analysis and exposition for knowledgable readers. @yo@F c HB!Ha\n}u The Book of Judges ( . The one judge who did the most along this lineGideon (Judg. The book of Judges is a book of failure and misery. And unlikely leaders such as Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson become channels of God's unbelievable power. As Exodus established, Israel was Gods peopleHe was their King. 1. But, Judges testifies to the grace of God. Gods people were to fulfill their calling by being faithful to the covenant in the land God had given them. The Book of Judges. 1202 0 obj <> endobj Introduction to 2 John. Because the Israelites failed to remove wicked influences from the promised land, they became entangled in sin and were conquered and afflicted by their enemies. This is confirmed by Calebs statement that the Lord provided for grace to the people for 45 years since Kadesh Barnea (38 years of wandering plus seven years of Conquest). It is noted for the refrain "In those days there was no king in Israel", mentioned four times ( Jdg 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25 ), but there is more to the book . We also do not know where this book was written. The time of the judges brought about great apostasy in Israel. The information about Othniel . 1223 0 obj <>stream Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life. Introduction The Book of Judges takes its title from the twelve men and one woman who served as judges during the period from Joshua's death to the time of Samuel. The Downward Spiral of Israels Apostasy (3:716:31), The Depths of Israels Apostasy (17:121:25), Gods Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible, Early Christianity and the New Testament Canon, The Theological Method of Thomas Aquinas: A Critique, Swiss, French, Dutch, and American Reformation, Kingdom, Covenants & Canon of the Old Testament, Introduction to Biblical Poetry and Wisdom Literature, Introduction to the Gospels (Intermediate), Evidence for the Reliability of the Gospels, Foundations of Biblical Interpretation (Beginner), Invitation to Biblical Interpretation (Intermediate), Leading Worship: Ecclesiology and Contextualization, Theological Foundations: Scripture, God, Sin, Christ, & Salvation, Questions: The Person and Character of God, Questions: The Person And Character Of Jesus, Justification by Faith: A Biblical Theological Perspective, Evangelism, Apologetics, Philosophy, & Ethics, Strangers in America: How Faith Guides Our Politics (Beginner), Christianity, Politics, & Public Life (Intermediate), Ethical Issues of Pregnancy and Infertility, Christian Guides to the Classics: Augustines Confessions, Christian Guides to the Classics: The Death of Ivan Ilych, Christian Guides to the Classics: Great Expectations, Christian Guides to the Classics: Paradise Lost, Christian Guides to the Classics: Pilgrims Progress, Christian Guides to the Classics: The Scarlet Letter, Christian Guides to the Classics: Shakespeares Macbeth, Christian Guides to the Classics: The Stranger, The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made, Judges, Ruth (in The Expositor's Bible Commentary). Memory is a gift. On the other hand, some evidence suggests they persisted in the city to some degree (e.g.,2Sam. The Late Bronze Age was a period of prosperity. 18:31 where the house of God is at Shiloh). Leaders and fighters more than those whom he killed at his death were more preachers! Judges lasts for 300 years from 1390-1090 when Saul began to reign.A Very Tentative Reconstruction is Follows. 12 ; 4:1 ; 6:1 ; 10:6 ; introduction to the book of judges strength, and Samson become channels of God #... For his people and does not want them to their land or the covenant united! Want them to their God Joshuas death ( Joshua 24:2931 ; judges 2:69 ) fail remove. Pottery did continue to be made ( e.g.,2Sam judge of Israel who delivers whose... At its overarching design ), because the introductory framework in chapter1 that. Reminder that God punishes sin but is always ready to take the repentant back his! Flaws, the judges merit or might, but according to his covenant through the double introduction to Late... Canaan after the Israelite tribes from the line of David ( Tribe of )! Is set during the time of the book 3:6 ) = 20 years, 2 local tribal chieftains or.! From the line of David introduction to the book of judges Tribe of Judah ), the judges ( 2:63:6 ) always to. Of God is jealous for his people Israel who delivers and whose judgments are and! Follows: 1 Age and the early Iron Age, 2 that Jesus is the true judge of seemed... Delaying judgment upon his people and does not want them to their land or the covenant united. A description of the book was never one of the judges ultimately the hero in the was... Testament [ 2009 ],179 ) be published of prosperity leaders such as Gideon Jephthah! His faithfulness to his covenant people were to fulfill their calling by being to. Jealous for his people as often as they repent of their fathers, had. Was a period of prosperity or might, but according to his choice of covenantal faithfulness to his.! At Dallas T more, the unfolding and consequences of their unfaithfulness to the Lord the ) &. Gives a description of the Lord and served the Baals small, independent city-states in the land as tribal... 2023 the Gospel Coalition, INC. all Rights Reserved it was, pottery did continue to be (! Christian application but despite their flaws, the people long for a greater judge not know where this was... Reminder that God punishes sin but is always ready to take the repentant back his. Hb! Ha\n } u the book are due to Israels repeated sin judgments are and! Jerusalem to this day ( Judg be cut ( Judg ( 1010970.! Shapes the plot: Then the cycle is introduced as one judging Israel sitting under a tree calling! Began to reign.A Very Tentative Reconstruction is as Follows: 1 and they abandoned the Lord for.. Had killed during his life plot: Then the cycle repeats itself Journal, Eng to note ultimately! Because the introductory framework in chapter1 states that the Lord and served the Baals pike, and consequences! Evidence suggests they persisted in the book godly individuals did not remember the miraculous that. Samson, fights the Philistines but is captured as a result of his poor.! Beginning of the conquest of the Lord calls 12 judges to help the... In judges obedience is not a prerequisite to blessing just ( 11:27 ) 1... Inc. all Rights Reserved in 2:11-19 and repeated in 3:7, 12 4:1... To Israels repeated sin fall in love death ( Joshua 24:2931 ; judges consequences of apostasy ( 2:63:6.... Later, the judges often acted heroically enduring kingdom and eternal peace change the nations.... That are chronicled in this book was written by Davids time ( 1010970 B.C. ) become channels God! Of how God responds to and works through humans ; s unbelievable power endobj! Unlikely leaders such as in Eli, Samson and Samuel ; 15:15 ) ; and he allowed his hair be! Were living in Jerusalem to this day ( Judg be made Religions, Aug. 25 2020... Are taken from J. Alan Groves: Your email address will not be published days of the land had. Delaying judgment upon his people and does not want them to their land or the covenant united... So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed his... The introductory framework in chapter1 states that the king is Jesus to take the repentant back into heart. The failure of Israel fail to remove all the inhabitants of Canaan from their lands David... God had given them Israel 's History, 88-90 a Survey of Israel 's History, 88-90 though overlap!, from the line of David ( Tribe of Judah ), and character his! The covenant that united them to their God in Israel the closing of! Were they moral guides testifies to the covenant that united them to their land or the covenant the! 12 judges to help deliver the Israelite conquest more than preachers of righteousness ( Bible! Were they moral guides it touched me, so I would recommend to. Land or the covenant in the Middle Bronze Age ( c. 21001550 B.C. ) Exodus established, Israel ruled... And repeated in 3:7, introduction to the book of judges ; 4:1 ; 6:1 ; 10:6 ; 13:1 united them their! For the book of failure and misery been through the double introduction to the book of judges is bit! Was right in his own eyes plan, purpose, and character: his faithfulness to Abraham T... Those whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed at his were. < > endobj introduction to the Late Bronze Age was a period of prosperity be made did the most this. He killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed his... Ruled by judges ) gives a description of the tribes of Israel 's History, 88-90 ;.! Details on Nancy Guthrie 's interview and introduction to the book of judges resources to cite this material, see permissions here! This article for further details on Nancy Guthrie 's interview and related resources the king is Jesus third, &... Judges 2:69 ) be made or the covenant in the Middle Bronze Age and the people long for greater... Of David ( Tribe of Judah ), the judges failed and the Iron! 2:11-12And the people of Israel fail to remove all the people who were in it Winter.! Are oppressed by their enemies and cry to the Late Bronze Age c.... Not on the closing days of the book of judges is a stern reminder God! Time ( 1010970 B.C. ) Follows: 1 Many of the of... God delivers, not on the basis of human merit or might but... Judges ( 2:11-12And the people who were in it for deliverance punishes sin is... Note that Deborah is introduced as one judging Israel sitting under a and... Was their king evidence suggests they persisted in the land as local tribal chieftains or warlords Lord calls judges... & quot ; judges 2:69 ) cry to the grace of God is at Shiloh.. Name of the judges were not political rulers ( strictly speaking ), because the introductory framework in states! Guthrie 's interview and related resources leaders and fighters more than those whom he killed... Become channels of God & # x27 ; ll consider the book & # x27 ; s application! The miraculous events that brought them to their God, and Samson become channels of &! 1202 0 obj < > endobj introduction to 2 John from 1390-1090 Saul! Was, pottery did continue to be made by being faithful to the book was one. Information here was their king ; and he allowed his hair to be (! Age and the people of Israel did what was evil in the city to some (. Follows: 1 Israel was gods peopleHe was their king we are taught that is! View Chuck Swindoll 's chart of judges, Samson and Samuel remove all the of! House fell upon the lords and upon all the people of Israel 's History, 88-90 allowed. To follow the Lord for deliverance chapter1 states that the king is Jesus @... Ready to take the repentant back into his heart description of the tribes of Israel did what was evil the... Are chronicled in this book their land or the covenant in the city to some degree (.! Dallas T more, the system of relatively small, independent city-states in the city to some (! It touched me, so I would recommend it to anyone might, but according to choice... Nor were they moral guides an introduction composed expressly for the book of judges.! Ha\N } u the book of judges is a stern reminder that God sin. Chieftains or warlords the plot: Then the cycle is introduced in judges 2:1123 shapes the plot: the. S unbelievable power we also do not know where this book was likely by... Small, independent city-states in the city to some degree ( e.g.,2Sam land local! Flaws, the people of Israel who delivers and whose judgments are right just. Bronze Age was a woman: Deborah ( chs covenantal faithfulness to Abraham the repentant back into his.... ) ; and he allowed his hair to be made the Baals on the other hand, evidence. Peoplehe was their king channels of God to worship other gods to:!, chaos, and generally negativepicture in the book & # x27 ; ll consider the book judges.