Judges 10:11

KJV

And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, [Did] not [I deliver you] from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines?

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians {H4714}, and from the Amorites {H567}, from the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}, and from the Philistines {H6430}?

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to the people of Isra'el, "I saved you from the Egyptians, the Emorim, the people of 'Amon, and the P'lishtim, didn't I?

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD replied, “When the Egyptians, Amorites, Ammonites, Philistines,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto the children of Israel, Did not I save you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 10:11 captures a pivotal and poignant moment where the LORD directly confronts the children of Israel, who are once again suffering under the oppression of their enemies due to their idolatry. Through a powerful rhetorical question, God reminds them of His consistent and multifaceted acts of deliverance throughout their history—from the foundational liberation from Egypt to victories over the Amorites, Ammonites, and Philistines. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and His personal involvement in their salvation, while simultaneously serving as a sharp rebuke for their persistent unfaithfulness and spiritual amnesia, calling them to remember His past mercies as a prelude to repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 10:11 falls within a crucial section of the book of Judges (chapters 10-12) that immediately precedes the rise of Jephthah. The preceding verses (Judges 10:6-9) describe Israel's deep spiritual apostasy, as they "again did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth, the gods of Syria, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites, and the gods of the Philistines." This widespread idolatry provoked God's anger, leading Him to sell them into the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites, who oppressed them severely for eighteen years. In their distress, the Israelites finally cry out to the LORD (Judges 10:10), confessing their sin. However, instead of immediate deliverance, God responds with a sharp, rhetorical rebuke in Judges 10:11-14, recounting His past deliverances and questioning their sincerity, challenging them to return to Him fully. This divine monologue sets a somber tone, highlighting the depth of Israel's spiritual decline and the LORD's righteous indignation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1400-1050 BC) was a tumultuous era for Israel, characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, crying out to God, and divine deliverance through a "judge." This era followed the initial conquest of Canaan and preceded the establishment of the monarchy. Without a central, faithful king, "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Lawlessness in Israel")). The mention of the Egyptians, Amorites, Ammonites, and Philistines in Judges 10:11 reflects the diverse and ongoing geopolitical threats Israel faced. The Egyptians represent the foundational act of redemption from slavery. The Amorites were a powerful Canaanite people group defeated during the initial conquest of the land east of the Jordan ([Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Defeat of Sihon and Og")). The Ammonites and Philistines were contemporary oppressors in the specific period of Judges 10, representing ongoing threats from Israel's eastern and western borders, respectively. This list serves as a historical recapitulation of God's consistent intervention across different historical phases and against various formidable adversaries, emphasizing His enduring power and covenant faithfulness despite Israel's repeated failures.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 10:11 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Unwavering Faithfulness and Deliverance**, emphasizing His consistent character as a rescuer, even when His people are undeserving. He has a track record of saving Israel from overwhelming odds, from the [miraculous exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing") to the defeat of various Canaanite and surrounding nations. Secondly, the verse underscores **Israel's Persistent Unfaithfulness and Spiritual Amnesia**. Despite experiencing God's mighty acts, Israel repeatedly turns to idolatry, forgetting His past mercies and the covenant obligations. This cyclical pattern of sin and suffering is the dominant narrative in Judges, illustrating the human propensity to stray from God. Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **Divine Rebuke and the Call to Remembrance**. God's rhetorical question is not born of ignorance but serves as a strong indictment, designed to provoke Israel to remember His past works and their own failures, thereby leading them to repentance. This divine confrontation is a form of tough love, a means to draw His people back into right relationship, demonstrating that God's discipline is often a pathway to restoration, as seen in [Deuteronomy 8:2-5](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2-5 - God's Discipline in the Wilderness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _yasha'_):** This verb is a foundational term in biblical theology, meaning "to save," "to rescue," "to set free," or "to deliver." It encompasses both physical deliverance from enemies or danger and spiritual salvation. In Judges 10:11, its repeated use emphasizes God's consistent action as the sole agent of Israel's liberation. It's not merely a passive act but an active intervention, often implying victory over an oppressor. The question "Did not I deliver you?" highlights the LORD's personal, powerful, and repeated acts of salvation, contrasting His steadfastness with Israel's fickle loyalty. This word points to God's inherent nature as a Savior, a theme that resonates throughout the entire biblical narrative.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** The divine name, often rendered "LORD" in English translations (using small capitals), is the covenant name of God, revealed to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14-15 - God Reveals His Name")). It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His active presence in the history of His people. When the text states "And the LORD said," it emphasizes that this is not a generic deity speaking, but the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, who has a specific relationship with them and a history of interaction. The use of _YHWH_ here underscores the personal nature of the rebuke and the covenantal basis for God's past deliverances and His present expectations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto the children of Israel,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine speaker and the direct audience. It signifies a moment of direct divine communication, not through a prophet or judge, but seemingly a direct, audible address from God Himself, perhaps through a theophany or an oracle. This directness adds weight and solemnity to the message that follows, emphasizing the gravity of Israel's situation and God's personal engagement with their plight.
* **"[Did] not [I deliver you]"**: This is the core of the rhetorical question, a powerful _erotesis_. The Hebrew phrasing "הֲלֹא הוֹשַׁעְתִּי אֶתְכֶם" (ha-lo hosh'ati et-khem) literally means "Was it not I who delivered you?" or "Did I not save you?" The "not" (הֲלֹא) expects an affirmative answer, making the question a strong assertion of an undeniable truth. It's not a request for information but a forceful reminder and an indictment. The emphasis is on "I" (אֲנִי, _ani_, implied in the verb form), highlighting God's singular agency and personal involvement in their past salvations.
* **"from the Egyptians,"**: This refers to the foundational act of national deliverance—the Exodus from slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh's oppressive rule. This event was the birth of Israel as a nation and the cornerstone of their covenant relationship with God, as recounted in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Deliverance at the Red Sea"). It represents God's power to rescue from the most formidable and entrenched oppression.
* **"and from the Amorites,"**: The Amorites were a powerful group of Canaanite inhabitants of the land, particularly prominent east of the Jordan River. God's deliverance from them refers to the victories over Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan, as Israel approached the Promised Land ([Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Israel Defeats Sihon and Og")). This highlights God's role in enabling Israel to conquer and possess their inheritance.
* **"from the children of Ammon,"**: The Ammonites were descendants of Lot, often hostile neighbors to Israel. While specific deliverances from them are mentioned in earlier periods (e.g., [Judges 3:12-13](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12-13 - Eglon of Moab and Ammonites Oppress Israel")), this reference is particularly poignant as the Ammonites are one of the current oppressors in Judges 10. God is reminding them that He has delivered them from these very people before, underscoring their current predicament as a result of their own sin, not God's inability.
* **"and from the Philistines?"**: The Philistines, a powerful "Sea Peoples" group who settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan, were a persistent and formidable enemy of Israel throughout the period of the Judges and early monarchy. Like the Ammonites, they are one of the current oppressors in Judges 10. God's mention of them serves a similar purpose to the Ammonites: a reminder that He has previously delivered them from this ongoing threat, highlighting His consistent power over their most dangerous adversaries.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 10:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question** (specifically, an _erotesis_). The LORD's question, "Did not I deliver you...?" is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful assertion and a biting indictment. It assumes an undeniable affirmative answer, thereby highlighting Israel's culpability and the stark contrast between God's unwavering faithfulness and their persistent unfaithfulness. The question serves to shame and convict, prompting self-reflection and repentance. Another device is **Anaphora** and **Parallelism**, seen in the repeated "from the..." structure when listing the enemies. This repetition creates a rhythmic, emphatic catalog of God's past deliverances, reinforcing the breadth and consistency of His saving acts. Finally, the verse utilizes **Historical Allusion** and **Recapitulation**, as God succinctly reviews key moments in Israel's history of salvation. By recalling the Egyptians, Amorites, Ammonites, and Philistines, the LORD provides a comprehensive, albeit brief, summary of His enduring commitment to His covenant people across different eras and against various formidable foes. This historical review serves as a powerful reminder of His character and their obligation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 10:11 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God and humanity. It reveals God as eternally faithful, a Deliverer who consistently intervenes on behalf of His covenant people, even when they are undeserving. His question is not a sign of weakness or forgetfulness on His part, but a demonstration of His righteous indignation and His desire for His people to remember His goodness and repent of their spiritual adultery. It underscores the biblical truth that forgetting God's past mercies inevitably leads to present unfaithfulness and suffering. The verse implicitly teaches that true repentance begins with a recognition of God's character and our own sin, acknowledging His steadfast love despite our waywardness. It also highlights the cyclical nature of sin and grace in the Old Testament, where divine discipline is a means to bring His people back into right relationship, not an act of abandonment.

* [Psalm 78:10-11](/psalms/78-10 "Psalm 78:10-11 - Israel Forgets God's Works")
* [Nehemiah 9:27](/nehemiah/9-27 "Nehemiah 9:27 - God's Deliverance in Response to Cries")
* [Isaiah 63:9](/isaiah/63-9 "Isaiah 63:9 - God's Presence and Deliverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 10:11 offers a timeless mirror for believers today, challenging us to examine our own hearts and spiritual memory. Just as Israel repeatedly forgot God's mighty acts of deliverance, we too can fall into patterns of spiritual amnesia, taking God's grace for granted and turning to lesser gods—whether they be comfort, success, approval, or self-reliance—when faced with challenges or temptations. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of diligent remembrance, actively recalling God's faithfulness in our personal histories and in the grand narrative of redemption. When we face difficulties, instead of despairing or turning away, we are invited to look back at God's track record, remembering how He has consistently provided, protected, and delivered us. This act of remembering strengthens our faith, cultivates gratitude, and serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety and unfaithfulness. Furthermore, God's sharp rebuke to Israel is a reminder that divine correction, though uncomfortable, is an expression of His enduring love and desire for our holiness. It is an invitation to humble ourselves, confess our sins, and return to Him with renewed devotion, trusting that His faithfulness remains steadfast even when ours falters.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific instances of God's deliverance or provision in your life have you recently forgotten or taken for granted?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness strengthen your trust in Him for current or future challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be turning to "other gods" (idols) instead of fully relying on the LORD, similar to Israel's pattern?**
* **How do you respond when God, through His Word, circumstances, or the counsel of others, brings your unfaithfulness or spiritual amnesia to light?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God listing specific nations He delivered Israel from?**

Answer: The listing of "Egyptians, Amorites, Ammonites, and Philistines" is highly significant because it provides a historical overview of God's consistent and comprehensive deliverance of Israel across different eras and against various types of enemies. The Egyptians represent the foundational act of national liberation from slavery, establishing God as their redeemer. The Amorites signify God's power in enabling Israel to conquer and settle the Promised Land, overcoming formidable indigenous peoples. The Ammonites and Philistines are particularly relevant as they were the current oppressors of Israel at the time of Judges 10. By mentioning them, God is essentially saying, "I have delivered you from these very enemies before! Why do you doubt My power or turn away from Me now?" This detailed recapitulation of His saving acts serves as an undeniable testimony to His unwavering faithfulness and power, making Israel's current unfaithfulness all the more inexcusable. It underscores that their suffering was not due to God's inability to save, but their own persistent rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 10:11, with its powerful assertion of God's consistent deliverance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The LORD's rhetorical question, "Did not I deliver you?", foreshadows the definitive and eternal deliverance accomplished through the Son. While God delivered Israel from physical oppressors like the Egyptians and Philistines, these were but temporal salvations pointing to a greater spiritual reality. Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), delivering humanity not merely from earthly foes, but from the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the power of the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Delivers from Death")). The pattern of God's faithfulness in delivering a rebellious people, so evident in Judges, culminates in Christ's atoning work on the cross, where He provides a final and complete rescue for all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Just as God remembered His covenant with Israel despite their failures, God's ultimate covenant faithfulness is perfectly demonstrated in sending His Son to redeem a humanity that continually forgets Him. Thus, the divine question in Judges 10:11 echoes through history, finding its resounding "Yes!" in the person and work of Jesus, who delivers us from a far greater bondage and secures an everlasting salvation ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into Light")).

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

Exodus 14:30

Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.

Numbers 21:21

¶ And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,

Numbers 21:25

And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof.

Judges 3:31

¶ And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.

Nehemiah 9:9

And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;

Nehemiah 9:11

And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.

1 Samuel 12:8

When Jacob was come into Egypt, and your fathers cried unto the LORD, then the LORD sent Moses and Aaron, which brought forth your fathers out of Egypt, and made them dwell in this place.