Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; so He delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, Again the Israelites did evilThis phrase indicates a recurring cycle of disobedience among the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "again" (יָסַף, yasaph) suggests a repeated action, highlighting the Israelites' persistent return to sin despite previous deliverances. This cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance is a central theme in the Book of Judges. It serves as a reminder of human frailty and the tendency to fall back into old patterns without genuine transformation and reliance on God. in the sight of the LORD
The phrase underscores the omniscience of God, who sees all actions and intentions. The Hebrew word for "sight" (עֵינַיִם, enayim) literally means "eyes," emphasizing that nothing is hidden from God. This serves as a sobering reminder that all actions, whether public or private, are visible to God and subject to His righteous judgment. It calls believers to live with integrity and accountability before God. so He delivered them
The Hebrew verb for "delivered" (נָתַן, nathan) can also mean "gave" or "handed over." This indicates a deliberate act of God allowing the Israelites to face the consequences of their actions. It reflects God's justice and His desire for His people to recognize their need for Him. This act of delivering them into the hands of their enemies is both punitive and redemptive, intended to bring about repentance and restoration. into the hand of Midian
The "hand" (יָד, yad) symbolizes power and control. The Midianites were a nomadic people who oppressed Israel, as described in the subsequent verses. Historically, the Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, and their oppression of Israel is a fulfillment of the consequences of Israel's disobedience. This serves as a reminder of the tangible consequences of turning away from God and the reality of spiritual warfare. for seven years
The number "seven" (שֶׁבַע, sheva) in Hebrew often symbolizes completeness or perfection. In this context, it indicates a complete period of oppression, sufficient to bring the Israelites to a point of desperation and repentance. Theologically, it suggests that God's timing is perfect, and His discipline is measured and purposeful, aimed at bringing His people back to Himself. This period of seven years serves as a divine pause, allowing the Israelites to reflect on their actions and turn back to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who repeatedly fall into cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance throughout the Book of Judges. 2. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who is just and righteous, allowing consequences for sin but also providing deliverance. 3. MidianA nomadic people who oppressed Israel as a consequence of their disobedience. Historically, they were descendants of Abraham through Keturah. 4. Seven YearsThe period of time during which Israel was oppressed by Midian, symbolizing a complete cycle of judgment and a call to repentance. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceIsrael's repeated disobedience led to their oppression. This serves as a reminder that sin has consequences, and turning away from God leads to spiritual and sometimes physical bondage. God's Sovereignty in DisciplineThe LORD's decision to deliver Israel into the hands of Midian demonstrates His sovereignty and justice. It is a call to recognize God's authority and His right to discipline His people. The Call to RepentanceThe oppression by Midian was not just punishment but also a call to repentance. In our lives, challenges can be opportunities to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness and guidance. The Faithfulness of GodDespite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful. He allows consequences but also provides a way for redemption and deliverance, pointing to His enduring mercy. Bible Study Questions 1. What patterns of behavior do you see in your life that might parallel the cycle of sin and deliverance seen in Israel's history? 2. How does understanding the consequences of disobedience in Judges 6:1 help you in making daily decisions that honor God? 3. In what ways can you see God's discipline as an act of love, as described in Hebrews 12:6, in your own life? 4. How can the account of Israel's oppression under Midian encourage you to seek repentance and restoration in your relationship with God? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness despite your own unfaithfulness. How can this encourage you to trust Him more fully in your current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a backdrop for understanding why Israel faced oppression. Judges 2:11-19This passage describes the cyclical pattern of sin and deliverance in Israel, setting the stage for the events in Judges 6. Hebrews 12:6This New Testament verse speaks of the Lord disciplining those He loves, which can be related to the discipline Israel faced under Midian. People Abiezer, Abiezrites, Amalek, Amalekites, Amorites, Asher, Egyptians, Ephah, Gideon, Israelites, Jerubbaal, Jezreel, Joash, Manasseh, Midianites, Naphtali, Ophrah, ZebulunPlaces Egypt, Gaza, Jezreel Valley, Jordan River, Midian, OphrahTopics Delivered, Evil, Giveth, Hands, Midian, Mid'ian, Midianites, Seven, Sight, SonsDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 6:1 6659 freedom, acts in OT
8739 evil, examples of Judges 6:1-3 5607 warfare, examples Judges 6:1-6 4823 famine, physical
5214 attack
8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah Library Gideon's Altar
'Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah- shalom [God is peace].'--JUDGES vi. 24. I need not tell over again, less vividly, the picturesque story in this chapter, of the simple husbandman up in the hills, engaged furtively in threshing out a little wheat in some hollow in the rock where he might hide it from the keen eyes of the oppressors; and of how the angel of the Lord, unrecognised at first, appeared to him; and gradually there dawned upon his mind the suspicion …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGideon's Fleece
'Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that Thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as Thou hast said.'-- JUDGES vi. 37. The decisive moment had come when Gideon, with his hastily gathered raw levies, was about to plunge down to the plain to face immensely superior forces trained to warfare. No wonder that the equally untrained leader's heart heat faster. Many a soldier, who will be steadfastly …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Jehovam-Shalem, the Lord Send Peace. Judg 6:24
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John Newton—Olney Hymns Whether it is a Sin to Tempt God?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not a sin to tempt God. For God has not commanded sin. Yet He has commanded men to try, which is the same as to tempt, Him: for it is written (Malach. 3:10): "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in My house; and try Me in this, saith the Lord, if I open not unto you the flood-gates of heaven." Therefore it seems not to be a sin to tempt God. Objection 2: Further, a man is tempted not only in order to test his knowledge and his power, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved.
1. Connection of the previous with the four following chapters. In order to lay a proper foundation for the discussion of free will, two obstacles in the way to be removed--viz. sloth and pride. The basis and sum of the whole discussion. The solid structure of this basis, and a clear demonstration of it by the argument a majori ad minus. Also from the inconveniences and absurdities arising from the obstacle of pride. 2. The second part of the chapter containing the opinions of others. 1. The opinions …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in Scripture, from the Foundation of the World.
1. Scripture, in teaching that the essence of God is immense and spiritual, refutes not only idolaters and the foolish wisdom of the world, but also the Manichees and Anthropomorphites. These latter briefly refuted. 2. In this one essence are three persons, yet so that neither is there a triple God, nor is the simple essence of God divided. Meaning of the word Person in this discussion. Three hypostases in God, or the essence of God. 3. Objection of those who, in this discussion, reject the use of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Of the Sacraments.
1. Of the sacraments in general. A sacrament defined. 2. Meaning of the word sacrament. 3. Definition explained. Why God seals his promises to us by sacraments. 4. The word which ought to accompany the element, that the sacrament may be complete. 5. Error of those who attempt to separate the word, or promise of God, from the element. 6. Why sacraments are called Signs of the Covenant. 7. They are such signs, though the wicked should receive them, but are signs of grace only to believers. 8. Objections …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Doctrine of God
I. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: (Vs. Atheism). 1. ASSUMED BY THE SCRIPTURES. 2. PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. a) Universal belief in the Existence of God. b) Cosmological:--Argument from Cause. c) Teleological:--Argument from Design. d) Ontological:--Argument from Being. e) Anthropological:--Moral Argument. f) Argument from Congruity. g) Argument from Scripture. II. THE NATURE OF GOD: (Vs. Agnosticism) 1. THE SPIRITUALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Materialism). 2. THE PERSONALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Pantheism). 3. THE UNITY …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 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 6:1 NIVJudges 6:1 NLTJudges 6:1 ESVJudges 6:1 NASBJudges 6:1 KJV
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