After his death a long interval usually occurred, during which “every man did that which was right in his own eyes,” until a new invasion by Philis´tines, Ammonites, or Zidonians called for a new leader. The chronology of this period is very uncertain, as the sacred writers only incidentally mention the time of events, and their records are not always continuous. The system of chronology was not settled until a later period. RULERS AND JUDGES OF ISRAEL. _Under the Theocracy._ Moses, liberator, law-giver, and judge, 40 years Joshua, conqueror of Palestine, and judge, 25 ” Anarchy, idolatry, submission to foreign rulers, 20 _or_ 30 ” Servitude under Chushan-rishathaim of Mesopotamia, 8 ” Othniel, deliverer and judge, 40 ” Servitude under Eglon, king of Moab, 18 ” {Ehud, {Shamgar. In these two reigns the land has rest, 80 ” Servitude under Jabin, king of Canaan, 20 ” Deborah, 40 ” Servitude under Midian, 7 ” Gideon, 40 ” Abimelech, king, 3 ” Interregnum of unknown duration, — Tola, judge, 23 ” Jair, judge, 22 ” Idolatry and anarchy, 5 ” Servitude under Philistines and Ammonites, 18 ” Jephthah, 6 ” Ibzan, 7 ” Elon, 10 ” Abdon, 8 ” Servitude under Philistines, 40 ” Samson, during last half of this period, rules south-western Palestine, 20 ” Eli, high priest, and judge in south-western Palestine, 40 ” Samuel, the last of the judges, arises after interregnum of, 20 ” =81.= SECOND PERIOD. The Israelites at length became dissatisfied with the irregular nature of their government, and demanded a king. In compliance with their wishes, Saul, the son of Kish, a young Benjamite distinguished by beauty and loftiness of stature, was chosen by Divine command, and anointed by Samuel, their aged prophet and judge.