| Judges in the Bible |
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In the Book of Joshua: Joshua |
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†Not explicitly described as a judge |
A biblical judge (Hebrew: shôphatîm or shoftim שופטים) is "a ruler or a military leader, as well as someone who presided over legal hearings."[1]
Following the conquest of Canaan by Joshua till the formation of the first Kingdom of Israel (ca. 1150-1025 BCE), the Israelite Tribes formed a loose confederation. No central government existed in this confederation and in times of crisis, the people were led by ad hoc leaders known as judges.[2]
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In the Book of Judges, a cyclical pattern is given to show the need for the various judges: apostasy of the Israelite people, hardship brought on as punishment from YHWH (The personal Name of the Creator, revealed in the four letters Yod, Hay, Waw, Hay. Often seen transliterated as YAHWEH, YAHVEH, or in the King James bible JEHOVAH) crying out to the Lord, and rescue.[3] The judges were the ones chosen by God to rescue the people. But Biblical judges could not be limited to the Book of Judges. Moses exercised before the powers of superior judicial body.[4] "Moses also laid foundation for another separation, which has since become indispensible for any democracy. He created an independent judiciary".[5]
While judge is the closest literal translation of the Hebrew term used in the masoretic text, the position is more one of unelected non-hereditary leadership[6] than that of legal pronouncement. The judges did many times play the role as an official with the authority to administer justice, but not always.[7] Most judges acted primarily as military leaders in times of war. These leaders were thought of as being sent by God to deliver the people from a threat. After the threat had passed, the judge was generally expected to give up their position as military leaders. They were most likely tribal or local leaders, contrary to the Deuteronomistic historians portrayal of them as leaders of all of Israel,[8] however their authority was recognized by local groups or tribes beyond their own.[9] In accordance with the needs of the time, their functions were primarily martial and judicial, but not comparable to a king. All Biblical Judges performed judicial duities and the institute of Judges was separated from the institute of King (First Book of Samuel 10:25).[10]
The Book of Judges mentions judges such as Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson; and the First Book of Samuel mentions Eli and Samuel, as well as Joel and Abiah (two sons of Samuel).