This bible commentary traces the reception of <i>Judges</i> through the ages, not only by scholars and theologians, but also by preachers, teachers, politicians, poets, essayists and artists. <br><li>A bible commentary focusing on <i>The Book of Judges</i>, best known for the tale of Samson and Delilah, but full of many other rich and colourful stories. <br><li>Treats the text story by story, making it accessible to non-specialists, <br><li>Considers the stories of women in <i>Judges</i>, including Deborah, Jael, who slew Sisera, and Jephthah's daughter, sacrificed by her father. <br><li>Traces the reception of <i>Judges</i> through the ages, not only by scholars and theologians, but also by preachers, teachers, politicians, poets, essayists and artists. <br><li>Illustrates how ideology and the social location of readers have shaped the way the book has been read. <br><li>Discloses a long history of debate over the roles of women and the use of force, as well as Christian prejudice against Jews and 'Orientals'. <br><li>Offers a window onto the use of the Bible in the Western world. </li>