JUDGES, for ordinary affairs, civil and religious, were appointed by Moses in every city to terminate differences; in affairs of greater consequence, the differences were referred to the priests of Aaron's family, and the judge of the people or prince at that time established. Moses likewise set up two courts in all the cities, one consisting of priests and Levites, to determine points concerning the law and religion; the other consisting of heads of families, to decide in civil matters.
Book of JUDGES, a canonical book of the Old Testament, so called from its relating the state of the Israelites under the administration of many illustrious persons who were called judges, from being both the civil and military governors of the people, and who were raised up by God upon special occasions, after the death of Joshua, till the time of their making a king. In the time of this peculiar polity, there were several remarkable occurrences, which are recorded in this book. It acquaints us with the gross impiety of a new generation which sprung up after the death of Joshua; and gives us a short view of the dispensations of heaven towards this people, sometimes relieving and delivering them, and at others severely chastising them by the hands of their enemies.