Judges 2:16-17

Nevertheless the Lord raised up By inward inspiration and excitement of their hearts, and by outward designation, testified by some extraordinary action. Judges Supreme magistrates, whose office it was, under God, and by his particular direction, to govern the commonwealth of Israel by God's laws, and to protect and save them from their enemies, to preserve and purge religion, and to maintain the liberties of the people against all oppressors. Yet they would not hearken to their judges Who admonished them of their sin and folly, and of the danger and misery which would certainly befall them.