Judges 10:16

So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD, and He could no longer bear the misery of Israel.

Study Bible

So they put away the foreign gods from among them
This phrase marks a pivotal moment of repentance for the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "put away" is "סוּר" (sur), which means to turn aside or remove. This action signifies a deliberate and conscious decision to abandon idolatry. The "foreign gods" refer to the deities of the surrounding nations, which the Israelites had adopted, leading them away from the worship of Yahweh. Historically, the Israelites were often tempted by the religious practices of their neighbors, which included the worship of Baal and Ashtoreth. This act of putting away these gods is a return to covenant faithfulness, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament as God continually calls His people back to exclusive worship of Him.

and served the LORD
The Hebrew word for "served" is "עָבַד" (avad), which implies not just worship but also labor and service. This indicates a complete devotion and commitment to Yahweh, encompassing both religious observance and daily life. Serving the LORD involves obedience to His commandments and living in a way that honors Him. This phrase highlights the transformation from idolatry to true worship, a central theme in the narrative of Judges. The Israelites' return to serving the LORD is a response to His mercy and a recognition of His sovereignty.

and He could bear Israel’s misery no longer
The phrase "could bear" comes from the Hebrew "קָצַר" (qatsar), meaning to be short or impatient. This anthropomorphic expression conveys God's deep compassion and mercy. Despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, God's love and patience are evident as He responds to their suffering. The "misery" of Israel refers to the oppression and distress they faced due to their disobedience and the resulting consequences. This phrase underscores the theme of divine compassion and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It serves as a reminder of God's enduring love and willingness to forgive and restore His people when they turn back to Him in repentance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The people of God who repeatedly fell into idolatry and sin, leading to their oppression by foreign nations.

2. Foreign gods
The idols and deities worshiped by the surrounding nations, which the Israelites adopted, leading them away from the worship of Yahweh.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who desires exclusive worship and is compassionate towards His people.

4. Oppression
The suffering and subjugation experienced by the Israelites as a consequence of their idolatry and disobedience.

5. Repentance
The act of turning away from sin and returning to God, demonstrated by the Israelites putting away foreign gods.

Teaching Points

The Necessity of Repentance
True repentance involves a decisive turning away from sin and idolatry, as seen in the Israelites' actions.

God's Compassion
Despite Israel's repeated failures, God's compassion is evident as He responds to their misery and repentance.

Exclusive Worship
God demands exclusive worship, and idolatry in any form is a serious offense against Him.

The Consequences of Sin
The Israelites' suffering under foreign oppression serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

Hope for Restoration
No matter how far we stray, there is always hope for restoration when we genuinely return to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What steps did the Israelites take to demonstrate their repentance in Judges 10:16, and how can we apply this in our own lives?

2. How does the concept of God's compassion in Judges 10:16 relate to His character as described in other parts of the Bible?

3. In what ways do modern "idols" distract us from exclusive worship of God, and how can we identify and remove them?

4. How does the cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in Judges reflect our own spiritual journeys?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our repentance is genuine and leads to lasting change, as seen in the Israelites' example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-6
The commandment against idolatry, emphasizing God's desire for exclusive worship and His jealousy for His people.

1 Samuel 7:3-4
Samuel's call to Israel to put away foreign gods and serve the LORD only, leading to their deliverance.

2 Chronicles 7:14
The promise of healing and restoration if God's people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways.

Psalm 106:44-45
God's compassion and relenting from anger when His people cry out to Him in their distress.

Hosea 14:1-3
A call to repentance and the promise of God's mercy and healing for those who return to Him.