"David Beldman's commentary on this dark period in Israelite history is superb. At home in both the exegesis of the book of Judges and in the exegesis of postmodern culture, Beldman's book is a great example of wisdom for the church as he seeks to show how this book spoke to its ancient audience in an anarchic wasteland where everyone did what was right in their own eyes, and how it speaks to the church in a similar situation today. Sell your coat and buy it!" -- Stephen Dempster Crandall University "Beldman's deft narrative observations reveal the judges not as flat heroes, but as complex characters in troubling times. He makes these accounts entertaining and accessible without neglecting the difficult questions they pose and the surprising answers they sometimes provide. A good resource for preaching and teaching within the church, with insights useful for biblical scholars and theological educators." -- Lissa Wray Beal Providence University College and Theological Seminary.