Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon (12:8-15), we have no record at all beyond the
bare fact that they were judges. Sacred history is not the history of
individuals but of the kingdom of God in its onward progress.
In Exodus 2:14 Moses is so styled. This fact may indicate that while for
revenue purposes the “taskmasters” were over the people, they were yet,
just as at a later time when under the Romans, governed by their own
rulers.
- JUDGES, BOOK OF is so called because it contains the history of the
deliverance and government of Israel by the men who bore the title of the
“judges.” The book of Ruth originally formed part of this book, but about
A.D. 450 it was separated from it and placed in the Hebrew scriptures
immediately after the Song of Solomon.
The book contains, (1.) An introduction (1-3:6), connecting it with the
previous narrative in Joshua, as a “link in the chain of books.” (2.) The
history of the thirteen judges (3:7-16:31) in the following order:
FIRST PERIOD (3:7-ch. 5)Years
I. Servitude under Chushan-rishathaim of Mesopotamia 8
- OTHNIEL delivers Israel, rest 40
II. Servitude under Eglon of Moab: Ammon, Amalek 18 - EHUD’S deliverance, rest 80
- SHAMGAR Unknown.
III. Servitude under Jabin of Hazor in Canaan 20 - DEBORAH and,
- BARAK 40
——
206
SECOND PERIOD (6-10:5)IV. Servitude under Midian, Amalek, and children of the east 7
- GIDEON 40
ABIMELECH, Gideon’s son, reigns as
king over Israel 3