The Judges of Israel

JUDGE

YEARS OF SERVICE

CHIEF ENEMY

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE

Othniel

40

Northern Syria

Helped Israel defeat King Cushan Rishathaim of Northern Syria and brought Israel forty years of peace.

Judg 3.7-11

Ehud

80

Moabites and Amalekites

Killed King Eglon of Moab and defeated the Moabites, who had joined with the Amalekites to attack Israel.

Judg 3.12-30

Shamgar

10

Philistines

Rescued Israel by killing 600 Philistines.

Judg 3.31

Deborah & Barak

40

Canaanites

Defeated the army of Canaanite King Jabin of Hazor and his commander Sisera.

Judg 4.1–5.31

Gideon

40

Midianites and Amalekites

Built an altar for worshiping the LORD and pulled down the altar where his father had worshiped the Canaanite god Baal. Defeated the Midianites who had joined with the Amalekites to steal Israel’s livestock and crops.Honored the LORD by refusing to be made king.

Judg 6.1–8.35

Tola

23

Not stated in the Bible

The Bibles says he rescued Israel but gives very little information about this judge

Judg 10.1,2

Jair

22

Not stated in the Bible

The Bible says little about this judge’s accomplishments, but it does say he had thirty sons, each one in charge of a town in Gilead

Judg 10.3-5

Jephthah

6

Ammonites & Ephraimites

Defeated the Ammonites who had invaded Gilead. Battled the army of the Israelite tribe of Ephraim.

Judg 11.1–12.7

Ibzan

7

Not stated in the Bible

The Bible says little about this judge’s accomplishments, but it does say he had thirty daughters and thirty sons.

Judg 12.8-10

Elon

10

Not stated in the Bible

The Bible gives no specific information about this judge’s accomplishments.

Judg 12.11,12

Abdon

8

Not stated in the Bible

The Bible says little about this judge’s accomplishments, but it does say he had forty sons and thirty grandsons.

Judg 12.13-15

Samson

20

Philistines

Took revenge on the Philistine leaders and people who burned his wife and family.

Judg 13.1–16.31