What is the Book of Judges all about?

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English: Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh ...
Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, was a military general in the Book of Judges  Wikipedia)
Judges is the account of how Israel behaves between the death of Joshua and the leadership of a king. Instead of remaining loyal to God and following His laws, this generation of Israelites wanders in their faith, worshiping idols, indulging in violence, and mingling with the evil nations around them.

The book of Judges opens with a snapshot of the political and spiritual landscape:
  • The land is not fully possessed yet, as Israel does not drive out a few “pockets” of the people they were told to eliminate.
  • The military and spiritual leader Joshua is dead.
  • The people begin worshiping false gods (introduced by the Canaanites living among them).
Judges presents various examples of how God deals with His people during this time period. The stories of Judges follow a pattern (Jgs 2:11–23):
  • Israel turns from God and serves idols.
  • God turns Israel over to the oppressive surrounding nations.
  • Israel turns to God and cries out for help.
  • God raises up a judge to deliver them.

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