Judges 10:10
In the era of repeated disobedience described in the Book of Judges (ca. 1380–1050 BC), Israel frequently found themselves under foreign oppression because they abandoned the covenant with their Suzerain God. Here in Judges 10:10, Scripture says, *Then the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against You, for indeed, we have forsaken our God and served the Baals.”* (v.10). By confessing, “We have sinned against You,” the people of Israel openly acknowledged their wrongdoing of turning away from God. They also admitted that they had “served the Baals,” a term used for the Canaanite fertility gods who were “the chief Canaanite deity and was the god of fertility and reproduction” (a practice strictly forbidden by God) citeturn0file3.
This scene underscores the cyclical nature of Israel’s relationship with God during the time of the judges. Time and again, “the sons of Israel” lapsed into idol worship, drew God’s disciplinary hand, and then cried out in desperation. Their plea, *we have forsaken our God,* reveals that their sin was not merely an external act but a deep breach of loyalty and devotion. As earlier chapters in Judges depict, the Lord would respond by raising up deliverers or “judges” to rescue His people, though the Israelites’ repentance often proved short-lived citeturn0file16. Nevertheless, God’s willingness to listen whenever they turned from false gods and cried out reflects His gracious nature, foreshadowing the redemption ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who likewise calls people to repentance and forgiveness (Luke 24:47 NASB-95).
Israel’s humble words here stand as an enduring reminder that a broken covenant can be mended by genuine confession and turning back to the one true God.
This verse reveals Israel’s plea for mercy, demonstrating the cycle of sin, repentance, and God’s faithful compassion in the Book of Judges.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 1:8-10 meaning. The sons of Judah capture Jerusalem, defeating its inhabitants and setting the city on fire. They then continue their campaign against the Canaanites in various regions, ultimately conquering Hebron and defeating its notable inhabitants, Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai.
- Judges 2:6-10 meaning. This passage from Judges provides a snapshot of the transition from Joshua’s leadership to the period of the judges, highlighting both continuity and change in Israel’s spiritual and societal landscape.
- Judges 4:4-10 meaning. This passage introduces Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, who calls upon Barak to lead an army against Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s forces. Deborah delivers a divine command to Barak, instructing him to gather ten thousand men and promising victory over Sisera. Barak agrees to go but insists that Deborah accompany him. Deborah agrees, but because of Barak’s fear, Deborah predicts that the honor of victory will ultimately go to a woman. Together, Barak and Deborah lead the forces of Zebulun and Naphtali to battle.