THE ARGUMENT
OF THE BOOK
OF JUDGES.

SAINT Hierome giving this general rule (Epist. ad Eustoch. virg.) that in reading historical books of holy Scripture, the history, as foundation of verity, is to be loved, but the spiritual understanding rather to be followed: agreeably thereto teacheth (Epist. ad Paulin.) that in this book of Judges there be as many figures, as Princes of the people. Neither doth he mean that there were no more, but for example sake affirmeth that these Judges, raised up after Josue, and sent of God to deliver the people fallen for their sins into afflictions, were types and figures of the Apostles and Apostolical men, sent by Christ to propagate and defend his Church of the new Testament. For albeit divers of these Judges were sometimes great offenders, yet they were reclaimed by God’s special grace, and so amending their errors did great things, to the singular honour of God: and are renowned among the holy Patriarchs and Prophets, particularly praised in holy Scripture, saying: And the Judges, every one by his name, whose heart was not corrupt: Who were not averted from our Lord, that their memory may be blessed, and their bones spring out from their place, and their name remain for ever, the glory of holy men remaining to their children. [Eccl. 46.] After Josue therefore, who it seemeth guided and ruled the people 32 years, this book, written (as is most probable) by Samuel, showing the famous Acts of these Judges of Israel, prosecuteth the history of the Church the space of 288 years more. And may be divided into three parts. First, is described in general the state of the people, sometimes well and sincerely serving God, other times falling to great sins, in the two first chapters. Secondly, their offences, afflictions, repentance, and delivery from their enemies are more particularly reported, from the third chap. to the 17. Thirdly, other special accidents, which happened within the same, are recorded, in the last five chapters.