Judges 6:9

And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land;

And I delivered {H5337} you out of the hand {H3027} of the Egyptians {H4714}, and out of the hand {H3027} of all that oppressed {H3905} you, and drave them out {H1644} from before {H6440} you, and gave {H5414} you their land {H776};

I delivered you from the power of the Egyptians and from the power of all your oppressors. I drove them out ahead of you and gave you their land.

I delivered you out of the hands of Egypt and all your oppressors. I drove them out before you and gave you their land.

and I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drove them out from before you, and gave you their land;

Commentary

Judges 6:9 is part of a prophetic message delivered by an unnamed prophet to the Israelites, immediately preceding the angel of the Lord's appearance to Gideon. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's past faithfulness and mighty acts on behalf of His people, contrasting it with their current state of oppression under the Midianites.

Context

The book of Judges details a recurring cycle in Israel's history: sin, oppression, crying out to God, and deliverance through a judge. At this point in Judges chapter 6, Israel has been suffering severe oppression from the Midianites for seven years due to their idolatry (Judges 6:1). In response to their cries, God sends a prophet to recount His historical acts of salvation, setting the stage for Gideon's call to deliver Israel. This verse specifically highlights two foundational events in Israel's history:

  • Deliverance from Egypt: The prophet reminds them of God's miraculous rescue from bondage in Egypt, a pivotal moment defining Israel's identity as a nation. This refers to the Exodus event, where God demonstrated His power over Pharaoh and the Egyptian army.
  • Conquest of Canaan: God not only freed them but also dispossessed their enemies and gave them the Promised Land, fulfilling His ancient covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:7) and Moses (Deuteronomy 6:10).

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness: The verse powerfully underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people are unfaithful. He consistently acts as their deliverer and provider.
  • God's Mighty Acts: It emphasizes God's sovereign power to deliver from oppression ("drave them out") and to establish His people in their inheritance ("gave you their land").
  • Historical Reminder: The recounting of past deliverances serves as a foundational argument for God's ability and willingness to act again. It's a call to remember His character and track record.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire context of Judges 6 implies that Israel's current oppression is a direct result of forgetting these past acts of God and turning away from Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verbs used in this verse convey strong, active divine intervention:

  • "Delivered" (Hebrew: natsal) means to rescue, snatch away, or set free, often implying a forceful and decisive act of liberation.
  • "Oppressed" (Hebrew: lachats) describes the severe pressure, distress, or affliction Israel experienced, making God's deliverance all the more significant.
  • "Drave them out" (Hebrew: garash) signifies expelling or dispossessing, highlighting God's active role in clearing the land for Israel.

These terms collectively paint a picture of God as an active, powerful, and committed rescuer of His people.

Practical Application

Judges 6:9 offers timeless encouragement and challenge for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Track Record: When facing current challenges or oppression, believers can look back to God's past faithfulness in their lives and in biblical history. Remembering how God has delivered before provides a strong foundation for trusting Him now.
  • God's Unchanging Character: This verse reminds us that God is unchanging. His power to deliver and His commitment to His promises are as true today as they were for ancient Israel.
  • Hope in Despair: Just as God reminded Israel of His past acts to stir hope in their despair, we can find hope in God's character when we feel overwhelmed by circumstances. He is able to deliver from spiritual oppression, sin, and despair.
  • A Call to Remember: The prophet's words are a call for Israel to remember God's goodness, which they had forgotten. Similarly, we are called to remember God's blessings and acts of salvation, preventing us from falling into spiritual complacency or despair.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 44:2 (3 votes)

    [How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

  • Psalms 44:3 (3 votes)

    For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.