Judges 10:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 10:16 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's cyclical history of rebellion and restoration, depicting a genuine turning point where the Israelites actively renounced their idolatry and recommitted to serving the LORD. This decisive act of repentance elicited a profound, compassionate response from God, whose "soul was grieved" by the prolonged suffering and misery His people endured, even though it was a direct consequence of their own unfaithfulness. The verse powerfully illustrates the interplay between human action, divine justice, and God's enduring mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 10:16 is situated within the "cycle of Judges"—a recurring pattern of apostasy, divine judgment (oppression by foreign nations), Israel's cry for help, God's raising up of a deliverer (judge), and a period of peace, only for the cycle to repeat. Prior to this verse, Israel had once again "done evil in the sight of the LORD" by serving various foreign deities, including Baalim and Ashtaroth, leading to severe oppression by the Ammonites and Philistines for eighteen years [Judges 10:6-9](/judges/10-6 "Judges 10:6-9 - Israel's Apostasy and Oppression"). When their suffering became unbearable, they finally cried out to God, confessing their sin and acknowledging His rightful claim over them [Judges 10:10](/judges/10-10 "Judges 10:10 - Israel's Cry to the Lord"). God's initial response was a stern rebuke, reminding them of His past deliverances and their persistent ingratitude, even challenging them to cry out to their "strange gods" for salvation [Judges 10:11-14](/judges/10-11 "Judges 10:11-14 - God's Rebuke to Israel"). Judges 10:15 then records Israel's plea for mercy and their stated intention to act, which culminates in the concrete actions described in Judges 10:16, demonstrating a tangible shift from verbal confession to genuine repentance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1000 BC) was characterized by a decentralized tribal confederacy in Israel, lacking a strong central government or king. This often led to spiritual and moral decline, as "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes"). The land of Canaan was a melting pot of various pagan religions, particularly the fertility cults of Baal (the storm god) and Asherah (his consort), which promised agricultural prosperity and offspring. These cults involved practices abhorrent to Yahwism, such as sacred prostitution and child sacrifice. Israel's constant temptation was syncretism—mixing the worship of Yahweh with these Canaanite practices—or outright abandonment of Yahweh for these "strange gods." The Ammonites and Philistines were formidable regional powers, representing external threats that God used as instruments of discipline against His unfaithful people, highlighting the covenant consequences outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

* **Key Themes:** Judges 10:16 encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. The most prominent is the **cycle of sin, judgment, and repentance**, which defines Israel's relationship with God during this era. The verse specifically highlights **genuine repentance**, emphasizing that true turning to God involves not just verbal confession but decisive action in abandoning idolatry and actively serving the LORD. This underscores the theme of **covenant faithfulness**, as Israel's actions represent a return to their obligations under the Mosaic covenant. Furthermore, the verse profoundly reveals God's character, particularly His **divine compassion and mercy**. Despite Israel's repeated infidelity and the self-inflicted nature of their suffering, God is portrayed as deeply affected by their misery, demonstrating His enduring love and willingness to extend grace to those who truly turn to Him. This divine grief foreshadows the ultimate redemptive plan, where God Himself would bear the cost of humanity's sin and suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strange gods (Hebrew, _ʾelohê hannēkār_):** This phrase refers to foreign deities, particularly the gods of the surrounding Canaanite nations (e.g., Baal, Asherah, Astarte). The term "strange" (נֵכָר, _nēkār_) implies something alien, foreign, or illegitimate in the context of Israel's covenant with Yahweh. These were not merely alternative deities but gods explicitly forbidden by the first commandment [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me"). Their presence "among them" (מִקִּרְבָּם, _miqqirbām_) indicates their deep integration into Israelite society, highlighting the pervasive nature of their apostasy.
* **Served (Hebrew, _ʿābad_):** The verb עָבַד (_ʿābad_) means "to serve," "to work," or "to worship." In this context, it signifies a dedicated act of worship and obedience. It contrasts sharply with their previous service to "strange gods" and implies a renewed commitment to Yahweh alone, involving both ritualistic worship and ethical obedience to His commands. This term emphasizes the active nature of their repentance—not just ceasing to do evil, but actively doing good by returning to their covenant Lord.
* **Grieved (Hebrew, _qatsar_):** The verb קָצַר (_qatsar_) literally means "to be short," often referring to a shortened temper (impatience) or a shortened hand (inability to help). However, in this context, particularly when paired with "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, _nephesh_), it conveys a deep sense of distress, vexation, or weariness from prolonged suffering. It's not a weariness of judgment or a desire to abandon His people, but a profound, compassionate sorrow and anguish over their misery. This anthropomorphic expression reveals God's emotional involvement with His creation, demonstrating empathy and a longing for their well-being, even when their suffering is self-inflicted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they put away the strange gods from among them":** This clause describes the decisive, concrete action of repentance. It's not merely a verbal confession of sin, but a tangible removal of the idols and their associated practices from their midst. This act signifies a true turning away from their unfaithfulness and a commitment to exclusive worship of Yahweh, as mandated by the covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Destroy Their Altars")). This physical act of purging idolatry was a necessary precursor to genuine spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God.
* **"and served the LORD":** Hand-in-hand with the abandonment of false gods, this phrase indicates a renewed commitment to monotheism and active obedience to the God of Israel. "Serving the LORD" implies not only worship but also adherence to His laws and covenant stipulations. It signifies a return to their rightful allegiance and a re-establishment of the covenant relationship that had been broken by their idolatry. This dual action—putting away idols and serving the LORD—is the hallmark of true repentance.
* **"and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel":** This powerful statement reveals the depth of God's compassion and empathy. Despite Israel's persistent rebellion, which directly caused their "misery" (צָרָה, _tsarah_, meaning distress, trouble, anguish), God's "soul" (His very being, His emotions) was profoundly affected. This is a remarkable expression of divine pathos, showing that even in the midst of judgment, God's heart longs for the well-being and deliverance of His people. It underscores that God's justice is always tempered by His mercy, and His ultimate desire is for His people's restoration, not their destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 10:16 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described with human characteristics, specifically having a "soul" that can be "grieved." This device makes God's emotional response relatable and emphasizes His deep personal involvement with humanity's suffering. The verse also functions as a crucial turning point within the larger **Cyclical Narrative** of Judges, signaling a break in the pattern of divine rebuke and setting the stage for deliverance after Israel's genuine repentance. There is a clear **Contrast** presented: Israel's past infidelity and self-inflicted misery are set against God's enduring faithfulness and compassionate grief. This highlights the paradox of divine love that suffers alongside its wayward children. Finally, the phrase "put away the strange gods" and "served the LORD" represents a form of **Merism**, where two contrasting actions are used to describe a complete and comprehensive turning—from all that is wrong to all that is right in God's eyes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 10:16 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring themes of divine compassion, the nature of true repentance, and God's covenant faithfulness despite human infidelity. It reveals a God who, though just in His judgments, is not indifferent to the suffering of His people, even when that suffering is self-inflicted. His "grief" over Israel's misery underscores His deep love and His ultimate desire for their restoration, not their destruction. This divine pathos is a consistent thread throughout scripture, demonstrating that God's heart is always inclined towards mercy for those who genuinely turn from their sin. The verse also emphasizes that true repentance is not merely verbal confession but involves decisive action—the active abandonment of idols and a renewed commitment to serving the one true God. This holistic turning is what moves the heart of God to compassion and ultimately to deliverance.

* [Psalm 106:44](/psalms/106-44 "Psalm 106:44 - God's Compassion Despite Israel's Rebellion")
* [Isaiah 63:9](/isaiah/63-9 "Isaiah 63:9 - God's Suffering with His People")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 10:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It starkly reminds us that our own "strange gods"—anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives—will inevitably lead to misery and distress. These modern idols might not be carved images, but rather materialism, self-reliance, career ambition, comfort, approval, or even relationships that subtly usurp God's supremacy. The path to true freedom and peace, as shown by Israel, is not merely acknowledging our sin but actively "putting away" these idols and wholeheartedly "serving the LORD." This requires intentional, decisive action to reorder our priorities and align our lives with God's will. Furthermore, the verse provides immense comfort by revealing God's profound compassion. Even when our struggles are the direct result of our own poor choices and rebellion, God remains attentive to our cries. His "soul is grieved" by our misery, not because He is weak, but because He is love. This encourages us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is always ready to extend mercy, forgive, and restore those who genuinely turn to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strange gods" might I be allowing to take God's rightful place in my life today?**
* **What concrete steps can I take to "put away" these idols and actively "serve the LORD" in my daily life?**
* **How does understanding God's "grief" for Israel's misery deepen my appreciation for His character and His love for me?**
* **In what ways have I experienced God's compassion and mercy even when my suffering was a result of my own choices?**

### FAQ
**What does "strange gods" mean for us today, since most people don't worship physical idols?**

Answer: While literal idol worship of statues is less common in many modern societies, the concept of "strange gods" remains highly relevant. For us today, "strange gods" represent anything that usurps God's rightful place as the supreme object of our worship, devotion, trust, and ultimate allegiance. This can include materialism (pursuing wealth and possessions above all else), self-reliance (trusting in one's own abilities rather than God's provision), career success, power, pleasure, relationships, comfort, or even ideologies that subtly replace God's authority in our lives. Anything we prioritize, depend on, or seek ultimate satisfaction from apart from the one true God can become a functional idol, leading to spiritual emptiness and distress, much like Israel's misery under the Ammonites and Philistines [Judges 10:6-9](/judges/10-6 "Judges 10:6-9 - Israel's Apostasy and Oppression").

**How can God be "grieved" if He is sovereign and all-powerful? Does this imply a limitation on His power or knowledge?**

Answer: God's grief, as described in Judges 10:16, does not imply a limitation on His sovereignty or power. Instead, it reveals the depth and complexity of His character. The Bible often uses anthropomorphic language (attributing human characteristics to God) to help us understand His divine nature in relatable terms. God's grief signifies His profound emotional response to the suffering of His creation, particularly His covenant people, even when that suffering is a consequence of their sin. It demonstrates His perfect love and empathy, showing that He is not a detached, indifferent deity but one who profoundly cares for His people and experiences sorrow over their misery and rebellion. This divine pathos highlights His relational nature and His desire for humanity's well-being and restoration, consistent with His character revealed throughout scripture (e.g., [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The LORD is Compassionate and Gracious")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 10:16, with its depiction of Israel's repentance and God's compassionate grief, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The recurring cycle of sin, misery, and temporary deliverance in Judges foreshadows humanity's deeper, systemic problem of sin and our desperate need for a perfect, eternal deliverer. While Israel put away "strange gods" and served the LORD, their repentance was often short-lived, highlighting the inadequacy of human effort to maintain perfect covenant faithfulness. Jesus, however, is the ultimate Lamb of God who truly "takes away the sin of the world" [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing a complete and permanent solution to humanity's idolatry and rebellion. His life perfectly modeled serving the Father [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father"), and His atoning death on the cross bore the full weight of our misery and the consequences of our "strange gods." In Gethsemane, Jesus experienced profound grief and anguish, taking upon Himself the very "misery" that sin inflicts, not just for Israel but for all humanity [Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane"). Through His sacrifice, He enables us to truly "put away" our idols—our self-centeredness, our false securities—and to "serve the LORD" in spirit and truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit. He is the sympathetic High Priest who "sympathizes with our weaknesses" [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, our sympathetic High Priest"), perfectly embodying the divine grief for human suffering and offering the only way to true, lasting deliverance and reconciliation with God [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life").

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

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

¶ 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

¶ 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.