The book of Judges in the Bible is traditionally attributed to the prophet Samuel. This attribution is based on historical and literary analysis, as well as Jewish tradition. Samuel is believed to have written this text during a turbulent period in Israel’s history, when the nation was transitioning from the period of the judges to the establishment of monarchy.
The book itself narrates the stories of various judges who ruled over Israel, their successes, failures, and the cyclical pattern of Israel’s faithfulness to God followed by their rebellion and subsequent oppression. Each judge’s story serves as a moral lesson reflecting the challenges Israel faced during this time.
While some scholars suggest that other authors may have contributed or that various parts were written at different times, the overall theme and perspective indicate a single narrative voice, which is why Samuel is commonly recognized as its principal author.