Judges 2:19

And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, [that] they returned, and corrupted [themselves] more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.

And it came to pass, when the judge {H8199} was dead {H4194}, that they returned {H7725}, and corrupted {H7843} themselves more than their fathers {H1}, in following {H3212}{H310} other {H312} gods {H430} to serve {H5647} them, and to bow down {H7812} unto them; they ceased {H5307} not from their own doings {H4611}, nor from their stubborn {H7186} way {H1870}.

But after the judge died, they would relapse into worse behavior than that of their ancestors, following other gods to serve and worship them; they abandoned none of their practices or stubborn ways.

But when the judge died, the Israelites became even more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods to serve them and bow down to them. They would not give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.

But it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they turned back, and dealt more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their doings, nor from their stubborn way.

Commentary

Context of Judges 2:19

Judges 2:19 is a pivotal verse within the book of Judges, succinctly summarizing the tragic and repetitive cycle of apostasy and divine deliverance that characterized Israel's history during this period. Following the death of Joshua and the elders who had known the Lord, the new generation began to forsake God and serve Baal and Ashtaroth (Judges 2:11-13). God, in turn, allowed their enemies to oppress them. In His mercy, He would raise up "judges" to deliver them. However, as this verse highlights, the peace and faithfulness lasted only as long as the judge lived. Upon their death, the people would immediately regress, often to a worse state of rebellion than previous generations, demonstrating a profound spiritual amnesia and a deep-seated inclination towards idolatry.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Recurring Disobedience: The verse emphasizes the relentless pattern of Israel's unfaithfulness. Despite God's repeated acts of deliverance, they consistently "returned" to their old ways.
  • Spiritual Degeneration: The phrase "corrupted themselves more than their fathers" signifies a deepening spiritual decay. Each generation seemed to sink further into idolatry and moral depravity, indicating a progressive hardening of their hearts.
  • Idolatry and False Worship: The core of their corruption was "following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them." This direct violation of the first commandment (Exodus 20:3) was the root of their troubles, demonstrating a rejection of the one true God who had delivered them from Egypt.
  • Human Stubbornness: "They ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way" underscores the persistent, unyielding nature of their rebellion. It speaks to a willful refusal to acknowledge God's authority and a preference for their self-chosen paths, even when those paths led to suffering.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "corrupted themselves" translates a Hebrew root word often meaning to act corruptly, wickedly, or ruinously, particularly in a moral or religious sense. It implies a deliberate turning away from what is right and pure. The expression "stubborn way" comes from the Hebrew `derekh qashah` (דֶּרֶךְ קָשָׁה), which literally means a "hard way" or "difficult path." This highlights their unyielding, obstinate refusal to follow God's commands, choosing instead a path that was difficult and rebellious against divine will. This isn't merely a mistake, but a firm, unyielding resolve in disobedience.

Practical Application

Judges 2:19 serves as a profound warning for all generations. It illustrates the dangers of spiritual complacency and the human tendency to revert to old sinful patterns, especially in the absence of strong spiritual leadership or communal vigilance. For believers today, this verse underscores:

  • The Need for Continuous Vigilance: Just as Israel's faithfulness waned after the judge's death, we must remain vigilant in our faith, ensuring our devotion to God is not dependent on external circumstances or the presence of specific leaders.
  • The Importance of Discipleship: The spiritual decline across generations highlights the critical need for parents and spiritual leaders to faithfully teach the next generation God's truth and the importance of His covenant.
  • Recognizing Our Own Stubbornness: This verse calls us to examine our own hearts for areas of "stubborn way" where we might resist God's will and choose our own path, reminding us of the deep-seated issue of the human heart's inclination toward rebellion. Repentance and reliance on God's grace are essential for overcoming this tendency.
  • The Gravity of Idolatry: While modern idolatry may not always involve physical statues, anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives—be it possessions, status, relationships, or self-will—can become an idol. This verse reminds us of the severe consequences of such misplaced worship.
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Cross-References

  • Judges 8:33 (6 votes)

    And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god.

  • Judges 4:1 (5 votes)

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

  • Judges 3:11 (3 votes)

    And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.

  • Judges 3:12 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.

  • Matthew 23:32 (3 votes)

    Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

  • Psalms 78:8 (2 votes)

    And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation [that] set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

  • Jeremiah 16:12 (2 votes)

    And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me: