The Book of Judges: The Hebrew Bible’s Federalist Papers

Miller, Geoffrey P.

doi:10.2139/ssrn.1681529

Abstract

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The Book of Judges: The Hebrew Bible’s Federalist Papers

Geoffrey P. Miller

New York University School of Law

September 23, 2010

NYU School of Law, Public Law Research Paper No. 10-66

Abstract:
This paper continues the analysis of political theory in the Hebrew Bible. This book of Judges evaluates the pros and cons of a confederacy of semi-sovereign tribes, constituted by legal obligations and embodied in three institutions: judges, military leaders, and a tribal assembly. Although the author portrays the leaders of the confederacy as heroes who rescue Israel from distress, his evaluation of the confederacy is negative. He argues that its institutions are not strong enough to reliably deliver the benefits of nationhood – justice, security, prosperity, domestic tranquility, and fidelity to God.

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Date posted: September 24, 2010 ; Last revised: August 24, 2011

Suggested Citation

Miller, Geoffrey P., The Book of Judges: The Hebrew Bible’s Federalist Papers (September 23, 2010). NYU School of Law, Public Law Research Paper No. 10-66. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1681529 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1681529

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Geoffrey P. Miller (Contact Author)

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