When did Israel reach spiritual heights in the era of the Judges?
Israel reached spiritual heights during the era of the Judges whenever a good judge ruled over them. Such a judge was merely a ruler under God, governing through a God-centered government. Their history in that 300- to 400-year period was a roller coaster, rising under good judges and falling when they turned to idolatry.
Les explains that the period of the Judges covers between 300 and 400 years, twice as long as America has been a nation. Israel had occupied Canaan but failed to destroy the Canaanite people as God instructed. They became soft-hearted and thought they could use these people for servants, so they left off destroying them. Just as God promised, the Canaanites influenced Israel and took them right into idolatry. Even though Israel had the manifestation and miracle-working power of Jehovah God in their midst, they turned to pagan idols. Les says the history of Israel throughout those 300-400 years is a roller coaster: they reach a spiritual height under a good judge, who was merely a ruler under God, a God-centered government.