Judges of Israel and Foreign Oppressors

The Judges were not necessarily actual judges or elders or rulers in accordance with the traditionally accepted title in ancient Israel. They were actually more like local deliverers who were raised up by God to bring relief to the oppression that was brought about by their enemies. The oppression came because of their lack of faith, although there were some who were faithful, as in the case of Boaz (Ruth 2-4). Samuel was considered the last judge of Israel.