King James Version

What Does Judges 6:8 Mean?

Judges 6:8 in the King James Version says “That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I bro...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage; a prophet: Heb. a man a prophet”

Judges 6:8 · KJV

Context

6

And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.

7

And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,

8

That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage; a prophet: Heb. a man a prophet

9

And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land;

10

And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.

Read Judges 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prophet recounts God's historical interventions: bringing Israel from Egypt, delivering from bondage, driving out enemies, and giving them the land. The comprehensive scope—'all that oppressed you'—emphasizes God's total faithfulness. The verb 'drove them out' (agaresh, אֲגָרֵשׁ) uses the same word as the original conquest promises (Exodus 23:28-31), highlighting continuity between God's past and promised future actions. This recital serves as covenant lawsuit preamble—establishing the suzerain's beneficence before charging the vassal with treaty violation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophetic speech follows ancient Near Eastern treaty patterns where suzerains would list their beneficial acts toward vassals before declaring treaty violations. The Hittite suzerainty treaties (14th-13th centuries BCE) particularly demonstrate this structure. God's covenant with Israel follows similar form but with crucial differences: God's faithfulness is absolute, and His demands flow from grace rather than mere political expedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should remembering God's past saving acts affect our response to His current commands?
  2. In what ways do you minimize God's historical faithfulness when justifying present disobedience?
  3. How does understanding salvation history (from Egypt to Canaan) parallel the Christian's salvation journey from sin to sanctification?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֧ח1 of 22

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוָ֣ה׀2 of 22

“That the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אִ֥ישׁ3 of 22

“a prophet”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

נָבִ֖יא4 of 22
H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֶל5 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֣י6 of 22

“unto the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל7 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אָמַ֥ר8 of 22

“unto them Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶ֜ם9 of 22
H0
כֹּֽה10 of 22
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֥ר11 of 22

“unto them Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה׀12 of 22

“That the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣י13 of 22

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל14 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אָֽנֹכִ֞י15 of 22
H595

i

הֶֽעֱלֵ֤יתִי16 of 22

“I brought you up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶתְכֶם֙17 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם18 of 22

“from Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וָֽאֹצִ֥יא19 of 22

“and brought you forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶתְכֶ֖ם20 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִבֵּ֥ית21 of 22

“out of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

עֲבָדִֽים׃22 of 22

“of bondage”

H5650

a servant

Study Guide

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 6:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Judges 6:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 20:5-32Psalms 136:10-16Isaiah 63:9-14Judges 2:1-3Nehemiah 9:9-12

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Judges 6 →

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