Judges 10:10

KJV

¶ And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} cried {H2199} unto the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559}, We have sinned {H2398} against thee, both because we have forsaken {H5800} our God {H430}, and also served {H5647} Baalim {H1168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the people of Isra'el cried to ADONAI, "We have sinned against you by forsaking our God and serving the ba'alim."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against You, for we have indeed forsaken our God and served the Baals.”

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel cried unto Jehovah, saying, We have sinned against thee, even because we have forsaken our God, and have served the Baalim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 10:10 captures a critical turning point in Israel's cyclical pattern of apostasy and oppression, depicting the moment when, under severe duress from the Ammonites and Philistines, the children of Israel finally cry out to the LORD in genuine confession. This verse marks their explicit acknowledgment of sin, specifically identifying their dual transgression of forsaking their covenant God and serving the pagan deities, Baalim, thereby setting the stage for divine intervention and a potential path to restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 10:10 is strategically placed within the latter half of the Book of Judges, a period characterized by Israel's consistent moral and spiritual decline. It follows a brief mention of two minor judges, Tola and Jair, but immediately precedes the intense oppression by the Ammonites and Philistines, detailed in [Judges 10:6-9](/judges/10-6 "Judges 10:6-9 - Israel's renewed idolatry and oppression"). This verse serves as the necessary pivot point in the recurring "cycle of apostasy" (disobedience, oppression, cry, deliverance, peace) that structures the entire book, as outlined in [Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-19 - The Cycle of Apostasy and Deliverance"). After years of suffering, this desperate cry signifies the Israelites reaching their breaking point, a prerequisite for God's merciful response, even if initially met with a challenge to their sincerity in [Judges 10:11-14](/judges/10-11 "Judges 10:11-14 - God's rebuke and Israel's renewed plea").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1050 BC) was a turbulent era for Israel, marked by a lack of central leadership ("there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" - [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Moral Anarchy in Israel")). Geographically, Israel was surrounded by various Canaanite peoples, each with their own pantheon of gods. The most pervasive cult was that of Baal, a storm and fertility deity worshipped across the Levant, often alongside his consort, Asherah (Ashtaroth). Israel's covenant with Yahweh, established at Sinai, explicitly forbade the worship of other gods ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). However, the allure of local agricultural prosperity, attributed to Baal, often led them to syncretism or outright apostasy. The oppression by the Ammonites from the east and the Philistines from the west (as mentioned in [Judges 10:7](/judges/10-7 "Judges 10:7 - Ammonite and Philistine Oppression")) was a direct consequence of this covenant infidelity, serving as a divine discipline to draw them back to their true God.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 10:10 powerfully encapsulates several major themes prevalent in the Book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **confession and repentance**, as Israel finally acknowledges their sin without excuse, a crucial step toward reconciliation with God. This confession directly addresses the pervasive problem of **idolatry**, specifically the worship of "Baalim," which represents their repeated failure to uphold the exclusive covenant relationship with the LORD, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema and Love for God"). The verse also highlights the theme of **divine discipline and consequences**, showing that their suffering under foreign oppressors was not arbitrary but a direct result of their spiritual rebellion, a pattern seen throughout Israel's history (e.g., [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant")). Finally, the "cry unto the LORD" underscores the theme of **God's accessibility and mercy**, even in the face of repeated unfaithfulness, demonstrating that He remains responsive to the desperate pleas of His people when they genuinely turn back to Him, echoing His character revealed in [Psalm 107:13](/psalm/107-13 "Psalm 107:13 - Crying out in distress").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cried (Hebrew, _za'aq'_):** This verb (צעק) signifies a deep, urgent, and often anguished cry for help, typically in response to distress, oppression, or injustice. It is not a casual prayer but an intense, desperate appeal from a people at their breaking point. In the Old Testament, *za'aq* is frequently used to describe Israel's cries to God during times of oppression, often preceding divine deliverance (e.g., [Exodus 2:23](/exodus/2-23 "Exodus 2:23 - Israel's Cry in Egypt")). Its use here emphasizes the severity of their suffering and the depth of their desperation, indicating a shift from passive endurance to active, albeit belated, supplication.
* **Baalim (Hebrew, _bə‘ālîm'_):** This term (בְּעָלִים) is the plural form of *Ba'al*, meaning "lord" or "master." It refers not to a single deity but to various local manifestations of the Canaanite storm and fertility god, worshipped for agricultural prosperity and military success. The plural form highlights the pervasive nature of Israel's idolatry, indicating that they had embraced multiple forms of this pagan deity across different regions and tribes, demonstrating a widespread abandonment of their exclusive covenant with Yahweh. This plural usage underscores the depth of their spiritual compromise and the extent to which they had assimilated into the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD":** This opening phrase marks a significant turning point. After enduring years of oppression (Judges 10:8), Israel finally acknowledges their dire situation and turns to their covenant God. The verb "cried" (za'aq) conveys a desperate, anguished plea, indicating that their suffering had reached a level that compelled them to seek divine intervention, recognizing that human solutions had failed. This act of crying out is the first necessary step in the cycle of restoration.
* **"saying, We have sinned against thee":** This is the core of their confession. Unlike previous instances where their cries might have been merely for relief from suffering, here they explicitly acknowledge their guilt. They do not blame God for their predicament or their oppressors; instead, they take full responsibility for their actions. This genuine admission of sin is crucial, demonstrating a nascent form of repentance and a recognition of their covenant obligations. It signifies a shift from a transactional plea to a relational acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
* **"both because we have forsaken our God":** This clause specifies the primary nature of their sin: apostasy. To "forsake" (עָזַב, *‘āzav*) implies a deliberate abandonment or neglect of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. This was a direct violation of the First Commandment, which demanded exclusive loyalty to the LORD. They had turned away from the God who had delivered them from Egypt and brought them into the Promised Land, severing the very foundation of their national and spiritual identity.
* **"and also served Baalim":** This second part of their confession details the specific idolatrous practice that constituted their forsaking of God. "Served" (עָבַד, *‘āvad*) implies active worship and devotion. By serving "Baalim" (the plural form of Baal, referring to various Canaanite deities), they had embraced the pagan cults of the surrounding nations, seeking prosperity and security from false gods rather than from the true God. This act was not merely a lapse but a deliberate choice to worship other masters, highlighting the depth of their spiritual rebellion and the pervasive syncretism that characterized the period of the Judges.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in Judges 10:10 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Repetition**, as this "cry unto the LORD" and subsequent confession echoes similar moments throughout the Book of Judges, reinforcing the cyclical nature of Israel's apostasy and God's deliverance (e.g., [Judges 3:9](/judges/3-9 "Judges 3:9 - Israel's first cry to the LORD")). This repetition highlights Israel's persistent failure to learn from their past and God's enduring patience. The verse also functions as a moment of **Confession/Lament**, where the collective voice of Israel articulates their profound distress and acknowledges their spiritual rebellion. This lament is not merely a complaint but a self-incriminating admission of guilt, which is a necessary precursor to divine intervention. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in their confession: "We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim." The irony lies in the fact that their suffering, intended by God as discipline to bring them back, finally achieves its purpose by compelling them to acknowledge the very sins that caused their distress. This demonstrates God's persistent pursuit of His people, even through hardship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 10:10 is a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, repentance, and God's unwavering character. It underscores the biblical truth that sin, particularly idolatry, inevitably leads to suffering and separation from God's blessing. However, it also reveals God's enduring patience and readiness to hear the genuine cry of His people, even after repeated rebellion. The Israelites' confession, "We have sinned against thee," is a model for true repentance, recognizing that sin is ultimately against God and requires a turning away from false allegiances. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that while God disciplines His children, His ultimate desire is for their restoration and fellowship, always leaving a door open for those who humble themselves and confess their transgressions.

* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")
* [Psalm 32:5](/psalm/32-5 "Psalm 32:5 - Confession and Forgiveness")
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 10:10 offers timeless and poignant lessons for believers today, mirroring the human tendency to stray from God and the divine pathway back to Him. Just as ancient Israel succumbed to the allure of false gods and suffered the consequences, we too can find ourselves ensnared by "modern idols"—anything that takes precedence over God in our affections, time, and resources, be it career, relationships, possessions, or even self-reliance. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, prompting us to identify and confess any areas where we have "forsaken our God" or "served Baalim" in our contemporary lives. The Israelites' desperate cry reminds us that true repentance begins with honest confession, acknowledging our sin without excuse, and turning back to the one true God. It assures us that even when we have repeatedly failed, God remains faithful and accessible, ready to hear our genuine cries for help and to extend His grace and forgiveness, inviting us into a renewed relationship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Baalim" or false gods might I be serving in my own life, subtly or overtly, that distract me from full devotion to the LORD?**
* **In what ways have I "forsaken my God" by neglecting spiritual disciplines, prioritizing worldly pursuits, or failing to trust in His sovereignty?**
* **What does a "desperate cry" to the LORD look like in my personal prayer life, and am I willing to offer such a cry in humility and confession?**

### FAQ

**What does "Baalim" mean, and why is it significant that Israel served them?**

Answer: "Baalim" is the plural form of the Hebrew word *Ba'al*, meaning "lord" or "master." It refers to the various local manifestations of the Canaanite storm and fertility god, widely worshipped in the ancient Near East. The significance of Israel serving Baalim lies in their direct violation of the covenant with Yahweh, which demanded exclusive worship of the one true God ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). By serving Baalim, Israel exchanged the living God for idols, seeking prosperity and security from false deities rather than from the LORD who had delivered them. The plural "Baalim" emphasizes the pervasive nature of their idolatry, indicating that this was not an isolated incident but a widespread adoption of pagan practices across different regions and tribes, highlighting the depth of their spiritual apostasy.

**Why did God allow Israel to suffer under oppression if He loved them?**

Answer: God's allowing Israel to suffer under oppression, as seen in Judges 10:8, was not an act of abandonment but a form of divine discipline, rooted in His covenant love and faithfulness. According to the terms of the Mosaic Covenant ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")), blessings were promised for obedience, and curses (including foreign oppression) for disobedience. This suffering served as a corrective measure, designed to bring Israel to repentance and back into right relationship with Him. It was a demonstration of His commitment to His covenant, even when His people were unfaithful, aiming to restore them rather than destroy them. Their "cry unto the LORD" in [Judges 10:10](/judges/10-10 "Judges 10:10 - Israel's cry of confession") shows that the discipline achieved its intended purpose, leading them to acknowledge their sin and seek His help.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 10:10, with Israel's desperate cry of confession, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect confession found in Christ. While Israel repeatedly sinned and cried out only when suffering became unbearable, Jesus Christ, the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered a perfect life of obedience and a singular, decisive sacrifice for sin. The Israelites' confession, "We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim," highlights humanity's inherent tendency towards idolatry and rebellion. However, in Christ, we find the definitive answer to this deep-seated problem. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law and bore the full weight of our forsaking God and serving false masters on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). Through His atoning work, we are offered not just temporary deliverance from oppression, but eternal freedom from the bondage of sin and idolatry ([Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - Freedom from Sin")). Our "cry unto the LORD" is now made effective through His intercession ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")), and true repentance leads us not back to a cycle of sin and deliverance, but into a new covenant relationship where God's Spirit empowers us to forsake idols and serve the living God ([1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning from Idols to Serve God")). Jesus is the ultimate Judge and Deliverer, who breaks the cycle of sin and brings lasting peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 12:10

And they cried unto the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee.

Psalms 107:28

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

Psalms 107:19

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he saveth them out of their distresses.

Psalms 107:13

Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he saved them out of their distresses.

Psalms 106:43

Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked [him] with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.

Psalms 106:44

Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:

Judges 3:9

And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, [even] Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.