Judges 10:6

And again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD. They served the Baals, the Ashtoreths, the gods of Aram, Sidon, and Moab, and the gods of the Ammonites and Philistines. Thus they forsook the LORD and did not serve Him.

Study Bible

Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD
This phrase marks a recurring theme in the Book of Judges, where the Israelites repeatedly fall into sin after a period of peace. The Hebrew word for "again" (וַיֹּסִפוּ, vayyosifu) suggests a continuation or repetition, indicating a cycle of disobedience. The phrase "did evil" (הָרַע, hara) implies actions that are morally wrong and offensive to God. The "sight of the LORD" emphasizes God's omniscience and His moral standard, which the Israelites have violated. This cycle of sin and repentance is central to the narrative of Judges, highlighting the need for divine intervention and leadership.

They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths
The "Baals" and "Ashtoreths" were Canaanite deities, representing fertility and nature. The Hebrew term "Baals" (בְּעָלִים, be'alim) refers to various local gods, while "Ashtoreths" (עַשְׁתָּרוֹת, ashtarot) were goddesses often associated with Baal. This idolatry signifies a departure from exclusive worship of Yahweh, violating the first commandment. Historically, the Israelites' adoption of Canaanite religious practices reflects the cultural and spiritual challenges they faced in maintaining their covenant identity amidst surrounding pagan influences.

the gods of Aram, Sidon, Moab, the gods of the Ammonites, and the gods of the Philistines
This list of foreign deities underscores the extent of Israel's apostasy. Each group mentioned—Aram, Sidon, Moab, Ammonites, and Philistines—had its own pantheon, and Israel's worship of these gods indicates a deep assimilation into surrounding cultures. The historical context reveals that these nations were often adversaries of Israel, making their gods symbols of political and spiritual betrayal. The Israelites' syncretism reflects a failure to uphold their distinctiveness as God's chosen people.

Thus they forsook the LORD
The Hebrew verb "forsook" (וַיַּעַזְבוּ, vaya'azvu) conveys a deliberate abandonment or rejection. This act of forsaking Yahweh is not merely a passive drift but an active choice to turn away from the covenant relationship. In the scriptural context, forsaking God leads to dire consequences, as it breaks the protective and providential relationship established at Sinai. This phrase serves as a warning about the dangers of spiritual infidelity and the importance of steadfastness in faith.

and did not serve Him
The phrase "did not serve Him" (וְלֹא עָבָדוּהוּ, velo avaduhu) highlights the failure to worship and obey God. The Hebrew root עָבַד (avad) means to serve or worship, indicating a relationship of devotion and obedience. By not serving Yahweh, the Israelites not only neglect their religious duties but also reject their identity as His people. This lack of service is symptomatic of a deeper spiritual malaise, where the heart is turned away from God, leading to moral and societal decay. The verse as a whole calls believers to examine their own faithfulness and commitment to serving God wholeheartedly.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The chosen people of God who repeatedly fall into cycles of sin, repentance, and deliverance throughout the Book of Judges.

2. Baals and Ashtoreths
Pagan deities worshiped by the Canaanites. Baal was a storm and fertility god, while Ashtoreth was a goddess of love and war.

3. Aram, Sidon, Moab, Ammonites, Philistines
Nations surrounding Israel, each with their own pantheon of gods, which the Israelites adopted, leading them away from worshiping Yahweh.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who demands exclusive worship and faithfulness from His people.

5. Forsaking the LORD
A recurring theme in Judges where the Israelites abandon their covenant relationship with God, leading to oppression and suffering.

Teaching Points

The Cycle of Sin
Recognize the pattern of sin, repentance, and deliverance in our own lives. Just as Israel repeatedly fell into idolatry, we must be vigilant against modern forms of idolatry.

Exclusive Worship
God demands exclusive worship. Reflect on areas in life where we might be serving "other gods" such as money, power, or status.

Consequences of Forsaking God
Understand that turning away from God leads to spiritual and sometimes physical consequences. This is a call to remain faithful and obedient.

Cultural Influence
Be aware of how cultural influences can lead us away from God. Like Israel, we must discern and resist adopting practices that contradict our faith.

Repentance and Restoration
Emphasize the importance of repentance and God's willingness to restore us when we turn back to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "gods" or idols that can distract us from serving the LORD exclusively?

2. How does the cycle of sin and repentance in Judges reflect in your personal spiritual journey?

3. In what ways can cultural influences lead us away from God, and how can we guard against this?

4. How does understanding the consequences of Israel's idolatry help us in making choices today?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's restoration after repentance. How did it change your relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, which the Israelites violate by serving other gods.

Deuteronomy 6:14-15
A warning against following other gods, emphasizing God's jealousy and the consequences of disobedience.

1 Kings 11:5-6
Solomon's downfall due to idolatry, paralleling Israel's repeated sin.

Psalm 106:34-39
A recounting of Israel's history of idolatry and its consequences.

Romans 1:21-23
The New Testament perspective on idolatry, showing its roots in a failure to honor God.