Before There Were Kings...

...in Israel, the people submitted grievances and differences to judges, people whom God appointed to keep some order in the society and adjudicate between disputants. These people were highly respected and in times of necessity often led the people in rebellion against oppressors when they repented of their wicked ways and returned to God. (God is like that. He will grant a way out of difficulty when repentence is offered.)

There were thirteen judges in Israel over a period of many years. We are told somewhat about each one, some stories more detailed than others. The better known judges presented in more detail were Gilead, Deborah, Jephthah, and Samson who was the last of the judges.

Jair, we are told, had thirty sons, but his production of progeny was eclipsed by Abdon, who had forty sons and thirty grandsons! Ibzan had thirty sons and thirty daughters. Ehud was left-handed. Deborah, Mrs. Lapidoth, was the only woman who had charge of the people. She was no less bellicose than were her male counterparts. She and Barak delivered Israel from oppression by the Canaanites.

Deborah and Barak sang before the Lord following their victory. This passage in the Book of Judges is often referred to as the "Song of Deborah." It concludes with the lines

“Thus let all Your enemies perish, O Lord!
But let those who love Him be like the sun
When it comes out in full strength.”

So the land had rest for forty years.