Starting in Judges 2, we get the recounting of judges who were sent to Israel. They were sent as a result of the rebellion and idolotry of the people. They had neglected to remove all of the people and, as a result, had children who mixed in with those in the land. They began to worship idols, celebrate festivals, and follow other gods. The judges were, therefore, a form of prophet who only appeared after the people cried out to God - vs the future prophets calling the people repentance (this indicates that hearts grew ever further from God over time) - and leading them out of bondage and back to the land God had promised them.
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children of Israel Diligently follow Judges and prophets
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