Judges 10:16
*“So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD; and He could bear the misery of Israel no longer.”* (Judges 10:16). In this moment, the nation of Israel, dwelling in the land of Canaan and surrounded by various pagan cultures, finally discards all the idols they had accumulated. This verse depicts a nation that was established roughly in the late second millennium BC but had repeatedly strayed from worshipping the one true God (Judges covers the time period from about 1380 BC to 1050 BC). Their decision to abandon foreign gods reflects a turning point of repentance, showing they recognized the futility of idolatry. The act of serving the LORD again aligns them with their covenant identity—an identity tracing back to Abraham (around 2000 BC) and Moses (around 1400 BC) and leading ultimately toward the lineage through which Jesus would come (Matthew 1:1 NASB-95).
Continuing the verse, *“…and He could bear the misery of Israel no longer.”* (v.16). This portion of the text reveals the depth of God’s compassion. Despite Israel’s history of unfaithfulness, the LORD’s heart is moved by their suffering. He displays a love that, while allowing consequences for disobedience, remains eager to forgive and restore. This compassion foreshadows the grace that is fulfilled in the New Testament, where Christ’s sacrifice provides forgiveness for all who repent and call on His name (Romans 5:8 NASB-95). In Judges, we see the immediate consequence of turning to God: He stands ready to deliver His people when they humble themselves and seek His help.
This verse also underscores the transformation that occurs when believers truly repent. By putting away their foreign gods, Israel demonstrates a heartfelt change, no longer just paying lip service to devotion but actually removing false idols from their lives. Their sincere repentance, coupled with God’s merciful nature, sets the stage for deliverance—an ongoing cycle in the Book of Judges and, in many ways, an illustration of the Christian life (1 John 1:9 NASB-95). Though God’s people had erred, the LORD’s enduring patience and promise to hear His people whenever they turn back to Him continues into the New Testament, where Jesus invites all to come to Him and find rest (Matthew 11:28 NASB-95).
Israel realized that God’s compassion is inseparable from His holiness, and their renewed obedience paved the way for restoration.
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:
- Deuteronomy 10:16-22 meaning. Moses asks Israel to set apart their heart before God and not rebel. They are to love and execute justice without partiality, including to aliens dwelling among them, for they were alien enough in Egypt. This reflects how God judges. It shows His love for all peoples. Israel should glory in God’s love and care for them.
- Judges 1:16-21 meaning. The descendants of the Kenite join the tribe of Judah in their territory. Despite the Lord’s presence, Judah fails to drive out the inhabitants of the valley, beginning to show the start of their failures. Caleb is given Hebron and drives out the Anakim, but the tribe of Benjamin also fails in their war efforts.
- Judges 4:12-16 meaning. This passage describes the climactic battle between Barak’s forces and Sisera’s army. Deborah urges Barak to act, affirming that God has already secured victory. As Barak leads his men into battle, God intervenes, routing Sisera’s forces. Sisera flees on foot while his entire army is destroyed.