Judges 6:4
*Then they would encamp against them and destroy the produce of the earth as far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep nor ox nor donkey.* (Judges 6:4)
This verse describes the oppression Israel faced under the Midianites, who spread across the land and *encamp against them*, taking not only *the produce of the earth* but also snatching away or destroying every means of livelihood. Midian’s actions left *no sustenance for Israel*, which essentially cut off their food supply and any resources necessary to survive. These raiders reached *as far as Gaza*, a region in the southwestern part of the land, near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea citeturn0file2. The text underscores that Israel’s situation was dire: their flocks, including *sheep nor ox nor donkey*, were not spared. This reveals the devastating nature of the enemy’s strategy to dominate and impoverish the Israelites through starvation, pushing them to hide their resources in caves citeturn0file2.
Historically, this event occurred during the time of the Judges, likely sometime in the 12th century BC. The Midianites were partly descended from Abraham through his later wife Keturah (Genesis 25:1-4), and they dwelled east of Canaan in the Arabian desert. By the time of Judges 6:4, the Midianites had grown strong enough to subjugate Israel with repeated raids and encampments citeturn0file2. Their oppression set the stage for God’s eventual call to Gideon (Judges 6:11-16), who would rise up as a judge and deliver Israel out of Midian’s grip.
The deeper theological thread in this narrative is that Israel’s hardship prompted them to recognize their dependency on the Lord. Israel’s cries for help would soon be answered through Gideon, illustrating yet again that the Lord sees His people’s poverty and has not forgotten His covenant. While the Midianites tried to erase Israel’s provision, God’s faithful deliverance through Gideon would show His power over any oppressive force.
Israel’s dire condition reflects a theme found elsewhere in Scripture: even when God’s people fall into dire circumstances because of their choices, the Lord hears their cry and raises up a deliverer to rescue them (Judges 6:7-10; Exodus 2:23-25). This theme repeatedly unfolds through figures like Moses and those who come in faith, ultimately pointing toward the greater redemption found in Jesus (Hebrews 11:32).
Israel’s farmland from the hills to *Gaza* in the west is the geographical detail highlighting just how wide the destruction stretched, nearly spanning the entire country. Gaza was a historically significant city at the southwestern edge of Israel’s territory near the Mediterranean Sea, and controlling that region was crucial for trade and agriculture. Because the Midianites *destroyed the produce of the earth as far as Gaza*, the people of Israel had nowhere left to grow food and raise flocks for survival citeturn0file2.
They faced utter hopelessness in the face of Midian’s predatory raids, yet the Lord was at work through this tumult, preparing a deliverer who would trust Him enough to achieve victory with only a small band of men (Judges 7:7). Gideon’s era ultimately showcases God’s faithfulness to His covenant people and His power to deliver them against all odds.
One-sentence brief: The Midianites pillaged Israel’s land and resources to the brink of starvation, setting the stage for God to deliver His people through Gideon.
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 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.
- 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.
- Judges 4:23-24 meaning. These final verses mark the conclusion of the battle against Jabin, king of Canaan. After Sisera’s defeat and death, God continues to subdue Jabin’s forces, leading to Israel’s increasing dominance over him. Over time, the Israelites press harder against Jabin until they fully destroy his rule, securing their freedom from Canaanite oppression.