This verse, Judges 6:2, describes a period of oppression and fear for the Israelites due to the power of the Midianites. Let's break it down:
"The hand of Midian prevailed against Israel..." This establishes that the Midianites were in control, or at least had significant power over, the Israelites. The phrase "hand prevailed" suggests that Midian dominated Israel through force, warfare, or oppression.
"...and because of Midian the children of Israel made themselves the dens which are in the mountains, and the caves, and the strongholds." This is the consequence of Midian's dominance. The Israelites, out of fear and a need for survival, were forced to abandon their homes and normal lives. They sought refuge in:
Dens in the mountains: natural or slightly modified shelters offering concealment.
Caves: Natural cavities in the earth providing protection and secrecy.
Strongholds: fortified places, possibly natural formations they reinforced or previously existing structures, used as defensive positions.
In essence, this verse paints a picture of the Israelites living in fear and desperation, hiding in the wilderness to escape the oppressive rule of the Midianites. It highlights their vulnerability and the extent to which their lives were disrupted by the invading power.
The verse sets the stage for the rest of the story in Judges 6, where God calls Gideon to deliver the Israelites from Midian. The Israelites' desperate situation explains why they would need divine intervention and a strong leader to overcome their oppressors.
This verse, Judges 6:2, describes a period of oppression and fear for the Israelites due to the power of the Midianites. Let's break it down:
"The hand of Midian prevailed against Israel..." This establishes that the Midianites were in control, or at least had significant power over, the Israelites. The phrase "hand prevailed" suggests that Midian dominated Israel through force, warfare, or oppression.
"...and because of Midian the children of Israel made themselves the dens which are in the mountains, and the caves, and the strongholds." This is the consequence of Midian's dominance. The Israelites, out of fear and a need for survival, were forced to abandon their homes and normal lives. They sought refuge in:
Dens in the mountains: natural or slightly modified shelters offering concealment.
Caves: Natural cavities in the earth providing protection and secrecy.
Strongholds: fortified places, possibly natural formations they reinforced or previously existing structures, used as defensive positions.
In essence, this verse paints a picture of the Israelites living in fear and desperation, hiding in the wilderness to escape the oppressive rule of the Midianites. It highlights their vulnerability and the extent to which their lives were disrupted by the invading power.
The verse sets the stage for the rest of the story in Judges 6, where God calls Gideon to deliver the Israelites from Midian. The Israelites' desperate situation explains why they would need divine intervention and a strong leader to overcome their oppressors.