What is the function of the shoftim? This lesson examines the historical and geographical context of the period of the shoftim, and explores the internal and external contradiction of the Navi's view of a king. The theme at the end of the sefer, "ein melech beYisrael" (there is no king in Israel), clearly portrays a monarch as a necessity, yet we can also see throughout the sefer a strong resistance towards kingship as well. 

Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com