This book is named after the "Judges of Israel," the effective leaders and guides to the people of Israel whose deeds the book records.
The book of Judges covers a period of time from the death of Joshua to the birth of Samuel, an era often called "the dark ages" of Hebrew history.
Described in the book is a story, on the human side, of disobedience, rebellion and disaster, and on the divine side, of direction and deliverance. Of the 13 judges named, the best known are Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.
