User:Dontuseurrealname/sandbox/Biblical judges

The judges, in the Hebrew Bible, were various individuals recounted to have been appointed as important military leaders who would save the Israelites during times of crisis. Primarily recorded in the eponymous Book of Judges, their rule served as an intermediary period between the leadership of Joshua and the establishment of the United Kingdom of Israel. Twelve main leaders are described to have judged Israel in times of repeated disobedience to Yahweh and resultant foreign oppression.

The prophet Moses is said to have judged Israel as its first leader, or shophet. He thereon appointed Joshua as the community's next leader, who would exact the conquest of Canaan as detailed in the Book of Joshua. After Joshua's death, twelve leaders judged the nation of Israel, notably Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. After a short period of relative anarchy among the Israelites, Samuel was personally appointed by God as the last Israelite shophet, whereafter he anointed Saul as the nation's first monarch.