Judges 8:33

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Judges 8:33 tragically chronicles Israel's immediate and profound spiritual relapse following the death of Gideon, their deliverer. Despite God's mighty acts of salvation through Gideon, the nation quickly abandoned their covenant relationship with Yahweh, turning back to the pervasive Canaanite worship of Baalim and explicitly adopting Baalberith as their god. This verse starkly illustrates the cyclical pattern of apostasy that characterized the period of the Judges, highlighting the fragility of faith without consistent, devoted leadership and the persistent allure of idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 8:33 serves as a somber conclusion to the narrative of Gideon, marking a sharp downturn after his significant, though imperfect, leadership. The preceding verses detail Gideon's victory over Midian, his refusal of kingship, and his subsequent creation of an ephod from the spoils, which became an object of worship and "a snare to Gideon and his family" ([Judges 8:27](/judges/8-27 "Judges 8:27 - Gideon's Ephod Becomes a Snare")). While Gideon lived, there was a period of peace, but his death removed the last semblance of a restraining influence against the deep-seated idolatrous tendencies of the people. This verse immediately precedes the rise of Abimelech, Gideon's son, whose violent and self-serving reign further plunges Israel into chaos and internal strife, directly demonstrating the consequences of the nation's spiritual abandonment. The verse thus acts as a pivotal moment, transitioning from a period of relative stability under a judge to one of severe internal conflict and further spiritual decay.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1000 BC) was characterized by Israel's struggle to inhabit and control the land of Canaan, often coexisting with or being influenced by the indigenous Canaanite populations. Canaanite religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods, chief among them El (the supreme god), Asherah (his consort), and Baal (the storm god, responsible for rain and fertility). Baal worship was particularly insidious, involving rituals believed to ensure agricultural prosperity, often including sacred prostitution and child sacrifice. The term "Baalim" (plural) indicates the various local manifestations or cults of Baal. Israel, having been delivered from Egypt and given the Mosaic Law at Sinai, was commanded to worship Yahweh exclusively and to utterly destroy the Canaanite religious infrastructure ([Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Extermination of Canaanites")). However, they consistently failed to do so, leading to constant temptation and syncretism, where elements of Yahweh worship were blended with pagan practices. The mention of "Baalberith" points to a specific manifestation of Baal, likely worshipped in Shechem, where a temple to this deity existed ([Judges 9:4](/judges/9-4 "Judges 9:4 - Abimelech Uses Baalberith's Money")).
* **Key Themes:** Judges 8:33 powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes in the Book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Spiritual Apostasy**, vividly portrayed by Israel "turning again" from Yahweh to "go a whoring after Baalim." This imagery of spiritual infidelity underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel as a marriage, where idolatry is seen as adultery, a profound betrayal of divine faithfulness. Closely related is the **Peril of Idolatry**, which is presented as a constant and destructive temptation for Israel, leading to divine judgment and oppression. The verse also highlights the **Influence of Leadership**, or lack thereof; Gideon's death immediately precipitates a nationwide spiritual decline, demonstrating how the absence of strong, godly leadership can quickly lead to societal and spiritual unraveling. Finally, the specific mention of "Baalberith" (Lord of the Covenant) underscores the theme of **Covenant Unfaithfulness**. By adopting a false god named "Lord of the Covenant," Israel was not merely adding another deity but actively attempting to replace or redefine their sacred covenant with Yahweh, seeking a new guarantor for their national identity and prosperity outside of God's revealed will. This act was a direct affront to the foundational promise and demands of the Mosaic Covenant, as outlined in passages like [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baalim (Hebrew, _Ba'alim'_):** This is the plural form of "Baal," meaning "lord" or "master." In Canaanite religion, Baal was the primary storm and fertility god, believed to bring rain and ensure agricultural prosperity. The plural "Baalim" refers to the various local manifestations or cults of Baal, indicating that Israel's apostasy was not directed at a single, unified pagan deity but encompassed the diverse idolatrous practices prevalent across the region. It suggests a widespread, decentralized turning away from Yahweh to numerous local "lords."
* **Went a whoring (Hebrew, _zanah'_):** This verb literally means "to commit harlotry" or "to prostitute oneself." In the biblical context, particularly in the prophetic books and historical narratives, it is a powerful and frequent metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. It portrays Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh as a sacred marriage, where God is the faithful husband and Israel is His bride. By worshipping other gods, Israel is depicted as committing spiritual adultery, betraying the exclusive devotion promised to Yahweh. This imagery emphasizes the profound intimacy and personal betrayal inherent in their apostasy.
* **Baalberith (Hebrew, _Ba'al Berîth'_):** This specific deity's name translates to "Lord of the Covenant." The mention of "Baalberith" is highly significant and deeply ironic. Yahweh is the true "Lord of the Covenant" who established His covenant with Israel at Sinai, promising blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. By making "Baalberith" their god, Israel was not just worshipping another deity; they were attempting to replace Yahweh as the guarantor and object of their national covenant. This suggests a deliberate and blasphemous redefinition of their relationship with the divine, seeking a false god to secure their prosperity and identity, rather than relying on the faithful God of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead":** This opening clause establishes a direct causal link between Gideon's demise and Israel's immediate spiritual decline. It highlights the precarious nature of Israel's faith during this period, often dependent on the presence and influence of a strong leader. Gideon, despite his own spiritual compromises (like the ephod), had evidently served as a restraining force against wholesale apostasy. His death removed this barrier, demonstrating the fragility of a community's faith when it is not deeply rooted in individual conviction and corporate commitment to God.
* **"that the children of Israel turned again":** The phrase "turned again" (Hebrew, _shuv_) signifies a reversion or return to a previous state, emphasizing the cyclical pattern of apostasy and repentance characteristic of the Judges period. It indicates that this was not a new temptation but a relapse into familiar, entrenched behaviors of unfaithfulness. It speaks to the persistent spiritual amnesia of the people, who repeatedly forgot God's deliverance and turned away from His commands despite previous experiences of divine judgment and restoration.
* **"and went a whoring after Baalim":** This clause vividly describes the nature of Israel's apostasy as spiritual adultery. The plural "Baalim" indicates a widespread embrace of various local Canaanite fertility cults, demonstrating a comprehensive abandonment of exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The metaphor of "whoring" underscores the profound betrayal of their covenant relationship with God, likening their pursuit of false gods to a bride's infidelity to her husband, highlighting the emotional and spiritual depth of their unfaithfulness.
* **"and made Baalberith their god":** This final clause specifies the particular and deeply offensive nature of their idolatry. By explicitly making "Baalberith" (Lord of the Covenant) their god, Israel was not merely dabbling in syncretism but directly challenging and attempting to replace Yahweh as the sovereign covenant partner. This act was a deliberate rejection of the unique and exclusive covenant God had established with them, seeking a pagan deity to fulfill the role of their national protector and provider, thereby blaspheming the very concept of God's covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 8:33 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the portrayal of Israel's idolatry as "whoring" or spiritual adultery. This device powerfully communicates the intimate and exclusive nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel, likening it to a marriage. By engaging in idolatry, Israel is depicted as a faithless bride, betraying the fidelity owed to her divine husband, Yahweh. This metaphor evokes strong emotional responses of betrayal and heartbreak, emphasizing the gravity of their sin beyond mere theological error. Furthermore, the verse uses **Irony** in the naming of "Baalberith." Yahweh is the true "Lord of the Covenant," yet Israel chooses a false god with this very title, creating a bitter irony that underscores their profound spiritual delusion and blasphemy. This choice highlights their attempt to find security and identity outside of their true covenant Lord. Finally, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the escalating chaos and moral decay detailed in the subsequent chapters of Judges, particularly the narrative of Abimelech, which directly follows this verse and is rooted in the very city (Shechem) where Baalberith was worshipped.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:33 stands as a stark theological warning, illustrating the persistent human propensity for idolatry and the devastating consequences of spiritual complacency. It underscores the foundational biblical truth that God demands exclusive devotion, as enshrined in the first commandment. Israel's immediate relapse after Gideon's death reveals that true faith is not merely dependent on charismatic leadership but requires deep, personal commitment and corporate vigilance against the seductive allure of anything that usurps God's rightful place. The adoption of "Baalberith" is a chilling reminder that idolatry is not always about worshipping a physical idol but can involve seeking security, identity, or prosperity from sources other than God, thereby redefining one's ultimate allegiance. This verse powerfully teaches that covenant faithfulness is paramount, and any deviation leads to spiritual barrenness and societal breakdown.

* [Deuteronomy 6:14-15](/deuteronomy/6-14 "Deuteronomy 6:14-15 - Do Not Follow Other Gods")
* [Hosea 2:13](/hosea/2-13 "Hosea 2:13 - Punishment for Baals")
* [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 8:33 serves as a timeless mirror reflecting the human heart's vulnerability to spiritual drift and the subtle, yet pervasive, nature of idolatry. For believers today, this verse is a potent call to vigilance, reminding us that our spiritual health is not guaranteed by past victories or the presence of strong leaders, but by our ongoing, personal, and corporate commitment to exclusive devotion to God. We must honestly examine our lives for "Baalim"—anything that competes for God's rightful place, whether it be wealth, career, relationships, comfort, or even good causes, if they become ultimate. The immediate relapse after Gideon's death underscores that spiritual discipline is a continuous journey, requiring intentional cultivation of our relationship with Christ, prayer, engagement with Scripture, and active participation in a faithful community. Our loyalty to God must be absolute, for He alone is the true "Lord of the Covenant" who provides lasting security and identity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Gideons" (influential leaders or seasons of spiritual fervor) have been present in my life, and how have I maintained or neglected my faith when those influences waned?**
* **In what subtle ways might I be "whoring after Baalim" in my own life, allowing anything to take God's rightful place in my affections or trust?**
* **How does my personal commitment to Christ contribute to or detract from the spiritual health of my community or church?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more resilient personal devotion to God that is not dependent on external circumstances or leaders?**

### FAQ
**Why is Israel's idolatry described as "whoring" or "spiritual adultery" in this verse and elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: The description of Israel's idolatry as "whoring" or "spiritual adultery" is a powerful and intentional metaphor used throughout the Old Testament, particularly by the prophets, to convey the profound nature of their unfaithfulness to God. It stems from the understanding of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel as a sacred marriage. At Mount Sinai, God "married" Israel, pledging His faithfulness and demanding their exclusive devotion in return ([Jeremiah 2:2](/jeremiah/2-2 "Jeremiah 2:2 - God's Love for Israel")). Just as a wife is to be exclusively devoted to her husband, Israel was to be exclusively devoted to Yahweh. Therefore, when Israel turned to worship other gods, it was not merely a theological error but a profound act of betrayal, akin to a wife committing adultery against her husband. This metaphor emphasizes the intimacy, exclusivity, and emotional depth of the covenant, highlighting the heartbreak and offense caused by Israel's infidelity. It underscores that God's relationship with His people is personal and deeply relational, not merely transactional. Prophets like Hosea vividly illustrate this concept, portraying God as the faithful, long-suffering husband pursuing His unfaithful bride ([Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - Hosea's Marriage as a Sign")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 8:33, with its stark portrayal of Israel's immediate relapse into idolatry after Gideon's death, powerfully highlights humanity's desperate need for a perfect, enduring deliverer and a new covenant. Gideon, like all human judges, was imperfect and temporary; his influence waned with his life, leaving Israel vulnerable to their inherent spiritual weakness. This verse underscores the failure of human leadership and the Old Covenant to fundamentally transform the human heart and secure lasting faithfulness. It points forward to the ultimate "Lord of the Covenant," Jesus Christ, who is not merely a temporary judge but the eternal King and High Priest, whose perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection establish a New Covenant based on grace, not human performance ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A Better Covenant")). Unlike Gideon, whose death led to apostasy, Christ's death secured our redemption and, through His Spirit, empowers believers to live in genuine fidelity to God. He is the one true "Lord" who truly breaks the power of idolatry—whether it be the overt worship of false gods or the subtle idols of self-reliance, materialism, or comfort ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things")). In Christ, we find the perfect and permanent leader, the faithful covenant partner who enables us to truly "flee from idolatry" ([1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")) and remain steadfast in our devotion to the one true 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

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.