The Contents. Judges records the conflict of the nation with the
Canaanite people and with itself; the condition of the country, people
and times and the faithfulness, righteousness and mercy of God. It
gives an account of "Seven apostasies, seven servitudes to the seven
heathen nations and seven deliverances." It furnishes an explanation
of these "ups and downs" and is not merely a record of historical
events but an interpretation of those events.

The Work of the Judges. The Judges were raised up as occasion required
and were tribesmen upon whom God laid the burden of apostate and
oppressed Israel. They exercised judicial functions and led the armies
of Israel against their enemies. They, therefore, asserted the
nation's principles and upheld the cause of Jehovah. As deliverers
they were all types of Christ.

The Key-word is Confusion and the key-verse is "every man did
that which was right in his own eyes" 17:6, which would certainly
bring about a state of confusion.

Analysis.

I. From the Conquest to the Judges, 1:1-3:6.

II. The Judges and their Work. 3:7-16 end.
1. Against Mesopotamia, 3:7-12.

2. Against Moab, 3:13-30.

3. Against Philistia, 3:31.