Judges 6:3 describes a recurring cycle of oppression and hardship for the Israelites. Let's break down the verse:
"So it was, when Israel had sown..." This indicates that the Israelites had planted their crops and were anticipating a harvest. They were about to reap the rewards of their hard work.
"...that the Midianites, the Amalekites, and the children of the east came up against them." This is where the problem arises. Just as the crops were nearing harvest, these three groups of people (the Midianites, the Amalekites, and people from the eastern regions) would invade Israel.
In essence, the verse highlights a pattern of raids by these nomadic or semi-nomadic groups, who would steal or destroy the Israelites' crops, leaving them in poverty and distress. The timing was particularly devastating because it happened just when the Israelites were about to benefit from their labor.
The verse sets the stage for the story of Gideon, who God will raise up to deliver Israel from this oppressive situation. It emphasizes the vulnerability of the Israelites and the injustice they were experiencing, setting the scene for God's intervention.
Judges 6:3 describes a recurring cycle of oppression and hardship for the Israelites. Let's break down the verse:
"So it was, when Israel had sown..." This indicates that the Israelites had planted their crops and were anticipating a harvest. They were about to reap the rewards of their hard work.
"...that the Midianites, the Amalekites, and the children of the east came up against them." This is where the problem arises. Just as the crops were nearing harvest, these three groups of people (the Midianites, the Amalekites, and people from the eastern regions) would invade Israel.
In essence, the verse highlights a pattern of raids by these nomadic or semi-nomadic groups, who would steal or destroy the Israelites' crops, leaving them in poverty and distress. The timing was particularly devastating because it happened just when the Israelites were about to benefit from their labor.
The verse sets the stage for the story of Gideon, who God will raise up to deliver Israel from this oppressive situation. It emphasizes the vulnerability of the Israelites and the injustice they were experiencing, setting the scene for God's intervention.