Judges 1:1-6

I. THE REASONS FOR ISRAEL’S APOSTASY 1:1-3:6

The first major section in the book (Judges 1:1 to Judges 3:6) explains very clearly why the period of the judges was a dark chapter in Israel’s history. God revealed the reasons for Israel’s apostasy and consequent national problems in terms too clear to miss.

The years immediately following Joshua’s death saw a transition from success to failure. The events of this period set the scene for the amphictyony (rule by judges) and provide a background for the main part of the book (Judges 3:7 to Judges 16:31).

"The Book of Judges may be viewed as having a two-part introduction (Judges 1:1 to Judges 2:5 and Judges 2:6 to Judges 3:6) and a two-part epilogue (Judges 17:1 to Judges 18:31 and Judges 19:1 to Judges 21:25). Parallel ideas and motifs link the first introduction (Judges 1:1 to Judges 2:5) with the second epilogue (Judges 19:1 to Judges 21:25), and in like manner the second introduction (Judges 2:6 to Judges 3:6) with the first epilogue (Judges 17:1 to Judges 18:31)." [Note: J. Paul Tanner, "The Gideon Narrative as the Focal Point of Judges," Bibliotheca Sacra 149:594 (April-June 1992):149.]