Judges is the book of “no king” (17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25). God was their King, but the nation refused to obey Him. Their disobedience led to defeat (chaps. 1–2), discipline (chaps. 3–16) and decay (chaps. 17–21). Eight times we are told that the people “did evil” in God’s sight and therefore had to be chastened. When God disciplined them, they cried out for mercy and were delivered, but then they lapsed back into their evil ways and had to be disciplined again.
In the book of Joshua, God was with the whole nation as they conquered the land. But in Judges, God turned from the nation and gave victory to individuals He called and empowered by His Spirit (3:10; 6:34; 11:29; etc.). Thirteen different judges are named in the book. Judges 2:16–19 is the best summary of Israel’s history at this period—and a sad history it is.
We are living in a similar period today. God’s people in general do not appear to be marching from victory to victory; but here and there, God enables selected servants, by the power of His Spirit, to accomplish great things for His glory. There will be no peace until there is a King in Israel.
