They served as Judges, as military leaders when the nation was under threat, and as spiritual leaders. The Judges served for about 365 years, from the death of Joshua until the time of King Saul.
In addition to the above, there have been regular judges, from the time of Moses (Exodus ch.18) down to this day. These are Torah-scholars whose function is to adjudicate disputes according to Torah-procedure.
When the Israelites cried out to God for help in Canaan, He raised up judges to deliver them from their oppressors. Notable figures among these judges included Deborah, Gideon, and Samson, who provided leadership and military support during times of crisis. These judges acted as God's agents, guiding the Israelites back to faithfulness and leading them in battles against their enemies.
Judges.
That answer would be...Judges!!
They prayed to God and repented (Judges 2).
In the Old Testament, the judges were individuals who served as both military leaders and spiritual guides for the Israelites. Some of the well-known judges include Deborah, Gideon, Samson, and Samuel. They were appointed by God to help deliver the Israelites from oppression and rule over them during turbulent times.
The judges played a key role in keeping the 12 tribes united .
After the death of Joshua, the leaders of the Israelites for 360 years were the Judges. The first of them was Othniel ben Kenaz.See also the Related Links.Link: More about JoshuaLink: More about the Judges
They fought with or harassed the Israelites on several occasions. Numbers ch.25, Judges ch.6, and elsewhere.
The ancient Israelites wanted kings to replace the judges, just to follow the other tribes who had kings.
She was the first (and only) female judge referred to in the Bible. She was also a strategic warrior, leading the Israelites, successfully, in battle. Addendum to above answer: Debra can be found in the Book of Judges in the Bible.
Because (among the israelites) "in those days there was no king." (Judges 17:6)
Joshua led them into the land. After that, the leaders were the Judges and then the Kings.