Judges depicts a cycle in early Israelite history: after Joshua’s death, the people repeatedly fall into sin, suffer oppression by foreign nations, and are delivered by leaders known as judges (e.g., Deborah, Gideon, Samson).

Author: Traditionally linked to Samuel (and others), but actual authorship is uncertain.

Date Written: Likely compiled in the 6th century BCE.

Context: Set during the era of the tribal confederacy (pre-monarchy), Judges may have been written in exile to explain Israel’s fragmented state and the need for righteous leadership.