Judges 3:8

KJV

¶ Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the anger {H639} of the LORD {H3068} was hot {H2734} against Israel {H3478}, and he sold {H4376} them into the hand {H3027} of Chushanrishathaim {H3573} king {H4428} of Mesopotamia {H763}: and the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} served {H5647} Chushanrishathaim {H3573} eight {H8083} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore the anger of ADONAI blazed against Isra'el, and he gave them over into the hands of Kushan-Rish'atayim king of Aram-Naharayim; and the people of Isra'el served Kushan-Rish'atayim eight years.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram-naharaim, and the Israelites served him eight years.

American Standard Version

Therefore the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 3:8 marks the initiation of the cyclical pattern of disobedience, divine judgment, and subsequent oppression that characterizes the book of Judges. Following Israel's apostasy and worship of foreign gods, the Lord's righteous anger was kindled, leading Him to sovereignly deliver His unfaithful people into the subjugation of Chushanrishathaim, the formidable king of Mesopotamia, resulting in eight years of harsh servitude for the children of Israel. This verse powerfully illustrates the immediate and severe consequences of covenant infidelity and sets the stage for the recurring narrative of divine discipline and eventual deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the explicit declaration of Israel's spiritual rebellion in [Judges 3:7](/judges/3-7 "Judges 3:7 - Israel's Idolatry"), where they "did evil in the sight of the LORD and forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs." Judges 3:8, therefore, presents the direct and inevitable consequence of this apostasy, serving as the first concrete instance of the "Judges cycle" outlined in [Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2 "Judges 2 - The Cycle of Judges"). The preceding chapters establish the theological framework: Israel's failure to drive out the remaining inhabitants of the land (as commanded in [Judges 1](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - Incomplete Conquest")) led to their entanglement with idolatry, which in turn provoked God's disciplinary hand. This verse is the pivot point, moving from the general description of Israel's sin to the specific manifestation of divine judgment and the introduction of the first oppressor, paving the way for the first deliverer, Othniel, in [Judges 3:9](/judges/3-9 "Judges 3:9 - Othniel, the First Judge").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges, roughly spanning from the death of Joshua to the rise of the monarchy, was marked by political fragmentation, tribal disunity, and spiritual decline within Israel. 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 His Own Eyes")). Chushanrishathaim, king of Mesopotamia (Hebrew: *Aram Naharaim*, "Aram of the two rivers"), represents a foreign power from the northeast. While the precise geographical extent of his rule and the nature of his interaction with Israel are debated, his designation as king of Mesopotamia suggests a significant, though perhaps distant, threat. The act of God "selling" Israel into his hand reflects a common ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine sovereignty over nations and the use of one nation to punish another, often seen in treaty curses where a suzerain might "sell" a rebellious vassal into slavery or subjugation. This serves as a divine judgment, not a commercial transaction, highlighting God's control over historical events.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 3:8 is foundational for several key themes recurring throughout the book. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Judgment and Discipline**, emphasizing that God's "anger" is a righteous and holy response to covenant infidelity, not an uncontrolled emotion. His act of "selling them" is a sovereign, purposeful discipline designed to bring Israel to repentance, underscoring His commitment to His covenant people even through severe means. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating the direct link between Israel's spiritual apostasy (serving Baalim) and their loss of freedom and security. The eight years of oppression serve as a tangible and painful reminder that sin leads to bondage. Lastly, this verse firmly establishes the **Cycle of Sin, Servitude, Supplication, and Salvation** (the "Judges cycle"), which is the structural backbone of the entire book. It shows the initial phase of this cycle: Israel's sin leads to God's judgment, resulting in oppression, which will then lead to their crying out and God raising a deliverer, as described in [Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-19 - The Cycle of Apostasy and Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anger... hot (Hebrew, _charah aph_):** This idiomatic phrase, literally "his nose burned" or "his anger burned," conveys intense, righteous indignation. It is not a capricious human emotion but a holy response of God to sin, a manifestation of His justice and commitment to His covenant. It signifies a settled, burning displeasure that demands a response to the violation of His holiness and the covenant He established with Israel.
* **Sold them (Hebrew, _vayimkerem_):** This verb, derived from *makar* ("to sell"), is used metaphorically here. It does not imply a literal commercial transaction but rather God's sovereign act of delivering, handing over, or abandoning His people to their enemies as a consequence of their disobedience. It emphasizes God's active role in their oppression, not as an arbitrary punishment, but as a just outworking of their choices, fulfilling the warnings of the covenant curses (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Consequences of Disobedience")).
* **Chushanrishathaim (Hebrew, _Kushan Rish'atayim_):** This name is highly significant. While some scholars debate its exact historical identification, its Hebrew form is often interpreted as "Cush of Double Wickedness" or "Cush the Wicked One of Twofold Wickedness." This symbolic name immediately establishes the character of the oppressor as particularly evil and oppressive, underscoring the severity of God's judgment and the depth of Israel's predicament. It also highlights the foreign and hostile nature of the power to whom Israel was subjected.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel":** This clause establishes the divine cause and motivation for the subsequent events. Israel's apostasy, detailed in the preceding verse, directly provoked God's righteous wrath. This is not arbitrary anger but a just response to covenant breaking and spiritual infidelity, demonstrating God's holiness and His intolerance for sin among His chosen people.
* **"and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia":** This explains the specific form of God's judgment. God Himself, in His sovereignty, delivered Israel into the power of a foreign oppressor. The phrase "sold them into the hand of" signifies a complete handover, a loss of freedom and autonomy. Chushanrishathaim, identified as the king of Mesopotamia (Aram Naharaim), signifies a powerful, distant, and formidable adversary, highlighting the extent of Israel's vulnerability and God's sovereign control over even distant nations to execute His purposes.
* **"and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years":** This final clause details the immediate consequence and duration of the oppression. "Served" indicates forced labor, tribute, and subjugation, a direct reversal of their status as God's free people. The specific duration of "eight years" underscores the tangible and prolonged suffering endured, serving as a period of discipline designed to humble Israel and bring them to repentance.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 3:8 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Cause and Effect** is central, as the verse explicitly links Israel's prior disobedience (the cause) to God's hot anger and their subsequent servitude (the effect). This establishes a clear moral and theological framework for understanding divine justice. The phrase "sold them into the hand" is a powerful **Metaphor**, conveying God's sovereign act of delivering His people into bondage without implying a literal commercial transaction. Furthermore, the very name **Chushanrishathaim** functions as **Symbolism**, likely signifying "Cush of Double Wickedness," which not only describes the oppressor's character but also emphasizes the severity and deservedness of Israel's judgment. The verse also serves as **Foreshadowing**, introducing the first instance of the recurring cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance that will define the narrative structure of the entire book of Judges, preparing the reader for the subsequent cycles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 3:8 is a profound theological statement on God's covenant faithfulness and His righteous governance over His people. It reveals that while God is merciful, His holiness demands a response to sin, especially from those in covenant with Him. His "hot anger" is not a human flaw but a divine attribute reflecting His unwavering commitment to justice and the purity of His relationship with Israel. The act of "selling" Israel into servitude underscores His sovereignty, demonstrating that even foreign powers are instruments in His hand to accomplish His disciplinary purposes. This discipline, though painful, is ultimately redemptive, designed to humble His people and draw them back into obedient relationship, preventing their complete apostasy. The repeated cycle initiated here highlights humanity's persistent tendency toward rebellion and God's persistent, though sometimes severe, pursuit of His people's repentance and restoration.

* [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God Disciplines Those He Loves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 3:8 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that while God is rich in mercy, He is also just and holy, and there are tangible consequences for spiritual rebellion and disobedience. For believers today, this verse underscores the importance of guarding our hearts against idolatry, whether it be the worship of material possessions, self, or anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives. While we live under the New Covenant of grace, the principle remains that straying from God's path can lead to spiritual distress, broken fellowship, and a loss of the peace and freedom found in Christ. God's discipline, though painful, is always an expression of His love, intended to draw us back to Him, refine our faith, and restore our communion. It calls us to a posture of humility, quick repentance when we err, and unwavering faithfulness to the One who has delivered us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly "serving other gods" or allowing anything to take precedence over my devotion to the Lord?**
* **How do I typically respond to periods of difficulty or "oppression" in my life? Do I see them as opportunities for God's discipline and a call to repentance, or merely as misfortune?**
* **What does God's "hot anger" in this verse teach me about His character, and how does that understanding shape my reverence and obedience?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a heart of faithfulness and obedience to avoid the "cycle of disobedience" in my own spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**Who was Chushanrishathaim and why is he significant?**

Answer: Chushanrishathaim was the king of Mesopotamia (Aram Naharaim), and he is significant primarily because he was the *first* oppressor God sent against Israel in the period of the Judges. His name itself, often interpreted as "Cush of Double Wickedness," suggests a particularly severe and hostile adversary, underscoring the depth of Israel's sin and the severity of God's judgment. His emergence from Mesopotamia, a powerful region to the northeast, highlights God's sovereign ability to use even distant nations as instruments of His discipline, fulfilling the warnings of the covenant curses found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). His oppression of Israel for eight years sets the precedent for the recurring cycle of foreign domination that characterizes the book.

**What does "the anger of the LORD was hot" mean in this context? Is God prone to human-like fits of rage?**

Answer: The phrase "the anger of the LORD was hot" (Hebrew: *charah aph Yahweh*) is an anthropomorphic expression, attributing a human characteristic (burning anger) to God to help us understand His divine response. It does not imply that God is prone to irrational or uncontrolled fits of rage like humans. Instead, it signifies His righteous indignation and holy displeasure against sin. God's anger is always just, controlled, and purposeful, stemming from His perfect holiness and His commitment to His covenant. In this context, it reflects His offense at Israel's idolatry and covenant breaking, which desecrated His name and jeopardized their relationship. It's a manifestation of His justice, designed to bring about repentance and restore fellowship, not to destroy. This righteous anger is a necessary attribute of a holy God who cannot tolerate evil, as seen in passages like [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge").

**Does God still "sell" or deliver His people into oppression today as a form of discipline?**

Answer: While the specific national covenant and judicial system of Old Testament Israel are distinct from the New Covenant experience of the Church, the underlying principle of divine discipline remains. God does not literally "sell" believers into physical slavery or national oppression today in the same way He did with Israel. However, the New Testament affirms that God disciplines those He loves ([Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God Disciplines Those He Loves")). This discipline can manifest in various ways: allowing natural consequences of sin to unfold, permitting trials and difficulties, or even bringing about a sense of spiritual barrenness or distance when believers stray from His path. The purpose is always redemptive—to correct, purify, and draw His children back into closer fellowship and obedience, not to punish them eternally. The ultimate consequence for sin for believers was borne by Christ on the cross ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")), but God's loving discipline helps us grow in holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The recurring cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance in Judges 3:8 and throughout the book points powerfully to humanity's desperate need for a permanent deliverer and a definitive end to the cycle of rebellion. Israel's inability to maintain faithfulness and their repeated descent into servitude highlight the futility of human effort in overcoming sin and its consequences. Chushanrishathaim's oppression, and the subsequent deliverances by temporary judges like Othniel ([Judges 3:9](/judges/3-9 "Judges 3:9 - Othniel Delivers Israel")), foreshadow the ultimate and perfect deliverance found only in Jesus Christ. Where Israel continually failed to keep the covenant, Christ perfectly fulfilled it. He is the true and eternal Judge, not merely delivering from external oppressors, but from the internal bondage of sin itself, the ultimate "double wickedness" that enslaves humanity ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ bore the "anger of the LORD" against sin, freeing those who believe from the condemnation and power of sin, granting true spiritual freedom ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - Freedom in Christ")). He breaks the cycle of sin and death, offering not just temporary relief but eternal rest and reconciliation with God ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - God's Rest")). Thus, Judges 3:8, with its stark portrayal of human failure and divine judgment, ultimately magnifies the glorious and complete salvation offered through our Lord Jesus Christ, the King who truly delivers His people from all their enemies, visible and invisible ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")).

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 2:14

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

Habakkuk 3:7

I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: [and] the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.

Judges 4:9

And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.

Romans 7:14

¶ For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Deuteronomy 29:20

The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.

Isaiah 50:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Where [is] the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors [is it] to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

Deuteronomy 32:30

How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?