Judges 2:18

And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.

And when the LORD {H3068} raised {H6965} them up judges {H8199}, then the LORD {H3068} was with the judge {H8199}, and delivered {H3467} them out of the hand {H3027} of their enemies {H341} all the days {H3117} of the judge {H8199}: for it repented {H5162} the LORD {H3068} because {H6440} of their groanings {H5009} by reason of them that oppressed {H3905} them and vexed {H1766} them.

When ADONAI raised up judges for them, ADONAI was with the judge and delivered them from the hands of their enemies throughout the lifetime of the judge; for ADONAI was moved to pity by their groaning under those oppressing and crushing them.

Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, He was with that judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies while the judge was still alive; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed them and afflicted them.

And when Jehovah raised them up judges, then Jehovah was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented Jehovah because of their groaning by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.

Commentary

Commentary on Judges 2:18 (KJV)

Judges 2:18 is a pivotal verse that encapsulates a recurring pattern throughout the Book of Judges. It highlights God's compassionate response to the suffering of the Israelites, even when their distress was a consequence of their own disobedience.

Context

This verse is part of a broader explanation of the cyclical nature of Israel's relationship with God during the period of the Judges. After the death of Joshua, the Israelites repeatedly turned away from the LORD, serving foreign gods, which led to divine judgment in the form of oppression by surrounding nations. When their suffering became unbearable, they would cry out to God. Judges 2:18 describes God's merciful response within this cycle, before the narrative delves into the specific stories of individual judges.

Key Themes

  • God's Compassion and Mercy: The phrase "it repented the LORD because of their groanings" underscores God's deep empathy for His people. Despite their rebellion, their cries of distress moved Him to action. This illustrates a consistent theme of God's enduring love and willingness to deliver His people when they turn to Him in their affliction, even if only out of desperation.
  • Divine Deliverance through Appointed Leaders: God's method of deliverance was to "raise them up judges." These judges were not primarily legal figures but charismatic military and spiritual leaders empowered by God to deliver Israel from its oppressors. God's presence "with the judge" ensured their success and the liberation of the people.
  • The Temporary Nature of Deliverance: The deliverance lasted "all the days of the judge." This phrase subtly foreshadows the next verse (Judges 2:19), which explains that after the judge died, the people would revert to their idolatrous ways, restarting the cycle of sin and oppression.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "it repented the LORD" might seem to suggest God changes His mind. However, the Hebrew word here is nacham (נחם), which in this context means to "feel sorrow," "be grieved," or "have compassion." It describes God's deep emotional response to the suffering of His people, not a change in His divine character or ultimate plan. It indicates His profound pity and willingness to relieve their distress. The "groanings" (Hebrew: na'aqah) highlight the deep, heartfelt cries of a people in severe anguish.

Practical Application

Judges 2:18 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It assures us that:

  • God Hears Our Cries: Even when our difficulties are a result of our own poor choices or disobedience, God is a compassionate Father who hears the "groanings" of His children. Like Israel's cries in Egypt (Exodus 2:24), our distress can move Him to intervention.
  • God Provides Deliverance: The LORD continues to be the ultimate source of deliverance. He can raise up leaders, provide wisdom, or intervene directly to free us from oppression, whether it's from external forces, internal struggles, or the consequences of sin.
  • His Mercy Endures: This verse beautifully illustrates God's enduring mercy and faithfulness, even when His people are unfaithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Our turning to Him, even in desperation, can activate His compassion and bring about His saving power.

The verse reminds us that while our actions have consequences, God's character is one of deep compassion, ever ready to respond to the genuine cries of His people for help.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 32:36

    For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that [their] power is gone, and [there is] none shut up, or left.

  • Joshua 1:5

    There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

  • Exodus 2:24

    And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

  • 2 Kings 13:22

    But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.

  • 2 Kings 13:23

    And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.

  • Hosea 11:8

    ΒΆ How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? [how] shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

  • Psalms 106:44

    Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry: