When was the period of the Judges?
After Joshua, Israel cycles through apostasy, oppression, and deliverance under raised-up judges.
Period of the Judges took place c. 1380–1050 BC at Throughout the land of Israel, during the Conquest & Judges period of Bible history. The account is recorded in Judges 2:16 (KJV). After Joshua, Israel cycles through apostasy, oppression, and deliverance under raised-up judges.
"Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them." — Judges 2:16 (KJV)
After Joshua's generation died, Israel turned to other gods. The Lord gave them into the hands of their enemies and then raised up judges — Othniel, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson — to deliver them. The cycle repeated for roughly three centuries: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
c. 1380–1050 BC
Throughout the land of Israel
Key KJV Scriptures
"Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them."
"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
Why It Matters
The Judges expose the human heart and prepare for the kingship — pointing to the need for a righteous King, fulfilled in Christ.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was the period of the Judges?
About 330 years, from the death of Joshua to the anointing of Saul around 1050 BC.
When did period of the judges happen?
Period of the Judges is dated c. 1380–1050 BC, placing it in the Conquest & Judges era of biblical history. See Judges 2:16 (KJV).
Where did period of the judges take place?
Scripture places period of the judges at Throughout the land of Israel.
Who was involved in period of the judges?
The key figures are Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Samuel.
Where is period of the judges in the Bible?
You can read about it in Judges 2:16, Judges 21:25 (King James Version).
Why does period of the judges matter?
The Judges expose the human heart and prepare for the kingship — pointing to the need for a righteous King, fulfilled in Christ.
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