Judge

(Heb. shaphat) (2:16; 15:20; 1 Sam. 7:15) Strong’s #8199

The Hebrew word for judge means “to deliver” or “to rule.” The judges of Israel had a wide range of responsibilities. Like their modern counterparts, OT judges could decide controversies and hand down verdicts (Ex. 18:16). These judges were also involved in the execution of their judgment in both vindicating the righteous (Ps. 26:1) and destroying the wicked (Ex. 7:3). Many judges were God’s appointed military leaders who, empowered by God’s Spirit (6:34; 15:14), fought Israel’s oppressors and thereby delivered the people. Later, Israel’s king functioned as the national judge (1 Sam. 8:5). Ultimately, Israel’s perfect Judge is God. He alone is capable of perfectly judging the wicked and delivering the righteous (Is. 11:4).

Taken from NKJV Study Bible