Judges 2:16

KJV

Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless the LORD {H3068} raised up {H6965} judges {H8199}, which delivered {H3467} them out of the hand {H3027} of those that spoiled {H8154} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

But then ADONAI raised up judges, who rescued them from the power of those who were plundering them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those that despoiled them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 2:16 introduces a pivotal turning point in the unfolding narrative of Israel's apostasy and divine judgment, revealing God's unwavering compassion and sovereign intervention. Despite the Israelites' persistent disobedience, idolatry, and subsequent oppression by their enemies, the Lord, in His faithfulness to His covenant, actively raised up charismatic leaders—known as judges—whose primary mission was to deliver His people from the hands of those who plundered and subjugated them. This verse establishes the recurring pattern of divine rescue that characterizes the entire Book of Judges, highlighting God's merciful response to human failure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 2:16 serves as a crucial transition within the book, bridging the initial summary of Israel's failure and the subsequent detailed accounts of individual judges. The preceding verses (Judges 2:11-15) paint a bleak picture: a new generation arose "who did not know the LORD or the works that he had done for Israel" ([Judges 2:10](/judges/2-10 "Judges 2:10 - A Generation That Did Not Know the Lord")). They abandoned Yahweh for Baal and Ashtaroth ([Judges 2:11-13](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-13 - Israel's Idolatry")), provoking God's anger. Consequently, "the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers" ([Judges 2:14](/judges/2-14 "Judges 2:14 - God's Anger and Israel's Plunder")). They were distressed, and wherever they went, the hand of the Lord was against them for harm ([Judges 2:15](/judges/2-15 "Judges 2:15 - Israel's Distress and God's Hand Against Them")). It is against this backdrop of severe judgment and suffering that Judges 2:16 introduces God's merciful "nevertheless," signaling His compassionate initiative to provide deliverance, thus setting the stage for the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, cry, and rescue that dominates the rest of the book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1375-1050 BC) was a turbulent era in Israel's history, following the conquest of Canaan and preceding the establishment of the monarchy. It was characterized by a decentralized tribal system, where "there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")). This lack of central authority often led to internal strife, spiritual apostasy, and vulnerability to surrounding peoples. The Canaanites, Philistines, Midianites, Ammonites, and other groups frequently oppressed the Israelites, often by plundering their crops, livestock, and resources, thereby "spoiling them" and reducing them to poverty and servitude. The "judges" were not primarily legal figures in the modern sense but charismatic, Spirit-empowered military leaders raised by God to rally the tribes and deliver them from specific foreign oppressors, providing temporary periods of peace and stability.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 2:16 is foundational to several key themes woven throughout the book. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**. Despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, it is "the LORD" who actively "raised up" the judges, demonstrating His sovereign control over history and His commitment to His covenant people, even when they fail. This highlights God's **Mercy and Faithfulness**, as His steadfast love endures despite Israel's persistent idolatry and rebellion, providing a way out of their self-inflicted misery. The verse also introduces **The Role of the Judges** as divinely appointed deliverers, not merely legal arbiters. Their primary function was to "deliver them out of the hand of those that spoiled them," illustrating God's chosen instruments for physical and spiritual liberation. This act of **Deliverance from Oppression** is central, showcasing God's power to rescue His people from the consequences of their sin and the tyranny of their enemies, a theme echoed throughout the biblical narrative, from the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") to the ultimate salvation offered in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nevertheless (Hebrew, _wa-gam'_):** This conjunction, often translated as "and also" or "even so," carries a strong adversative force in this context. It signals a dramatic shift from the preceding narrative of Israel's failure and God's judgment to God's unexpected and gracious intervention. It emphasizes God's mercy operating *despite* Israel's sin, highlighting His character as one who does not abandon His people even when they are undeserving.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh'_):** The use of God's covenant name, Yahweh, is highly significant. It emphasizes that the deliverance comes from the God who established a covenant relationship with Israel, revealing His faithfulness to His promises even when His people are unfaithful to their obligations. It underscores that this is not a random act but a deliberate, covenantal response from the sovereign God of Israel.
* **judges (Hebrew, _shophetim'_):** This term, from which the book derives its name, carries a broader meaning than the modern English "judge." While it can encompass judicial functions, its primary connotation in this context is "deliverers," "saviors," or "rulers." These individuals were charismatic leaders, often military figures, raised by God's Spirit to bring liberation from foreign oppression. They were not elected officials but divinely appointed instruments of rescue.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges":** This clause highlights God's sovereign initiative and compassionate intervention. The "Nevertheless" (wa-gam) acts as a powerful counterpoint to Israel's apostasy and the ensuing divine judgment described in the preceding verses. It underscores that God's action is not a response to Israel's merit or repentance, but flows from His own character of mercy and faithfulness. "The LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes that this is a covenantal act, a demonstration of His enduring commitment to His people. The phrase "raised up" (heqim) signifies a divine appointment and empowerment, indicating that these judges were God's chosen instruments, not self-appointed leaders.
* **"which delivered them":** This phrase defines the primary function and purpose of the judges. Their role was not primarily legal or administrative, but active, military "deliverance" (yasha'). This verb denotes salvation, rescue, or liberation from distress or danger. It emphasizes the practical and immediate impact of their work: freeing Israel from their oppressors.
* **"out of the hand of those that spoiled them":** This specifies the nature of the threat and the source of Israel's oppression. "Spoiled them" (shasa) refers to plunder, pillaging, or taking spoil, indicating that Israel's enemies were not just militarily dominant but also economically exploitative, robbing the Israelites of their resources and livelihood. "Out of the hand" (miyyad) signifies being rescued from the power, control, or grasp of their oppressors, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the deliverance provided by God through the judges.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, with "Nevertheless" serving as a powerful adversative conjunction, setting God's gracious intervention against the backdrop of Israel's profound failure and the subsequent divine judgment. This highlights the stark difference between human sinfulness and divine faithfulness. **Divine Initiative** is a key thematic and literary emphasis, as the active verb "raised up" is attributed directly to "the LORD," positioning God as the primary agent and orchestrator of Israel's salvation. This underscores His sovereignty and His active involvement in human history. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Proleptic Statement** or **Foreshadowing**, introducing the recurring cycle of sin, oppression, cry, and deliverance that will be repeated throughout the subsequent narratives of individual judges. It establishes the structural and theological pattern for the entire book, preparing the reader for the cyclical nature of Israel's relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 2:16 is a profound theological statement on God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reveals a God who, despite His righteous anger against sin, is ultimately defined by His enduring mercy and steadfast love. Even when His covenant people break faith, He remains faithful to His own promises and character. This verse sets the stage for understanding the entire period of the judges as a testament to divine patience and a demonstration of God's commitment to His people's well-being, even when they are undeserving. It underscores the truth that God's grace often precedes repentance, providing a way out of self-inflicted suffering and drawing His people back to Himself. This divine pattern of rescue, where God raises up a deliverer in response to oppression, foreshadows the greater salvation history culminating in Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 30:1-5](/deuteronomy/30-1 "Deuteronomy 30:1-5 - Restoration after Repentance")
* [Psalm 106:43-46](/psalm/106-43 "Psalm 106:43-46 - God's Compassion for Israel")
* [Nehemiah 9:27](/nehemiah/9-27 "Nehemiah 9:27 - God's Deliverance in Response to Cries")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 2:16 offers profound reassurance that even in our darkest moments, when we face the consequences of our own choices or the oppression of external forces, God's mercy endures. It reminds us that our failures do not exhaust His faithfulness. Just as He raised up unexpected deliverers for Israel, God continues to work in our lives, often providing a way out of difficult situations through means we might not anticipate. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that true deliverance comes not from our own strength or ingenuity, but from God's sovereign hand. It calls us to trust in His persistent grace, even when we find ourselves caught in cycles of sin or despair, knowing that He is always ready to hear our cry and provide a path to freedom and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I see a recurring "cycle" of struggle or disobedience, similar to Israel's?**
* **How does the "nevertheless" of God's grace in Judges 2:16 offer me hope in my current challenges?**
* **Can I identify "deliverers" or unexpected interventions God has provided in my past, even when I felt undeserving?**
* **How might God be calling me to be an instrument of deliverance or help for others who are "spoiled" or oppressed?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary role of a "judge" in this context?**

Answer: In the Book of Judges, the "judges" (Hebrew: _shophetim'_) were primarily charismatic military leaders and deliverers, rather than legal arbiters in the modern sense. They were raised up by God's Spirit to rescue Israel from specific foreign oppressors who had "spoiled" or plundered them. Their role involved rallying the tribes, leading them in battle, and restoring a period of peace and stability. While some may have exercised judicial functions, their defining characteristic was their role as divinely appointed saviors who brought physical and spiritual liberation to the nation.

**Why did God keep raising up judges if Israel kept sinning?**

Answer: God's repeated raising of judges, despite Israel's persistent sin and idolatry, is a powerful demonstration of His covenant faithfulness, enduring mercy, and steadfast love. It reveals His character as a God who does not abandon His people, even when they are unfaithful. This cycle illustrates God's patience and His desire for His people's repentance and well-being. It underscores that His grace is not dependent on human merit but flows from His unchanging nature and His commitment to the covenant He made with Abraham and through Moses. Each deliverance was an opportunity for Israel to return to Him, though they often failed to do so for long.

**Does this cycle of sin and deliverance apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the specific historical context of Judges is unique to ancient Israel, the underlying spiritual principles of sin, its consequences, and God's gracious deliverance remain highly relevant for believers today. We may not face physical oppression from foreign armies in the same way, but we battle against spiritual forces ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")) and the persistent struggle with sin in our own lives ([Romans 7:15-20](/romans/7-15 "Romans 7:15-20 - The Struggle with Sin")). Judges 2:16 reminds us that when we stray, God, in His mercy, provides avenues for repentance, restoration, and deliverance from the spiritual "spoiling" that sin brings. It encourages us to continually turn to Him for rescue and to rely on His grace, rather than our own strength, to overcome our struggles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 2:16, with its emphasis on God raising up temporary deliverers for His people, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The judges were imperfect, temporary saviors who could only offer limited, physical deliverance from specific oppressors, and their work had to be repeated again and again due to Israel's cyclical sin. However, Jesus is the definitive and eternal Deliverer, the ultimate Judge who saves. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing not merely physical rescue but eternal salvation from the ultimate oppressors: sin, death, and the power of the devil. Where the judges were raised up by God for a time, Jesus is God incarnate, eternally appointed as [Lord and Christ](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus as Lord and Christ"). His deliverance is not cyclical but once-for-all, securing a perfect and lasting peace that transcends any temporary reprieve offered by the judges. He is the true [Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"), fulfilling the pattern of divine intervention with a sacrifice that fully satisfies God's righteous demands and offers complete freedom to all who believe. In Christ, God's "nevertheless" grace reaches its glorious climax, providing the ultimate solution to humanity's deepest need for rescue.

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

Acts 13:20

And after that he gave [unto them] judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

1 Samuel 12:11

And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe.

Psalms 106:43

Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked [him] with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.

Psalms 106:45

And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

Nehemiah 9:27

Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.

Judges 3:15

But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.

Judges 6:14

And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?