Judges 10:15

KJV

And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} said {H559} unto the LORD {H3068}, We have sinned {H2398}: do {H6213} thou unto us whatsoever seemeth {H5869} good {H2896} unto thee; deliver {H5337} us only, we pray thee, this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people of Isra'el said to ADONAI, "We have sinned! Treat us in whatever way seems good to you, but save us today, please!"

Berean Standard Bible

“We have sinned,” the Israelites said to the LORD. “Deal with us as You see fit; but please deliver us today!”

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel said unto Jehovah, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; only deliver us, we pray thee, this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 10:15 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Israel's cyclical history of apostasy and restoration, marking a profound shift in their posture before the LORD. After eighteen years of severe oppression by the Ammonites and Philistines, a direct consequence of their idolatry and abandonment of God, the Israelites offer a desperate, corporate confession of sin. This verse articulates their willingness to submit to God's sovereign will, acknowledging His right to act as He sees fit, while simultaneously issuing an urgent plea for immediate deliverance from their suffering. It captures the tension between genuine repentance and the human desire for swift relief, setting the stage for God's eventual compassion and the raising of a deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 10:15 is strategically placed within the recurring cyclical narrative pattern that defines the Book of Judges: Israel's apostasy, divine judgment through oppression, their cry for help, God's raising of a deliverer, and a subsequent period of peace. Immediately preceding this verse, Israel had "again did evil in the sight of the LORD" by serving various pagan deities, which led to severe oppression by the Ammonites and Philistines for eighteen years, as detailed in [Judges 10:6-9](/judges/10-6-9 "Judges 10:6-9 - Israel's Persistent Idolatry and Its Consequences"). When the Israelites finally cried out to God in their distress, He responded with a stern rebuke, reminding them of His past deliverances and their persistent unfaithfulness, pointedly questioning why He should deliver them again after their repeated betrayals, as articulated in [Judges 10:10-14](/judges/10-10-14 "Judges 10:10-14 - God's Stern Rebuke to Rebellious Israel"). Judges 10:15 represents Israel's contrite, though still somewhat self-interested, response to God's challenge. This confession and plea directly precede God's compassion for their misery, as seen in [Judges 10:16](/judges/10-16 "Judges 10:16 - God's Compassion on Israel's Distress"), and sets the stage for the subsequent raising of Jephthah as their deliverer in [Judges 10:17-18](/judges/10-17-18 "Judges 10:17-18 - Preparation for Jephthah's Deliverance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (approximately 14th-11th centuries BC) was characterized by significant political instability, social fragmentation, and spiritual syncretism within Israel. Without a centralized monarchy, the twelve tribes often operated independently, making them vulnerable to both internal strife and external aggression. The Ammonites, residing east of the Jordan River, and the Philistines, occupying the southwestern coastal plains, were formidable regional powers that frequently encroached upon Israelite territory, particularly when Israel deviated from their covenant with Yahweh. The widespread worship of Baals and Ashtaroth, prevalent Canaanite fertility deities, posed a constant temptation for the agricultural Israelites, who mistakenly believed these gods controlled rain and agricultural prosperity. The desperate plea in Judges 10:15 reflects the dire situation of a people facing existential threat, having exhausted all other options and finally turning back to the God they had abandoned. Their suffering was a direct consequence of their cultural assimilation and spiritual infidelity, leading them to acknowledge Yahweh's sovereignty in their dire straits.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 10:15 powerfully illustrates several recurring themes foundational to the Book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. Most prominently, it exemplifies the **cycle of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance**, a pattern explicitly detailed in [Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2-11-19 "Judges 2:11-19 - The Cycle of Apostasy and Deliverance in Israel"). Israel's confession, "We have sinned," underscores the theme of **corporate responsibility and the necessity of acknowledging wrongdoing** before God can act. Their subsequent submission, "do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee," highlights the theme of **God's sovereignty and His inherent right to justly discipline His people**, even as it reveals a nascent recognition of His ultimate authority and wisdom. The urgent plea for immediate deliverance also touches on the theme of **God's compassionate response to human suffering**, even when that suffering is self-inflicted, echoing His character as "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness," as revealed in [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "The LORD's Self-Revelation to Moses"). This pivotal verse sets the stage for the recurring divine pattern of providing a **deliverer** (or "judge") in response to Israel's cry, a pattern that consistently points forward to the ultimate Deliverer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sinned (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies "to miss the mark," "to go astray," "to incur guilt," or "to offend." In a theological context, it describes a deviation from God's revealed will, His covenant, and His moral standard. Here, Israel's confession "We have sinned" (חָטָאנוּ, _chatanu_) is a direct and explicit admission of their failure to adhere to the covenant stipulations. It acknowledges that their prolonged suffering is not arbitrary but a just consequence of their spiritual rebellion and idolatry, a deliberate act of disobedience rather than a mere mistake.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** The word "good" (טוֹב, _ṭôwb_) in "whatsoever seemeth good unto thee" carries significant weight beyond mere pleasantness. It implies what is morally right, proper, beneficial, and fitting from God's perspective. By using this term, Israel is acknowledging God's inherent righteousness, perfect wisdom, and sovereign prerogative. They are submitting to His judgment and will, trusting that whatever He deems "good" is ultimately for their welfare, even if it involves further discipline or a difficult path to restoration. This marks a crucial step beyond mere lament, indicating a recognition of God's moral authority and benevolent intent.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** This primitive root means "to snatch away," "to rescue," "to preserve," or "to rid." Israel's plea "deliver us only, we pray thee, this day" is a desperate cry for divine intervention, a request for God to act as their rescuer from the immediate and overwhelming oppression they face. It highlights their utter dependence on God for their physical and national survival, asking Him to "snatch them away" from the clutches of their enemies. The urgency of "this day" underscores the depth of their suffering and their immediate need for God's powerful act of rescue.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned:"** This opening clause marks a critical turning point in Israel's interaction with God. Following God's stern rebuke and their initial defensive posture, this is a direct, corporate confession of guilt. It signifies a profound recognition that their prolonged suffering is not arbitrary but a just consequence of their own actions—specifically, their abandonment of Yahweh for pagan gods. This admission is the necessary first step towards any hope of reconciliation and deliverance, acknowledging their responsibility for breaking the covenant and incurring divine judgment.
* **"do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee;"** This phrase expresses a profound, albeit perhaps born of desperation, submission to God's sovereign will. It indicates that Israel is no longer dictating terms or demanding deliverance based on their own perceived rights. Instead, they are surrendering to God's judgment and authority, trusting that whatever He deems "good" or "right" is ultimately for their benefit, even if it involves further discipline. This represents a significant shift from their previous rebellious stance, acknowledging God's moral prerogative to act as He sees fit with full trust in His benevolent character.
* **"deliver us only, we pray thee, this day."** Despite their significant submission to God's will, this concluding clause reveals the immediate and pressing nature of their suffering. It is an urgent, almost desperate, plea for present and tangible relief from the Ammonite and Philistine oppression. The word "only" emphasizes the singular focus of their request—deliverance from their current plight. While their submission to God's "good" is significant, this immediate cry for rescue highlights the human tendency to seek comfort and relief from pain, even amidst a newfound humility. It shows a repentance that is still somewhat conditional, driven by the desire for an end to suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 10:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey Israel's desperate state and shifting posture. The most evident is **Confession**, as the Israelites explicitly admit their sin, which is a key element in the broader **Cycle** of apostasy, judgment, and repentance that structures the entire Book of Judges. This verse also utilizes **Plea/Supplication**, as the people directly address the LORD with an urgent request for deliverance. There is a subtle **Irony** present: while they submit to God's will ("whatsoever seemeth good unto thee"), their immediate follow-up ("deliver us only, we pray thee, this day") reveals that their repentance, though genuine in its confession, is still heavily motivated by their desire for relief from suffering rather than purely by a desire for God Himself. This tension between submission and urgent self-interest adds depth and realism to their "repentance," portraying it as a human, imperfect act that nonetheless moves God to compassion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 10:15 stands as a powerful testament to the nature of true repentance and God's enduring patience. It highlights that genuine turning to God involves not just an admission of guilt ("We have sinned") but also a surrender to His sovereign will and justice ("do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee"). This submission acknowledges God's right to discipline and His ultimate wisdom, even when His path is difficult. While Israel's plea for immediate deliverance reveals a human tendency to prioritize comfort, God's subsequent action in raising a deliverer demonstrates His unfailing mercy and faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful. This verse underscores the profound theological truth that God's "good" is always perfect and His compassion is always available to those who humble themselves, even if their repentance is imperfect.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Confession and Mercy")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "God's Steadfast Love and Mercies Endure")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 10:15 offers profound lessons for believers navigating their own spiritual journeys. It reminds us that authentic repentance begins with a humble and explicit confession of our sins, acknowledging our responsibility for our brokenness and the consequences it brings. Beyond mere admission, true turning involves a surrender to God's sovereign will, trusting that His plans for us are always good, even when they involve discipline or a difficult path. We are called to relinquish control and embrace His perfect wisdom, rather than dictating terms or demanding immediate relief based on our own desires. While it is natural to cry out for deliverance from suffering, this verse challenges us to align our will with God's, knowing that His ultimate "good" may look different from our immediate comfort. It encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in His character, believing that He is both just in His discipline and merciful in His deliverance, always working for our ultimate redemption and sanctification.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life have I been resisting God's will, and what are the consequences I am experiencing as a result?**
* **How does my confession of sin compare to Israel's in this verse? Is it merely an admission, or does it include a genuine surrender to God's "good" will?**
* **Am I willing to trust God's sovereignty even when His path for me is not what I desire or when it involves further discipline?**
* **What does "deliver us only, we pray thee, this day" reveal about my own prayers and priorities when I am in distress?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's perfect "goodness" even when circumstances are painful or uncertain?**

### FAQ
**What does "do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee" truly mean in the context of Israel's repentance?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a pivotal shift from Israel's previous rebellious and demanding posture to one of profound, albeit perhaps desperate, submission. It means that Israel is acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty, His moral authority, and His inherent righteousness. They are essentially saying, "We have sinned, and we deserve whatever judgment you deem fit. We surrender to your perfect will, even if it means further discipline or a difficult path to restoration." It's an admission that God's judgment is just and His ways are ultimately for their good, even if painful in the short term. This surrender is a crucial component of genuine repentance, moving beyond mere sorrow for consequences to a trust in God's character and authority.

**Was Israel's repentance in Judges 10:15 truly genuine, or was it conditional?**

Answer: Judges 10:15 presents a complex picture of Israel's repentance. The confession "We have sinned" is undoubtedly genuine and necessary, and their submission "do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee" indicates a significant step towards humility and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. However, the immediate follow-up, "deliver us only, we pray thee, this day," suggests that their repentance was still somewhat conditional, heavily motivated by their desire for immediate relief from suffering rather than solely by a pure love for God and His law. It highlights the tension between genuine remorse and the human tendency to seek comfort. While not perfectly pure, it was sufficient to move God to compassion, as seen in [Judges 10:16](/judges/10-16 "Judges 10:16 - God's Compassion on Israel's Misery"), demonstrating His patience and willingness to respond even to imperfect repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 10:15, with Israel's confession of sin and plea for deliverance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Israel's cry, "We have sinned," echoes the universal human condition, for "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short"). Just as Israel needed a deliverer from their oppression, humanity needs a Savior from the bondage of sin and its ultimate consequence, death, for "the wages of sin is death" [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death"). The Israelites' submission, "do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee," foreshadows the perfect submission of Jesus, who, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane"). Unlike Israel's conditional repentance, Christ's obedience was perfect and complete, leading Him to the cross as the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus provides the definitive "deliverance" that Israel longed for, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation to all who confess their sin and trust in Him, for "there is salvation in no one else" [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through Christ Alone"). He is the true Judge who bore the judgment for us, and the ultimate Deliverer who rescues us from the power of sin and death, establishing a new covenant of grace where true repentance leads to complete and unconditional forgiveness [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant").

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 3:18

And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

2 Samuel 15:26

But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, [here am] I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

2 Samuel 24:14

And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies [are] great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.

Joshua 9:25

And now, behold, we [are] in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do.

1 John 1:8

¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:10

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Proverbs 28:13

¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.