Judges 10:16

And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

And they put away {H5493} the strange {H5236} gods {H430} from among {H7130} them, and served {H5647} the LORD {H3068}: and his soul {H5315} was grieved {H7114} for the misery {H5999} of Israel {H3478}.

They got rid of their foreign gods and served ADONAI, and he became troubled by Isra'el's misery.

So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD, and He could no longer bear the misery of Israel.

And they put away the foreign gods from among them, and served Jehovah; and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

Commentary

Context of Judges 10:16

The Book of Judges chronicles a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in ancient Israel. Leading up to Judges 10:16, the Israelites had once again turned away from God, serving foreign deities like Baalim and Ashtaroth, leading to oppression by the Ammonites and Philistines. When their suffering became unbearable, they cried out to the Lord, confessing their sin (Judges 10:10). God initially rebuked them for their repeated infidelity, but this verse marks a turning point where genuine repentance is demonstrated, leading to God's compassionate response.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Repentance and Turning from Idolatry: The verse highlights the crucial act of the Israelites actively "put[ting] away the strange gods." This wasn't merely a verbal confession but a decisive action, demonstrating a true turning away from their unfaithfulness and a return to the covenant relationship. This act of abandoning false worship is essential for true reconciliation with God, echoing the commands found in Deuteronomy 6:14.
  • Serving the LORD: Hand-in-hand with putting away idols, the Israelites began to "served the LORD." This signifies a renewed commitment to monotheism and obedience to the God of Israel, fulfilling their covenant obligations.
  • God's Compassion and Grief: Despite Israel's persistent rebellion and the fact that their misery was self-inflicted, God's "soul was grieved for the misery of Israel." This powerful statement reveals God's profound empathy and enduring love for His people. It shows that even in judgment, His heart longs for their well-being and deliverance. This divine compassion is a consistent theme throughout scripture, as seen in passages like Psalm 106:44.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "grieved" in "his soul was grieved" is qaฬ‚tsar (ืงึธืฆึทืจ). While it can mean "to be short" or "to be impatient," in this context, it conveys a sense of being "distressed," "vexed," or "weary" from seeing the prolonged and intense suffering. It's not a weariness of judgment, but a deep, compassionate sorrow for the plight of His people, highlighting the depth of God's emotional involvement with humanity.

Practical Application

Judges 10:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It underscores the importance of genuine repentance, which involves not just acknowledging sin but actively turning away from anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives โ€“ our "strange gods." This could be materialism, self-reliance, or any addiction or pursuit that distracts us from truly seeking God's kingdom first. The verse also serves as a powerful reminder of God's unfailing compassion. Even when our struggles are the result of our own choices, God remains attentive to our cries and is moved by our misery, always ready to extend mercy to those who truly turn to Him. This passage encourages us to confess our sins, abandon our idols, and return to serving the Lord, trusting in His merciful heart.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 63:9

    In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

  • Psalms 106:44

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

  • Psalms 106:45

    And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

  • Jeremiah 31:20

    [Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.

  • Hosea 11:8

    ยถ How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? [how] shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

  • Ezekiel 18:30

    ยถ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

  • Ezekiel 18:32

    For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye.