Daniel Arnold

Judges Daniel Arnold

The characters of the judges are colourful, dramatic, and often misunderstood. Should Samson be admired or despised? Each judge poses problems because the author is contented with merely narrating the facts. Generally commentators evaluate these men negatively, yet the New Testament includes the most criticized judges amongst the heroes of faith (Heb 11:32). This commentary defends a very positive view of the judges. It analyses the book as a whole and points to various clues left by the inspired author to read positively the behaviour of these military leaders. Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson are models of spirituality.