The judges of israel Flashcards
Enumerate the 12 judges appointed over Israel before the reign of the Israelite kings.
Othniel, Ehud, Shagmar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jepthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, Samson
This judge, whose name means “where’s the glory?” is most known for being left-handed and for brutally killing the Moabites who were under the reign of king Eglon.
Ehud
She was the only female judge, and was also a prophetess. After freeing the Israelites from king Jabin, she wrote a song which is believed to be one of the oldest passages of the bible.
Deborah (song: the Song of Deborah; Judges 5)
This judge led Israel for 22 years. He famously had 30 sons who rode 30 donkeys and ruled 30 towns, which were called the “towns of ____”.
Jair
He was the strongest person in the Bible whose key to his strength was his hair.. He undoubtedly wreaked havoc on the Philistines. He was a Nazarite. He was captured after his lover tricked him into revealing his secret. When his hair grew back, he ripped out the pillars of a building, killing himself and 3,000 Philistines.
Samson!!
He was a judge who had 30 sons and 30 daughters, all of whom married people outside his tribe— possibly to extend his family’s influence. He was the judge over Israel for 7 years.
Ibzan
He is said to be the most unknown judge. What we know is he is from the tribe of Zebulun and his name means a type of tree— either “oak” or “terebinth”
Elon
This judge was a mighty warrior who led Israel for 6 years. He made a foolish vow, saved the Israelites, and then terribly sacrificed his own daughter because of his vow.
Jephthah
He was a son of Puah, and a “minor judge” who led Israel for 23 years after the death of Abimelech (i.e., Gideon’s evil son).
The bible simply says that he “rose to save Israel”.
Tola
This man was the first judge of Israel. He freed them from the oppression of king Cushan-Risathaim. His wife Ashsah was given to him for conquering a city called Debir.
Othniel
He was the 3rd judge of Israel. He killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad (i.e., an ancient cattle prod).
He may also be the same individual mentioned in the song of Deborah as “ _____ son of Anath”.
Shagmar
He is one of the most well-known & important leaders from the book of Judges. There are more versus dedicated to him than any other judge. He had a miraculous birth and when he grew up he was called to free the Israelites from Midian. He defeated their armies with just 300 men the Israelites tried to make him their king but he refused.
Gideon
This judge’s name means “honey bee”, and the spouse of this judge is named “Lappidoth”.
This judge summoned Barak son of Abinoam to command the Israelite army, telling him God would give Sisera and his army into his hand.
Deborah
This judge is known as “son of Hillel”. He came after Elon and was another obscure minor judge.
He had 40 sons and 30 grandsons who rode on 70 donkeys. He lead Israel for eight years.
Abdon
