Judges 13 1

Judges 13:1 kjv

And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.

Judges 13:1 nkjv

Again the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.

Judges 13:1 niv

Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, so the LORD delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years.

Judges 13:1 esv

And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, so the LORD gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.

Judges 13:1 nlt

Again the Israelites did evil in the LORD's sight, so the LORD handed them over to the Philistines, who oppressed them for forty years.

Judges 13 verses

Judges 13 1 Meaning

Judges 13:1 states that the Israelites, continuing their repeated pattern of disobedience, once again committed actions deemed wicked in God's sight. As a direct consequence of their sin, the Lord sovereignly subjected them to the oppressive rule of the Philistines for a duration of forty years, serving as a period of divine discipline and judgment.

Judges 13 1 Context

Judges chapter 13 introduces the last major segment of the book, focusing on Samson. This opening verse immediately establishes the continuation of the "Judges cycle" (Judg 2:11-19) that pervades the narrative. Despite past deliverances orchestrated by God, the Israelites repeatedly returned to their idolatrous and disobedient ways. Following the oppressions by the Ammonites and Philistines mentioned in chapter 10, this verse specifies a long-term subjugation to the Philistines. The historical context places this during a period when the Philistines, powerful sea peoples who had settled in the coastal plain of Canaan, exerted significant dominance over Israelite territories, particularly Judah and Dan. The repeated "did evil" signifies a spiritual relapse, moving Israel from their covenant God towards the pagan deities of the surrounding nations. This extended forty-year period of Philistine oppression sets the severe and desperate stage for God's extraordinary intervention in the birth and life of Samson.

Judges 13 1 Word analysis

• And: Connects this narrative sequence to the preceding historical accounts within the Book of Judges, highlighting the cyclical and ongoing nature of Israel's actions.
• the children of Israel: Refers to the collective nation of Israel, the people in covenant relationship with the Lord, whose behavior as a whole is being described.
• again (yāsaph - יָסַף): Indicates a repetition or a further occurrence. It profoundly emphasizes the recurring pattern of Israel's spiritual rebellion and apostasy throughout the era of the Judges, highlighting their persistent backsliding.
• did evil ('asah hara' - עָשָׂה הָרַע): This phrase translates literally to "did the evil" or "acted wickedly." It implies deliberate actions that transgress God's laws and covenant, often signifying idolatry, moral depravity, or unfaithfulness to God. It is a stock theological phrase in Judges (e.g., Judg 2:11), denoting spiritual rebellion.
• in the sight of the Lord: Emphasizes that Israel's sinful acts were not hidden but openly committed, blatant offenses against the Holy God, who observes all and holds them accountable to their covenant. It underscores the divine perspective on their actions.
• and the Lord: Refers to YHWH, the sovereign God of Israel. His name highlights His covenant faithfulness even as He acts in judgment, emphasizing His active role in controlling the events, rather than Israel's misfortune being arbitrary.
• delivered them (nathan - נָתַן): Meaning "gave" or "put." This verb denotes an intentional and active handing over by God. It signifies God's sovereign control over nations, using the Philistines as instruments of His righteous judgment and discipline against His disobedient people, rather than them succeeding merely by their own strength.
• into the hand of the Philistines: An idiom signifying complete subjugation and control. It denotes that Israel was now under the power and authority of their adversaries. The Philistines, a significant geopolitical and military power, were the specific oppressive agent chosen by God.
• forty years: A numerically significant period in the Bible, often symbolizing a time of testing, probation, judgment, or an entire generation. This prolonged duration emphasizes the severity and depth of Israel's unfaithfulness and the comprehensive nature of the Philistine oppression as divine chastisement, the longest reported oppression in Judges without an interceding judge.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• And the children of Israel again did evil: This phrase concisely captures the central theme of the Judges narrative: Israel's chronic and repetitive unfaithfulness to their covenant God. The "again" underscores the cyclical nature of their sin, indicating a persistent spiritual declension.
• did evil in the sight of the Lord: This specifies the nature of their rebellion—it was a deliberate and open affront to God's holiness and commandments. It points to their accountability directly to God, whose presence and laws they deliberately defied.
• and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistines: This highlights the immediate, divine consequence of their sin. It showcases God's sovereignty and justice; He actively punishes sin by handing His people over to their enemies. This isn't merely a natural consequence but a direct divine act.
• delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years: This phrase details the form and duration of the judgment. The "forty years" signals a prolonged and significant period of divine discipline, illustrating the gravity of Israel's sin and the severe nature of the oppression God allowed. This extensive period sets the stage for the special intervention associated with Samson's story.

Judges 13 1 Bonus section

This verse is unique in the book of Judges as it sets up a long-term oppression (forty years) without Israel crying out to the Lord for deliverance, unlike many previous cycles. This extended period highlights the deep spiritual apathy and prolonged state of declension within Israel. God's decision to raise Samson, as revealed in the subsequent verses, appears as a proactive divine initiative rather than a response to Israel's repentance. This pre-emptive action underscores God's persistent grace and His determination to initiate deliverance despite His people's continuing failure and silence. It signifies that even in Israel's profound unfaithfulness, God remained true to His covenant purpose to deliver and preserve them.

Judges 13 1 Commentary

Judges 13:1 lays the critical groundwork for the Samson narrative, echoing the pervasive theme of the book: Israel's repeated backsliding leading to divine discipline. It succinctly states that "the children of Israel again did evil," implying a continuity of their idolatrous and disobedient ways. This persistent rebellion "in the sight of the Lord"—an affront directly before His holy presence—provoked a response from God. It was not a passive observation but an active consequence: "the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistines." This demonstrates God's sovereign hand, using external nations as instruments for correction. The protracted "forty years" of oppression by the Philistines, a particularly severe and long period in the Judges narrative, emphasizes the profound depth of Israel's apostasy and the harshness of their divine judgment. Yet, this dire situation sets the stage for a unique divine intervention in Samson, illustrating God's unwavering faithfulness even when His people are profoundly unfaithful, preparing the way for a deliverer born under extraordinary circumstances before any plea from the oppressed Israelites.