Judges 3

Judges 3:1

THe wars] To wit, in the time of Joshua; and that to this end, That he might still keep the people in the exercise of faith and obedience, seeing they still needed God assistant against these enemies.

Judges 3:2

might know to teach] That is, by this continuall exercise of warre, might be able to teach their posterity the use of arms, and so not to grow weak-hearted, and effeminate by their long peace and rest.

Judges 3:3

five lords] Three of these are said to be conquered by Judah, Judg. 1. 18. But it seemeth, that for the apostacy and idolatry of the people, these enemies revolted, and got head again, and so long after continued in their strength. Judg. 15. 11. and 1 Sam. 4 and 6. 4. 17.

mount Lebanon] Lying in the north border of Canaan.

Baal-hermon] So called from the idoll there worshipped: it lay on the east end of mount Lebanon, and northward from Basan. 1 Chronicles 5:23. And the mount Hermon at the west end of Lebanon. Deuteronomy 3:9. and Deuteronomy 4:48.

Judges 3:4

to know] 1: e. To make known. See Deuteronomy 8:2.

Judges 3:6

took their daughters] Contrary to Gods expresse command. Exodus 34:16. Deuteronomy 7:3.

Judges 3:7

and the groves] Or, the grove-gods which they worshipped in thick, dark-groves, under the goodliest shady trees, which they consecrated to the honour of their idols. Exodus 34:13. Deuteronomy 16:21.

sold them] See Chap. 2. 14.

Judges 3:8

Mesopotamia] Or Syria, of the two rivers, because it lyeth between two rivers, Euphrates and Tigris.

Judges 3:10

spirit of the Lord] 1: e. The spirit of wisedom, and fortitude, fitting him for warre and government, and inciting him unto it. So Chap. 6. 34. and 11. 29.

his hand prevailed] To wit, for the subduing of him, and keeping him in subjection.

Judges 3:11

land had rest] To wit, from warre and servitude, true religion being restored, and the land flourishing in peace and plenty.

fourty yeers] Or, to the fourtieth yeer, reckoning this time from the death of Joshua to Othniels death, as may be gathered from 1 Kings 6:1.

Judges 3:13

palm-trees] See Chap. 1. 16.

Judges 3:14

eighteen yeers] They served the king of Mesopotamia eight yeers, and now Eglon eighteen yeers, because their sins increasing, their servitude also was prolonged.

Judges 3:18

he sent away the people] Both to avoid suspition, because of their number, and to secure them from danger, if any should happen.

Judges 3:19

Keep silence] To wit, till the company about me be departed.

Judges 3:20

And he arose] 1: e. In sign of reverence to Gods message and messenger, though he were an idolater.

Judges 3:24

covereth his feet] 1: e. He doth his easement, which the Hebrews modestly expresse by this phrase. 1 Samuel 24:3. because sitting down, the feet were covered by the upper garment.

Judges 3:26

Seirath] A place neer mount Ephraim.

Judges 3:30

the land had rest] See 5: 11.

fourscore yeers] Which (as some think) are to be reckoned from the death of Othniel.