Bible Commentary

Historical Context and Setting Judges chapter 12 presents a sobering aftermath to Jephthah’s victory over the Ammonites, chronicling a devastating civil war between Jephthah’s forces and the tribe of Ephraim, followed by brief accounts of the final three minor judges: Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon. This chapter occurs in the continuing period of Israel’s tribal confederation, […]

Historical Context and Setting Judges chapter 11 presents one of the most complex and tragic narratives in the Book of Judges, chronicling the rise of Jephthah from social outcast to military deliverer and his devastating personal tragedy resulting from a rash vow. This chapter occurs during the continuing period of Israel’s tribal confederation, approximately 1100

Historical Context and Setting Judges chapter 10 serves as a transitional passage in the Book of Judges, introducing two minor judges—Tola and Jair—before launching into the extended narrative of Jephthah that dominates chapters 11-12. This chapter provides crucial insight into the cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance that characterizes the judges period while highlighting

Historical Context and Setting Judges chapter 9 presents one of the darkest episodes in Israel’s history during the judges period, chronicling the rise and fall of Abimelech, Gideon’s son by a Shechemite concubine. This lengthy chapter reveals the devastating consequences of ungodly ambition and the breakdown of covenant relationships within Israel. The events occur approximately

Historical Context and Setting Judges chapter 8 continues the narrative of Gideon’s divine calling and military leadership, revealing both the pinnacle of his success and the beginning of his spiritual decline. Following the miraculous victory over the Midianite army described in chapter 7, this chapter chronicles Gideon’s pursuit of the fleeing Midianite kings, his conflicts

Gideon’s Army Reduced by God’s Command Judges 7 opens with Gideon, now called Jerubbaal, and his troops camped near the spring of Harod, while the Midianites are north of them in the valley of Moreh (Judges 7:1). The Lord tells Gideon that his army is too large for God to give them victory. If the

The Cycle of Sin and Oppression Judges chapter 6 begins with a familiar pattern in the book of Judges: “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord” (Judges 6:1). As a result, God delivered them into the hands of the Midianites for seven years. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites

Judges Chapter 5 presents the Song of Deborah and Barak, a poetic celebration of God’s victory over the Canaanites under King Jabin and his commander Sisera, as detailed in Judges 4. Sung after Israel’s deliverance, this chapter praises God’s sovereignty, recounts His intervention, and honors the roles of Deborah, Barak, Jael, and the tribes in

Judges Chapter 4 narrates Israel’s oppression by the Canaanites under King Jabin, God’s deliverance through the prophetess Deborah and Barak, and the decisive role of Jael in defeating Sisera, Jabin’s commander. Set in the cyclical period of the judges, this chapter illustrates God’s mercy in raising leaders to deliver His people from oppression, despite their

Judges Chapter 3 describes God’s testing of Israel through the remaining Canaanite nations, their cycles of disobedience and oppression, and the deliverance provided by the first judges—Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. Set in the early period of the judges after Joshua’s death, this chapter illustrates the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, God’s mercy in raising deliverers, and