Judges 10:6

KJV

¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} did {H6213} evil {H7451} again {H3254} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, and served {H5647} Baalim {H1168}, and Ashtaroth {H6252}, and the gods {H430} of Syria {H758}, and the gods {H430} of Zidon {H6721}, and the gods {H430} of Moab {H4124}, and the gods {H430} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}, and the gods {H430} of the Philistines {H6430}, and forsook {H5800} the LORD {H3068}, and served {H5647} not him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Again the people of Isra'el did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective - they served the ba'alim, the 'ashtarot, the gods of Aram, the gods of Tzidon, the gods of Mo'av, the gods of the people of 'Amon and the gods of the P'lishtim. They abandoned ADONAI and did not serve him;

Berean Standard Bible

And again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD. They served the Baals, the Ashtoreths, the gods of Aram, Sidon, and Moab, and the gods of the Ammonites and Philistines. Thus they forsook the LORD and did not serve Him.

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, and served the Baalim, and the Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Sidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines; and they forsook Jehovah, and served him not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 10:6 marks a profound and tragic low point in Israel's spiritual history during the period of the Judges, encapsulating a widespread and persistent pattern of apostasy. This verse vividly portrays the children of Israel's deliberate turning away from the LORD, their covenant God, to embrace and serve a multitude of pagan deities from the surrounding nations, thereby illustrating their deep spiritual compromise and syncretism.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 10:6 is strategically placed within the cyclical narrative structure of the Book of Judges, often summarized as the "cycle of sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation." Following the relatively brief and peaceful periods under the minor judges Tola and Jair (Judges 10:1-5), this verse signals the inevitable downturn, indicating that Israel, despite past deliverances, had once again succumbed to spiritual rebellion. It sets the stage for the subsequent oppression by the Ammonites and Philistines (Judges 10:7) and Israel's desperate cry for help, initiating the narrative leading to Jephthah's judgeship. This repeated pattern underscores the deep-seated spiritual instability and covenant unfaithfulness that plagued the nation throughout this era, consistently demonstrating their inability to remain loyal to the God who had redeemed them from [Egyptian bondage](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Exodus").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (approximately 1400-1050 BC) was characterized by a lack of centralized leadership and a pervasive religious syncretism. Upon entering Canaan, Israel was commanded to utterly destroy the idolatrous inhabitants and their altars (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:2-5](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2-5 - Destroying Idols")). However, they failed to do so, leading to constant exposure and temptation from the surrounding Canaanite, Syrian, Sidonian, Moabite, Ammonite, and Philistine cultures. These cultures worshipped various pantheons, often centered around fertility gods like Baal and Asherah (Ashtaroth), who were believed to control rain, crops, and livestock. Their worship frequently involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and other abhorrent practices. Israel's adoption of these gods was not merely a passive neglect of Yahweh but an active embrace of foreign religious systems, reflecting a profound cultural and spiritual assimilation into the very practices they were meant to eradicate.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 10:6 powerfully articulates several pervasive themes within the book and broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Repeated Apostasy and Idolatry**, emphasizing Israel's chronic spiritual unfaithfulness. The phrase "did evil again" is a recurring motif (e.g., [Judges 2:11](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11 - Israel does evil again")) that underscores their persistent turning away from the covenant God. Secondly, it showcases **Widespread Polytheism and Syncretism**, as Israel did not merely neglect the LORD but actively incorporated a vast array of foreign deities into their worship, demonstrating a complete disregard for the [first commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). This syncretism was a direct violation of their covenant with Yahweh, who demanded exclusive devotion (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **Forsaking the LORD**, which is the root cause of their subsequent oppression. Their abandonment of Yahweh, who had delivered them from slavery and established them in the land, led directly to divine judgment and the loss of His protective hand, plunging them into cycles of distress and servitude.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _ra'_):** This term signifies not merely misfortune or calamity, but moral wickedness, depravity, and actions that are displeasing to God. In the context of Judges, it specifically refers to Israel's idolatry and disobedience to the covenant, which is consistently portrayed as the primary "evil" in the sight of the LORD. It's a theological term indicating a breach of the divine-human relationship.
* **Served (Hebrew, _'avad_):** This verb means "to work," "to serve," or "to worship." Its use here is highly significant, indicating active, intentional devotion and allegiance to the pagan deities. It stands in stark contrast to the service owed exclusively to the LORD (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:13](/deuteronomy/6-13 "Deuteronomy 6:13 - Serve the LORD your God")). The repetition of "served" throughout the verse emphasizes the breadth and depth of their idolatrous commitment.
* **Forsook (Hebrew, _'azav_):** This powerful verb means "to abandon," "to leave," or "to forsake." It implies a deliberate and conscious act of desertion, not merely passive neglect. Israel actively chose to abandon their covenant relationship with Yahweh, the God who had chosen and redeemed them, in favor of foreign gods. This act of forsaking was the ultimate betrayal of their unique relationship with the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD":** This opening clause immediately establishes the recurring pattern of apostasy. The phrase "did evil again" (וַיֹּסִפוּ לַעֲשׂוֹת הָרַע, _vayyosifu la'asot hara'_) highlights the cyclical nature of their disobedience, indicating that this was not an isolated incident but a persistent spiritual problem. Their actions were not hidden but were "in the sight of the LORD," emphasizing God's awareness and the direct affront to His holiness and covenant.
* **"and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines":** This extensive enumeration provides a chilling inventory of Israel's widespread idolatry. "Baalim" (plural of Baal) refers to various local Canaanite storm and fertility deities, while "Ashtaroth" (plural of Ashtoreth) denotes the primary Canaanite goddess of fertility and war. The inclusion of gods from Syria (Aram), Zidon (Sidon), Moab (Chemosh), Ammon (Molech/Milcom), and the Philistines (Dagon, Baal-zebub) underscores the comprehensive nature of their syncretism. Israel had adopted the entire pantheon of their surrounding enemies, demonstrating a complete spiritual compromise.
* **"and forsook the LORD, and served not him.":** This concluding clause powerfully summarizes the core issue: Israel's deliberate abandonment of Yahweh. The "forsaking" (וַיַּעַזְבוּ, _vayya'azvu_) signifies a conscious rejection of their covenant God. The final phrase, "and served not him," acts as a stark counterpoint to the preceding list of gods they *did* serve, emphasizing their exclusive devotion to idols at the expense of the one true God. This double emphasis on forsaking and not serving Yahweh highlights the depth of their spiritual rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 10:6 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Enumeration** is prominently used through the extensive listing of the various pagan deities Israel served. This detailed catalog ("Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines") emphasizes the breadth and depth of Israel's apostasy, illustrating that their idolatry was not limited to one or two foreign cults but was a widespread, comprehensive spiritual compromise. The repetition of the phrase "and the gods of..." creates a sense of overwhelming spiritual pollution. **Anaphora** is also evident in the repeated use of "and" at the beginning of clauses, contributing to the cumulative effect of Israel's transgressions. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing Israel's serving of numerous foreign gods with their complete abandonment of the LORD ("and forsook the LORD, and served not him"), thereby highlighting the profound betrayal of their covenant relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 10:6 serves as a stark theological indictment of spiritual infidelity, underscoring the severe consequences of divided loyalties. It vividly illustrates the human propensity for idolatry, even after experiencing divine deliverance and covenant blessings. Theologically, this verse reinforces the critical importance of exclusive monotheism, a foundational tenet of Israel's faith as revealed in the First Commandment. Israel's repeated turning to "other gods" was not merely a cultural adaptation but a direct affront to Yahweh's sovereignty and a betrayal of the covenant established at Sinai. Their spiritual adultery led directly to divine judgment, demonstrating that God's justice is inextricably linked to His holiness and His demand for unreserved devotion. This pattern of sin and judgment foreshadows the later prophetic warnings against idolatry and the ultimate exile, serving as a perpetual reminder that true freedom and blessing are found only in wholehearted allegiance to the one true God.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 31:16](/deuteronomy/31-16 "Deuteronomy 31:16 - Forsaking the Covenant")
* [1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 10:6 offers a sobering mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the "gods" we might be serving in our own lives, often subtly and unconsciously. While we may not erect physical idols of Baal or Ashtoreth, modern idolatry can manifest in anything that displaces God from the supreme position in our hearts and lives. This could include an insatiable pursuit of wealth, status, pleasure, comfort, or even an over-reliance on our own abilities or intellect. The Israelites' sin was not just adding other gods, but actively "forsaking the LORD" and "serving not him." This reminds us that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but active, exclusive devotion. We are called to a wholehearted commitment, recognizing that anything we prioritize above God becomes an idol, leading to spiritual emptiness and a loss of true freedom. This verse compels us to regularly assess our allegiances, to repent of any divided loyalties, and to intentionally choose to serve the one true God with unwavering devotion, for He alone is worthy of our worship and trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or priorities in my life might be subtly displacing the LORD from His rightful place of supreme devotion?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I am actively "serving" the LORD and not just acknowledging Him?**
* **In what ways might I be "forsaking" God by neglecting spiritual disciplines or compromising my values for worldly gain?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more exclusive and wholehearted devotion to Christ in my life?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Israelites keep turning to idolatry despite God's repeated deliverances?**

Answer: The repeated apostasy of the Israelites, as seen in [Judges 10:6](/judges/10-6 "Judges 10:6 - Israel's Idolatry"), stemmed from several factors. Primarily, it was due to their failure to fully obey God's command to drive out the Canaanite inhabitants and destroy their idolatrous practices (e.g., [Numbers 33:55](/numbers/33-55 "Numbers 33:55 - Remaining Inhabitants as Thorns")). This left them constantly exposed to pagan influences. Furthermore, the Canaanite religions, with their emphasis on fertility rites and immediate gratification, often seemed more appealing or practical for agricultural success than the abstract covenant relationship with Yahweh, especially during times of drought or hardship. There was a spiritual amnesia, a forgetting of God's mighty acts (e.g., [Judges 2:10](/judges/2-10 "Judges 2:10 - A New Generation Who Did Not Know the LORD")), and a lack of strong, centralized spiritual leadership to guide them. This combination of external temptation, internal spiritual weakness, and a failure to remember God's faithfulness led to a persistent cycle of disobedience and idolatry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 10:6, with its grim depiction of Israel's pervasive idolatry and forsaking of the LORD, powerfully underscores humanity's inherent spiritual brokenness and desperate need for a perfect deliverer. The repeated cycles of sin, judgment, and temporary deliverance in Judges reveal the inadequacy of human judges and the Old Covenant system to permanently resolve the problem of sin. These cycles point forward to the ultimate and final solution found in Jesus Christ. Unlike the Israelites who repeatedly "forsook the LORD," Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law, demonstrating unwavering obedience and exclusive devotion to the Father (e.g., [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). He is the true and faithful Israel, the one who never turned to "other gods" but remained steadfastly committed to God's will, even to the point of death on the cross (e.g., [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only delivers us from the oppression of sin but also empowers us by His Spirit to turn from all forms of idolatry—whether overt or subtle—and to serve the living and true God (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning from Idols to Serve God")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering a new covenant where true worship is not bound by physical temples or foreign gods, but is in spirit and truth, centered on Him (e.g., [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

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 Kings 11:5

For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

2 Kings 23:13

And the high places that [were] before Jerusalem, which [were] on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.

1 Kings 11:7

Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that [is] before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

1 Kings 11:33

Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do [that which is] right in mine eyes, and [to keep] my statutes and my judgments, as [did] David his father.

Jeremiah 2:13

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Psalms 106:36

And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.

2 Kings 17:16

And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, [even] two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.