What was the primary role of a judge in Israel?

The primary role of a judge in Israel was to act as a deliverer. During the period of the judges, which is recorded in the Book of Judges, Israel was often oppressed by surrounding nations due to their disobedience to God. In moments of crisis, God raised up judges to deliver the people from their enemies and restore order. These judges were not merely military leaders; they were instruments of God who guided the Israelites back to faithfulness and helped unite the tribes in their struggles against oppression.

The deliverer aspect was crucial because it encapsulated the idea that these figures were called by God to intervene in times of national distress, bringing both physical salvation from enemies and a spiritual revival among the people. Each judge had a unique story and background, but the common thread was their role in rescuing Israel from imminent danger and leading them to repentance. Thus, deliverance captures the essence of what judges represented during their governance in Israel's history.

In contrast, while a judge may have had warrior characteristics or acted in a prophetic capacity, their primary function was to serve as a divinely appointed leader who delivered the people from bondage and led them back to God.