Judges 10:6

In this passage, we read: *“Then the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, served the Baals and the Ashtaroth, the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the sons of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines; thus they forsook the LORD and did not serve Him.”* (v.6). The “sons of Israel” refers to the people of Israel during the time of the Judges, roughly between 1380 BC and 1050 BC. Though they had already experienced the LORD’s deliverance multiple times, they fell once more into idolatry. Baals and Ashtaroth were Canaanite deities commonly associated with fertility and storms, and their worship generally involved rituals directly forbidden by God (Exodus 20:3-5, NASB-95). This verse highlights a tragic repetition of behavior where Israel abandons true worship and instead pursues the idols of neighboring nations.

Here, the text specifically mentions several neighboring regions: Aram, Sidon, Moab, Ammon, and Philistia. Aram was positioned northeast of Israel, often called Syria in later periods, and boasted its own set of deities that lured the Israelites away from the exclusivity of serving the LORD. Sidon, a major Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast (in present-day Lebanon), was known for maritime trade and for contributing to the widespread veneration of pagan gods throughout Canaan. Moab and Ammon, situated east of the Jordan River, stemmed from the ancestral line of Lot (Genesis 19:36-38, NASB-95), frequently clashing with Israel over territory and religious practices. The Philistines were long-standing enemies residing in the southwest region along the Mediterranean coast, posing both a military threat and a spiritual stumbling block because of their gods and customs. Each region had its own pantheon, and by “serving” these false gods, Israel was immersing itself in a host of foreign religious practices.

The essential spiritual message in this verse underscores how deeply ingrained the cycle of disobedience had become for Israel. Despite repeated rescues by the LORD, they continued to “not serve Him” (v.6). The New Testament often warns believers against a similar drift into spiritual compromise (1 Corinthians 10:6-7, NASB-95). It is a reminder that idolatry, whether ancient or modern, separates people from God’s holiness and disrupts the covenant relationship He desires. Ultimately, the rejection of God in Israel’s history foreshadows the need for a perfect Redeemer—fulfilled in Jesus Christ—who would offer a once-and-for-all victory over sin for those who trust in Him (Hebrews 9:26, NASB-95).

Israel once again failed to serve the one true God and instead embraced the false gods of surrounding nations.