Judges 8:34
*Thus the sons of Israel did not remember the LORD their God, who had delivered them from the hands of all their enemies on every side* (v.34). This verse takes place in the land of Canaan, situated in the region of the Ancient Near East, where the people of Israel had settled under God’s guidance. In this context, the moment follows the period when Gideon—who served as a judge leading Israel around the 12th century BC—had brought peace to the people by defeating the Midianites (one of Israel’s oppressive neighbors). However, despite witnessing God’s empowering help through Gideon, the people soon turned their hearts from gratitude to forgetfulness. They no longer kept in mind the One who orchestrated their deliverance, which shows how human hearts can easily drift from faithfulness once complacency sets in.
When the verse states that Israel “did not remember,” it highlights a willful negligence rather than simply forgetting a detail of history. The people were fully beneficiaries of the LORD’s salvation from enemies “on every side,” underscoring both the breadth of His protection and the depth of their ingratitude. Their choice to no longer honor or worship God parallels other moments in the Old Testament when the Israelites’ devotion waned after times of blessing. Just as the New Testament calls believers to continually remember Jesus’ ultimate deliverance (Luke 22:19 NASB-95) and His sacrifice on the cross, this verse serves as a sobering warning for believers to remain steadfast in gratitude and worship, rather than slipping into complacency and disregard for God’s grace.
The phrase “the LORD their God” reminds us of Israel’s covenant identity, a unique bond that started with Abraham (around 2000 BC) and continued through leaders like Moses (around 15th–13th century BC) and Joshua. Despite such strong historical ties and clear demonstrations of divine intervention, they failed to stay loyal. This pattern warns believers today not to settle into spiritual amnesia, but to remember the blessings and providence of God in every season of life (Romans 12:1 NASB-95).
They forgot God.
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:
- Genesis 19:34-38 meaning. The next day, the older sister convinced the younger sister to do what she had done the night before. Again, Lot was given too much wine and the younger daughter had sexual relations with him. Lot was unaware of this event also.
- Hosea 8:1-7 meaning. The LORD announces judgment on Israel because she has rejected Him and His covenantal laws. Israel will thus reap what she sows, and incur the consequences for their behavior, as spelled out in their covenant agreement with God.
- Genesis 21:31-34 meaning. Abraham names the place where he made an oath with Abimelech, “Beersheba.” After the covenant is made, Abraham plants a tree at Beersheba and prays to God.