Judges 6:4

KJV

And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they encamped {H2583} against them, and destroyed {H7843} the increase {H2981} of the earth {H776}, till thou come {H935} unto Gaza {H5804}, and left {H7604} no sustenance {H4241} for Israel {H3478}, neither sheep {H7716}, nor ox {H7794}, nor ass {H2543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They set up camp by them and destroyed the produce of the country all the way to 'Azah; they left nothing for people to live on, no sheep, no oxen, no donkeys.

Berean Standard Bible

encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys.

American Standard Version

and they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance in Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:4 vividly depicts the catastrophic economic and agricultural devastation inflicted upon Israel by the Midianites, Amalekites, and "children of the east." This verse underscores the severe consequences of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience, illustrating how God's disciplinary hand allowed external enemies to strip His people of their vital resources, leaving them in a state of extreme destitution, famine, and vulnerability, extending from their heartland all the way to the Philistine border.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:4 is situated within the cyclical narrative of the Book of Judges, specifically at the beginning of the Gideon narrative. Following a period of peace under Deborah and Barak, the Israelites once again "did evil in the sight of the LORD" ([Judges 6:1](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1 - Israel's Disobedience")), prompting divine judgment. The preceding verses establish the Midianites' oppressive seven-year rule, characterized by their annual incursions that destroyed Israel's produce and livestock. Verse 4 details the extent and severity of this plundering, setting the stage for Israel's desperate cry to God ([Judges 6:7](/judges/6-7 "Judges 6:7 - Israel Cries Out")) and the subsequent call of Gideon as their deliverer ([Judges 6:11-16](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11-16 - The Call of Gideon")). This verse highlights the depth of Israel's suffering, which was necessary to drive them to repentance and seek divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (c. 1375-1050 BC) was marked by a decentralized tribal society in Canaan, lacking a strong central government or standing army. This made Israel particularly vulnerable to external threats. The Midianites, often allied with the Amalekites and other nomadic "children of the east," were desert raiders known for their swift, camel-borne attacks. Their strategy, as described in this verse, was not to occupy territory but to conduct devastating annual raids, timed to coincide with the harvest. They would sweep through the fertile valleys, destroying crops and seizing all available livestock, effectively crippling Israel's agricultural economy and reducing them to subsistence living or worse. The mention of "Gaza" indicates the vast geographical reach of these raids, extending from the Jordan Valley across the central highlands to the southwestern coastal plain, demonstrating the widespread nature of the oppression.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 6:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Discipline**, where God uses external adversaries as a means of correcting His disobedient people, fulfilling the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The verse also emphasizes **Economic and Agricultural Devastation**, portraying the complete obliteration of Israel's livelihood, which serves as a tangible manifestation of their spiritual barrenness and separation from God's blessing. Furthermore, it highlights Israel's profound **Vulnerability and Desperation** during this era, underscoring their desperate need for a deliverer and God's sovereign intervention. The widespread nature of the destruction, "till thou come unto Gaza," underscores the theme of **Comprehensive Judgment**, indicating that no part of the land or its people was untouched by the consequences of their sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Destroyed (Hebrew, _shachat'_):** This verb carries a strong connotation of ruin, corruption, and laying waste. It's not merely about taking or consuming, but about actively spoiling and rendering unusable. In the context of agriculture, it implies a deliberate act of making the land unproductive, perhaps by trampling, burning, or simply not allowing anything to remain for the Israelites. It speaks to the malicious intent and thoroughness of the Midianite plundering.
* **Increase of the earth (Hebrew, _yevul ha'aretz'_):** This phrase specifically refers to the agricultural produce or yield of the land—crops, fruits, and anything grown. It signifies the very foundation of an agrarian society's sustenance. The destruction of this "increase" meant the direct removal of their food supply, leading inevitably to famine and starvation.
* **Sustenance (Hebrew, _michyah'_):** Broader than just "food," _michyah_ refers to one's livelihood, means of life, or provisions necessary for survival. By stating that no "sustenance" was left, the text emphasizes the absolute deprivation Israel faced. It encompasses not only food but also the means to produce it or trade for it, indicating a complete economic collapse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they encamped against them,"**: This opening clause establishes the aggressive posture and sustained presence of the Midianite coalition. "Encamped against them" implies a military-style operation, a hostile occupation or siege, rather than mere hit-and-run raids. It suggests a deliberate, organized campaign of oppression.
* **"and destroyed the increase of the earth,"**: This is the core action of the invaders. They systematically ruined the agricultural yield. This wasn't just taking what was ripe; it was an act of scorched-earth policy, ensuring that future harvests would also be impacted, leading to prolonged famine. It speaks to the thoroughness of their destructive intent.
* **"till thou come unto Gaza,"**: This geographical marker defines the immense scope of the Midianite devastation. Gaza, a significant Philistine city on the southwestern coast, marked the traditional western boundary of Israel's sphere of influence. This phrase indicates that the Midianite raids extended across the entire breadth of Israelite territory, from the Jordan Valley to the Mediterranean coast, leaving no region untouched by their destructive campaigns.
* **"and left no sustenance for Israel,"**: This clause summarizes the devastating outcome of the Midianite actions. "No sustenance" underscores the complete deprivation and destitution of the Israelites. It signifies that all means of survival—food, resources, and the ability to generate them—were systematically removed, pushing the population to the brink of starvation.
* **"neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass."**: This final enumeration provides specific examples of the "sustenance" that was taken. These three animals represent the primary forms of livestock crucial for Israelite life: sheep for wool, meat, and milk; oxen for plowing, labor, and meat; and asses for transport and labor. Their removal meant the loss of immediate food, future agricultural capacity, and essential transportation, completing the picture of utter economic ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 6:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey the depth of Israel's suffering. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "left no sustenance for Israel," which, while perhaps not literally meaning zero provisions, powerfully conveys the near-total obliteration of their resources and the extreme hardship they faced. This exaggeration emphasizes the severity of their plight. **Vivid Imagery** is used to paint a stark picture of desolation: the "destroyed increase of the earth" conjures images of barren fields and ruined harvests, while the absence of "sheep, nor ox, nor ass" evokes empty pastures and silent homesteads. The use of **Merism** in "neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass" functions as a comprehensive list, representing all categories of essential livestock, thereby underscoring the completeness of the plunder. Finally, the **Geographical Marker** "till thou come unto Gaza" serves to highlight the vast and pervasive extent of the Midianite oppression, demonstrating that the entire land, from east to west, was under siege.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:4 serves as a stark reminder of the covenantal consequences of disobedience, echoing the warnings given to Israel in the Mosaic Law. The systematic destruction of their agricultural produce and livestock directly fulfills the curses promised for apostasy, where God warned that He would send enemies to consume their land's yield and livestock, leaving them destitute. This divine discipline was not arbitrary but purposeful, designed to humble Israel and drive them back to a faithful relationship with their God. The verse underscores God's sovereignty over nations and natural resources, demonstrating His ability to use even pagan invaders as instruments of His righteous judgment and redemptive plan for His people. It highlights the principle that spiritual health directly impacts material well-being, and a departure from God's commands can lead to profound societal and economic breakdown.

* [Leviticus 26:16](/leviticus/26-16 "Leviticus 26:16 - Covenant Curses: Sickness and Ruin")
* [Deuteronomy 28:33](/deuteronomy/28-33 "Deuteronomy 28:33 - Covenant Curses: Foreigners Devour Produce")
* [Amos 4:6-9](/amos/4-6 "Amos 4:6-9 - God's Discipline Through Famine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 6:4 offers a profound spiritual lesson for believers today, reminding us that while God's covenant with His New Testament people is one of grace and not law, the principle of consequences for spiritual drifting remains. Just as Israel's idolatry led to a "famine" of physical sustenance, our spiritual apathy, neglect of God's Word, and pursuit of worldly idols can lead to a "famine" in our souls—a loss of joy, peace, purpose, and spiritual vitality. This verse calls us to examine areas where we might be neglecting our relationship with God, allowing spiritual "Midianites" (distractions, sin, worldly pursuits) to "destroy the increase" of our spiritual lives. It compels us to recognize that true sustenance and flourishing come from abiding in God, not from earthly possessions or security. When we find ourselves in a state of spiritual barrenness, this passage encourages us to cry out to the Lord, just as Israel eventually did, trusting that He is a God who hears, delivers, and restores. Our greatest security is not in our material abundance, but in our unwavering dependence on His provision and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing a "famine" or lack of "sustenance," and could this be linked to spiritual neglect or idolatry?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of God's discipline, and how can I respond to it with humility and repentance rather than despair?**
* **What "increase of the earth" (material possessions, career, relationships) might I be placing above my dependence on God, and how can I reorient my priorities?**
* **How does the widespread nature of Israel's suffering ("till thou come unto Gaza") illustrate the pervasive impact of corporate sin, and what is my role in seeking spiritual health within my community?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the Midianite raids described in Judges 6:4?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Midianite raids was not permanent territorial conquest but systematic economic devastation. They aimed to strip Israel of its agricultural produce and livestock, effectively destroying their means of livelihood and reducing them to a state of extreme poverty and famine. This annual plundering, timed after the harvest, served to prevent Israel from accumulating wealth or resources, keeping them in a state of weakness and dependence, which in the biblical narrative, was a direct consequence of their disobedience to God, intended to humble them and drive them back to Him (see [Judges 6:1](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1 - Israel's Renewed Sin")).

**How does Judges 6:4 relate to the broader cycle of sin and deliverance in the Book of Judges?**

Answer: Judges 6:4 is a crucial part of the "sin-suffering-supplication-salvation" cycle that defines the Book of Judges. It represents the "suffering" phase, detailing the severe consequences of Israel's "sin" (idolatry and disobedience, as mentioned in [Judges 6:1](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1 - Israel's Disobedience")). The extreme economic devastation described in this verse ultimately leads to Israel's desperate "supplication" or cry to the Lord ([Judges 6:7](/judges/6-7 "Judges 6:7 - Israel Cries Out")), which then prompts God to raise up a "savior" or deliverer, in this case, Gideon ([Judges 6:11](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11 - The Call of Gideon")), thus completing the cycle with "salvation" or deliverance. The severity of the suffering in verse 4 underscores the depth of their repentance and the urgency of God's intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 6:4, with its depiction of Israel's utter destitution and lack of sustenance, powerfully foreshadows humanity's spiritual condition apart from Christ. Just as the Midianites stripped Israel of all physical provision, sin has left humanity spiritually bankrupt, unable to produce any "increase" that can truly satisfy or sustain. We are left without "sustenance" for our souls, facing a spiritual famine that no earthly resource can alleviate. However, the narrative of Judges, which moves from despair to the raising of a deliverer, ultimately points to Jesus Christ. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who delivers us not from physical oppression, but from the far greater tyranny of sin and death. He declares Himself to be the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), promising that those who come to Him will never hunger and those who believe in Him will never thirst, providing the ultimate spiritual sustenance that the Midianites could never destroy. In Christ, the devastating famine of sin is overcome by an abundance of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life, fulfilling Israel's desperate need for a deliverer and provision in a way that transcends all earthly understanding.

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

Leviticus 26:16

I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

Deuteronomy 28:51

And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which [also] shall not leave thee [either] corn, wine, or oil, [or] the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.

Micah 6:15

Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.

Deuteronomy 28:33

The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:

Jeremiah 49:9

If grapegatherers come to thee, would they not leave [some] gleaning grapes? if thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough.

Jeremiah 49:10

But I have made Esau bare, I have uncovered his secret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself: his seed is spoiled, and his brethren, and his neighbours, and he [is] not.

Genesis 10:19

And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.