The Book of Judges covers the period between the conquest of Canaan under Joshua and the establishment of the monarchy under Saul. It recounts the struggles of the Israelites as they settled into their new homeland and faced various military threats from the surrounding peoples. The book is named after the judges, charismatic leaders whom God raised up to deliver His people from their enemies when they cried out to Him. The narrative follows a cyclical pattern: the Israelites fall into idolatry and disobedience, God allows them to be oppressed by their enemies, the people cry out to God for help, and He sends a judge to deliver them. This cycle repeats multiple times throughout the book, highlighting the Israelites' struggle to remain faithful to God and their continual need for His intervention and mercy. The book also includes the notable stories of Deborah, Gideon, and Samson, showcasing how God can use unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes.
Benjamin J. Johnson, What Type of Son is Samson? Reading Judges 13 as a Biblical Type-Scene, JETS 53/2 (Jun. 2010), 269-86.
Kenneth C. Way, The Meaning of the Minor Judges: Understanding the Bible's Shortest Stories, JETS 61/2 (2018), 275-85.
Robert B. Chrisholm Jr., The Chronology of the Book of Judges: A Linguistic Clue to Solving a Pesky Problem, JETS 52/2 (Jun. 2009), 247-55.
David Howard, Joshua-Ruth by David Howard.
Tom Ascol, Judges with Tom Ascol.