The Chronology Of The Book Of Judges: A Linguistic Clue To Solving A Pesky Problem -- By: Robert B. Chisholm, Jr.

Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 52:2 (Jun 2009)
Article: The Chronology Of The Book Of Judges: A Linguistic Clue To Solving A Pesky Problem
Author: Robert B. Chisholm, Jr.


The Chronology Of The Book Of Judges: A Linguistic Clue To Solving A Pesky Problem

Robert B. Chisholm, Jr.*

* Robert B. Chisholm, Jr. is chair and professor of Old Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, 3909 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, TX 75204.

I. Introduction

Scholars have long recognized that the numbers given in the chronological notations of Judges, when added up, do not conform to the information presented in 1 Kgs 6:1, which indicates that Solomon began building the temple 480 years after the Israelites left Egypt. Proposed solutions to the problem usually involve overlapping dates and events to one degree or another, but these proposals often seem arbitrary and unduly complex. Indeed, no consensus has arisen with regard to a solution to the chronological problem.

This article addresses this problem and proposes a new solution that takes its cue from linguistic evidence, particularly the precise wording of the various statements used to describe Israel’s continuing or repeated sin. The author argues that the book’s central section is arranged in two parallel panels (3:12-5:31 and 6:1-16:31), both of which cover the period from 1336 (or 1334 in the case of panel two) to 1130 BC. This scheme allows one to fit the events of Judges, as well as events both immediately before and after the Judges period, into the 480 years designated by 1 Kgs 6:1.

II. The Problem

The book of Judges contains the following chronological notations:

3:8

Cushan-Rishathaim oppresses Israel

8 years

3:11

Land rests after deliverance

40 years

3:14

Moab oppresses Israel

18 years

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