After him Ibzan of Bethlehem led Israel.

After him Abdon son of Hillel the Pirathonite led Israel.

Samson led Israel for twenty years during the days of Philistine prominence.

So Samuel led Israel all the days of his life.

Although I am innocent, I could not answer him; I could only plead with my judge for mercy.

But you have said, ‘What does God know? Does he judge through such deep darkness?

There an upright person could present his case before him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge.

God is a just judge; he is angry throughout the day.

He judges the world fairly; he makes just legal decisions for the nations.

Vindicate me by your justice, O Lord my God! Do not let them gloat over me!

But the Lord does not surrender the godly, or allow them to be condemned in a court of law.

The heavens declare his fairness, for God is judge. (Selah)

He will defend the oppressed among the people; he will deliver the children of the poor and crush the oppressor.

God says, “At the appointed times, I judge fairly.

For God is the judge! He brings one down and exalts another.

He says, “How long will you make unjust legal decisions and show favoritism to the wicked? (Selah)

Rise up, O judge of the earth! Pay back the proud!

because he stands at the right hand of the needy, to deliver him from those who threaten his life.

They will be thrown down the side of a cliff by their judges. They will listen to my words, for they are pleasant.

you kings of the earth and all you nations, you princes and all you leaders on the earth,