The book of Judges details the corruption and downward spiral of Israel’s judges, but this brutal history still offers future hope for Israel. Israel abandons God and becomes completely corrupt in the land. What happens when Israel forgets their God? The book of Judges shows Israel’s tragic downward spiral. One of the major themes of the book is Jehovah’s authority and the importance of being loyal to Him and His laws above all other gods and sovereigns. Indeed, the authority of the judges comes not through prominent dynasties nor through elections or appointments, but rather through the Spirit of God. The judges were the successive individuals, each from a different tribe of Israel, chosen by God to rescue the people from their enemies and establish justice and the practice of the Torah amongst the Hebrews. The Book of Judges mentions twelve leaders who are said to “judge” Israel: Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson.