True or false: The phrase "in those days Israel had no king" appears frequently in the book of Judges.

The phrase "in those days Israel had no king" frequently appears in the book of Judges to highlight the lack of centralized leadership during that period in Israel's history. This phrase serves to set the context for the chaotic and morally ambiguous events that unfold throughout the narrative. It emphasizes the anarchy and the people's propensity to do what was right in their own eyes, reflecting the need for divine guidance and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. By repeating this phrase, the text underscores the significance of leadership and the vacuum left by the absence of a king, which contributes to the overall themes of the book regarding faithfulness, rebellion, and God's covenant with Israel. The consistent inclusion of this phrase helps to reinforce the idea that without divinely appointed leadership, the society was prone to spiritual and moral decline.