Judges 10:7

So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites,

Study Bible

So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel
This phrase indicates God's righteous indignation towards Israel's repeated disobedience and idolatry. Throughout the Book of Judges, Israel's cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance is evident. The anger of the LORD is a recurring theme, highlighting God's holiness and justice. This anger is not arbitrary but a response to Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. The burning anger signifies intense divine displeasure, reminiscent of God's response to sin in other parts of Scripture, such as the golden calf incident in Exodus 32.

and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites
The phrase "He sold them" suggests a relinquishing of protection, allowing Israel to fall under foreign domination as a consequence of their sin. This is a judicial act, reflecting the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 for disobedience. The Philistines and Ammonites were perennial enemies of Israel, representing external threats that God used to discipline His people. The Philistines were a seafaring people settled along the coastal plains, while the Ammonites were located east of the Jordan River. This dual oppression from both west and east underscores the severity of Israel's predicament. The historical context reveals that these oppressors were significant military powers during this period, making Israel's subjugation particularly harsh. This situation sets the stage for the rise of judges like Jephthah and Samson, who would deliver Israel from these oppressors.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, whose anger is kindled due to Israel's disobedience and idolatry.

2. Israel
The chosen people of God, who repeatedly fall into cycles of sin, idolatry, and repentance.

3. Philistines
A neighboring people and frequent adversaries of Israel, known for their military strength and oppression of Israel.

4. Ammonites
Another neighboring group, often in conflict with Israel, who also oppress them during this period.

5. Judges
The leaders raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression, though not directly mentioned in this verse, they are central to the context of the book.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
God's anger is a direct response to Israel's idolatry and disobedience. This serves as a reminder that sin has serious consequences.

God's Sovereignty in Discipline
The phrase "He sold them into the hands" indicates God's control over the situation, using even their enemies to bring about correction and repentance.

The Cycle of Sin and Redemption
Israel's repeated cycle of sin and deliverance highlights the need for genuine repentance and reliance on God.

The Importance of Faithfulness
Israel's struggles remind us of the importance of remaining faithful to God and His commandments to avoid spiritual and physical oppression.

Hope in God's Deliverance
Despite Israel's failures, God continually raises up judges to deliver them, pointing to His mercy and the ultimate deliverance through Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the anger of the LORD in Judges 10:7 reflect His character and covenant relationship with Israel?

2. In what ways do the Philistines and Ammonites serve as instruments of God's discipline, and how can this understanding affect our view of challenges in our lives?

3. How does the cycle of sin and redemption in Judges apply to our personal spiritual journey today?

4. What steps can we take to remain faithful to God and avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and disobedience seen in Israel's history?

5. How does the theme of deliverance in Judges point us to the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ, and how can this shape our daily walk with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a backdrop for understanding why God's anger was kindled against Israel.

Judges 2:11-19
This passage describes the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the period of the Judges.

1 Samuel 12:9-11
Samuel recounts the history of Israel's disobedience and God's deliverance through judges, reinforcing the themes seen in Judges 10:7.

Psalm 106:40-42
This psalm reflects on Israel's repeated rebellion and God's response, similar to the events in Judges.