the purposes of the book come into even clearer focus. This brings us to the next pertinent question. As one reads Judges and reflects on its themes (see our earlier discussion), it becomes apparent that the book has a distinct agenda, which includes at least three major purposes: The thematic emphases of the prologue indicate that Judges is in part a defense of the Lord’s reputation, which was jeopardized by Israel’s failure.76 The prologue explains why Israel failed