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Judge

TitleJudge
Publication TypeBook Chapter
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsShannon, Avram R.
EditorHalverson, Taylor
Book TitleOld Testament Cultural Insights
PublisherScripture Central
CitySpringville, UT
KeywordsBible; Eli; Judge; Judges; Judgeship; Military; Old Testament; Samuel (Hebrew Prophet)

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Judge

In the Old Testament the word judge is used to translate the Hebrew word shophet. This word has a different connotation to our English word judge. In the Bible, it refers primarily to charismatic military leaders who were called by Jehovah to deliver His people. Jehovah Himself is referred to as a judge in Genesis 18:25 and other places in the Old Testament. The book of Judges contains the stories of twelve judges. In addition to these judges, Eli is identified as a judge at 1 Samuel 4:18, and Samuel is identified as a judge in 1 Samuel 7:6. Because Samuel was involved in the anointing of Saul, the first Israelite king, Samuel served as a transitional figure between judges and kings.

Related verses

Genesis 18:25
Judges 2:16–19
Judges 3:10
Judges 4:4
Judges 10:2–3
Judges 12:7–8, 11–13
Judges 15:20
Judges 16:31
Ruth 1:1
1  Samuel 4:18
1  Samuel 7:6
1  Samuel 8:1–2
Psalm 94:2
Isaiah 3:2
Isaiah 33:22

Terms of Use

Items in the BMC Archive are made publicly available for non-commercial, private use. Inclusion within the BMC Archive does not imply endorsement. Items do not represent the official views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or of Book of Mormon Central. 

Book

Old Testament Cultural Insights

Table of Contents

Scripture Reference

Genesis 18:25
Judges 2:16-19
Judges 3:10
Judges 4:4
Judges 10:2-3
Judges 12:7-8
Judges 12:11-13
Judges 15:20
Judges 16:31
Ruth 1:1
1 Samuel 4:18
1 Samuel 7:6
1 Samuel 8:1-2
Psalms 94:2
Isaiah 3:2
Isaiah 33:22