Historical context of Judges

Who wrote Judges, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Possibly Samuel

Date written

c. 1050-1000 BC

Original audience

Israel under the monarchy looking back.

Genre

History

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

21

Background and setting

Covers the chaotic period between Joshua and Samuel.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world Judges was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of Judges or jump into chapter 1.