The judges

The judges’ duty was to save the Israelites from their enemies and preserve domestic accord. They were to dispense absolute, impartial justice (mišpāṭ) and not take bribes (Deuteronomy 16:19); they were to protect the widow, orphan, and stranger (Deuteronomy 24:17) and not let themselves be unduly influenced by popular opinion or by the plight of the poor (Exodus 23:2–3).

In the patriarchal period family and tribal leaders acted as judges (Genesis 38:24). In the wilderness period Moses alone was the judge until Jethro suggested he appoint judges for “every small matter,” and reserve for himself only “a great matter” (Exodus 18:22).

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