Then the LORD raised up judges: Then, which renders the Hebrew waw conjunction, introduces well the next step in the cycle. When the LORD sees the distress of the Israelites, he decides to act by providing judges. There is a progression in the time line, so a conjunction such as “Therefore,” “So,” or “As a result” would also be appropriate. Contemporary English Version says “From time to time” to show that this is a general statement of what happens over and over, over a period of many years, but this is not the thrust of the text here.
The Hebrew verb translated literally raised up (qum) is one of the most important words in this book. Each time the Israelites call to the LORD for help, he reacts by “raising up” a deliverer. Translators must take special care in choosing this word, since it has deep theological significance, describing how God acts and reveals himself in the history of Israel and the world. The Hebrew verb qum reappears many (42) times in this book. In some contexts the word is used positively, as when God sends forth heroes and heroines to deliver Israel from its enemies (verse 2.16, 18; verse 3.9, 15). However, the same verb also appears in the final sections of the book, where it ironically points out Israel’s failures (verse 18.9; verse 19.9). Wherever it appears, translators should try to use the same rendering in order to preserve this particular literary style. Many English versions use “raised up.” Other possibilities are “established,” “appointed” (New Jerusalem Bible), “chose,” and “gave” (Good News Translation).
Of course, the word judges is also among the most important, but also the most misunderstood, terms in this book. In many places in the Old Testament, the Hebrew root here (sh-f-t) refers to judging in the legal sense of the term. In this book, however, it most often has another meaning, as it is closely associated with another key Hebrew root, y-sh-ʿ (“save,” “rescue,” or “deliver”), which puts great emphasis on the saving role of the heroes and heroines. Thus commentators believe that in this book, the word judges refers to “leaders” (Good News Translation) or “chieftains” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). So rather than use a judicial term, it would be more appropriate to use words such as “hero,” “savior,” and “deliverer.”
Who saved them gives a concise statement of what the leaders did for the people of Israel. Judges appeared at times when Israel was under pressure from particular enemies and then came to the rescue of the people. Though it sometimes appears all Israel is concerned, typically the judges rallied the warriors of one or two tribal groups and led them into battle to overthrow foreign domination. The Hebrew verb rendered saved (yashaʿ) has a broad meaning, including military victory and gaining of freedom. It may be translated “rescued” (New Jerusalem Bible) or “delivered” (New Revised Standard Version). The pronoun them refers to “the Israelites” (Good News Translation), and this can be made clear if need be, especially if a new paragraph begins at this point.
Out of the power of those who plundered them is literally “from the hand of their plunderers.” As in verse 2.14, the figurative use of “hand” expresses oppressive power. Translators can try to retain the figurative use of this keyword, or use a more general expression, such as “who saved them from their raiders [or, plunderers].” For plundered see verse 2.14.
Translation examples for this verse are:
• Then the LORD sent leaders who rescued the Israelites from those who plundered them.
• Then Yahweh raised up deliverers who saved them from the hand of their enemies, from those who took away everything they had.
Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .