Biblical judges

Biblical judges (Hebrew: shôphatîm or shoftim שופטים) "A ruler or a military leader, as well as someone who presided over legal hearings."

From after the conquest of Canaan by Joshua  until the formation of the first Kingdom of Israel (ca. 1150-1025 BCE), the Israelite Tribes formed a loose confederation. No central government existed, and in times of crisis the people were led by ad hoc leaders known as Judges.

The Role of the Judges
In the Book of Judges, a cyclical pattern is given to show the need for the various judges: apostasy of the Israelite people, hardship brought on as punishment from Yahweh, crying out to the Lord, and rescue. The judges were the ones chosen by God to rescue the people. But Biblical judges could not be limited to the Book of Judges. Moses exercised before the powers of superior judicial body. "Moses also laid foundation for another separation, which has since become indispensible for any democracy. He created an independent judiciary".

While judge is the closest literal translation of the Hebrew term used in the masoretic text, the position is more one of unelected non-hereditary leadership than that of legal pronouncement. The judges did many times play the role as an official with the authority to administer justice, but not always. Most judges acted primarily as military leaders in times of trial. These leaders were thought of as being sent by God to deliver the people from a threat. After the threat had passed, the judge was generally expected to give up their position as military leaders. They were most likely tribal or local leaders, contrary to the Deuteronomistic Historians portrayal of them as leaders of all of Israel. In accordance with the needs of the time, their functions were primarily martial and judicial, comparable to a king (but not anointed). All Biblical Judges performed judicial duities and the institute of Judges was separated from the institute of King (First Book of Samuel 10:25).

The Book of Judges mentioned such Judges as Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, Samson and the First Book of Samuel - Eli, Samuel and two sons of Samuel: Joel and Abiah.