Judges 13:1

¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} did {H6213} evil {H7451} again {H3254} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}; and the LORD {H3068} delivered {H5414} them into the hand {H3027} of the Philistines {H6430} forty {H705} years {H8141}.

Again the people of Isra'el did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective, and ADONAI handed them over to the P'lishtim for forty years.

Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, so He delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.

And the children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah; and Jehovah delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.

Commentary

Judges 13:1 initiates the compelling narrative of Samson, introducing a new and challenging period for the children of Israel. This verse immediately sets the stage for the longest recorded period of oppression in the book of Judges, highlighting Israel's persistent spiritual decline and God's response.

Context

This verse perfectly encapsulates the recurring cycle of sin, judgment, and eventual deliverance that defines the book of Judges. After periods of peace under previous judges, Israel once again turned away from the LORD, engaging in idolatry and disobedience. The Philistines, a powerful and technologically advanced seafaring people who had settled along the southwestern coast of Canaan, became the new instrument of divine discipline. Their oppression of Israel would endure for four decades, setting the stage for the miraculous birth and tumultuous life of Samson.

Key Themes

  • The Cycle of Disobedience: The phrase "did evil again in the sight of the LORD" underscores Israel's repetitive failure to remain faithful to God's covenant. This persistent pattern reveals a deep-seated spiritual problem, a failure to truly learn from past experiences and consequences.
  • Divine Consequences and Discipline: God's act of "delivered them into the hand of the Philistines" is not arbitrary punishment but a direct consequence of their actions. It serves as a form of divine discipline, designed to bring His people to repentance and turn them back to Him.
  • God's Sovereignty and Patience: Even in Israel's rebellion and suffering, God remains in control. He uses foreign nations as instruments to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating His unwavering sovereignty and His long-suffering patience in calling His people back to Himself.
  • A New and Lasting Oppressor: The Philistines represent a formidable and enduring threat, setting the stage for the dramatic narratives of Samson and later, the ongoing conflict with Israel that would continue into the early monarchy under figures like Saul and David.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "did evil again" (yaasaph la`asoth hara`) literally means "added to do evil," emphasizing the repetitive and deliberate nature of Israel's sin. It highlights a conscious return to former transgressions rather than an accidental stumble. The word "delivered" (nathan) conveys God's active hand in handing them over, indicating a direct divine judgment rather than mere passive allowance of their suffering.

Practical Application

Judges 13:1 serves as a potent reminder that repeated patterns of disobedience have significant consequences, both individually and corporately. It highlights the dangers of spiritual apathy and the importance of genuinely learning from our past mistakes. Just as God used difficult circumstances to call ancient Israel back to Himself, challenging times in our own lives can be opportunities for reflection, repentance, and a renewed commitment to drawing closer to Him. This verse also subtly foreshadows the ongoing need for a deliverer, a theme ultimately fulfilled in the perfect and final deliverance offered through Jesus Christ.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 12:9 (5 votes)

    And when they forgat the LORD their God, he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the host of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against them.

  • Judges 6:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

  • Romans 2:6 (4 votes)

    Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

  • Judges 3:7 (3 votes)

    And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.

  • Judges 2:11 (3 votes)

    And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:

  • Judges 4:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead.

  • Judges 10:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.