Judges 2:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Judges 2:15 powerfully encapsulates the dire consequences Israel faced due to their persistent disobedience and apostasy during the period of the Judges. It reveals God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, demonstrating that His promised judgments for rebellion were as certain as His blessings for obedience. The verse vividly portrays a nation under divine discipline, experiencing pervasive distress and failure in every endeavor, a direct result of the Lord's active opposition against them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 2:15 is a pivotal verse within the introductory section of the Book of Judges (chapters 1-3), which establishes the theological framework for the entire book. Following the death of Joshua and the faithful generation that conquered the land, a new generation arose that "[knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel](/judges/2-10 "Judges 2:10 - A Generation That Did Not Know the Lord")" ([Judges 2:10](/judges/2-10 "Judges 2:10 - Israel's Spiritual Decline")). This spiritual ignorance led directly to widespread apostasy, as the Israelites "[forsook the LORD God of their fathers](/judges/2-12 "Judges 2:12 - Israel Forsakes the Lord")" and "[served Baal and Ashtaroth](/judges/2-13 "Judges 2:13 - Serving Baal and Ashtaroth")" ([Judges 2:11-13](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-13 - Israel's Apostasy")). Verse 14 then states that "the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers." Judges 2:15 elaborates on this divine judgment, explaining *how* God's anger manifested in their daily lives and endeavors, setting the stage for the recurring cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that defines the subsequent narratives in the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Judges describes the period between the conquest of Canaan under Joshua and the establishment of the monarchy under Saul, roughly 1400-1050 BC. This was a transitional era for Israel, moving from a nomadic existence to settling in the land, surrounded by various Canaanite peoples who practiced idolatrous and immoral worship, including fertility cults centered on gods like Baal and Asherah. Unlike the unified leadership under Joshua, this period lacked a central governmental or spiritual authority, leading to a fragmented tribal society where "[every man did that which was right in his own eyes](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Anarchy in Israel")" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). The warnings given by Moses in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and Joshua in [Joshua 23](/joshua/23 "Joshua 23 - Joshua's Farewell Address") regarding the consequences of intermarriage and idolatry were largely ignored. Consequently, Israel's spiritual decline was intertwined with their failure to fully dispossess the Canaanites, leading to cultural assimilation and the adoption of foreign religious practices, which directly provoked God's disciplinary hand.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 2:15 is central to several overarching themes in the Book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Retribution for Disobedience**, illustrating God's active judgment against sin, particularly apostasy and idolatry. This verse underscores the **Covenant Faithfulness of God**, demonstrating that He meticulously fulfills His sworn oaths and warnings, even when they involve judgment, as detailed in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Covenant Blessings and Curses")). It introduces the **Cycle of Apostasy and Deliverance**, the recurring pattern that characterizes the entire book: Israel sins, God punishes (often by allowing foreign oppressors), Israel cries out in distress, God raises a deliverer (a Judge), and a period of rest ensues, only for the cycle to repeat. Finally, the verse highlights **God's Sovereignty in Judgment**, revealing His ultimate control over the circumstances of His people, even when those circumstances are painful and designed to bring them back to Him through repentance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hand of the LORD (Hebrew, _yad Yahweh_):** This is a common anthropomorphism in the Old Testament, attributing a human body part (hand) to God to describe His active power, intervention, or influence. In this context, it signifies God's direct, active, and opposing force against Israel. It is not merely a passive withdrawal of blessing but an intentional, powerful, and pervasive divine operation to bring about their distress. It implies a personal and deliberate act of judgment.
* **Evil (Hebrew, רַע, _ra'_):** The Hebrew word _ra'_ is versatile, encompassing moral evil, wickedness, and also calamity, disaster, or adversity. In Judges 2:15, when applied to God's action, it refers not to moral evil on God's part but to the calamitous, destructive, and adverse consequences that He brought upon Israel as a just and righteous response to their sin. It denotes misfortune, affliction, and the negative outcomes of divine judgment rather than an inherent flaw in God's character.
* **Distressed (Hebrew, לָחַץ, _lachats_):** This verb means to press, squeeze, oppress, or afflict. It describes a state of severe anguish, hardship, and affliction, often implying external pressure or oppression. In this context, it vividly portrays Israel's condition under God's disciplinary hand and the oppression by their enemies, emphasizing their profound suffering and lack of peace or security. It implies a crushing burden that leads to a cry for help.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whithersoever they went out":** This phrase emphasizes the pervasive nature of God's opposition. It means "wherever they went," "in every direction," or "in all their undertakings." It suggests that no matter what Israel attempted—whether in battle, daily life, or any other endeavor—they encountered divine resistance. Their efforts were frustrated, their paths blocked, and their security compromised across the board.
* **"the hand of the LORD was against them for evil":** This is the core declaration of divine judgment. As analyzed above, "the hand of the LORD" signifies God's active, powerful, and deliberate intervention. "Against them" indicates direct opposition, and "for evil" clarifies that this opposition resulted in calamity, misfortune, and adversity for Israel. This was not random bad luck but a direct, punitive action from God.
* **"as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them":** This clause highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant warnings. It refers explicitly to the curses for disobedience detailed in the Mosaic Law, particularly in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Covenant Curses") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Consequences of Disobedience"). God's actions were not arbitrary but were the fulfillment of His previously stated and sworn covenant stipulations. This underscores His integrity and the reliability of His word, whether for blessing or for judgment.
* **"and they were greatly distressed.":** This final clause describes the ultimate outcome and Israel's resultant state. "Greatly distressed" (from _lachats_) conveys their severe anguish, oppression, and affliction. It is a direct consequence of God's disciplinary hand and the external pressures from their enemies, leading them to a state of profound suffering and helplessness, which often served as the catalyst for them to cry out to the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 2:15 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The phrase "**Anthropomorphism**" is evident in "the hand of the LORD," attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God to describe His active and powerful intervention. This device makes God's actions more comprehensible and relatable to the human experience, emphasizing His direct involvement in Israel's plight. The phrase "Whithersoever they went out" functions as a form of "**Hyperbole**" or "**Exaggeration**", not necessarily meaning literally every single step, but conveying the pervasive and inescapable nature of God's opposition—their efforts were universally met with failure. Furthermore, the repetition of God's word and oath ("as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them") serves as a form of "**Covenant Language**" or "**Legal Framework**," emphasizing the divine justice and the fulfillment of pre-stipulated covenant curses. This reinforces the theological point that Israel's suffering was not arbitrary but a just consequence of their rebellion against a faithful God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 2:15 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God, the seriousness of sin, and the dynamics of the covenant relationship. It reveals God as a holy and just sovereign who holds His people accountable to their covenant obligations. His "hand... against them for evil" is not an act of malice, but a righteous and disciplinary response to their apostasy and idolatry, demonstrating that He is not indifferent to sin. Moreover, the verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His word; His judgments are as certain as His promises of blessing. This consistency reveals a God who is utterly reliable and true to His character. The "distress" Israel experienced was a painful but necessary means to bring them to repentance and back into a right relationship with Him, highlighting the redemptive purpose even within divine discipline.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:14](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14 - Consequences of Breaking Covenant")
* [Joshua 23:15-16](/joshua/23-15 "Joshua 23:15-16 - Warnings of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 2:15 serves as a potent and timeless warning for believers across generations. It reminds us that God takes sin seriously, especially spiritual rebellion and straying from His commands. While we live under a new covenant of grace, the principle that disobedience has consequences remains valid, though the nature of discipline may differ. This verse calls us to profound spiritual vigilance, recognizing that like the Israelites, we can easily drift away from God if we do not intentionally cultivate our relationship with Him through prayer, study of His Word, and obedience. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are there areas where we are "going out" in our own strength, pursuing our own desires, or compromising with the world, only to find our efforts frustrated and our spirits distressed? God's discipline, though painful, is ultimately an expression of His love, designed to bring us to a place of repentance, dependence, and renewed devotion, echoing the pattern where Israel's distress often led them to "[cry unto the LORD](/judges/3-9 "Judges 3:9 - Israel Cries Out to the Lord")" ([Judges 3:9](/judges/3-9 "Judges 3:9 - Othniel Delivers Israel")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing "distress" that could be a call to examine my obedience and relationship with God?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's character, particularly His justice and faithfulness to His warnings?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I do not "know not the LORD" in a deep, experiential way, but rather remain vigilant in my spiritual walk?**
* **How does the concept of God's "hand... against them for evil" inform my perspective on suffering and adversity in a believer's life today?**

### FAQ

**Was God being cruel or vindictive by bringing "evil" upon Israel?**

Answer: No, God was not being cruel or vindictive. The term "evil" (רַע, _ra'_) in this context refers to calamity, disaster, or adversity, not moral wickedness on God's part. God's actions were a just and righteous fulfillment of the covenant stipulations He had previously established with Israel (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). He had warned them extensively about the consequences of disobedience, and His "hand" against them was a disciplinary measure designed to bring them back to repentance, not to destroy them. It demonstrates His holiness and His commitment to His covenant, even in judgment.

**How does this verse reconcile with God's love for Israel?**

Answer: God's disciplinary actions, as described in Judges 2:15, are an expression of His covenant love. Just as a loving parent disciplines a wayward child for their ultimate good, God disciplined Israel to correct their apostasy and draw them back into a right relationship with Him. His love is not merely sentimental but is holy and righteous, demanding fidelity to the covenant. The "distress" they experienced was intended to lead them to repentance, so He could then raise up deliverers and restore them, as seen repeatedly throughout [the Book of Judges](/judges/3 "Judges 3 - The Cycle of Judges Begins"). This pattern reflects the truth found in [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves"), "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth."

**What is the significance of "the hand of the LORD" being against them?**

Answer: "The hand of the LORD" is an anthropomorphism, a way of describing God's active power and direct intervention using human terms. When His "hand" is against them, it signifies that God Himself was the source of their misfortune and the one actively opposing their endeavors. It means their failures and distress were not random occurrences or merely the result of their enemies' strength, but a deliberate, pervasive, and powerful act of divine judgment. This emphasizes God's sovereignty and His direct involvement in the consequences of Israel's disobedience, ensuring that their suffering was purposeful and intentional.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 2:15, with its stark portrayal of Israel under the "hand of the LORD... for evil" due to their covenant breaking, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's justice and mercy in Jesus Christ. The cycle of sin, suffering, and temporary deliverance in Judges points to humanity's desperate need for a perfect, once-for-all Deliverer. Israel's inability to keep the Law and their subsequent experience of its curses highlight the truth that "[by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - No One Justified by the Law")" ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - Justification by Faith")). Christ, the true Israelite, perfectly fulfilled the Law and, more profoundly, bore the full weight of the "hand of the LORD... for evil" on behalf of His people. He became "[a curse for us](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems from the Curse")" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")), taking upon Himself the divine judgment that our sin deserved, so that we might be reconciled to God. Where Israel experienced pervasive distress and failure in all their endeavors, believers in Christ find ultimate peace and victory, for He has overcome the world and offers true rest to the weary ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The "hand of the LORD" that was against Israel for their sin was ultimately laid upon Christ, the sinless Lamb of God, so that through faith in Him, we might receive blessing and deliverance from the curse of the Law, experiencing God's hand *for* us, not against us.

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

Deuteronomy 28:15

¶ 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

¶ 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.