Judges 2:18

Judges 2:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, He was with that judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies while the judge was still alive; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed them and afflicted them.

King James Version KJV

And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.

American Standard Version ASV

And when Jehovah raised them up judges, then Jehovah was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented Jehovah because of their groaning by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And whenever the Lord gave them judges, then the Lord was with the judge, and was their saviour from the hands of their haters all the days of the judge; for the Lord was moved by their cries of grief because of those who were cruel to them.

Free Bible Version FBV

When the Lord provided Israel with judges over Israel, he was with each judge and saved the people from their enemies during that judge's lifetime, because the Lord felt sorry for his people, who groaned under their oppressors and persecutors.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when the Lord had raysed them vp Iudges, the Lord was with the Iudge, and deliuered them out of the hande of their enemies all the dayes of the Iudge (for the Lord had compassion on their gronings, because of them that oppressed them and tormented them)

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And when Jehovah raised up to them judges — then was Jehovah with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for it repenteth Jehovah, because of their groaning from the presence of their oppressors, and of those thrusting them away.

World English Bible WEB

When the LORD raised up judges for them, then the LORD was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for it grieved the LORD because of their groaning by reason of those who oppressed them and troubled them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when the LORD raised up judges for them, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: (for the LORD repented because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and burdened them.)

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when the Lord raised them up judges, in their days he was moved to mercy, and heard the groanings of the afflicted, and delivered them from the slaughter of the oppressors.

Translation for Translators T4T

Whenever Yahweh gave a leader to them, he helped that leader and enabled him to rescue the people from their enemies. He helped them like that as long as that leader was alive. Yahweh pitied them as they groaned because they were being oppressed and caused to suffer.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 2:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 2:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/כִֽי הֵקִ֨ים יְהוָ֥ה לָ/הֶם֮ שֹֽׁפְטִים֒ וְ/הָיָ֤ה יְהוָה֙ עִם הַ/שֹּׁפֵ֔ט וְ/הֽוֹשִׁיעָ/ם֙ מִ/יַּ֣ד אֹֽיְבֵי/הֶ֔ם כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י הַ/שּׁוֹפֵ֑ט כִּֽי יִנָּחֵ֤ם יְהוָה֙ מִ/נַּֽאֲקָתָ֔/ם מִ/פְּנֵ֥י לֹחֲצֵי/הֶ֖ם וְ/דֹחֲקֵי/הֶֽם

וְ/כִֽי kîy H3588 for Conj | Conj

הֵקִ֨ים qûwm H6965 -kamai V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

לָ/הֶם֮ Prep | Suff

שֹֽׁפְטִים֒ shâphaṭ H8199 to judge V-Qal

וְ/הָיָ֤ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep

הַ/שֹּׁפֵ֔ט shâphaṭ H8199 to judge Art | V-Qal

וְ/הֽוֹשִׁיעָ/ם֙ yâshaʻ H3467 to save Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms | Suff

מִ/יַּ֣ד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs

אֹֽיְבֵי/הֶ֔ם ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal | Suff

כֹּ֖ל kôl H3605 all N-ms

יְמֵ֣י yôwm H3117 day N-mp

הַ/שּׁוֹפֵ֑ט shâphaṭ H8199 to judge Art | V-Qal

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

יִנָּחֵ֤ם nâcham H5162 to be sorry V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

מִ/נַּֽאֲקָתָ֔/ם nᵉʼâqâh H5009 groan Prep | N-fs | Suff

מִ/פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

לֹחֲצֵי/הֶ֖ם lâchats H3905 to oppress V-Qal | Suff

וְ/דֹחֲקֵי/הֶֽם dâchaq H1766 to crowd Conj | V-Qal | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 2:18

וְ/כִֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj | Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

הֵקִ֨ים qûwm H6965 "-kamai" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.

יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

לָ/הֶם֮ "" Prep | Suff

שֹֽׁפְטִים֒ shâphaṭ H8199 "to judge" V-Qal

To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.

Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.

וְ/הָיָ֤ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

הַ/שֹּׁפֵ֔ט shâphaṭ H8199 "to judge" Art | V-Qal

To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.

וְ/הֽוֹשִׁיעָ/ם֙ yâshaʻ H3467 "to save" Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms | Suff

Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.

Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to

Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.

מִ/יַּ֣ד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

אֹֽיְבֵי/הֶ֔ם ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal | Suff

This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.

Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national

Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.

כֹּ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

יְמֵ֣י yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הַ/שּׁוֹפֵ֑ט shâphaṭ H8199 "to judge" Art | V-Qal

To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

יִנָּחֵ֤ם nâcham H5162 "to be sorry" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.

Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)

Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

מִ/נַּֽאֲקָתָ֔/ם nᵉʼâqâh H5009 "groan" Prep | N-fs | Suff

A groan is a deep sigh or expression of sadness, often due to suffering or pain. This word is used in the Bible to describe the groaning of God's people, as seen in the book of Romans, where Paul writes about the groaning of creation.

Definition: groan, groaning

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: groaning. See also: Exodus 2:24; Judges 2:18; Ezekiel 30:24.

מִ/פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

לֹחֲצֵי/הֶ֖ם lâchats H3905 "to oppress" V-Qal | Suff

To oppress means to treat someone unfairly or cruelly, often by using power or force. This can include squeezing or pressing someone to get what you want.

Definition: 1) to squeeze, press, oppress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to squeeze, press 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Niphal) to squeeze oneself

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: afflict, crush, force, hold fast, oppress(-or), thrust self. See also: Exodus 3:9; 1 Samuel 10:18; Psalms 56:2.

וְ/דֹחֲקֵי/הֶֽם dâchaq H1766 "to crowd" Conj | V-Qal | Suff

This Hebrew word means to crowd or oppress, like when the Israelites were thrust into slavery in Egypt. It appears in Exodus as a description of their suffering. The KJV translates it as 'thrust' or 'vex'.

Definition: 1) to thrust, oppress, crowd 1a) (Qal) to thrust, crowd

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: thrust, vex. See also: Judges 2:18; Joel 2:8.

Study Notes — Judges 2:18

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Context
Cross References
Judges 2:18 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Judges 2:18
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 2:18
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 2:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 2:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 2:18
Cambridge Bible on Judges 2:18
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Whedon's Commentary on Judges 2:18
Sermons on Judges 2:18

Context — Judges Raised Up

16Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them. 17Israel, however, did not listen to their judges. Instead, they prostituted themselves with other gods and bowed down to them. They quickly turned from the way of their fathers, who had walked in obedience to the LORD’s commandments; they did not do as their fathers had done.

18Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, He was with that judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies while the judge was still alive; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed them and afflicted them.

19But when the judge died, the Israelites became even more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods to serve them and bow down to them. They would not give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. 20So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He said, “Because this nation has transgressed the covenant I laid down for their fathers and has not heeded My voice,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 32:36	For the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants when He sees that their strength is gone and no one remains, slave or free.
2	Joshua 1:5	No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
3	Exodus 2:24	So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
4	Psalms 106:44–45	Nevertheless He heard their cry; He took note of their distress. And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion.
5	2 Kings 13:22–23	And Hazael king of Aram oppressed Israel throughout the reign of Jehoahaz. But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, and He turned toward them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And to this day, the LORD has been unwilling to destroy them or cast them from His presence.
6	Hosea 11:8	How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred!
7	2 Kings 13:4	Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel.
8	Judges 10:16	So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD, and He could no longer bear the misery of Israel.
9	Genesis 6:6	And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
10	Jeremiah 18:7–10	At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed. But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to bring. And if at another time I announce that I will build up and establish a nation or kingdom, and if it does evil in My sight and does not listen to My voice, then I will relent of the good I had intended for it.

Judges 2:18 Summary

[This verse tells us that whenever God chose a leader, called a judge, to help the Israelites, He was with that leader and protected the people from their enemies as long as the leader was alive. This shows us that God cares about His people and wants to help them, as also seen in Psalm 23:4. It also reminds us that God is a compassionate God who hears our cries for help and comes to rescue us, just like He did for the Israelites. By looking at how God worked through the judges, we can learn to trust in God's goodness and mercy in our own lives, as encouraged in Romans 8:28.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the LORD was moved to pity by the Israelites' groaning under their oppressors?

This means that God saw the suffering of His people and had compassion on them, just as He did for the Israelites in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 2:24-25, and heard their cries, deciding to rescue them through the judges He raised up.

Why did God raise up judges for the Israelites?

God raised up judges to save the Israelites from their enemies and to lead them back to obedience to His commandments, demonstrating His love and care for His people, as also seen in Deuteronomy 1:9-18 where Moses appoints leaders to help manage the people.

How long did God's deliverance of the Israelites through the judges last?

According to Judges 2:18, God's deliverance of the Israelites through the judges lasted as long as the judge was alive, highlighting the importance of the judge's leadership and God's presence with them, similar to how God was with Moses in Exodus 33:14-17.

What can we learn from God's relationship with the Israelites in this verse?

We can learn that God is a compassionate and merciful God who hears the cries of His people and comes to their rescue, as also promised in Psalm 34:17-18, and that He desires a personal relationship with them, as seen in Jeremiah 31:33-34.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can cry out to God in my times of distress, just like the Israelites did, and trust in His deliverance?
How can I, like the judges, be a vessel for God's deliverance and mercy in the lives of those around me, as encouraged in Matthew 25:31-46?
In what ways can I ensure that I am walking in obedience to God's commandments, just as the Israelites were supposed to, as taught in Matthew 22:37-40?
What does it mean for God to be 'with' me, just as He was with the judges, and how can I experience His presence in my life, as promised in Hebrews 13:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 2:18

And when the Lord raised them up judges, then the Lord was with the judge,.... Every one of them that he raised up; as he stirred up their spirits for such service, to judge his people, and qualified

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 2:18

And yet they would not hearken unto their judges but they went a whoring after other gods and bowed And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 2:18

It repented the Lord, i.e. the Lord changed his course and dealings with them, as penitent men use to do; removed his judgments, and returned to them in mercy, .

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 2:18

Judges 2:18 And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.Ver. 18. For it repented the Lord.] This was Mutatio rei, non Dei; effectus, non affectus; facti, non consilii.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 2:18

(18) It repented the Lord—i.e., Jehovah was grieved. (Comp. Jonah 3:10, “God repented of the evil that He had said He would do unto them; and He did it not”—Genesis 6:6; Exodus 32:14; 1 Samuel 15:35; Amos 7:3; Joe 2:13, &c.) The simple anthropomorphism of early ages never hesitates to describe the ways and thoughts of Jehovah by the analogy of human lives; nor is it easy to see how the sacred writers could have otherwise expressed their meaning. Yet they were, even in using this language, perfectly aware that it was only an imperfect and approximate method of explaining God’s dealings with man; and when they are using the language of calm and unmetaphorical instruction they say, “God is not a man . . .that he should repent” (Numbers 23:19); “He is in one mind, and who can turn Him?” (Job 23:13); “I am the Lord, I change not” (Malachi 3:6).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 2:18

Verse 18. The Lord was with the judge] God himself was king, and the judge was his representative. It repented the Lord] He changed his purpose towards them: he purposed to destroy them because of their sin; they repented and turned to him, and he changed this purpose. The purpose was to destroy them if they did not repent; when they did repent, his not destroying them was quite consistent with his purpose.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 2:18

18. was with the judge] as He had been with Moses and Joshua, Joshua 1:5. The Hebrew tense here shews that the verbs was, saved, denote frequentative acts in the past, used to be, used to save; similarly, it repented the Lord means the Lord used to be moved to pity. Not that Jehovah abandoned His fixed intention to punish, but His compassion was roused by the people’s cries to mitigate His purpose. oppressed … vexed] The first word is used characteristically of Israel’s oppressors, Judges 4:3; Judges 6:9; Judges 10:12, 1 Samuel 10:18; cf. Judges 1:34 n. The second word occurs only here and Joe 2:8; it is common in Aramaic, and may be a late gloss on them that oppressed. LXX. cod. A omits it.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 2:18

It repented the Lord - Rather, “the Lord was moved with compassion,” or “was grieved,” “because of their groanings.” (Compare Judges 21:15.)

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 2:18

18. It repented the Lord — Render, Jehovah was grieved by their wailings on account of their oppressors and persecutors. Grief, anger, and love are emotions frequently, in the Scriptures, attributed to the divine nature.

Sermons on Judges 2:18

	Sermon	Description
	A Touch From God - Part 1 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, especially in times of turmoil and fear. It highlights the need for individuals to hunger for more of God's pre
	(Through the Bible) Judges 1-7 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Judges in the Bible. He highlights the recurring pattern of the Israelites turning away from God and falling into oppression, onl
	Samson #3 - a Lonely Struggle by Andrew Foster	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing for what is right, even when one is alone. He references Judges 2:18, which states that when the Lord raised up j
	Our Daily Homily - Judges by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the persistent nature of evil habits in our lives, likening them to the Canaanites who resisted being dislodged from the land. He reminds us that as believers
	Cycles of Revival by Richard Owen Roberts	Richard Owen Roberts preaches about the cycles of history in the Bible, particularly focusing on the Old Testament where God's people experienced cycles of revival and departure. H
	That Comforts and Joys Seem to Follow Awakenings and Convictions of Conscience, in a Certain Order, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards preaches about the process of salvation, emphasizing that before God delivers individuals from sin, they must first have a deep sense of the evil they are being sa
	Letter 56 by James Bourne	James Bourne encourages M. A. H. to find comfort in God during times of affliction, sharing the testimony of Mrs. O. who found peace and assurance in the Lord's presence as she fac