Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them. Then the LORDThe phrase "Then the LORD" signifies a divine intervention at a critical juncture in Israel's history. The Hebrew name for God used here is "Yahweh," which emphasizes His covenantal relationship with Israel. This intervention is not merely a reaction but a fulfillment of His promises to His people. Historically, this reflects the cyclical pattern in Judges where Israel falls into sin, faces oppression, cries out to God, and then God raises a deliverer. It underscores God's faithfulness and mercy despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness. raised up judges who saved them from the hands of these raiders Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who intervenes in the lives of His people by raising up judges to deliver them. 2. Judges Leaders appointed by God to deliver Israel from oppression. They were not judges in the modern legal sense but were military leaders and deliverers. 3. Israelites The people of God who repeatedly fell into sin and idolatry, leading to their oppression by surrounding nations. 4. Raiders The oppressors or enemies of Israel, often neighboring nations that God allowed to discipline Israel for their disobedience. 5. Canaan The land promised to the Israelites, where they faced constant threats from surrounding nations due to their failure to fully obey God’s commands. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in DeliveranceDespite Israel's repeated disobedience, God remains faithful to His covenant by raising up judges to deliver them. This demonstrates His mercy and commitment to His people. The Cycle of Sin and Redemption The book of Judges illustrates a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. This cycle is a reminder of the human tendency to stray from God and the need for continual repentance and reliance on Him. The Role of Leadership God uses leaders to guide and deliver His people. This underscores the importance of godly leadership and the impact it can have on a community or nation. Dependence on God for Salvation The judges were instruments of God's salvation, pointing to the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ. Believers are reminded to depend on God for salvation and deliverance from sin. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of the judges in Israel's history reflect God's character and His relationship with His people?2. In what ways do you see the cycle of sin and redemption in your own life, and how can you break free from it? 3. How can the account of the judges inspire us to seek and support godly leadership in our communities today? 4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' failure to fully obey God's commands, and how can we apply these lessons to our spiritual walk? 5. How does the deliverance through the judges point to the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, and how can this understanding deepen your faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 7This chapter outlines God's commands to Israel to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan and avoid idolatry, which they failed to do, leading to the need for judges. 1 Samuel 12 Samuel recounts the history of the judges, emphasizing God's faithfulness in raising leaders to deliver Israel despite their unfaithfulness. Hebrews 11 The "Hall of Faith" includes some of the judges, highlighting their faith and God's power working through them.
People Israelites, Joshua, NunPlaces Bochim, Egypt, Gaash, Gilgal, Timnath-heresTopics Cruel, Delivered, Despoiled, Hands, Judges, Nevertheless, Plundered, Power, Raiders, Raised, Raiseth, Save, Saved, Saviours, Spoiled, SpoilersDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 2:16 1320 God, as Saviour 8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah 6243 adultery, spiritual 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 2:16 NIVJudges 2:16 NLT Judges 2:16 ESV Judges 2:16 NASB Judges 2:16 KJV Judges 2:16 Commentaries Bible Hub |