Definition

Proper noun: - A book of the Old Testament: "Book of Judges" is the seventh book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It narrates the history of the Israelites in the Promised Land after the death of Joshua, a period characterized by a cycle of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance under military and civil leaders known as judges.

Usage

• The "Book of Judges" is used to refer specifically to this biblical text. It is typically preceded by the definite article "the."
• It is cited as a historical and theological source.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "The Deuteronomistic history": The Book of Judges is often discussed as part of this larger biblical narrative sequence, which includes Joshua, Samuel, and Kings.
• "The cyclical narrative of Judges": Refers to the repetitive pattern of Israel's behavior (sin, punishment, crying out, and rescue by a judge) that structures the book.

Variants and Related Words

• Judges: A common shortened form for the Book of Judges.
  • The Hebrew title for the book is "Shoftim," which means Judges.
• Judge (noun): In this context, a leader who delivered Israel from its enemies. This is distinct from the modern legal meaning.
  • Deborah was a prophetess and a judge in Israel.

Synonyms

• The Judges: (When clearly referring to the biblical book).
• Shoftim: (The Hebrew name for the book).

Notes on Meaning

This term refers exclusively to the canonical book of the Bible. It is not used to describe any other collection of stories or legal rulings. The central theme is the consequences of Israel's failure to remain faithful to its covenant with God, and God's mercy in raising up deliverers.

Noun

1. a book of the Old Testament that tells the history of Israel under the leaders known as judges