Map of Israel
at the Time of the Judges

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Map of Israel at the time of the Judges
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Judges of Ancient Israel


Years served



1398 - 1380
Joshua's name means 'Jehovah is his help' or 'Jehovah the Savior.' He led the Israelites into the Promised Land (1405 B.C.) instead of Moses and was the first of eighteen Judges to govern God's people.


1350 - 1310


Othniel, whose name means 'lion of God,' was married to one of Caleb's daughters (Joshua 15:16 - 17). God raised him up to save his people when they were oppressed for eight years by Cushan, the King of Mesopotamia


1292 - 1212


God raised up this judge when his people were oppressed by Eglon, King of Moab.

Deborah and Barak

1192 - 1152


Deborah's name means 'a bee' and Barak's means 'lightning.' It was Deborah, a prophetess, who summoned Barak to lead the army. They were successful in freeing the people from the bondage and slavery of Jabin, King of Hazor.


1153 - 1113


Eli was both Israel's High Priest and Judge. He had two sons, Phinehas and Hophni, who served as priests ministering at God's tabernacle in Shiloh.


1145 - 1105


Gideon saved the people from the oppression of the Midianites. After his victory there was peace for forty years.

(in the North)

1105 - 1102


Abimelech was one of Gideon's SEVENTY sons. The irony is that although he did not save Israel from any enemy, he was so evil that the people had to be saved from HIM (see Judges 9)!

Division of promised land to Israelites Map

Kings of Ancient Israel and Judah

Important People in the Old Testament

Timeline of the Old Testament


Years served



(in the North)

1102 - 1079


Tola's name comes from the Hebrew word meaning 'scarlet worm' or the color of scarlet. He was from the tribe of Issachar.

(in the East)

1087 - 1081


Jephthah saved the people from eighteen years of oppression by the Ammonites. Many Christians believe that he sacrificed his only daughter to God due to a vow. For the TRUTH regarding this vow please see our article 'Did Jephthah really SACRIFICE his only daughter to God?'

(in the South, West)

1085 - 1065


Samson was a Nazarite from birth (Judges 13:3 - 5). He is the first person Scripture mentions as living the life of a Nazarite. God raised him up to free his people from their sworn enemies the Philistines.


1085 - 1053


Samuel's name means 'heard of God.' Samuel anoints Saul, then later David, as king.

(in the East)

1081 - 1074


Had thirty sons and thirty daughters (Judges 12:9).

(in the North)

1079 - 1057


Jair, who was fairly wealthy, had thirty sons (Judges 10:3 - 5).

(in the East)

1074 - 1064

 Elon was of the tribe of Zebulon.

(in the East)

1064 - 1056


Abdon, whose name means 'servile,' had forty sons and thirty nephews (Judges 12:14).

Samuel's sons

1053 - 1050


The name of Samuel's sons that served as judges of Israel are Joel (the oldest) and Abijah. Because of their corrupt behavior, the nation's elders ask Samuel to anoint them a human king like all the nations around them (1Samuel 8).

Additional Study Materials
Where was ancient Israel taken captive?
How is the number 10 linked to Samuel the prophet?
Who did King Saul try to contact through a WITCH?
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