The Period of the Judges was the era between Joshua's conquest of Canaan and the establishment of Israel's monarchy under King Saul. During this time, God raised up leaders called judges to deliver Israel whenever the people turned away from Him and fell under the oppression of their enemies (Judges 2:16–19, KJV). Notable judges included Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, and Samuel, who served as the last judge. The Book of Judges describes a repeated cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, showing both Israel's unfaithfulness and God's mercy. This period ended with the people asking for a king, leading to the anointing of Saul as Israel's first king (1 Samuel 8–10). The era of the Judges highlights God's faithfulness in rescuing His people despite their repeated disobedience and prepares the way for the kingdom of Israel.