King James Version

What Does Judges 3:12 Mean?

“And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.”

Context

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim. came: Heb. was Mesopotamia: Heb. Aram

And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.

And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.

And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees .

So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Did evil again.**—Literally, *“*added to do evil.” We find this Hebraism even in the New Testament. “He added (*prosetheto*) to send” (Luke 20:11-12). **Evil.**—Literally, *the evil, *with special reference to idolatry, as in Judges 2:11, &c. **Strengthened Eglon the king of Moab.**—See this event referred to by the prophet Samuel, in 1Samuel 12:9. Eglon was a successor of Balak. We have seen that *Rishathaim *is probably a term of hatred or scorn; is the name Eglon due to the same tendency? It may be so, since Eglon means “a fat bullock” (comp. Psalm 22:12; Amos 4:1).

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 3:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.