Judges 2:7 describes a period of faithfulness in Israel's early history, immediately following the leadership of Joshua. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"The people served Yahweh all the days of Joshua...": This indicates that during Joshua's lifetime, the Israelites were largely obedient to God. Joshua's leadership and his direct connection to the events of the Exodus and Conquest helped to keep the people focused on Yahweh.
"...and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua...": This extends the period of faithfulness beyond Joshua's death. These elders were the generation who had also witnessed God's mighty acts in bringing Israel out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land. Their shared experience of divine intervention kept them mindful of their covenant obligations to Yahweh.
"...who had seen all the great work of Yahweh that he had worked for Israel.": This emphasizes the foundation of their faithfulness. Their direct experience of God's power, deliverance, and provision was a constant reminder of His faithfulness and their need to obey Him. They weren't relying on stories or hearsay; they were eyewitnesses to Yahweh's miraculous interventions.
In Summary:
The verse highlights a time when the Israelites were faithful to Yahweh because they had personally witnessed His power and provision in delivering them from slavery and establishing them in the Promised Land. This verse is important because it serves as a contrast to what follows in the Book of Judges. Soon after this generation passes away, the Israelites begin to turn away from Yahweh and worship other gods, leading to a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the rest of the book. It also emphasizes that the people should not forget the history of Yahweh and his great works for Israel.
Judges 2:7 describes a period of faithfulness in Israel's early history, immediately following the leadership of Joshua. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"The people served Yahweh all the days of Joshua...": This indicates that during Joshua's lifetime, the Israelites were largely obedient to God. Joshua's leadership and his direct connection to the events of the Exodus and Conquest helped to keep the people focused on Yahweh.
"...and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua...": This extends the period of faithfulness beyond Joshua's death. These elders were the generation who had also witnessed God's mighty acts in bringing Israel out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land. Their shared experience of divine intervention kept them mindful of their covenant obligations to Yahweh.
"...who had seen all the great work of Yahweh that he had worked for Israel.": This emphasizes the foundation of their faithfulness. Their direct experience of God's power, deliverance, and provision was a constant reminder of His faithfulness and their need to obey Him. They weren't relying on stories or hearsay; they were eyewitnesses to Yahweh's miraculous interventions.
In Summary:
The verse highlights a time when the Israelites were faithful to Yahweh because they had personally witnessed His power and provision in delivering them from slavery and establishing them in the Promised Land. This verse is important because it serves as a contrast to what follows in the Book of Judges. Soon after this generation passes away, the Israelites begin to turn away from Yahweh and worship other gods, leading to a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the rest of the book. It also emphasizes that the people should not forget the history of Yahweh and his great works for Israel.