Judges: The Cycle of Wickedness and Righteousness

During the reign of Judges, the people would cycle between turning away from keeping the commandments, being vexed by wars, repenting, and turning back to the Lord. The judges were not rulers or law enforcers. They were men and women of wisdom that had the gift of prophecy. They became the military leaders that would help win the wars. This is a list of the 12 Judges focused on in the book of Judges:

Othniel of Judah (3:9): victory against Chushan-rishathaim.

Ehud of Benjamin (3:15): victory against Eglon of Moab. 

Shamgar (3:31): victory against the Philistines (location unknown).

Deborah (Ephraim) and Barak (Naphtali) (4:4–6): victory over Jabin and Sisera. 

Gideon of Manasseh (6:11): victory over the Midianites and Amalekites. 

Tola of Issachar (10:1).

Jair of Gilead (10:3). 

Jephthah of Gilead (11:11): victory over the Ammonites.

Ibzan of Bethlehem (12:8). 

Elon of Zebulun (12:11). 

Abdon of Ephraim (12:13). 

Samson of Dan (15:20): victory against the Philistines.

“Israel’s political covenant showed the mercy and long-suffering of the Lord and would have been the best possible government in Israel. As can be seen in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, however, under the rule of the judges the people must demonstrate loyalty to the Lord and His commandments for this ideal form of government to function properly. Since Israel usually broke their covenant during the reign of the judges, the governmental system did not function properly, and Israel fell out of favor with the Lord.” (OT Manual)

When they were righteous their enemies left them alone. Their biggest enemy was the one from within: vacillation, apathy, disobedience, and rebellion.

Our biggest enemy today is also one from within. As we choose righteousness and obedience, the Lord guides us and we find peace and happiness even in a chaotic world around us. When we don’t live true to ourselves and our understanding of right, we do not feel the peace. Even in a seemingly good life, we feel an emptiness and lack in our life and never feel like what we have is enough.

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