Judges 3:13

KJV

And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he gathered {H622} unto him the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983} and Amalek {H6002}, and went {H3212} and smote {H5221} Israel {H3478}, and possessed {H3423} the city {H5892} of palm trees {H8558}{H5899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In confederation with the people of 'Amon and 'Amalek, 'Eglon went out and defeated Isra'el, capturing the City of Date-Palms;

Berean Standard Bible

After enlisting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join forces with him, Eglon attacked and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms.

American Standard Version

And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek; and he went and smote Israel, and they possessed the city of palm-trees.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 3:13 vividly details the escalating oppression faced by the Israelites under Eglon, the king of Moab. This verse describes Eglon's strategic military alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites, formidable adversaries of Israel, and their subsequent successful campaign to "smite Israel." The culmination of this conquest was the seizure and occupation of "the city of palm trees," a significant strategic location (Jericho), underscoring the severity of Israel's subjugation and the direct consequences of their continued disobedience to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 3:13 is situated within the cyclical narrative of the Book of Judges, specifically following Israel's renewed apostasy after the death of Othniel, their first deliverer. [Judges 3:12](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12 - Israel's Renewed Sin") explicitly states that "the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD," leading God to strengthen Eglon, king of Moab, against them. This verse marks the peak of Eglon's eighteen-year oppressive reign, setting the stage for the divine intervention through Ehud, the left-handed judge, whose call and subsequent deliverance are described from [Judges 3:15](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Ehud's Call to Deliverance") onwards. The immediate narrative flow highlights the direct link between Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and their political and military subjugation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a lack of central leadership and frequent cycles of apostasy, foreign oppression, and divine deliverance. Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was a long-standing rival and occasional oppressor of Israel, stemming from ancient conflicts (e.g., [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam and Balak")). The Ammonites, descendants of Lot, inhabited territory east of the Jordan, while the Amalekites were nomadic raiders from the Negev, known for their persistent hostility towards Israel since the Exodus ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel")). Eglon's ability to forge an alliance with these diverse, historically antagonistic groups demonstrates his formidable power and strategic acumen, posing a multi-front threat to Israel. The "city of palm trees" is universally identified as Jericho, a strategically vital city in the Jordan Valley, known for its fertile oasis. Its capture meant control over a crucial gateway into central Israel, reversing the glorious victory achieved by Joshua's generation ([Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several recurring themes within the [Book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Sin and Deliverance"). Firstly, it underscores the **consequences of disobedience**, demonstrating how Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness directly led to their vulnerability and subjugation under foreign powers. Their abandonment of God's covenant protections resulted in their loss of sovereignty and security. Secondly, the formation of **strategic alliances by enemies** highlights the combined power of those arrayed against God's people when they are spiritually weak. Eglon's coalition with Ammon and Amalek represents a formidable, multifaceted threat. Lastly, the **loss of key territory**, specifically Jericho, symbolizes the depth of Israel's defeat and the extent of their forfeited inheritance. This occupation was not merely a military setback but a theological statement about their diminished status due to covenant infidelity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gathered (Hebrew, _'asaf'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate act of assembling or collecting, often with military intent. It implies Eglon's active role in forging and mobilizing this coalition, indicating strategic planning rather than a spontaneous coming together of forces. It highlights the intentionality of the enemy's aggression.
* **smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** A strong, versatile verb meaning "to strike," "to beat," or "to defeat." In a military context, it denotes a decisive victory, inflicting a severe blow or defeat. Here, it conveys the complete military subjugation of Israel by Eglon's allied forces, emphasizing the effectiveness and destructive power of their assault.
* **possessed (Hebrew, _yarash'_):** This word carries the meaning of "to inherit," "to take possession of," or "to dispossess." It implies more than a temporary occupation; it suggests a firm, established control and ownership of the conquered territory. Eglon's "possession" of the city of palm trees indicates a deep and lasting penetration into Israelite land, signifying a complete reversal of their divinely granted inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek":** This clause reveals Eglon's strategic acumen in forming a powerful alliance. Rather than facing Israel alone, he united two historically hostile nations—the Ammonites and the Amalekites—with his Moabite forces. This coalition represented a significant and multi-directional threat, amplifying the military might arrayed against Israel and demonstrating the extent of Eglon's influence in the region.
* **"and went and smote Israel":** This describes the military campaign itself. The combined forces of Moab, Ammon, and Amalek launched a decisive attack against the Israelites. The verb "smote" indicates a comprehensive defeat, suggesting that Israel was overwhelmed and unable to resist effectively, highlighting their vulnerability due to their spiritual state.
* **"and possessed the city of palm trees":** This final clause details the significant outcome of the campaign: the capture and occupation of Jericho. Jericho, known for its abundance of date palms, was a strategically crucial city in the Jordan Valley, controlling access to central Israel. Its possession by Eglon signified a deep penetration into Israelite territory, a reversal of the miraculous victory under Joshua, and a tangible symbol of Israel's loss of sovereignty and security.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Synecdoche** is evident in "the children of Ammon and Amalek," where "children" stands for the entire nations, emphasizing their collective identity and shared hostility. The narrative also utilizes **Irony**, as Israel, the people chosen by God and once miraculously victorious over Jericho, now finds itself defeated and dispossessed of this very city by pagan nations, a direct consequence of their disobedience. The phrase "the city of palm trees" functions as a **Metonymy** for Jericho, evoking its specific geographical identity and its historical significance. Furthermore, this verse is a crucial part of the **Cyclical Narrative Structure** prevalent in Judges, where Israel's sin leads to oppression, setting the stage for a cry for deliverance. The imagery of foreign powers "possessing" Israelite land serves as a stark **Symbolism** of Israel's spiritual bondage and loss of covenant blessings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 3:13 serves as a stark theological reminder of the consequences of covenant infidelity. God, in His sovereignty, allowed Eglon's oppression as a disciplinary measure to bring Israel to repentance, demonstrating that His covenant blessings are contingent upon obedience, and His judgments are just. This passage underscores the reality that spiritual compromise can lead to tangible vulnerability, where external adversaries, whether nations or spiritual forces, gain ground. It highlights God's use of even ungodly powers to achieve His purposes, specifically to humble His people and call them back to Himself.

* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Joshua 6:26](/joshua/6-26 "Joshua 6:26 - Joshua's Curse on Jericho")
* [1 Samuel 15:3](/1_samuel/15-3 "1 Samuel 15:3 - God's Command Regarding Amalek")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 3:13 offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as Israel's spiritual compromise led to their vulnerability and oppression by external enemies, our own spiritual apathy, disobedience, or pursuit of worldly idols can open doors to various forms of "oppression" in our lives. This might manifest as destructive habits, overwhelming anxieties, relational brokenness, or a general loss of peace and purpose. The strategic alliance of Ammon and Amalek with Moab serves as a metaphor for the coordinated attacks of spiritual adversaries ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")) or the insidious ways sin can entangle us, often through seemingly disparate influences. The loss of "the city of palm trees" reminds us that when we stray from God's path, we risk surrendering spiritual "territory" – areas of our lives, relationships, or callings that God intends for us to possess and steward for His glory. This verse calls us to vigilant self-examination, repentance, and a renewed commitment to faithfulness, trusting that God remains our ultimate Deliverer when we turn back to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might spiritual apathy or disobedience be creating vulnerability to negative influences or "oppression"?**
* **What "strategic alliances" might the enemy be forming against me, whether through destructive habits, worldly ideologies, or ungodly relationships?**
* **What "territories" (areas of life, spiritual ground, or blessings) might I have surrendered due to unfaithfulness, and how can I seek God's help to reclaim them?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow Eglon to oppress Israel for eighteen years?**

Answer: God allowed this prolonged oppression as a disciplinary measure for Israel's persistent disobedience and idolatry, as stated in [Judges 3:12](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12 - Israel's Renewed Sin"). The severity and duration of the oppression were intended to humble them, demonstrate the consequences of forsaking Him, and ultimately drive them to repentance and a cry for deliverance. This pattern of sin, oppression, and deliverance is a recurring theme throughout the [Book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Sin and Deliverance").

**What is the significance of "the city of palm trees"?**

Answer: "The city of palm trees" is a biblical designation for Jericho. Its significance lies in its strategic location in the Jordan Valley, controlling a vital passage into central Israel. For Israel, Jericho held immense symbolic importance as the first city conquered in the Promised Land under Joshua, a miraculous victory that affirmed God's power and faithfulness ([Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho")). Eglon's possession of Jericho represented a profound reversal of this triumph, symbolizing a deep penetration into Israelite territory and a tangible sign of their loss of sovereignty due to their unfaithfulness.

**Who were the Ammonites and Amalekites, and why were they allied with Moab?**

Answer: The Ammonites and Amalekites were long-standing adversaries of Israel. The Ammonites, descendants of Lot, often contested Israel's eastern borders. The Amalekites were nomadic raiders from the south, known for their persistent hostility towards Israel since the Exodus ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel")). Eglon, the king of Moab, strategically allied with these groups to consolidate power and present a formidable, multi-front threat to Israel. This alliance demonstrated the combined strength of regional enemies united against God's people, highlighting the severity of the challenge Israel faced.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 3:13, with its depiction of Israel's bondage under Eglon and the loss of key territory like Jericho, powerfully foreshadows the greater spiritual oppression humanity faced under the dominion of sin and death. Just as Israel's disobedience led to their subjugation, humanity's rebellion against God resulted in spiritual captivity, rendering us vulnerable to the "prince of the power of the air" ([Ephesians 2:2](/ephesians/2-2 "Ephesians 2:2 - Prince of the Power of the Air")). Eglon's formidable alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites can be seen as a shadow of the combined forces of spiritual darkness—sin, Satan, and death—that held humanity captive. However, the ultimate Deliverer is not an Ehud, but Christ Jesus. He is the true Judge who, through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, entered the stronghold of the enemy. He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Where Israel lost physical territory, Christ reclaims spiritual territory, liberating those enslaved by sin ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")) and delivering them from the power of darkness into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). His victory over death and the grave ensures that true freedom and eternal inheritance are restored to all who believe in Him ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus' Victory Over Death")).

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

Judges 1:16

And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which [lieth] in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.

Deuteronomy 34:3

And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.

Psalms 83:6

The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;

Psalms 83:7

Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;

Judges 5:14

Out of Ephraim [was there] a root of them against Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer.