Judges 2:11-23

Judges 2:11-23

[11] And the children  of Israel  did  evil  in the sight  of the LORD,  and served  Baalim:  [12] And they forsook  the LORD  God  of their fathers,  which brought them out  of the land  of Egypt,  other  gods,  of the people  that were round about  them, and bowed  themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD  to anger.  [13] And they forsook  the LORD,  and served  Baal  and Ashtaroth.  [14] And the anger  of the LORD  was hot  against Israel,  and he delivered  them into the hands  of spoilers  that spoiled  them, and he sold  them into the hands  of their enemies  round about,  so that they could  not any longer  stand  before  their enemies.  [15] Whithersoever they went out,  the hand  of the LORD  was against them for evil,  as the LORD  had said,  and as the LORD  had sworn  unto them: and they were greatly  distressed.  [16] Nevertheless the LORD  raised up  judges,  which delivered  them out of the hand  of those that spoiled  [17] And yet they would not hearken  unto their judges,  but they went a whoring  after  other  gods,  and bowed  themselves unto them: they turned  quickly  out of the way  which their fathers  walked in,  obeying  the commandments  of the LORD;  but they did  not so. [18] And when the LORD  raised  them up judges,  then the LORD  was with the judge,  and delivered  them out of the hand  of their enemies  all the days  of the judge:  for it repented  the LORD  because  of their groanings  by reason of them that oppressed  them and vexed  them. [19] And it came to pass, when the judge  that they returned,  and corrupted  themselves more than their fathers,  other  gods  to serve  them, and to bow down  unto them; they ceased  not from their own doings,  nor from their stubborn  way.  [20] And the anger  of the LORD  was hot  against Israel;  and he said,  Because that this people  hath transgressed  my covenant  which I commanded  their fathers,  and have not hearkened  unto my voice;  [21] I also will not henceforth  drive out  any  from before  them of the nations  which Joshua  left  when he died:  [22] That through them I may prove  Israel,  whether they will keep  the way  of the LORD  therein, as their fathers  did keep  it, or not. [23] Therefore the LORD  left  those nations,  without  driving them out  hastily;  neither delivered  he them into the hand  of Joshua. 

What does Judges 2:11-23 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Having revealed the roots of Israel"s apostasy ( Judges 2:6-10), the writer proceeded to examine its character. In this section a cyclical pattern of Israel"s history during this era becomes clear. This section is chiastic, focusing on Israel"s pursuit and worship of other gods. Israel departed from Yahweh and served idols ( Judges 2:11-13). The Lord then disciplined His people by allowing them to fall under the domination of their enemies ( Judges 2:14-15). [1] God then raised up judges to deliver Israel ( Judges 2:16). The people apostatized again ( Judges 2:17). God raised up another judge in response to His people"s distress ( Judges 2:18). When that judge died, they wandered away again ( Judges 2:19). This continual rebellion resulted in God not driving Israel"s enemies out of their land ( Judges 2:20-21), but leaving them in Canaan to test Israel"s love and commitment to Him ( Judges 2:22-23). [2] One writer called the stages in each cycle: sin, slavery, supplication, salvation, and silence. [3] Others have labeled them: rebellion, retribution, repentance, and restoration.
"This simple routine of events cannot be projected at will over all cultures and circumstances, yet it does provide some guidelines for the interpretation of history. No corrupt nation can presume upon the grace of God indefinitely; sooner or later its lawlessness will bring disaster, either from within or without." [4]
". . . It is precisely this pattern that is the primary means by which the book serves as a condemnation of idolatry and disobedience and their inevitably violent and destructive consequences." [5]