The Characteristics of the Times.  This is a period of transition for Israel Nothing was quite certain, and “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (17:6).  In consequence of this there was lack of organization, cooperation or leadership.  While we do not have all the history covered by the period and while we do not easily understand or explain its events, it is clear that things did not run smoothly.  In Judges 2:16-19 the author gives a vivid picture of the conditions and characteristics of the time.  The problems of the times may be outlined as follows:  (1) Political problems.  These arose, (a) because of the isolated conditions of the tribes, (b) because of their tribal government which lacked the bond of unity of former times, (c) because of the strength and opposition of the Canaanites. (2) Social problems.  These grew out of:  (a) the adoption of Canaanite customs and manner of life, (b) the intermarriage of the Jews with the new people. (3) Religious Problems.  The source of these problems arose from two directions, (a) Baal worship ministered to their lusts and was therefore a snare to them, (b) the religion of Israel required purity and was, therefore, counted a burden.  The problems of the times of peace were greater than those in the times of war.

The Judges.  Now that there was no central stable government and no hereditary rulers the people accepted from time to time as their rulers certain military leaders whom God raised up and who, by their prowess, delivered them from the yoke of foreign oppression.  It was, therefore, a period of personal efforts some of which are preserved for us in this portion of scripture.  Fifteen Judges are named counting Eli and Samuel, who are by some not so named, but we know very little of any except six of the military judges and Eli and Samuel.  These six are brought into prominence because of as many invasions by other nations as follows. (1) The Mesopotamians came down from the northeast and oppressed Israel until Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, was raised up to deliver them. (2) The invasion of the Moabites and the deliverance through Ehud. (3) The oppression of the Canaanites, who came down from the north, was thrown off through the leadership of Deborah assisted by Barak. (4) The Midianites came in from the east and greatly oppressed Israel until Gideon defeated and destroyed these bold oppressors. (5) The invasion of the Ammonites and Israel’s deliverance through Jephthah. (6) The Philistines were the next successful enemies of Israel and were enabled to do great harm to Israel until Samson arose and overthrew their power.

Eli and Samuel differed widely from the other judges and on that account are sometimes not counted among them.  Eli was a good but weak man.  His weakness in the control of his children ruined them and brought him to sorrow and also caused a severe defeat for Israel.