Judges 8:33
*Then it came about, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the sons of Israel again played the harlot with the Baals, and made Baal-berith their god* (v.33). Even though Gideon had faithfully led Israel against oppressors in the 12th century B.C., as soon as he passed away, the people of Israel immediately abandoned their dedication to the LORD. This underscores how leadership can maintain faithfulness in a community, but true devotion ultimately has to come from the people themselves. Tragically, they “played the harlot” with the false gods, allowing the culture around them to shape their worship. The location for these events is found in the land of Israel, in regions once populated by Canaanite groups, where worship of Baal had been a constant struggle and temptation.
The verse pinpoints the pivot point of Israel’s unfaithfulness: *as soon as Gideon was dead* (v.33). Gideon (also called Jerubbaal) fits into the era of the Judges—a period that came before the establishment of Israel’s monarchy around 1050 B.C. (when Saul became king). Following Gideon’s extraordinary victories (Judges 7, NASB-95), Israel’s spiritual life seemed secure, but the immediate backsliding reminds us of the warnings given in other passages, such as Galatians 1:6, which notes the danger of deserting the true gospel. This admonition to remain steadfast in faith resonates across the centuries.
The text also mentions *Baal-berith* (v.33), highlighting Israel’s adoption of a foreign deity rather than remaining faithful to the covenant promise with their own God. The name Baal-berith likely means “lord of the covenant,” a tragic parody of Israel’s chosen identity as the covenant people of the LORD. This incident foreshadows the cyclical nature of the Book of Judges, where the passing of each judge served as a test of Israel’s enduring loyalty, a test they frequently failed. Like the warnings in 2 Timothy 4:4, the nation turned aside to myths.
They turned from God as soon as they lost strong spiritual leadership, resuming idolatry and perilous alliances.
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:
- Joshua 8:30-35 meaning. After the Israelites’ victory at Ai, Joshua climbs Mount Ebal, where the LORD renewed His covenant with His people inside the Promised Land. This was done in response to the command of Moses in Deuteronomy 27:1-13.
- 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 5:1-5 meaning. The song of Deborah and Barak is a victory hymn celebrating God’s deliverance of Israel from the oppression of the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. This song praises the leadership of Israel’s volunteers, glorifies the Lord’s mighty acts in battle, and recalls God’s past interventions in Israel’s history, worshiping His sovereignty and power over creation.