Judges 10:8
*“They afflicted and crushed the sons of Israel that year; for eighteen years they afflicted all the sons of Israel who were beyond the Jordan in Gilead in the land of the Amorites.”* (v.8)
The verse describes a period of significant oppression experienced by the Israelites at the hands of enemy forces. *“They afflicted and crushed the sons of Israel that year”* (v.8) shows a moment of national crisis marking how severely their enemies subdued them. The oppression extended for a protracted time of *“for eighteen years”* (v.8), signifying not just a short incident but a long, sustained distress. This tells us that Israel's hardships were not a sudden burst but a sorrowful routine, likely brought on by turning away from God’s covenant, as earlier passages in Judges repeatedly indicate (Judges 2:11-15, NASB-95).
The verse also pinpoints a specific region: *“all the sons of Israel who were beyond the Jordan in Gilead in the land of the Amorites”* (v.8). Gilead was a territory east of the Jordan River, often associated with half of the tribe of Manasseh, as well as Gad and Reuben. The reference to the *“land of the Amorites”* calls to mind the earlier conquest by Moses and later by Joshua (Numbers 21:21-31, NASB-95). This geographical identifier reminds the reader that these lands, once subdued by the Israelites with God’s help, had now become a place of humiliation due to Israel’s disobedience. It underscores how straying from God left them vulnerable, despite occupying territory that was won through divine intervention and covenant faithfulness in previous generations.
In the broader cycle of Judges, such periods of oppression fell as consequences of Israel’s recurring idolatry. The nation would repent and cry out to the Lord, and He would raise up a deliverer. This same pattern ultimately points forward to the New Testament anticipation of an ultimate Deliverer: Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:4-5, NASB-95). While God used a temporary judge in Old Testament times to free His people for a season, Christ’s role as Savior offers a lasting deliverance from the bondage of sin.
This verse shows how Israel faced a sustained, severe oppression in the very land God had previously given them.
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.
- Genesis 19:8-10 meaning. Lot reminded the lustful mob that the two visitors were under his protection and offered his two virgin daughters to the men to appease them, and protect his guests. The crowd pressed Lot against the door trying to break inside. But the two visitors quickly grabbed Lot and shut the door.
- Deuteronomy 5:8-10 meaning. The LORD prohibits the Israelites from worshipping idols.