What task was assigned to the judges in Israel?

The task assigned to the judges in Israel was to deliver the Israelites from oppression. The Book of Judges narrates various accounts of leaders who were raised up by God to rescue the Israelites from their enemies during cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. These judges were often military leaders who also provided moral guidance and helped to restore faith among the people. They sprang up in times of crisis when the Israelites were being oppressed by neighboring nations, demonstrating God's faithfulness in providing deliverance when the people turned back to Him.

In contrast, ruling as kings, negotiating treaties, and leading religious ceremonies were not primary roles of the judges. The Israelites were governed by judges before the establishment of a monarchy. Negotiating treaties would typically involve a more formal diplomatic approach, which was not the primary function of the judges. While some judges may have played a role in religious leadership, their main purpose was to act as deliverers and protectors, stepping in to save the people of Israel when they found themselves in dire circumstances.