Judges 10:12

The verse declares God’s faithful intervention on behalf of His people, saying, *“Also when the Sidonians, the Amalekites and the Maonites oppressed you, you cried out to Me, and I delivered you from their hand.” (v.12)* Here, the Sidonians represent a coastal people from the city of Sidon, located north of Israel along the Phoenician coast. Their society was known for engaging in maritime trade, and historically they had interactions with ancient Israel (1 Kings 5:6 NASB-95). The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe dwelling in parts of the Negev and the Sinai Peninsula, frequently clashing with the Israelites since the time of Moses (Exodus 17:8–13 NASB-95). The Maonites were a lesser-known group, possibly from the vicinity of or identified with people living near the desert region in southern Judah, though scholars differ on their precise origins. All three groups at one time or another posed significant threats to the community of Israel, and the phrase *“oppressed you” (v.12)* captures the severity of these combined assaults.

In calling attention to *“you cried out to Me, and I delivered you from their hand” (v.12)*, the verse displays the recurring pattern in the Book of Judges: Israel strays into idolatry, suffers at the hands of hostile neighbors, and then cries out for divine help. Each time, God, in His compassion, sends relief or raises up a deliverer (Judges 2:18 NASB-95). This verse ultimately points to the unchanging nature of God’s salvation and predates the culminating rescue offered through Jesus Christ in the New Testament (John 3:16 NASB-95), echoing the theme that salvation is repeatedly extended to a people who repent and return to the Lord. God’s grace remains steadfast, emphasizing His desire to rescue those who wholeheartedly seek Him.

God provides faithful deliverance despite repeated rebellion by His people.