Samson continues to confront the Philistines but is eventually betrayed by Delilah, who discovers the source of his strength. He is captured, blinded, and imprisoned, but later brings down a Philistine temple in his final act. Elsewhere, the tribe of Dan seeks land and takes it by force, setting up their own place of worship. A Levite and his household are drawn into these events.

The birth of Samson is announced to his parents by an angel, and he is set apart from birth. As he grows, Samson begins to act against the Philistines, often through personal conflicts. He marries a Philistine woman, and a series of disputes lead to acts of destruction and revenge. Samson defeats many Philistines using great strength.

Several judges lead Israel during a time of recurring oppression. The people again turn to other gods and later cry out for deliverance. Jephthah becomes a leader and defeats the Ammonites in battle. After the victory, tension arises among the tribes, leading to conflict within Israel.

Gideon pursues the remaining Midianite leaders and defeats them. Afterward, Israel asks Gideon to rule over them, but he refuses, though he later makes a golden ephod that becomes a problem for the people. After Gideon’s death, his son Abimelech seeks power and kills many of his brothers. Abimelech rules for a time before conflict rises against him.

Israel is oppressed by the Midianites, who raid their land and destroy their crops. Gideon is called to deliver Israel and begins by tearing down his father’s altar to Baal. God confirms His calling through signs given to Gideon. With a small army of three hundred men, Gideon defeats the Midianite forces.

Several early judges rise to deliver Israel from oppression. Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar defeat the enemies who ruled over the people. Later, Deborah leads Israel alongside Barak against the army of Sisera. After the victory, Deborah and Barak sing a song recounting the battle.

After Joshua’s death, the tribes continue attempts to drive out the remaining inhabitants of the land. Some victories are won, but many groups remain living among Israel. A pattern begins where the people turn away from the Lord and follow other gods. Judges are raised to deliver them, but the cycle of disobedience continues.

The tribes east of the Jordan return to their land and build a large altar, which causes concern among the other tribes. After discussion, the altar is understood to be a witness rather than a rival place of worship. Joshua later gathers Israel and recounts their history, calling them to remain faithful. The people renew their covenant with the Lord, and Joshua dies.

The remaining tribes receive their portions of land, completing the division of Canaan. Cities are assigned within each territory, including special cities for the Levites. Six cities are designated as cities of refuge. The chapter closes by noting that the Lord fulfilled the promises made to Israel and gave them rest in the land.

The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh receive their portions of land. Some areas remain unconquered as the tribes settle into their territories. The tabernacle is set up at Shiloh as the center of worship. The remaining land is surveyed so it can be divided among the rest of the tribes.