complacency and self-centeredness, which then quickly turns to neglect of God and sloth. This, in turn, gives way to sin and disobedience. God ultimately rewards Israel’s apostasy with punishment, manifested in the invasion and occupation of the tribes’ inheritances by surrounding nations. The Israelites are crushed and forced to admit their sin. Under duress they humble themselves in repentance and cry out to God for deliverance. God is merciful and sends deliverers (called “judges”) who fight in