King James Version

What Does Judges 2:14 Mean?

“And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.”

Context

And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.

And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.

Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them. delivered: Heb. saved

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **The anger of the Lord was hot.**—(Psalm 78:59.) The language of the sad summary which follows should be compared with that of very similar passages which we find in various parts of the Bible (Psalm 106:34-45; Deuteronomy 32; 2 Kings 17; 2Kings 24:2-4; 2Chronicles 36:11-21; Jeremiah 11:2-10). **He sold them.**—We find the same expression in Judges 3:8; Judges 4:2; Judges 10:7; Deuteronomy 32:33; Psalm 44:12; Isaiah 1:1; comp. 2Kings 17:20. **So that they could not any longer stand.**—Comp. Leviticus 26:17, “Ye shall be slain before your enemies”; Deuteronomy 28:15-68.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 2:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.