Judges 10:7 - Yahweh’s anger burned against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the children of Ammon.

Generated Verse: Judges 10:7

What does "Judges 10:7" mean?


This verse from Judges 10:7 is a key summary statement within the cyclical pattern seen throughout the Book of Judges. It means the following:

"Yahweh’s anger burned against Israel": This indicates that the Israelites had sinned against God, breaking their covenant with Him. The Book of Judges repeatedly shows this pattern of Israel turning away from God, worshipping other idols, and thus provoking God's anger.

"and he sold them into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the children of Ammon": This is the consequence of God's anger. "Selling" here doesn't mean literal enslavement for money, but rather refers to God allowing Israel to be conquered and oppressed by these enemy nations. It's a way of saying that God withdrew his protection, leaving them vulnerable. The Philistines and Ammonites were neighboring peoples who were often in conflict with Israel, and were used by God as instruments of punishment. In this case, both nations became dominant powers over parts of Israel.

In essence, the verse describes a cycle: sin leads to divine anger, which leads to oppression by foreign powers. This oppression is meant to be a corrective measure, driving Israel back to repentance and seeking God's help. The Book of Judges then tells the stories of how God raises up judges (leaders) to deliver Israel from these oppressions, only to see the cycle repeat itself.