1. Judges 2:6–3:6 (ESV)
  2. Structure and outline

The relation of Judges 2:6–3:6 to what precedes it

Judges 2:6–3:6 (ESV)

6 When Joshua dismissed the people, the people of Israel went each to his inheritance to take possession of the land.

This part parallels Judges 1:1 – 2:5. It outlines Israel’s decline after the death of Joshua. Both sections begin with references to Joshua (Joshua 1:1 and Joshua 2:6–9), outline Israel’s spiritual failures, and conclude with an account of divine disfavor (Judges 2:1–3 and Judges 2:20 – 3:4). The final verses (Judges 3:5–6) summarize the major themes of the first two chapters. The reference to Israel dwelling among the Canaanites (Judges 3:5) recalls Judges 1:32–33, while the statement about Israel serving other gods (Judges 3:6b) recalls Judges 2:11, Judges 2:13.1