Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of those who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. Then the anger of the LORD burnedThe phrase "anger of the LORD" in Hebrew is "אַף יְהוָה" (aph YHWH), where "aph" can also mean "nostril" or "face," indicating a vivid anthropomorphic image of God's wrath. This anger is not capricious but a righteous response to Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. The burning aspect suggests an intense, consuming emotion, reflecting God's holiness and justice. Historically, this divine anger is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing the seriousness of Israel's disobedience and the consequences of breaking the covenant with God. against Israel and He handed them over to plunderers who raided them He sold them to their enemies all around so that they could no longer stand against their enemies Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, whose anger is kindled against His people due to their disobedience and idolatry. 2. Israel The chosen people of God, who have turned away from Him to serve other gods, leading to their oppression by surrounding nations. 3. Plunderers The foreign nations and groups that God allowed to oppress and raid Israel as a consequence of their unfaithfulness. 4. Enemies The surrounding nations to whom God "sold" Israel, indicating a loss of divine protection and favor. 5. Judges Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the Book of Judges involves leaders raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceGod's anger is a response to Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. Disobedience leads to tangible consequences, including the loss of divine protection. God's Sovereignty in Judgment God is sovereign and uses even the enemies of Israel to accomplish His purposes. This reminds us that God can use any situation to bring about His will. The Cycle of Sin and Redemption The Book of Judges illustrates a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Recognizing this pattern in our lives can help us seek God's mercy and avoid repeated failures. The Importance of Faithfulness Israel's plight serves as a warning to remain faithful to God. Our spiritual health depends on our commitment to Him and His commandments. Hope in God's Deliverance Despite Israel's failures, God raises judges to deliver them. This points to God's grace and the ultimate deliverance found in Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. What specific actions led to God's anger against Israel in Judges 2:14, and how can we avoid similar pitfalls in our own lives?2. How does the concept of God "selling" Israel to their enemies reflect His justice and mercy? Can you find other biblical examples of God using difficult circumstances to bring His people back to Him? 3. In what ways does the cycle of sin and redemption in Judges mirror our personal spiritual journeys? How can we break free from this cycle? 4. How does understanding the original Hebrew word for "anger" (aph) deepen our understanding of God's response to sin? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's discipline. How did it lead to growth or change in your relationship with Him? How can this passage encourage you in times of spiritual struggle? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a backdrop for understanding why God allowed Israel to be oppressed. Psalm 106 This psalm recounts Israel's repeated cycle of sin, punishment, repentance, and deliverance, echoing the themes found in Judges. Romans 1 Paul discusses the concept of God giving people over to their sinful desires as a form of judgment, similar to how God handed Israel over to their enemies.
People Israelites, Joshua, NunPlaces Bochim, Egypt, Gaash, Gilgal, Timnath-heresTopics Able, Anger, Burned, Burneth, Burning, Delivered, Despoiled, Enemies, Forced, Giveth, Handed, Hands, Haters, Hot, Kindled, Longer, Plundered, Plunderers, Power, Property, Raiders, Resist, Round, Selleth, Sold, Spoil, Spoiled, Spoilers, Stand, Violently, Withstand, WrathDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 2:14 5242 buying and selling 1025 God, anger of 8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah 1310 God, as judge 5607 warfare, examples Library A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience'And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. 2. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? 3. Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience Whether the Female Sex is an Impediment to Receiving Orders? The Judges. The Unmistakable Honesty of the Writers of the Bible Attests to Its Heavenly Origin The Death of Abraham Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. The Doctrine of Angels. A Case of Conscience Resolved Judges Links Judges 2:14 NIVJudges 2:14 NLT Judges 2:14 ESV Judges 2:14 NASB Judges 2:14 KJV Judges 2:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |