Judges 8:33

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.

And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon {H1439} was dead {H4191}, that the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} turned again {H7725}, and went a whoring {H2181} after {H310} Baalim {H1168}, and made {H7760} Baalberith {H1170} their god {H430}.

But as soon as Gid'on was dead, the people of Isra'el again went astray after the ba'alim and made Ba'al-B'rit their god.

And as soon as Gideon was dead, the Israelites turned and prostituted themselves with the Baals, and they set up Baal-berith as their god.

And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and played the harlot after the Baalim, and made Baal-berith their god.

Commentary

Judges 8:33 marks a tragic turning point in the narrative of Israel following the death of Gideon, a prominent judge who had delivered them from Midianite oppression. This verse succinctly captures the spiritual decline and unfaithfulness that plagued Israel during this turbulent period.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Book of Judges repeatedly illustrates a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, often summarized in Judges 2:11-19. After a period of peace under a judge, the people would inevitably "turn again" to idolatry. Gideon, despite his initial faithfulness and mighty acts of deliverance, had a mixed legacy, including the creation of an ephod that became an object of worship (Judges 8:27). His death removed a restraining influence, leading to an immediate and widespread return to the prevalent Canaanite religious practices.

The Canaanites worshipped various gods, chief among them Baal, a storm and fertility deity. The worship of Baal often involved rituals associated with agricultural prosperity and, regrettably, sexual immorality. This verse highlights Israel's persistent struggle to remain distinct from the surrounding cultures and faithful to the covenant made with Yahweh at Sinai.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spiritual Apostasy: The phrase "turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim" vividly describes Israel's abandonment of the true God for false deities. This is not merely a change of religion but a profound spiritual betrayal, likened to marital infidelity.
  • The Peril of Idolatry: The verse underscores the constant temptation and danger of idolatry for ancient Israel. It's a reminder that true worship demands exclusive devotion to God, as commanded in the first commandment.
  • Influence of Leadership: Gideon's presence, though imperfect, had evidently kept the nation from wholesale apostasy. His death reveals how quickly a community can regress without strong, godly leadership and individual spiritual commitment.
  • Covenant Unfaithfulness: By making "Baalberith their god," Israel directly challenged their covenant relationship with Yahweh. "Baal-berith" means "Lord of the Covenant," an ironic and blasphemous title for a false god, implying they sought a new covenant or a syncretistic blend of religions.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Baalim" (plural of Baal) refers to the various local manifestations or cults of the Canaanite god Baal. Each community might have had its own "Baal," hence the plural usage. The phrase "went a whoring after Baalim" is a common biblical metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness, portraying Israel's relationship with God as a marriage, and idolatry as adultery (see Hosea 1:2).

The specific mention of "Baalberith" (Hebrew: Ba'al Berîth) meaning "Lord of the Covenant," is highly significant. It suggests a deliberate attempt to replace or redefine the covenant God had established with Israel, substituting Yahweh with a pagan deity as the guarantor of their national identity and prosperity.

Practical Application

Judges 8:33 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual complacency and the seductive power of worldly influences. For believers today:

  • Vigilance is Key: Just as Israel quickly reverted, we must be vigilant against subtle forms of idolatry—anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives, be it wealth, status, comfort, or even good causes.
  • Importance of Discipleship: The verse highlights the fragility of faith passed down through generations without genuine personal conviction. Each individual must cultivate their own relationship with God, not merely rely on the faith of leaders or parents.
  • Leadership Matters: While leaders cannot force faith, their example and teaching are crucial. This verse reminds us of the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide the flock towards faithful obedience and the need for communities to seek and support such leadership.
  • Covenant Loyalty: Our relationship with God is founded on His grace and our responsive loyalty. We are called to exclusive devotion, recognizing Him as the sole Lord of our lives and our covenant partner, as Jesus taught about serving two masters.
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Cross-References

  • Judges 9:46

    And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard [that], they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith.

  • Judges 9:4

    And they gave him threescore and ten [pieces] of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.

  • 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 2:17

    And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; [but] they did not so.

  • Judges 8:27

    And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, [even] in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.

  • 2 Chronicles 24:17

    Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.

  • 2 Chronicles 24:18

    And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.