One of the most fascinating periods of Israel’s history was the period of the judges. Most of the episodes of this period are recorded in the Book of Judges, supplemented with the story of Ruth, and the several chapters of 1 Samuel. Notwithstanding the large amount of history thus recorded for us, many of the narratives are not well remembered. We trust this issue will refresh the minds of the brethren on the narratives, and draw to their minds various spiritual lessons appropriate to their Christian lives.

The principles of faith operating in the heroes of faith during this period provide good examples for us of devotion to God against great difficulties. The apostle Paul drew from these records several demonstrations of faith to include in the “cloud of witnesses” that he refers to in Hebrews chapter eleven. In Hebrews 11:32 he mentions specifically Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah and Samuel. Each of these is discussed in this issue.

In addition to lessons of faith, trust, and loyalty amid the most pressing of difficulties, God has also provided in the backdrop of this period of history allegories pertaining specifically to the call of the saints during the present Gospel age. These also are discussed.

We open with an overview titled The Book of Judges, explaining three parts of the book and how the various narratives are related to one another. The next article, Deborah, Gideon and the LORD, treats the second and third oppressions of Israel with a variety of practical lessons, interesting insights, and historical connections.

In Jephthah’s Vow we are reminded of the sober nature of our pledges before God, and the necessity of performing our sacred commitments. At the same time, this article shows that the great sacrifice made by Jephthah did not involve human sacrifice, which was abhorrent to God. Thoughts on the Book of Ruth recounts the lovely story of this young Moabite widow who cherished the hopes of Israel and faith in Jehovah, and became an ancestress of our Lord Jesus.

The Song of Deborah is a verse-by-verse examination of the faith of Deborah and Barak, confronting the strongest military foe of their day and region. We close with Samson, and Samuel, a Prophet and Judge, two remarkable men of faith who fought to free the Israelites from their Philistine oppressors. We hope these lessons prove instructive, helpful, and encouraging.