Judges 2:15

Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.

Whithersoever they went out {H3318}, the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068} was against them for evil {H7451}, as the LORD {H3068} had said {H1696}, and as the LORD {H3068} had sworn {H7650} unto them: and they were greatly {H3966} distressed {H3334}.

Whenever they launched an attack, the power of ADONAI was against them, so that things turned out badly - just as ADONAI had said would happen and had sworn to them. They were in dire distress.

Wherever Israel marched out, the hand of the LORD was against them to bring calamity, just as He had sworn to them. So they were greatly distressed.

Whithersoever they went out, the hand of Jehovah was against them for evil, as Jehovah had spoken, and as Jehovah had sworn unto them: and they were sore distressed.

Commentary

Judges 2:15 vividly describes the severe consequences Israel faced due to their disobedience and apostasy during the period of the Judges. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant words, both blessings for obedience and curses for rebellion.

Context

This verse is part of the crucial introductory section of the Book of Judges (chapters 1-3), which sets the stage for the recurring cycle of sin, suffering, repentance, and deliverance that defines this historical period. Following the death of Joshua and the generation that faithfully served the Lord, a new generation arose that "knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel" (Judges 2:10). Consequently, they began to worship the gods of the surrounding Canaanite nations, provoking the Lord's anger (Judges 2:11-13). Verse 15 explains the direct result of this spiritual rebellion: God's hand was actively against them.

Meaning of the Verse

The phrase "Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil" signifies that every endeavor, every military campaign, every daily activity of the Israelites was met with divine opposition and calamity. Their paths were blocked, their efforts frustrated, and their security compromised. The term "evil" here, from the Hebrew ra' (Χ¨Φ·Χ’), refers not to moral evil on God's part, but to misfortune, disaster, or adversity that God brought upon them as a just consequence of their actions.

The verse emphasizes that this suffering was not random but a direct fulfillment of God's prior warnings: "as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them." This refers to the covenant stipulations laid out in the Mosaic Law, particularly the curses for disobedience detailed in books like Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. God was faithful to His word, even in judgment.

The ultimate outcome was that "they were greatly distressed." This describes their state of severe anguish, hardship, and affliction, a direct result of God's disciplinary hand against their unfaithfulness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Retribution for Disobedience: The verse powerfully illustrates God's active judgment against sin, particularly apostasy and idolatry.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His spoken word and sworn oaths, fulfilling both promises of blessing and warnings of judgment.
  • The Cycle of Judges: This verse is a cornerstone in understanding the recurring pattern in the Book of Judges: Israel sins, God punishes (often through oppressors), Israel cries out, God raises a deliverer (Judge), and then there is a period of rest, before the cycle repeats.
  • God's Sovereignty in Judgment: It reveals God's ultimate control over the circumstances of His people, even when those circumstances are painful and designed to bring them back to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the hand of the LORD" is a common anthropomorphism in the Old Testament, representing God's active power, intervention, or influence. In this context, it signifies His direct, opposing force. The Hebrew word for "evil" (ra') is versatile; here it refers to calamitous events or adversity, emphasizing the negative consequences rather than an inherent moral flaw in God's action.

Practical Application

Judges 2:15 serves as a timeless warning and a powerful reminder for believers today:

  1. The Seriousness of Disobedience: God takes sin seriously, especially spiritual rebellion and straying from His commands. There are consequences for disobedience, even for His chosen people.
  2. God's Faithfulness to His Word: Just as God was faithful to His warnings of judgment, He is also faithful to His promises of grace, forgiveness, and new life for those who turn to Him. His character is consistent.
  3. The Need for Spiritual Vigilance: Like the Israelites, we can easily drift away from God if we do not intentionally pursue a relationship with Him and obey His Word. We must remain vigilant against the influences that draw us away from Him.
  4. Distress as a Catalyst: Often, the "distress" we experience as a result of our poor choices or disobedience can be God's way of bringing us to a place of repentance and dependence on Him, much like Israel cried out to the Lord in their affliction (Judges 3:9).
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 28:15

    ΒΆ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

  • Deuteronomy 28:68

    And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy [you].

  • Joshua 23:15

    Therefore it shall come to pass, [that] as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

  • Joshua 23:16

    When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.

  • Leviticus 26:14

    ΒΆ But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;

  • Leviticus 26:46

    These [are] the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.

  • Micah 2:3

    Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time [is] evil.