Judges 6:1

KJV

¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} did {H6213} evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}: and the LORD {H3068} delivered {H5414} them into the hand {H3027} of Midian {H4080} seven {H7651} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the people of Isra'el did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective, so ADONAI handed them over to Midyan for seven years.

Berean Standard Bible

Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; so He delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years,

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah: and Jehovah delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:1 inaugurates the fifth major cycle of apostasy and oppression within the book of Judges, succinctly stating that the Israelites' persistent "evil in the sight of the LORD" directly resulted in their subjugation under the Midianites for a period of seven years. This verse not only highlights Israel's recurring spiritual unfaithfulness but also underscores God's sovereign and disciplinary response, thereby meticulously setting the stage for the dramatic narrative of Gideon's subsequent call and the eventual deliverance of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:1 immediately follows the climactic and triumphant Song of Deborah and Barak in [Judges 5](/judges/5 "Judges 5 - The Song of Deborah and Barak"), which celebrates a decisive victory over the Canaanites and a subsequent forty-year period of peace ([Judges 5:31](/judges/5-31 "Judges 5:31 - Forty Years of Peace")). This abrupt transition from national peace and prosperity to renewed apostasy and severe oppression highlights the cyclical nature of Israel's relationship with God as meticulously presented throughout the book of Judges. The verse serves as the narrative hinge, initiating the next major "apostasy-oppression-cry-deliverance" cycle, a foundational literary pattern established early in the book, particularly in [Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-19 - The Cycle of Apostasy"). It precisely sets the stage for the call of Gideon, one of Israel's most prominent judges, and his subsequent confrontation with the formidable Midianite threat.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the initial conquest of Canaan, Israel often struggled to fully dispossess the inhabitants and eradicate their idolatrous practices, as explicitly commanded by God. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other "children of the east," were formidable nomadic desert tribes, descendants of Abraham through Keturah ([Genesis 25:1-2](/genesis/25-1 "Genesis 25:1-2 - Abraham's Descendants Through Keturah")), who inhabited the regions east and south of Israel. Their oppression was characterized by devastating annual raids during the crucial harvest season. They would sweep into Israel's fertile lands, destroying crops, seizing livestock, and leaving the land desolate ([Judges 6:3-6](/judges/6-3 "Judges 6:3-6 - Midianite Oppression")). This was not a military occupation but an economic and psychological warfare tactic designed to impoverish and terrorize the Israelites, forcing them to hide in caves and strongholds. This type of nomadic raiding was a common threat in the ancient Near East, and Israel's vulnerability underscored their failure to trust in God for protection and provision.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reiterates several pervasive themes within the book of Judges. Firstly, the **Cycle of Sin and Consequences** is starkly evident: Israel's "evil in the sight of the LORD" directly precipitates divine judgment in the form of foreign oppression. This phrase, or similar variations, is a recurring indictment throughout Judges, indicating a deliberate and persistent turning away from God's covenant. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Discipline** is central; the text explicitly states, "the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian." This is not random misfortune but God's sovereign, purposeful action to chastise His people and call them back to Himself, a principle articulated in [Proverbs 3:11-12](/proverbs/3-11 "Proverbs 3:11-12 - God's Discipline") and later affirmed in [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves"). Finally, the verse foreshadows the **Need for a Deliverer**, setting the stage for Israel's eventual cry for help ([Judges 6:7](/judges/6-7 "Judges 6:7 - Israel Cries Out")) and God's raising of Gideon, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness even in the face of His people's unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _hara'_):** This term (הָרַע) signifies not merely a mistake or misfortune, but a deliberate moral and spiritual transgression against God's revealed will and covenant. In the context of Judges, it specifically refers to Israel's abandonment of Yahweh for the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities, a direct violation of the first commandment and the covenant made at Sinai. It encompasses idolatry, injustice, and disobedience to the Mosaic Law, emphasizing a conscious choice to act contrary to God's holiness.
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _natan'_):** The verb נָתַן (natan) means "to give," "to place," or "to deliver." Here, it explicitly attributes the Midianite oppression to the Lord's active agency. It underscores God's sovereignty over history and His direct involvement in the affairs of His people, even when that involvement takes the form of disciplinary judgment. This is a profound theological statement, not merely a historical observation, emphasizing that the suffering was a consequence divinely ordained to achieve a redemptive purpose.
* **Midian (Hebrew, _Midyan'_):** (מִדְיָן) As descendants of Abraham through Keturah, the Midianites had a complex and often hostile relationship with Israel. In this period, they represent a significant, oppressive force used by God as an instrument of His discipline. Their identity as nomadic raiders highlights the specific nature of the threat—not territorial conquest, but economic devastation and terror, designed to break Israel's self-reliance and draw them back to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD":** This clause establishes the foundational cause of the ensuing oppression. It signifies a profound moral and spiritual failure, a turning away from the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The phrase "in the sight of the LORD" emphasizes that their actions were not hidden from God; He was fully aware of their disobedience and idolatry, and it provoked His righteous and necessary response. This recurring indictment throughout Judges highlights Israel's chronic unfaithfulness and spiritual rebellion.
* **"and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian":** This clause reveals the divine response to Israel's sin. It attributes the oppression directly to God's sovereign hand. The Midianites are not merely an external threat but instruments of divine discipline. God "gave" or "handed over" His people to their enemies, indicating His active and purposeful role in allowing the suffering as a means to bring them to repentance and restore their broken relationship with Him. This underscores God's justice and His commitment to His covenant.
* **"seven years":** This specifies the duration of the Midianite oppression. The number seven often carries symbolic weight in biblical narratives, frequently indicating completeness, perfection, or a divinely appointed period. Here, it denotes a significant, prolonged period of intense suffering—long enough to cause deep distress and bring Israel to a point of desperation and a cry for deliverance, yet not so long as to annihilate them. It signifies a full, divinely appointed period of chastisement designed to achieve a specific spiritual outcome.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 6:1 employs several key literary devices that enhance its theological message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the recurring "cycle" motif that defines the book of Judges: Israel's apostasy, divine judgment (oppression), Israel's cry for help, and God's raising of a deliverer. This verse initiates the next iteration of this pattern, reinforcing the book's overarching message about Israel's spiritual instability and God's persistent faithfulness. **Foreshadowing** is also evident, as the stated duration of "seven years" and the introduction of the Midianite threat immediately set the stage for Gideon's narrative, hinting at the coming struggle and eventual deliverance. Furthermore, the phrase "did evil in the sight of the LORD" functions as a **Theological Statement**, acting as a concise summary and divine judgment of Israel's spiritual condition, directly linking their actions to divinely orchestrated consequences. The naming of "Midian" also serves as a form of **Metonymy**, where the name of the oppressor stands for the entire experience of suffering, economic devastation, and terror inflicted upon Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:1 profoundly illustrates the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience brings blessing and disobedience invites discipline. It underscores the biblical principle that God is sovereign over nations and uses even hostile powers as instruments of His righteous judgment and redemptive purposes. This verse is a stark reminder that God's love for His people includes His willingness to allow hardship to draw them back to Himself, preventing them from straying permanently into destructive idolatry. It sets the stage for the recurring theme of God's patience and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even when His people are faithless. The suffering under Midian was intended to lead Israel to repentance and a renewed reliance on Yahweh, their true King and Deliverer.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Psalm 106:40-46](/psalms/106-40 "Psalm 106:40-46 - Israel's Disobedience and God's Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 6:1 serves as a timeless mirror for the human heart and a profound lesson in divine pedagogy. It reminds us that spiritual complacency and deliberate disobedience to God's revealed will inevitably lead to negative consequences, whether through direct divine discipline or the natural outworking of our choices in a fallen world. For believers today, this verse calls for a sober self-examination of our own "sight of the LORD"—are our actions and attitudes truly pleasing to Him, or are we drifting into spiritual compromise? God's allowance of hardship, as seen with Israel, is often a loving, albeit painful, invitation to return to Him, to acknowledge our dependence, and to seek His deliverance. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of continual repentance, vigilance against spiritual apathy, and unwavering trust in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances are challenging. Our response to difficulty should be to turn to the Lord, recognizing His sovereign hand and seeking His redemptive purpose in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "doing evil in the sight of the LORD" through disobedience or spiritual apathy?**
* **How do I typically respond when I experience difficult consequences or periods of hardship? Do I recognize God's hand in them, even if disciplinary?**
* **What lessons can I learn from Israel's cycle of sin and deliverance about the importance of consistent vigilance and reliance on God?**

### FAQ
**What specific "evil" did the children of Israel do that led to this oppression?**

Answer: While Judges 6:1 itself uses the general phrase "did evil in the sight of the LORD," the broader context of the book, particularly [Judges 2:11-13](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-13 - Israel Forsakes the LORD"), specifies that Israel's primary sin was idolatry—forsaking Yahweh, the God who delivered them from Egypt, and instead serving Baal and the Ashtoreths, the gods of the surrounding Canaanite peoples. This spiritual unfaithfulness was a direct violation of the first commandment and the covenant God made with them at Sinai, leading to a breakdown of their relationship with God and their societal order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Judges 6:1 describes a cycle of sin and judgment under the Old Covenant, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate solution to humanity's pervasive "evil in the sight of the LORD" found in Jesus Christ. Israel's repeated failure to maintain covenant fidelity highlights the deep-seated problem of human sinfulness, a condition that no amount of divine discipline or temporary deliverance could permanently rectify. The need for a deliverer, first met by figures like Gideon, ultimately points to the [one true Deliverer, Jesus Christ](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), who broke the cycle of sin and death not through temporary military victory, but through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice. Where Israel repeatedly failed to uphold the covenant, Christ perfectly fulfilled all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). His death on the cross was the ultimate divine "delivery" of the Son into the hands of sinful humanity, not as a punishment for His own sin, but as a substitutionary act to bear the judgment for *our* evil ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through faith in Him, believers are freed from the bondage of sin and its consequences, entering into a new covenant where God's law is written on their hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")) and the Holy Spirit empowers them to live in obedience, breaking the old cycle of rebellion and judgment. The seven years of oppression in Judges, a period of suffering designed to bring repentance, ultimately points to the eternal deliverance and peace offered through the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Nehemiah 9:26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

Nehemiah 9:29

And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

Numbers 31:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 31:3

And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian.

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.

Judges 2:20

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;

Deuteronomy 28:15

¶ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: