After enlisting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join forces with him, Eglon attacked and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms. Together with the Ammonites and AmalekitesThis phrase highlights the coalition formed by Eglon, the king of Moab, with the Ammonites and Amalekites. The Ammonites, descendants of Lot, were often in conflict with Israel, reflecting the ongoing strife between the descendants of Abraham and Lot. The Amalekites, descendants of Esau, were perennial enemies of Israel, first attacking them in the wilderness ( Exodus 17:8-16). This alliance underscores the persistent opposition Israel faced from surrounding nations, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles believers face, often from multiple fronts, and the need for reliance on God for deliverance. Eglon came and attacked Israel
Eglon, the Moabite king, represents the oppressive forces that rise against God's people when they turn away from Him. The Hebrew root for "attacked" (לחם, lacham) implies engaging in battle or warfare. This attack is a direct consequence of Israel's disobedience and idolatry, as outlined earlier in Judges 3:12. Historically, this period of oppression lasted eighteen years, symbolizing a complete cycle of judgment and the need for repentance. Spiritually, it illustrates the consequences of sin and the importance of returning to God for restoration and peace. and they took possession of the City of Palms
The "City of Palms" refers to Jericho, a city with significant biblical history as the first city conquered by Israel under Joshua's leadership (Joshua 6). Its capture by Eglon signifies a reversal of Israel's earlier victories due to their unfaithfulness. The palm trees symbolize prosperity and peace, which are lost when Israel turns from God. Archaeologically, Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities, with evidence of destruction and rebuilding that aligns with biblical accounts. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the loss that accompanies spiritual decline and the need for God's intervention to reclaim what has been lost. Persons / Places / Events 1. EglonThe king of Moab who, with the help of the Ammonites and Amalekites, oppressed Israel. 2. AmmonitesA group descended from Lot, often in conflict with Israel. 3. AmalekitesA nomadic tribe, descendants of Esau, known for their hostility towards Israel. 4. IsraelThe chosen people of God, who were oppressed due to their disobedience. 5. City of PalmsAnother name for Jericho, a significant city in Israel's history. Teaching Points Consequences of DisobedienceIsrael's oppression by Eglon and his allies is a direct result of their disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentDespite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains sovereign, using even their enemies to bring about His purposes and ultimately lead them back to repentance. The Importance of RepentanceThe cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in Judges highlights the necessity of turning back to God when we stray. Unity in OppositionEglon's alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites shows how opposition to God's people can come from unexpected alliances, reminding believers to be vigilant in their spiritual battles. Historical Significance of PlacesUnderstanding the historical and spiritual significance of places like the City of Palms can deepen our appreciation for God's work throughout history. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the oppression of Israel by Eglon and his allies illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work even when His people are under oppression? 3. How does the cycle of sin and repentance in Judges apply to our personal spiritual lives today? 4. What can we learn from the alliances formed against Israel about the nature of spiritual warfare? 5. How does understanding the historical significance of places like the City of Palms enhance our study of the Bible? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, which contextualizes Israel's oppression in Judges 3:13. 1 Samuel 15This passage describes God's command to Saul to destroy the Amalekites, highlighting their continued enmity with Israel. Genesis 19The origin of the Ammonites is found here, providing background on their relationship with Israel. Joshua 6The fall of Jericho, the City of Palms, is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, showing the city's significance. | Continued and Repeated Offence Entails More Signal Punishment | A.F. Muir | Judges 3:12-14 | | A Distinct Message | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Message from God | W. Rudder, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Message from God | J. Cumming, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Message from God | J. B. C. Murphy, B. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Sermon Upon Keys | John Mitchell. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Application of the Truth | | Judges 3:12-30 | | Effective Preachers Compared to Ehud | John McNeill. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Ehud: Left-Handedness | J. Parker, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | God's Messages | J. P. Millar. | Judges 3:12-30 | | I have a Message from God unto Thee | T. Raffles, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Lessons from the Death of Eglon | T. De Witt Talmage. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Sin -- Suffering; Penitence and Deliverance Repeated | J. P. Millar. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Christian Minister Bearing a Message from God to Man | H. S. Plumptre, M. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Gospel Message | D. Johnston, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Gospel Message | E. Cooper, M. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Summer Parlour | W.F. Bishop. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Unexpected Perils | S. Baring-Gould, M. A. | Judges 3:12-30 |
People Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Amorites, Anath, Aram, Canaanites, Chushanrishathaim, Chushan-rishathaim, Eglon, Ehud, Gera, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Kenaz, Moabites, Othniel, Perizzites, Shamgar, Sidonians, ZidoniansPlaces Canaan, Gilgal, Jordan River, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Mesopotamia, Moab, Mount Baal-hermon, SeirahTopics Amalek, Amalekites, Amal'ekites, Ammon, Ammonites, Attacked, Bene-ammon, Defeated, Eglon, Gathered, Gathereth, Got, Join, Overcame, Palm, Palms, Palm-trees, Possess, Possessed, Possession, Smiteth, Smote, Sons, Struck, Town, TreesDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 3:12-13 8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah Judges 3:12-14 5290 defeat
5607 warfare, examples Library Use what You Have
Few people really are and do their best. Nature has blessed a few with great talents and abilities. These persons often become proud, self-centered, and feel themselves to be superior, and for that reason many times they fail to make the proper use of their abilities. How often are they used in a bad or foolish way, so that what might be a blessing to the world fails to be such! There are many others who realize they do not possess these natural gifts. They look upon those who have them, and envy …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart TalksGifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Whether Baptism Should Take Away the Penalties of Sin that Belong to this Life?
Objection 1: It seems that Baptism should take away the penalties of sin that belong to this life. For as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:15), the gift of Christ is farther-reaching than the sin of Adam. But through Adam's sin, as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:12), "death entered into this world," and, consequently, all the other penalties of the present life. Much more, therefore, should man be freed from the penalties of the present life, by the gift of Christ which is received in Baptism. Objection 2: Further, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica "This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare unto You, that God is Light,"
1 John i. 5.--"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light," &c. The great design of the gospel is to make up the breach of man's joy, and open up the way to the fulness of it, and therefore it is the good news and glad tidings of great joy, the only best message that ever came to the world. Now it shows unto us the channel that this river of gladness and joy runs into, it discovers what is the way of the conveyance of it to the soul, and what are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Whether the Old Law Enjoined Fitting Precepts Concerning Rulers?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law made unfitting precepts concerning rulers. Because, as the Philosopher says (Polit. iii, 4), "the ordering of the people depends mostly on the chief ruler." But the Law contains no precept relating to the institution of the chief ruler; and yet we find therein prescriptions concerning the inferior rulers: firstly (Ex. 18:21): "Provide out of all the people wise [Vulg.: 'able'] men," etc.; again (Num. 11:16): "Gather unto Me seventy men of the ancients of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Doctrine of Angels.
I. THEIR EXISTENCE. 1. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. 2. THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES. II. THEIR NATURE. 1. CREATED BEINGS. 2. SPIRITUAL BEINGS. 3. GREAT POWER AND MIGHT. 4. VARIOUS GRADES. 5. THE NUMBER OF ANGELS. III. THE FALL OF ANGELS. 1. TIME AND CAUSE. 2. THE WORK OF FALLEN ANGELS. 3. THE JUDGMENT OF FALLEN ANGELS. IV. THE WORK OF ANGELS. 1. THEIR HEAVENLY MINISTRY. 2. THEIR EARTHLY MINISTRY. a) In Relation to the Believer. b) In Relation to Christ's Second Coming. THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS. We are not …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 3:13 NIVJudges 3:13 NLTJudges 3:13 ESVJudges 3:13 NASBJudges 3:13 KJV
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