The Significance of Deborah

To bring out this significance, attention must be directed to the relaxation of the national bond and internal disorder that characterized the period of the judges. By the death of Joshua the people of Israel were deprived of their second national leader. After his death there subsisted in the nation a certain government, which is indicated by the name "elders." They were not chosen by the people but were the born princes and representatives of the people. Their task was to preside and watch...