Introduction to Judges

Before we begin, please thoroughly read the Wikipedia article on the book of Judges.  We are told that the material found in this book may be of the earliest origin, compared to other books of the bible. It was written after the start of the Israelite monarchy, but before the exile. The author/s are unknown. The theme is of Israel's cycle of obedience and disobedience to Yahweh, resulting in the blessings and cursings predicted in previous books.