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Explanatory notes

Born a Levite to Amram and Jochebed, but raised in the house of Pharaoh, Moses' life is divided into three blocks of forty years. Earlier parts of his life are covered in the Sojourn in Egypt page. The Israelites' journey through the desert took the remainder of Moses' life, as he died at the border of Canaan. His leadership was strong and strict, but met with varied reactions from the people. He is remembered as the most influential leader of the Jews, responsible for transmitting the Law (Torah) to the nation, and establishing patterns of worship and practice. His elder brother Aaron and sister Miriam shared secondary aspects of leadership. The identification of the Pharaoh of the Exodus is considerably changed using the New Chronology.

Joshua

Son of Nun. Moses chose him as personal assistant at a young age, and he became the leader of the nation of Israel in their efforts to enter and conquer Canaan, an action denied to Moses. He was a capable military commander and wise ruler of the nation.

Caleb

A loyal and outstanding leader within the tribe of Judah, he assisted Joshua in the conquest of Canaan.

Othniel

A younger relative of Caleb, he successfully led Israel in driving off Mesopotamian invaders. He is portrayed as a charismatic leader well able to restore order as well as security.

Ehud

The left-handed leader of the Israelites against the Moabite occupation mentioned in Judges 3. He killed King Eglon and took advantage of the resulting confusion to secure victory.

Deborah/Barak

A prophetess whose ability at resolving disputes resulted in her advice being sought in connection with the oppression of Sisera (a military commander for Jabin, ruler of a city to the north of Israel). Together with Barak she presided over a victory for Israel at Kishon recorded in Judges 4 and 5.

Gideon

Leader of the Israelites against the Midianites at a time when they had exacted severe constraints. Although intially hesitant about his abilities, successive victories gave both him and the people confidence in his leadership. He refused the offer of establishing a hereditary kingship and preferred to retire peacefully amongst his family.

Jephtah

One of the later Judges, who because of illegitimate birth had been disinherited by other half-brothers. He fled and gathered a group of others who protected Israel's villages from marauders. When a full-scale invasion took place he was invited to lead the defending army, a task he accepted in return for guaranteed status as Judge. He secured victory but killed his daughter to satisfy a vow taken before the battle.

Samson

Probably the best known of Israel's defenders at the time of Judges, his personality was too individualistic and erratic to make him a good leader. His actions were typically brave and sometimes effective, but always spontaneous and often ill-considered.

Eli

Priest and judge of Israel towards the close of the Book of Judges, he brought up Samuel in God's service. However, his failure to take action regarding own children's immorality led to condemnation and family shame.

Samuel

Last of Israel's judges, he assisted the nation to make the transition to monarchy despite initially being opposed to the suggestion. Although he could be strict and stern, he was respected by the people and his decisions accepted.

Saul

The first king over the United Kingdom, anointed by Samuel in response to the people's choice. A courageous and physically strong man, he was chosen as a warrior-leader, but away from the field of battle showed himself to be impulsive, weak, and increasingly suspicious and hostile. His jealousy of David arose because of his success, which was seen by Saul as a threat to his own position, and developed into a lengthy man-hunt. He died on the battlefield of Gilboa with his son Jonathan, unsuccessfully defending Israel against the Philistines.

The Philistines

These people presented a problem for the Israelites for many years, from the later parts of the Judges era through into the united kingdom under Saul and David. Because of their importance to chronology, a separate page is devoted to them.