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Text -- Judges 3:1-16 (NET)

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Context
3:1 These were the nations the Lord permitted to remain so he could use them to test Israel– he wanted to test all those who had not experienced battle against the Canaanites. 3:2 He left those nations simply because he wanted to teach the subsequent generations of Israelites, who had not experienced the earlier battles, how to conduct holy war. 3:3 These were the nations: the five lords of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo-Hamath. 3:4 They were left to test Israel, so the Lord would know if his people would obey the commands he gave their ancestors through Moses. 3:5 The Israelites lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 3:6 They took the Canaanites’ daughters as wives and gave their daughters to the Canaanites; they worshiped their gods as well.
Othniel: A Model Leader
3:7 The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight. They forgot the Lord their God and worshiped the Baals and the Asherahs. 3:8 The Lord was furious with Israel and turned them over to King Cushan-Rishathaim of Aram-Naharaim. They were Cushan-Rishathaim’s subjects for eight years. 3:9 When the Israelites cried out for help to the Lord, he raised up a deliverer for the Israelites who rescued them. His name was Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. 3:10 The Lord’s spirit empowered him and he led Israel. When he went to do battle, the Lord handed over to him King Cushan-Rishathaim of Aram and he overpowered him. 3:11 The land had rest for forty years; then Othniel son of Kenaz died.
Deceit, Assassination, and Deliverance
3:12 The Israelites again did evil in the Lord’s sight. The Lord gave King Eglon of Moab control over Israel because they had done evil in the Lord’s sight. 3:13 Eglon formed alliances with the Ammonites and Amalekites. He came and defeated Israel, and they seized the City of Date Palm Trees. 3:14 The Israelites were subject to King Eglon of Moab for eighteen years. 3:15 When the Israelites cried out for help to the Lord, he raised up a deliverer for them. His name was Ehud son of Gera the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The Israelites sent him to King Eglon of Moab with their tribute payment. 3:16 Ehud made himself a sword– it had two edges and was eighteen inches long. He strapped it under his coat on his right thigh.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Amalekites members of the nation of Amalek
 · Ammonites the tribe/nation of people descended from Ben-Ammi, Lot's son,Territory of the tribe/nation of Ammon
 · Amorites members of a pre-Israel Semitic tribe from Mesopotamia
 · Baal a pagan god,a title of a pagan god,a town in the Negeb on the border of Simeon and Judah,son of Reaiah son of Micah; a descendant of Reuben,the forth son of Jeiel, the Benjamite
 · Benjaminite the tribe of Benjamin of Israel
 · Caleb son of Hezron son of Perez son of Judah
 · Canaan the region ofeast Mediterranean coastal land from Arvad (modern Lebanon) south to Gaza,the coast land from Mt. Carmel north to the Orontes River
 · Canaanites the region ofeast Mediterranean coastal land from Arvad (modern Lebanon) south to Gaza,the coast land from Mt. Carmel north to the Orontes River
 · city of palms Tamar: 35 km SSW of Dead Sea. Jericho: 30 km ENE of Jerusalem
 · City of Palms Tamar: 35 km SSW of Dead Sea. Jericho: 30 km ENE of Jerusalem
 · Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia in the time of the judges
 · Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia in the time of the judges
 · Eglon a town in the western foothills of Judah near Lachish,king of Moab
 · Ehud son of Bilhan son of Jediael son of Benjamin; a war chief,son of Gera (Bela Benjamin); a judge of Israel before King Saul
 · Gera son of Ehud the judge son of Gera I son Bela son of Benjamin.
 · hamath a town of Syria on the Orontes between Aleppo and Damascus (OS)
 · Hamath a town of unknown location
 · Hittite a person/people living in the land of Syro-Palestine
 · Hivite a person/people descended from Canaan son of Ham son of Noah
 · Israel a citizen of Israel.,a member of the nation of Israel
 · Jebusite resident(s) of the town of Jebus (Jerusalem)
 · Kenaz son of Eliphaz son of Esau,a chief of Edom,a descendant of Jephunneh of Judah; brother to Caleb the friend of Joshua; father of Othniel,son of Elah of Jephunneh of Judah
 · Lebanon a mountain range and the adjoining regions (IBD)
 · Mesopotamia the country between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers,the region between (and around) the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
 · Moab resident(s) of the country of Moab
 · Moses a son of Amram; the Levite who led Israel out of Egypt and gave them The Law of Moses,a Levite who led Israel out of Egypt and gave them the law
 · Othniel son of Kenaz of Judah; son-in-law to his uncle Caleb
 · Perizzite a people of ancient Canaan in the later territory of Ephraim
 · Philistines a sea people coming from Crete in 1200BC to the coast of Canaan
 · Sidonians residents of the town of Sidon


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Othniel | Moabite | MOAB | Judge | JUDGES, PERIOD OF | JUDAH (2) | JOSHUA, BOOK OF | Israel | Grove | God | Eglon | Debir | Colour | Caesara Philippi | CUSHAN-RISHATHAIM | CUSHAN | CHUSHANRISHATHAIM | Amorites | Ammonite | Amalekite | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable , Guzik

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: Jdg 3:1 - -- That is, such as had no experience of those wars, nor of God's extraordinary power and providence manifested in them.

That is, such as had no experience of those wars, nor of God's extraordinary power and providence manifested in them.

Wesley: Jdg 3:2 - -- That by the neighbourhood of such warlike enemies, they might be purged from sloth and security, and obliged them to innure themselves to martial exer...

That by the neighbourhood of such warlike enemies, they might be purged from sloth and security, and obliged them to innure themselves to martial exercises, and to stand continually upon their guard, and consequently to keep close to that God whose assistance they had so great and constant need of.

Wesley: Jdg 3:3 - -- Whereof three had been in some sort subdued, Jdg 1:18. but afterwards recovered their strength.

Whereof three had been in some sort subdued, Jdg 1:18. but afterwards recovered their strength.

Wesley: Jdg 3:3 - -- Properly so called, who were very numerous, and dispersed through several parts of the land, whence they gave denomination to all the rest of the peop...

Properly so called, who were very numerous, and dispersed through several parts of the land, whence they gave denomination to all the rest of the people.

Wesley: Jdg 3:3 - -- The people living near Zidon, and subject to its jurisdiction.

The people living near Zidon, and subject to its jurisdiction.

Wesley: Jdg 3:3 - -- hermon - Which was the eastern part about Lebanon.

hermon - Which was the eastern part about Lebanon.

Wesley: Jdg 3:4 - -- That is, that they and others might know by experience.

That is, that they and others might know by experience.

Wesley: Jdg 3:6 - -- Were drawn to idolatry by the persuasions and examples of their yoke - fellows.

Were drawn to idolatry by the persuasions and examples of their yoke - fellows.

Wesley: Jdg 3:7 - -- That is, in the groves, in which the Heathens usually worshipped their Baalim or idols.

That is, in the groves, in which the Heathens usually worshipped their Baalim or idols.

Wesley: Jdg 3:8 - -- That is, were made subject to him. Mesopotamia was that part of Syria which lay between the two great rivers, Tigris and Euphrates. This lay at such a...

That is, were made subject to him. Mesopotamia was that part of Syria which lay between the two great rivers, Tigris and Euphrates. This lay at such a distance, that one would not have thought Israel's trouble should have come from such a far country: which shews so much the more of the hand of God in it.

Wesley: Jdg 3:9 - -- That is, prayed fervently for deliverance.

That is, prayed fervently for deliverance.

Wesley: Jdg 3:10 - -- With extraordinary influence, endowing him with singular wisdom and courage, and stirring him up to this great undertaking.

With extraordinary influence, endowing him with singular wisdom and courage, and stirring him up to this great undertaking.

Wesley: Jdg 3:10 - -- That is, pleaded and avenged the cause of Israel against their oppressors.

That is, pleaded and avenged the cause of Israel against their oppressors.

Wesley: Jdg 3:11 - -- It rested about forty years, or the greatest part of forty years: it being most frequent in scripture to use numbers in such a latitude. Nor is it unu...

It rested about forty years, or the greatest part of forty years: it being most frequent in scripture to use numbers in such a latitude. Nor is it unusual either in scripture, or in other authors, for things to be denominated from the greater part; especially, when they enjoyed some degrees of rest and peace even in their times of slavery.

Wesley: Jdg 3:12 - -- By giving him courage, and power, and success against them.

By giving him courage, and power, and success against them.

Wesley: Jdg 3:13 - -- trees - That is, Jericho. Not the city which was demolished, but the territory belonging to it. Here he fixed his camp, for the fertility of that soil...

trees - That is, Jericho. Not the city which was demolished, but the territory belonging to it. Here he fixed his camp, for the fertility of that soil, and because of its nearness to the passage over Jordan, which was most commodious both for the conjunction of his own forces which lay on both sides of Jordan; to prevent the conjunction of the Israelites in Canaan with their brethren beyond Jordan; and to secure his retreat into his own country.

Wesley: Jdg 3:14 - -- The former servitude lasted but eight years; this eighteen: for if smaller troubles do not the work, God will send greater.

The former servitude lasted but eight years; this eighteen: for if smaller troubles do not the work, God will send greater.

Wesley: Jdg 3:15 - -- This tribe was next to Eglon, and doubtless most afflicted by him; and hence God raiseth a deliverer.

This tribe was next to Eglon, and doubtless most afflicted by him; and hence God raiseth a deliverer.

Wesley: Jdg 3:15 - -- Which is here noted, as a considerable circumstance in the following story.

Which is here noted, as a considerable circumstance in the following story.

Wesley: Jdg 3:16 - -- Long enough for his design, and not too long for concealment.

Long enough for his design, and not too long for concealment.

Wesley: Jdg 3:16 - -- Which was most convenient both for the use of his left hand, and for avoiding suspicion.

Which was most convenient both for the use of his left hand, and for avoiding suspicion.

JFB: Jdg 3:1 - -- This was the special design of these nations being left, and it evinces the direct influence of the theocracy under which the Israelites were placed. ...

This was the special design of these nations being left, and it evinces the direct influence of the theocracy under which the Israelites were placed. These nations were left for a double purpose: in the first instance, to be instrumental, by their inroads, in promoting the moral and spiritual discipline of the Israelites; and also to subserve the design of making them acquainted with war, in order that the young, more especially, who were total strangers to it, might learn the use of weapons and the art of wielding them.

JFB: Jdg 3:5-7 - -- The two peoples by degrees came to be on habits of intercourse. Reciprocal alliances were formed by marriage till the Israelites, relaxing the austeri...

The two peoples by degrees came to be on habits of intercourse. Reciprocal alliances were formed by marriage till the Israelites, relaxing the austerity of their principles, showed a growing conformity to the manners and worship of their idolatrous neighbors.

JFB: Jdg 3:8-11 - -- That is, "delivered them"

That is, "delivered them"

JFB: Jdg 3:8-11 - -- Or, Chushan, "the wicked." This name had been probably given him from his cruel and impious character.

Or, Chushan, "the wicked." This name had been probably given him from his cruel and impious character.

JFB: Jdg 3:8-11 - -- By the payment of a stipulated tribute yearly, the raising of which must have caused a great amount of labor and privation.

By the payment of a stipulated tribute yearly, the raising of which must have caused a great amount of labor and privation.

JFB: Jdg 3:9 - -- In their distress they had recourse to earnest prayer, accompanied by humble and penitent confession of their errors.

In their distress they had recourse to earnest prayer, accompanied by humble and penitent confession of their errors.

JFB: Jdg 3:9 - -- (See on Jos 15:16; Jdg 1:13). His military experience qualified him for the work, while the gallant exploits he was known to have performed, gained hi...

(See on Jos 15:16; Jdg 1:13). His military experience qualified him for the work, while the gallant exploits he was known to have performed, gained him the full confidence of his countrymen in his ability as a leader.

JFB: Jdg 3:10 - -- Impelled by a supernatural influence, he undertook the difficult task of government at this national crisis--addressing himself to promote a general r...

Impelled by a supernatural influence, he undertook the difficult task of government at this national crisis--addressing himself to promote a general reformation of manners, the abolition of idolatry, and the revival of pure religion. After these preliminary measures, he collected a body of choice warriors to expel the foreign oppressors.

JFB: Jdg 3:10 - -- No details are given of this war, which, considering the resources of so potent a monarch, must have been a determined struggle. But the Israelitish a...

No details are given of this war, which, considering the resources of so potent a monarch, must have been a determined struggle. But the Israelitish arms were crowned through the blessing of God with victory, and Canaan regained its freedom and independence.

JFB: Jdg 3:11 - -- How powerful the influence of one good man is, in church or state, is best found in his loss [BISHOP HALL].

How powerful the influence of one good man is, in church or state, is best found in his loss [BISHOP HALL].

JFB: Jdg 3:12-14 - -- The Israelites, deprived of the moral and political influences of Othniel, were not long in following their native bias to idolatry.

The Israelites, deprived of the moral and political influences of Othniel, were not long in following their native bias to idolatry.

JFB: Jdg 3:12-14 - -- The reigning monarch's ambition was to recover that extensive portion of his ancient territory possessed by the Israelites. In conjunction with his ne...

The reigning monarch's ambition was to recover that extensive portion of his ancient territory possessed by the Israelites. In conjunction with his neighbors, the Ammonites and the Amalekites, sworn enemies of Israel, he first subjected the eastern tribes; then crossing the Jordan, he made a sudden incursion on western Canaan, and in virtue of his conquests, erected fortifications in the territory adjoining Jericho [JOSEPHUS], to secure the frontier, and fixed his residence there. This oppressor was permitted, in the providence of God, to triumph for eighteen years.

JFB: Jdg 3:15 - -- Descended from Gera, one of Benjamin's sons (Gen 46:21).

Descended from Gera, one of Benjamin's sons (Gen 46:21).

JFB: Jdg 3:15 - -- This peculiarity distinguished many in the Benjamite tribe (Jdg 20:16). But the original word is rendered in some versions "both-handed," a view count...

This peculiarity distinguished many in the Benjamite tribe (Jdg 20:16). But the original word is rendered in some versions "both-handed," a view countenanced by 1Ch 12:2.

JFB: Jdg 3:15 - -- The yearly tribute, which, according to Eastern fashion, would be borne with ostentatious ceremony and offered (Jdg 3:18) by several messengers.

The yearly tribute, which, according to Eastern fashion, would be borne with ostentatious ceremony and offered (Jdg 3:18) by several messengers.

JFB: Jdg 3:16 - -- The sword was usually worn on the left side; so that Ehud's was the more likely to escape detection.

The sword was usually worn on the left side; so that Ehud's was the more likely to escape detection.

Clarke: Jdg 3:1 - -- Now these are the nations - The nations left to prove the Israelites were the five lordships or satrapies of the Philistines, viz., Gath, Askelon, A...

Now these are the nations - The nations left to prove the Israelites were the five lordships or satrapies of the Philistines, viz., Gath, Askelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gaza; the Sidonians, the Hivites of Lebanon, Baal-hermon, etc.; with the remains of the Canaanites, viz., the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, and Jebusites. Those who were left to be proved were those Israelites that had not seen all the wars of Canaan.

Clarke: Jdg 3:2 - -- That - Israel might know, to teach them war - This was another reason why the Canaanites were left in the land, that the Israelites might not forget...

That - Israel might know, to teach them war - This was another reason why the Canaanites were left in the land, that the Israelites might not forget military discipline, but habituate themselves to the use of arms, that they might always be able to defend themselves against their foes. Had they been faithful to God, they would have had no need of learning the art of war; but now arms became a sort of necessary substitute for that spiritual strength which had departed from them. Thus Gods in his judgments leaves one iniquitous nation to harass and torment another. Were all to turn to God, men need learn war no more.

Clarke: Jdg 3:4 - -- To know whether they would hearken - This would be the consequence of the Canaanites being left among them: if they should be faithful to God, their...

To know whether they would hearken - This would be the consequence of the Canaanites being left among them: if they should be faithful to God, their enemies would not be able to enslave them; should they be rebellious, the Lord would abandon them to their foes.

Clarke: Jdg 3:6 - -- And they took their daughters - They formed matrimonial alliances with those proscribed nations, served their idols, and thus became one with them i...

And they took their daughters - They formed matrimonial alliances with those proscribed nations, served their idols, and thus became one with them in politics and religion.

Clarke: Jdg 3:7 - -- Served Baalim and the groves - No groves were ever worshipped, but the deities who were supposed to be resident in them; and in many cases temples a...

Served Baalim and the groves - No groves were ever worshipped, but the deities who were supposed to be resident in them; and in many cases temples and altars were built in groves, and the superstition of consecrating groves and woods to the honor of the deities was a practice very usual with the ancients. Pliny assures us that trees, in old times, served for the temples of the gods. Tacitus reports this custom of the old Germans; Quintus Curtius, of the Indians; and Caesar, and our old writers, mention the same of the Druids in Britain. The Romans were admirers of this way of worship and therefore had their luci or groves in most parts of the city, dedicated to some deity. But it is very probable that the word אשרות asheroth which we translate groves, is a corruption of the word עשתרות ashtaroth , the moon or Venus, (see on Jdg 2:13 (note)), which only differs in the letters ע ת, from the former. Ashtaroth is read in this place by the Chaldee Targum, the Syriac, the Arabic, and the Vulgate, and by one of Dr. Kennicott’ s MSS.

Clarke: Jdg 3:8 - -- Chushan-rishathaim - Kushan, the wicked or impious; and so the word is rendered by the Chaldee Targum, the Syriac, and the Arabic, wherever it occur...

Chushan-rishathaim - Kushan, the wicked or impious; and so the word is rendered by the Chaldee Targum, the Syriac, and the Arabic, wherever it occurs in this chapter

Clarke: Jdg 3:8 - -- King of Mesopotamia - King of ארם נהרים Aram naharayim , "Syria of the two rivers;"translated Mesopotamia by the Septuagint and Vulgate. It...

King of Mesopotamia - King of ארם נהרים Aram naharayim , "Syria of the two rivers;"translated Mesopotamia by the Septuagint and Vulgate. It was the district situated between the Tigris and Euphrates, called by the Arabian geographers Maverannaher, "the country beyond the river,"it is now called Diarbek. See the note on Act 2:9

Clarke: Jdg 3:8 - -- Served Chushan - eight years - He overran their country, and forced them to pay a very heavy tribute.

Served Chushan - eight years - He overran their country, and forced them to pay a very heavy tribute.

Clarke: Jdg 3:9 - -- Raised up - Othniel, the son of Kenaz - This noble Hebrew was of the tribe of Judah, and nephew and son-in-law to Caleb, whose praise stands without...

Raised up - Othniel, the son of Kenaz - This noble Hebrew was of the tribe of Judah, and nephew and son-in-law to Caleb, whose praise stands without abatement in the sacred records. Othniel had already signalized his valor in taking Kirjath-sepher, which appears to have been a very hazardous exploit. By his natural valor, experience in war, and the peculiar influence of the Divine Spirit, he was well qualified to inspire his countrymen with courage, and to lead them successfully against their oppressors.

Clarke: Jdg 3:10 - -- His hand prevailed - We are not told or what nature this war was, but it was most decisive; and the consequence was an undisturbed peace of forty ye...

His hand prevailed - We are not told or what nature this war was, but it was most decisive; and the consequence was an undisturbed peace of forty years, during the whole life of Othniel. By the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him, the Chaldee understands the spirit of prophecy; others understand the spirit of fortitude and extraordinary courage, as opposed to the spirit of fear or faintness of heart; but as Othniel was judge, and had many offices to fulfill besides that of a general, he had need of the Spirit of God, in the proper sense of the word, to enable him to guide and govern this most refractory and fickle people; and his receiving it for these purposes, shows that the political state of the Jews was still a theocracy. No man attempted to do any thing in that state without the immediate inspiration of God, the pretension to which was always justified by the event.

Clarke: Jdg 3:12 - -- The children of Israel did evil - They forgat the Lord and became idolaters, and God made those very people, whom they had imitated in their idolatr...

The children of Israel did evil - They forgat the Lord and became idolaters, and God made those very people, whom they had imitated in their idolatrous worship, the means of their chastisement

Clarke: Jdg 3:12 - -- The Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab - The success he had against the Israelites was by the especial appointment and energy of God He not on...

The Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab - The success he had against the Israelites was by the especial appointment and energy of God

He not only abandoned the Israelites, but strengthened the Moabites against them. Eglon is supposed to have been the immediate successor of Balak. Some great men have borne names which, when reduced to their grammatical meaning, appear very ridiculous: the word עגלון Eglon signifies a little calf!

Clarke: Jdg 3:13 - -- The city of palm trees - This the Targum renders the city of Jericho; but Jericho had been destroyed by Joshua, and certainly was not rebuilt till t...

The city of palm trees - This the Targum renders the city of Jericho; but Jericho had been destroyed by Joshua, and certainly was not rebuilt till the reign of Ahab, long after this, 1Ki 16:34. However, as Jericho is expressly called the city of palm trees, Deu 34:3, the city in question must have been in the vicinity or plain of Jericho, and the king of Moab had seized it as a frontier town contiguous to his own estates. Calmet supposes that the city of palm trees means En-gaddi.

Clarke: Jdg 3:15 - -- Ehud the son of Gera - a man left handed - איש אטר יד ימינו ish itter yad yemino , a man lame in his right hand, and therefore obliged...

Ehud the son of Gera - a man left handed - איש אטר יד ימינו ish itter yad yemino , a man lame in his right hand, and therefore obliged to use his left. The Septuagint render it ανδρα αμφοτεροδεξιον, an ambidexter, a man who could use both hands alike. The Vulgate, qui utraque manu pro dextera utebatur , a man who could use either hand as a right hand, or to whom right and left were equally ready. This is not the sense of the original, but it is the sense in which most interpreters understand it. It is well known that to be an ambidexter was in high repute among the ancients: Hector boasts of it: -

Αυταρ εγων εν οιδα μαχας τ, ανδροκτασιας τε·

Οιδ επι δεξια, οιδ επ αριστερα νωμησαι βων

Αζαλεην, το μοι εστι ταλαυρινον πολεμιζειν.

Iliad, lib. vii., ver. 237

"But am in arms well practiced; many a Gree

Hath bled by me, and I can shift my shiel

From right to left; reserving to the las

Force that suffices for severest toil.

Cowper

Asteropaeus is also represented by Homer as an ambidexter, from which he derives great advantages in fight: -

Ὡς φατ απειλησας· ὁ δ ανεσχετο διος Αχιλλευς

Πηλιαδα μελιην· ὁ δ ὁμαρτη δουρασιν αμφις

Ἡρως Αστεροπαιος, επει περιδεξιος ηε.

Iliad, lib. xxi., ver. 161

So threatened he. Then raised Achilles hig

The Pelian ash: - and his two spears at onc

Alike, (a practiced warrior), with both hand

Asteropaeus hurled.

Cowper

We are informed by Aristotle, that Plato recommended to all soldiers to acquire by study and exercise an equal facility of using both hands. Speaking of Plato, he says: Και την εν τοις πολεμικοισασκεσιν, ὁπως αμφιδεξιοι γινωνται κατα την μελετην, ὡς δεον μη την μεν χρησιμον ειναι ταιν χεροιν, την δε αχρηστον . - De Repub., lib. ii., cap. 12. "He (Plato) also made a law concerning their warlike exercises, that they should acquire a habit of using both hands alike; as it is not fit that one of the hands should be useful and the other useless."In Jdg 20:16 of this book we have an account of seven hundred men of Benjamin, each of whom was אטר יד ימינו itter yad yemino , lame of his right hand, and yet slinging stones to a hair’ s breadth without missing: these are generally thought to be ambidexters

Clarke: Jdg 3:15 - -- Sent a present unto Eglon - This is generally understood to be the tribute money which the king of Moab had imposed on the Israelites.

Sent a present unto Eglon - This is generally understood to be the tribute money which the king of Moab had imposed on the Israelites.

Clarke: Jdg 3:16 - -- A dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length - The word גמד gomed , which we translate cubit, is of very doubtful signification. As the root ...

A dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length - The word גמד gomed , which we translate cubit, is of very doubtful signification. As the root seems to signify contracted, it probably means an instrument made for the purpose shorter than usual, and something like the Italian stiletto. The Septuagint translate it by σπιθαμη, a span, and most of the versions understand it in the same sense

Clarke: Jdg 3:16 - -- Upon his right thigh - Because he was left-handed. Ordinarily the sword is on the left side, that it may be readily drawn out by the right hand; but...

Upon his right thigh - Because he was left-handed. Ordinarily the sword is on the left side, that it may be readily drawn out by the right hand; but as Ehud was left-handed, to be convenient his sword must be on the right side.

Defender: Jdg 3:14 - -- The listed periods of servitude in the book of Judges total 111 years and included subjection to no less than nine different nations. Israel's periods...

The listed periods of servitude in the book of Judges total 111 years and included subjection to no less than nine different nations. Israel's periods of apostasy were costly."

TSK: Jdg 3:1 - -- am 2561, bc 1443, An, Ex, Is, 48 the nations : Jdg 2:21, Jdg 2:22; Deu 7:22 prove : Deu 8:2, Deu 8:16; 2Ch 32:31; Job 23:10; Pro 17:3; Jer 6:27, Jer 1...

am 2561, bc 1443, An, Ex, Is, 48

the nations : Jdg 2:21, Jdg 2:22; Deu 7:22

prove : Deu 8:2, Deu 8:16; 2Ch 32:31; Job 23:10; Pro 17:3; Jer 6:27, Jer 17:9, Jer 17:10; Zec 13:9; Joh 2:24; 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 4:12; Rev 2:23

as had not : Jdg 2:10

TSK: Jdg 3:2 - -- might know : Gen 2:17, Gen 3:5, Gen 3:7; 2Ch 12:8; Mat 10:34-39; Joh 16:33; 1Co 9:26, 1Co 9:27; Eph 6:11-18; 1Ti 6:12; 2Ti 2:3, 2Ti 4:7 to teach : The...

might know : Gen 2:17, Gen 3:5, Gen 3:7; 2Ch 12:8; Mat 10:34-39; Joh 16:33; 1Co 9:26, 1Co 9:27; Eph 6:11-18; 1Ti 6:12; 2Ti 2:3, 2Ti 4:7

to teach : Their fathers fought by a divine power. God taught their hands to war and their fingers to fight, that they might be the instruments of destruction to the wicked nations on whom the curse rested; but now that they had forfeited His favour, they must learn what it is to fight like other men.

TSK: Jdg 3:3 - -- five lords : Jdg 10:7, Jdg 14:4; Jos 13:3; 1Sa 4:1, 1Sa 4:2, 1Sa 6:18, 1Sa 13:5, 1Sa 13:19-23, 1Sa 29:2 Canaanites : Jdg 4:2, Jdg 4:23, Jdg 4:24; Gen ...

TSK: Jdg 3:4 - -- to prove : Jdg 3:1, Jdg 2:22; Exo 15:25; Deu 33:8; 1Co 11:19; 2Th 2:9-12

TSK: Jdg 3:5 - -- dwelt : Jdg 1:29-32; Psa 106:34-38 Canaanites : Gen 10:15-18, Gen 15:19-21; Exo 3:8, Exo 3:17; Deu 7:1; Jos 9:1; Neh 9:8

TSK: Jdg 3:6 - -- Exo 34:16; Deu 7:3, Deu 7:4; 1Ki 11:1-5; Ezr 9:11, Ezr 9:12; Neh 13:23-27; Eze 16:3

TSK: Jdg 3:7 - -- did evil : Jdg 3:12, Jdg 2:11-13 the groves : Jdg 6:25; Exo 34:13; Deu 16:21; 1Ki 16:33, 1Ki 18:19; 2Ki 23:6, 2Ki 23:14; 2Ch 15:16, 2Ch 24:18, 2Ch 33:...

TSK: Jdg 3:8 - -- am 2591, bc 1413, An, Ex, Is, 78 was hot : Jdg 2:14, Jdg 2:20; Exo 22:24; Deu 29:20; Psa 6:1, Psa 85:3 he sold : Jdg 2:14, Jdg 4:9; Deu 32:30; 1Sa 12:...

am 2591, bc 1413, An, Ex, Is, 78

was hot : Jdg 2:14, Jdg 2:20; Exo 22:24; Deu 29:20; Psa 6:1, Psa 85:3

he sold : Jdg 2:14, Jdg 4:9; Deu 32:30; 1Sa 12:9; Isa 50:1; Rom 7:14

Chushanrishathaim : Hab 3:7

Mesopotamia : Heb. Aram -naharaim . Aram-naharayim, ""Syria of the two rivers,""or Mesopotamia, ""between the rivers,""is a famous province situated between the Tigris and Euphrates. It is called by Arabian geographers, Maverannaher , ""the country beyond the river;""and is now called Diarbek.

TSK: Jdg 3:9 - -- am 2599, bc 1405, An, Ex, Is, 86 cried : Jdg 3:15, Jdg 4:3, Jdg 6:7, Jdg 10:10; 1Sa 12:10; Neh 9:27; Psa 22:5, Psa 78:34, Psa 106:41-44; Psa 107:13-19...

am 2599, bc 1405, An, Ex, Is, 86

cried : Jdg 3:15, Jdg 4:3, Jdg 6:7, Jdg 10:10; 1Sa 12:10; Neh 9:27; Psa 22:5, Psa 78:34, Psa 106:41-44; Psa 107:13-19

raised up : Jdg 2:16

deliverer : Heb. saviour

Othniel : Jdg 1:13

TSK: Jdg 3:10 - -- the Spirit : Jdg 6:34, Jdg 11:29, Jdg 13:25, Jdg 14:6, Jdg 14:19; Num 11:17, Num 27:18; 1Sa 10:6, 1Sa 11:6, 1Sa 16:13; 2Ch 15:1, 2Ch 20:14; Psa 51:11;...

TSK: Jdg 3:11 - -- the land : Jdg 3:30, Jdg 5:31, Jdg 8:28; Jos 11:23; Est 9:22 Othniel : Jdg 3:9; Jos 15:17; 1Ch 4:13

TSK: Jdg 3:12 - -- am 2662, bc 1342, An, Ex, Is, 148 did evil : Jdg 2:19; Hos 6:4 and the Lord : Exo 9:16; 2Ki 5:1; Isa 10:15, Isa 37:26, Isa 45:1-4; Eze 38:16; Dan 4:22...

am 2662, bc 1342, An, Ex, Is, 148

did evil : Jdg 2:19; Hos 6:4

and the Lord : Exo 9:16; 2Ki 5:1; Isa 10:15, Isa 37:26, Isa 45:1-4; Eze 38:16; Dan 4:22; Dan 5:18; Joh 19:11

the king : 1Sa 12:9

TSK: Jdg 3:13 - -- Ammon : Jdg 5:14; Psa 83:6 the city : Jdg 1:16; Deu 34:3; Psa 83:7

Ammon : Jdg 5:14; Psa 83:6

the city : Jdg 1:16; Deu 34:3; Psa 83:7

TSK: Jdg 3:14 - -- served : Lev 26:23-25; Deu 28:40, Deu 28:47, Deu 28:48

TSK: Jdg 3:15 - -- am 2679, bc 1325, An, Ex, Is, 166 cried unto : Jdg 3:9; Psa 50:15, Psa 78:34, Psa 90:15; Jer 29:12, Jer 29:13, Jer 33:3 a Benjamite : or, the son of J...

am 2679, bc 1325, An, Ex, Is, 166

cried unto : Jdg 3:9; Psa 50:15, Psa 78:34, Psa 90:15; Jer 29:12, Jer 29:13, Jer 33:3

a Benjamite : or, the son of Jemini

lefthanded : Heb. shut of his right hand, This Hebrew phrase intimates that, either through disease or disuse, he made little or no use of the right hand, but of his left only, and so was the less fit for war, because he would most likely wield a dagger awkwardlycaps1 . ycaps0 et God chose this left-handed man to be the minister of his retributive justice. It was God’ s right hand that gained Israel the victory, Psa 44:3; not the right hand of the instruments he employed. Jdg 20:16; 1Ch 12:2

sent a present : 1Sa 10:27; Pro 18:16, Pro 19:6, Pro 21:14; Isa 36:16

TSK: Jdg 3:16 - -- two edges : Psa 149:6; Heb 4:12; Rev 1:16, Rev 2:12 upon : Jdg 3:21; Psa 45:3; Son 3:8

collapse all
Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Jdg 3:1 - -- Even as many of Israel ... - These words show that the writer has especially in view the generation which came to man’ s estate immediatel...

Even as many of Israel ... - These words show that the writer has especially in view the generation which came to man’ s estate immediately after the close of the wars with the Canaanites Jos 23:1. Compare Jdg 2:10.

Barnes: Jdg 3:3 - -- Lords - Seranim, a title used exclusively of the princes of the five Philistine cities. The title is probably of Phoenician origin. Joshua appe...

Lords - Seranim, a title used exclusively of the princes of the five Philistine cities. The title is probably of Phoenician origin.

Joshua appears to have smitten and subdued the Hivites as far north as Baal-Gad, in the valley of Lebanon under Mount Hermon Jos 11:17; Jos 12:7, but no further Jos 13:5. There was an unsubdued Hivite population to the north of Baal-hermon (probably Baal-Gad under Hermon, since it is not synonymous with Hermon; see 1Ch 5:23), to the entering in of Hamath: i. e. in the fertile valley of Coele-Syria. Hamath is always spoken of as the extreme northern boundary of the land of Canaan. It was the gate of approach to Canaan from Babylon, and all the north Zec 9:2; Jer 39:5. It formed part of the dominions of Solomon 2Ch 8:4, and of the future inheritance of Israel, as described in vision by Ezekiel Eze 47:16.

Barnes: Jdg 3:6 - -- See Jdg 2:2 note.

See Jdg 2:2 note.

Barnes: Jdg 3:7 - -- And the groves - literally, Asheroth, images of Asherah (the goddess companion of Baal): see Deu 16:21 note.

And the groves - literally, Asheroth, images of Asherah (the goddess companion of Baal): see Deu 16:21 note.

Barnes: Jdg 3:8 - -- Here we hold again the thread of the proper narrative, which seems as if it ought to have run thus Jdg 1:1 : Now, etc. Jdg 3:8, therefore (or "and")...

Here we hold again the thread of the proper narrative, which seems as if it ought to have run thus Jdg 1:1 : Now, etc. Jdg 3:8, therefore (or "and") etc.

Served Chushan-Rishathaim - This is the same phrase as in Jdg 3:14. From it is derived the expression, "the times of servitude,"as distinguished from "the times of rest,"in speaking of the times of the Judges. Mesopotamia, or Aram-naharaim, was the seat of Nimrod’ s kingdom, and Nimrod was the son of Cush Gen 10:8-12. Rishathaim is perhaps the name of a city, or a foreign word altered to a Hebrew form. Nothing is known from history, or the cuneiform inscriptions, of the political condition of Mesopotamia at this time, though Thotmes I and III in the 18th Egyptian dynasty are known to have invaded Mesopotamia. It is, however, in accordance with such an aggressive Aramean movement toward Palestine, that as early as the time of Abraham we find the kings of Shinar and of Elam invading the south of Palestine. There is also distinct evidence in the names of the Edomite kings Gen 36:32, Gen 36:35, Gen 36:37 of an Aramean dynasty in Edom about the time of the early Judges. Compare, too, Job 1:17.

Barnes: Jdg 3:9 - -- Othniel was already distinguished in Joshua’ s lifetime as a brave and successful leader. See Jos 15:16-17.

Othniel was already distinguished in Joshua’ s lifetime as a brave and successful leader. See Jos 15:16-17.

Barnes: Jdg 3:10 - -- And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him - The phrase occurs frequently in this book and in the books of Samuel and Kings. It marks the special...

And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him - The phrase occurs frequently in this book and in the books of Samuel and Kings. It marks the special office of the Judges. They were saviors (Jdg 3:9 margin; Neh 9:27) called and directed by the Holy Spirit, who endued them with extraordinary wisdom, courage, and strength for the work which lay before them (compare Jdg 6:34; Jdg 11:29; Jdg 13:25; Jdg 14:6, Jdg 14:19), and were in this respect types of Christ the "Judge of Israel"Mic 5:1, in whom "the Spirit of the Lord God"was "without measure"Isa 11:2; Isa 61:1; Mat 12:18-21; Job 1:32; Act 13:2.

Barnes: Jdg 3:11 - -- The land - means here, as in Jdg 1:2, not the whole land of Canaan, but the part concerned, probably the land of the tribe of Judah. Forty year...

The land - means here, as in Jdg 1:2, not the whole land of Canaan, but the part concerned, probably the land of the tribe of Judah. Forty years, here and elsewhere, is (like fourscore years, Jdg 3:30) a round number, perhaps equivalent to a generation.

Barnes: Jdg 3:12 - -- The "strengthening"Eglon was the special work of God, and because Israel "had done evil,"etc. Samuel’ s comment on the event is to the same eff...

The "strengthening"Eglon was the special work of God, and because Israel "had done evil,"etc. Samuel’ s comment on the event is to the same effect 1Sa 12:9.

Barnes: Jdg 3:13 - -- The children of Ammon (Bent-Ammon), almost always so spoken of from their ancestor Ben-ammi Gen 19:38, seem to be under the leadership of the king o...

The children of Ammon (Bent-Ammon), almost always so spoken of from their ancestor Ben-ammi Gen 19:38, seem to be under the leadership of the king of Moab, as do also the Amlekites: this is perhaps the strengthening spoken of in Jdg 3:12. In Judg. 6 the combination is Midianites, Amalekites, and children of the East, or Arab tribes. In the narrative of Jephthah’ s judgeship, the Ammonites alone are mentioned; but with a reference to the Moabites, and as if they were one people Jdg 11:24. The Amalekites appear as the constant and bitter foes of the Israelites (Exo 17:8 notes and references); and the naming a mountain in Ephraim, "the mount of the Amalekites"Jdg 12:15 is probably a memorial of this joint invasion of Moabites and Amalekites, and marks the scene either of their occupation, or of some signal victory over them.

The city of palm trees: i. e. Jericho Jdg 1:16, having been utterly destroyed by Joshua, and not rebuilt until the time of Ahab Jos 6:24-26; 1Ki 16:34, can only have existed at this time as an unwalled village, - like Jerusalem after its destruction by Nebuzaradan, until Nehemiah rebuilt its waits - and like its modern representative er-Riha, a village with a fortress for the Turkish garrison. This occupation of Jericho should be compared with the invasion in Jdg 10:9, where two out of the three tribes named, Benjamin and Ephraim, are the same as those here concerned, and where Jdg 10:7 the Philistines are coupled with the Ammonites, just as here Jdg 3:31 the Philistines are mentioned in near connection with the Moabites. See Introduction.

Barnes: Jdg 3:15 - -- But when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised them up a deliverer - The very same words as are used at Jdg 3:9. See, too...

But when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised them up a deliverer - The very same words as are used at Jdg 3:9. See, too, Jdg 2:16, Jdg 2:18, and Neh 9:27.

Ehud "the Benjamite"was of the family or house of Gera 2Sa 16:5, the son of Bela, Benjamin’ s first-born, born before Jacob’ s descent into Egypt Gen 46:21, and then included among "the sons of Benjamin."The genealogy in 1Ch 8:6 intimates that Ehud (apparently written Abihud in Jdg 3:3) became the head of a separate house.

Left-handed - See the margin. The phrase is thought to describe not so much a defect as the power to use left and right hands equally well (compare Jdg 20:16; 1Ch 12:2).

A present - i. e. tribute 2Sa 8:2, 2Sa 8:6; 1Ki 4:21; Psa 72:10. The employment of Ehud for this purpose points him out as a chief of some distinction. He would be attended by a numerous suite Jdg 3:18. We may conclude that the destruction of the Benjamites Judg. 20 had not taken place at this time.

Barnes: Jdg 3:16 - -- Upon his right thigh - The proper side for a left-handed man. It would give him the appearance of being unarmed. The narrative shows clearly th...

Upon his right thigh - The proper side for a left-handed man. It would give him the appearance of being unarmed. The narrative shows clearly that his action was premeditated Jdg 3:21.

Poole: Jdg 3:2 - -- Might know, to teach them war that by the neighbourhood of such warlike potent enemies, they might be purged from sloth and security, and obliged to ...

Might know, to teach them war that by the neighbourhood of such warlike potent enemies, they might be purged from sloth and security, and obliged to inure themselves to martial exercises, and to stand continually upon their guard, and consequently to keep close to that God whose assistance they had so great and constant need of.

Poole: Jdg 3:3 - -- Five lords of the Philistines whereof three had been in some sort subdued, Jud 1:18 , but afterwards rescued themselves, and recovered their former s...

Five lords of the Philistines whereof three had been in some sort subdued, Jud 1:18 , but afterwards rescued themselves, and recovered their former strength. See Poole on "Jud 1:18" .

The Canaanites properly so called, who were very numerous, and dispersed through several parts of the land whence they gave denomination to all the rest of the people.

The Sidonians the people living near Sidon, and subject to its jurisdiction.

Mount Baal-hermon was the eastern part of Mount Lebanon: see Deu 3:8,9 .

Poole: Jdg 3:4 - -- To know i.e. that they and others might know by experience.

To know i.e. that they and others might know by experience.

Poole: Jdg 3:6 - -- Were drawn to idolatry by the persuasions and examples of their yoke-fellows, through the just judgment of God, punishing their sinful marriages by ...

Were drawn to idolatry by the persuasions and examples of their yoke-fellows, through the just judgment of God, punishing their sinful marriages by giving them up to idolatry.

Poole: Jdg 3:7 - -- i.e. In the groves, in which the heathens usually worshipped their Baalims or idols. Or, the groves are here put metonymically for the idols of ...

i.e. In the groves, in which the heathens usually worshipped their Baalims or idols. Or, the groves are here put metonymically for the idols of the groves, which are distinguished here from their

Baalim which seem to have been worshipped in other places, as the prophets of Baal are distinguished from the prophets of the groves , 1Ki 18:19 .

Poole: Jdg 3:8 - -- i.e. Were made subject and tributary to him.

i.e. Were made subject and tributary to him.

Poole: Jdg 3:9 - -- Cried unto the Lord i.e. prayed fervently for deliverance. Caleb’ s younger brother ; of which See Poole "Jud 1:13" .

Cried unto the Lord i.e. prayed fervently for deliverance.

Caleb’ s younger brother ; of which See Poole "Jud 1:13" .

Poole: Jdg 3:10 - -- The Spirit of the Lord came upon him with extraordinary influences, endowing him with singular wisdom, and courage, and resolution; and stirring him ...

The Spirit of the Lord came upon him with extraordinary influences, endowing him with singular wisdom, and courage, and resolution; and stirring him up to this great undertaking. Compare Jud 6:34 11:29 .

He judged Israel i.e. pleaded and avenged the cause of Israel against their oppressors; as that phrase is oft used, as Deu 32:36 Psa 10:18 43:1 .

Poole: Jdg 3:11 - -- The land had rest either, first, It rested about forty years, or the greatest part of forty years; it being most frequent in Scripture to use numbers...

The land had rest either, first, It rested about forty years, or the greatest part of forty years; it being most frequent in Scripture to use numbers in such a latitude. Thus the Israelites are said to bear their iniquities forty years in the wilderness , Num 14:34 , when there wanted near two years of that number; and to dwell in Egypt four hundred and thirty years , when there wanted many years of that number. Thus Joseph’ s kindred , sent for and called by him into Egypt, are numbered seventy-five souls, Act 7:14 , although they were but seventy, as is affirmed, Gen 46:27 Exo 1:5 . So here

the land is said to

rest forty years , although they were in servitude eight of those years, Jud 3:8 . And in like manner the land is said to have rest eighty years , though eighteen of them they served the king of Moab, Jud 3:14 . And so in some other instances. Nor is it strange and unusual, either in Scripture or in other authors, for things to be denominated from the greater part, as here it was; especially when they did enjoy some degrees of rest and peace, even in their times of slavery, which here they did. Or, secondly, It rested , i.e. began to rest, or recovered its interrupted rest, in the fortieth year , either after Joshua’ s death, or after the first and famous rest procured for them by Joshua, as is noted, Heb 4:9 , when he destroyed and subdued the Canaanites, and gave them quiet possession of the land; and the land had rest from war , as is said, Jos 11:23 14:15 . So there is this difference between the years of servitude and oppression, and those of rest, that in the former he tells us how long it lasted; in the latter, when it began; by which, compared with the other years, it was easy also to know how long the rest lasted. To strengthen this interpretation, two things must be noted.

1. That resting is here put for beginning to rest, as to beget is put for beginning to beget , Gen 5:32 11:26 ; and to reign , for to begin to reign , 2Sa 2:10 ; and to build , 1Ki 6:15,36 , for to begin to build , 2Ch 3:1 .

2. That forty years is put for the fortieth year ; the cardinal number for the ordinal, which is common both in the Holy Scripture, as Gen 1:5 2:11 Exo 12:2 Hag 1:1 Mar 16:2 and in other authors.

Poole: Jdg 3:12 - -- Strengthened Eglon by giving him courage, and power, and success against them.

Strengthened Eglon by giving him courage, and power, and success against them.

Poole: Jdg 3:13 - -- i.e. Jericho, as may be gathered from Deu 24:3 Jud 1:16 2Ch 28:15 . Not the city, which was demolished, but the territory belonging to it. Here he f...

i.e. Jericho, as may be gathered from Deu 24:3 Jud 1:16 2Ch 28:15 . Not the city, which was demolished, but the territory belonging to it. Here he fixed his camp, partly for the admirable fertility of that soil; and partly because of its nearness to the passage over Jordan, which was most commodious, both for the conjunction of his own forces, which lay on both sides of Jordan; and to prevent the conjunction of the Israelites in Canaan with their brethren beyond Jordan; and to secure his retreat into his own country, which therefore the Israelites prevented, Jud 3:28 .

Poole: Jdg 3:15 - -- A Benjamite Heb. the son of Gemini , who was of the tribe of Benjamin, 2Sa 16:11 19:17 1Ki 2:8 . This tribe was next to him and doubtless most affli...

A Benjamite Heb. the son of Gemini , who was of the tribe of Benjamin, 2Sa 16:11 19:17 1Ki 2:8 . This tribe was next to him and doubtless most afflicted by him; and hence God raiseth a deliverer.

Left-handed which is here noted, partly as a mark of his courage, and strength, and activity; see Jud 20:16 ; and principally as a considerable circumstance in the following story, whereby he might more advantageously and unsuspectedly give the deadly blow.

Poole: Jdg 3:16 - -- A cubit length long enough for his design, and not too long for carriage and concealment. Upon his right thigh which was most convenient, both for ...

A cubit length long enough for his design, and not too long for carriage and concealment.

Upon his right thigh which was most convenient, both for the use of his left hand, and for the avoiding of suspicion.

Haydock: Jdg 3:1 - -- With, &c. Hebrew [and] Protestants, "And the haft also went in after the blade, and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dag...

With, &c. Hebrew [and] Protestants, "And the haft also went in after the blade, and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly, and the dirt came out." By the word belly, the Jews mean all the vital parts. (Calmet) ---- The wound was so deep, that Aod did not think proper to strive long to extract his sword; and indeed, being all bloody, it would have only tended to excite suspicion. (Haydock) ---

The Chaldean agrees with the Vulgate in rendering parshedona "excrements," though it seem to be rather irregularly in construction with a masculine [], &c. If we should read peristana, "a porch," the difficulty would be avoided. (Calmet) ---

Septuagint, "( 23 ) and Aod went out into the porch, ( prostada ) and he shut the doors of the upper chamber....( 24 ) and he himself went out." (Haydock)

Haydock: Jdg 3:1 - -- Instruct. The original is translated try, ver. 4, and chap. ii. 22. --- And all. Hebrew, "as many of Israel as had not," &c. (Haydock) --- ...

Instruct. The original is translated try, ver. 4, and chap. ii. 22. ---

And all. Hebrew, "as many of Israel as had not," &c. (Haydock) ---

Those who had served under Josue, were so strongly impressed with a sense of the divine power and severity, that they never forgot them: but there was a danger lest their children should grow careless, if they were suffered to enjoy a constant state of prosperity. Virtue or power is made perfect in infirmity, 2 Corinthians xii. 9. (Calmet) ---

He that hath been experienced in many things, multiplieth prudence, Ecclesiasticus xxxiv. 10.

Haydock: Jdg 3:2 - -- And be. Hebrew, "at least, such as before knew nothing thereof." Though war be in itself an evil, the passions of men render it necessary, and God ...

And be. Hebrew, "at least, such as before knew nothing thereof." Though war be in itself an evil, the passions of men render it necessary, and God makes use of it as a scourge, to punish the wicked, and at the same time to keep all under due restraint. (Haydock) ---

Too long a peace has proved sometimes fatal to states and to the virtue of individuals. In adversity we call upon God, and adhere to him with greater fervour and constancy. The Jews were so prone to evil, that, if they were permitted to enjoy tranquility for a few years, they presently forgot themselves and the author of all their good, and even turned their backs upon the only true God. Their enemies forced them to have recourse to Him. (Calmet)

Haydock: Jdg 3:3 - -- Princes, ( satrapas ) a Persian word. (Menochius) --- These heads of the five great cities of the Philistines, are called Seranim, (Haydock) but ...

Princes, ( satrapas ) a Persian word. (Menochius) ---

These heads of the five great cities of the Philistines, are called Seranim, (Haydock) but never kings, whether they were governors of so many petty states, united in the same form of republican or aristocratical government, or independent of each other. See Josue xiii. Three of these cities are said to have been take by Juda, (chap. i. 18,) unless the Septuagint be more accurate, as this passage would seem to insinuate. (Calmet) ---

They might have thrown off the yoke in a short time, as we before observed. These five cities were Gaza, Geth, Ascalon, Azotus, and Accaron. (Haydock) ---

All but Geth were on the Mediterranean sea. (Calmet) ---

All the Chanaanites, &c., who dwelt in Libanus, with some others, who were dispersed though the country, ver. 5. (Haydock) ---

These chiefly inhabited the environs of Sidon. ---

Baal Hermon. The idol of Baal might probably be adored on this mountain. (Menochius) ---

We find Baal-gad in the same neighbourhood, and both may mean the same city. (Calmet)

Haydock: Jdg 3:4 - -- Not. Various reasons are assigned, on the part of God, for not exterminating these nations at once. But their being spared so long, must be imputed...

Not. Various reasons are assigned, on the part of God, for not exterminating these nations at once. But their being spared so long, must be imputed to the disobedience of the Israelites, otherwise they would surely never have been tolerated with their idol-worship in the land of promise, to contaminate, by their wicked example, the manners of God's people. If they would have redeemed their lives, they must at least have given up the land and their idols. As the Israelites proved so little zealous in destroying the latter, they were justly punished by God, in being deprived of what would have contributed to make them richer and more comfortable in this world. (Haydock)

Haydock: Jdg 3:6 - -- Gods. This was the fatal consequence which God had foretold, Deuteronomy vii. 4. (Haydock)

Gods. This was the fatal consequence which God had foretold, Deuteronomy vii. 4. (Haydock)

Haydock: Jdg 3:7 - -- Astaroth. Hebrew Asheroth, Septuagint, "the groves," (Menochius) of which Astaroth was the goddess, (Calmet) like Diana, chap. ii. 11. Various tr...

Astaroth. Hebrew Asheroth, Septuagint, "the groves," (Menochius) of which Astaroth was the goddess, (Calmet) like Diana, chap. ii. 11. Various trees were sacred to idols. (Menochius)

Haydock: Jdg 3:8 - -- Chusan. This name leads us to conclude that this prince was of Scythian extraction, a descendant of Chus: (Calmet) it signifies "black," or an Eth...

Chusan. This name leads us to conclude that this prince was of Scythian extraction, a descendant of Chus: (Calmet) it signifies "black," or an Ethiopian." (Menochius) ---

Rasathaim was perhaps the place of his nativity. As it means "of two sorts of malice," Arias thinks that the Syrian kings took this title to shew that they would punish or repress all crimes against the civil or criminal law, (Menochius) those which affected the property as well as the lives of their subjects. (Haydock) ---

Mesopotamia. In Hebrew Aram naharayim. Syria of the two rivers; so called because it lies between the Euphrates and the Tigris. It is absolutely called Syria, ver. 10. (Challoner) ---

Eight years, by manual labour and presents, testifying their submission to their oppressor, who might not perhaps live among them. (Calmet) ---

Moir's edition, by mistake, reads eighty years. The Hebrews were equally fallible, chap. iii. 30. (Haydock)

Haydock: Jdg 3:9 - -- Saviour. "We must remark, that the man by whom God grants us safety, is styled a saviour," (St. Augustine, q. 18,) though Christ is the proper and p...

Saviour. "We must remark, that the man by whom God grants us safety, is styled a saviour," (St. Augustine, q. 18,) though Christ is the proper and principal Saviour. (Worthington) ---

Caleb. Septuagint, "the younger son of Cenez, who was the brother of Caleb." (Haydock) ---

Othoniel was one of the ancients. If he could not prevent the people from falling into idolatry, he rescued them from it. (Calmet)

Haydock: Jdg 3:10 - -- In him, to instruct and enable him both to rout the enemy, and to govern the people with prudence. (Haydock) --- Chaldean, "the spirit of prophecy....

In him, to instruct and enable him both to rout the enemy, and to govern the people with prudence. (Haydock) ---

Chaldean, "the spirit of prophecy." The oracle excited him to attack Chusan. (Josephus, [Antiquities?] v. 3.) He was entrusted with an extraordinary authority, in a wonderful manner, and God gave him all those virtues which were requisite for his exalted station. (Calmet) ---

Him. Hebrew, "his hand was strong upon Chusan Rasathaim." He gained a complete victory over him, (Haydock) the particulars of which are not mentioned, though they must have been very interesting and extraordinary, as the power of Chusan was so extensive. (Calmet)

Haydock: Jdg 3:11 - -- Died, "forty years after Josue, according to the chronology of Usher, which we follow," (Calmet) or rather Usher translates the land began to rest "i...

Died, "forty years after Josue, according to the chronology of Usher, which we follow," (Calmet) or rather Usher translates the land began to rest "in the fortieth year" from the peace of Josue. He places the death to that leader in the year of the world 2570, and the end of Chusan's dominion 2599; so that, if we deduct 40 years from this last date, we shall come to the year 2559, the sixth of Josue's administration, when he began to divide the conquered lands. He supposes that the peace of Othoniel lasted about 62 years, when Eglon disturbed it for eighteen years. "Aod delivered Israel. After him Samgar appeared, and the land rested till the 80 th year from the peace of Othoniel." Houbigant censures this indiscriminate use of cardinal and of ordinal numbers, and the blending times of servitude with those of peace; (Haydock) and "surely this method of reckoning is very harsh, and contrary to the usual acceptation of words." (Calmet) ---

Yet it is adopted by many. (Worthington) ---

IT may suit to form a system, but can have no solid foundation. (Haydock) ---

The epoch from which Usher dates is no where so distinctly specified, as that we should suppose that the author of the Book of Judges had it in view. Moreover, by this method, we are left to guess how long each of the judges reigned, or how long the peace which they had procured, subsisted. Usher admits that they years of servitude are specified; and, why not also the years of peace, since they are expressed exactly in the same manner? If the ordinal numbers 40th, 80th, &c., were intended, b would be prefixed, as [in] Deuteronomy i. 3.; and this grammatical observation along, suffices to overturn the calculation of Usher. (Houbigant, Proleg.) ---

Salien dates from the death of Josue in 2600, and allows that 40 years elapsed from that period till the decease of Othoniel; including the years which some attribute to the ancients, and to the anarchy; (chap. xvii., &c., to the end,) and also the eight years of servitude; so that instead of a rest of 40 years, we shall find that all was in confusion the greatest part of the time. The idolatry of Israel, which shortly brought on the servitude under Eglon, commenced immediately after the conclusion of these 40 years, when Salien begins to enumerate the years of Aod's government. Thus he does from one judge to another. This system does not indeed make the text bend to uphold it, but it supposes that the sacred writer includes anarchy and servitude under the name of rest. In these matters much is to be supplied by conjecture, and hence the chronological difficulties which infidels propose, to invalidate the authority of the Scripture, can have but little weight, till the learned shall have discovered the exact disposition of former times. The first judge of Israel was of the tribe of Juda. The second was chosen from the almost ruined tribe of Benjamin, as the learned commonly place the dreadful catastrophe which befel that tribe during the anarchy which ensued, and the death of Josue and of the ancients. Aod had no share in the crime. (Haydock)

Haydock: Jdg 3:12 - -- Eglon, signifies "a calf." (Calmet) --- God made use of this prince to scourge his people, with the assistance of the neighbouring nations. He too...

Eglon, signifies "a calf." (Calmet) ---

God made use of this prince to scourge his people, with the assistance of the neighbouring nations. He took Engaddi, in the plains of Jericho, and was thus enabled to keep an eye both upon his own subjects and the conquered Israelites. (Calmet) ---

Here he probably met with his untimely end. (Haydock)

Haydock: Jdg 3:15 - -- Aod, signifies "praise," whence perhaps Josephus calls him Judes which has the same import. (Menochius) --- He was a descendant of Jemini or Be...

Aod, signifies "praise," whence perhaps Josephus calls him Judes which has the same import. (Menochius) ---

He was a descendant of Jemini or Benjamin, by his son Gera, Genesis xlvi. 1. ---

Right. Septuagint and many interpreters agree, that Aod was "Ambidexter," a quality which Plato exhorted those who were designed for war, to strive to acquire. Several of the heroes before Troy are praised on this account; and the Scripture takes particular notice of 700 citizens of Gabaa, who could use both hands alike, and could hit even a hair with a stone, chap. xx. 16. The Jews explain itter, very absurdly; Aod "had his right hand maimed or tied:" (Calmet) and Protestants render "a man left-handed." (Haydock) ---

This would be a very awkward recommendation for a warrior, though it is pretended that such are more resolute, and more difficult to encounter than others. The number of the men at Gabaa who are praised for their skill, as well as the brave men of David, (1 Paralipomenon xii. 2,) shews sufficiently that the term does not mean left-handed. But the Scripture here takes notice that Aod could use his left hand so well, because he placed his dagger, contrary to custom, on his right side, and the motions of his left hand would not be so narrowly watched. Rufin does not agree with the present text of Josephus, which indeed seems very confused saying, "that all the strength of Aod lay in his left hand." Gelenius also translates, utraque manu ex æquo promptus; (Antiquities v. 5,) so that perhaps the Greek of Josephus may have been altered. ---

Presents; that is, tribute; an odious expression, instead of which the Scripture often puts presents, 1 Kings x. 27., and 1 Paralipomenon xviii. 2. No tribute was imposed in Persia till the reign of Darius Hystaspes; the subject had to make presents to the king. (Herodotus iii. 89.) (Calmet)

Haydock: Jdg 3:16 - -- He made, or procured, though it was formerly honourable for a person to do such things himself. (Calmet) --- Hand. Hebrew gomed, is translated b...

He made, or procured, though it was formerly honourable for a person to do such things himself. (Calmet) ---

Hand. Hebrew gomed, is translated by the Protestants, "of a cubit length," (Haydock) though the term is never used elsewhere for that measure. Septuagint have spithame, a measure of 12 fingers. ---

Garment. The sagum, as well as the Septuagint mandua, from the Hebrew mad, denote a military garment. But such a dress might have rendered Aod suspected, (Calmet) unless an uniform might then be deemed a suitable dress for an ambassador. (Haydock) ---

Thigh. The Jews wore the sword there; (Psalm xliv. 4,) and it would be more convenient on the left thigh, as the nations of Gaul and Germany had it, while the Roman cavalry wore the sword on the right; and the infantry had two swords, the long one on the left, and a shorter, about an hand's length, on the right. (Josephus, Jewish Wars iii. 3.) (Lipsius)

Gill: Jdg 3:1 - -- Now these are the nations which the Lord left to prove Israel by them,.... Which are later mentioned, Jdg 3:3, even as many of Israel as had not...

Now these are the nations which the Lord left to prove Israel by them,.... Which are later mentioned, Jdg 3:3,

even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; those that Joshua, and the people of Israel under him, had with the Canaanites, when they first entered the land and subdued it; being then not born, or so young as not to have knowledge of them, at least not able to bear arms at that time.

Gill: Jdg 3:2 - -- Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know and teach them war,.... That is, the following nations were left in the land, that the ...

Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know and teach them war,.... That is, the following nations were left in the land, that the young generations of Israel might by their wars and conflicts with them learn the art of war, and be inured to martial discipline; which, if none had been left to engage with, they had been ignorant of: besides, their fathers in Joshua's time, as Jarchi and Kimchi observe, had no need to learn the art of war, for God fought for them; they did not get possession of the land by their own arm, and by their sword, but by the power of God in a miraculous way; but now this was not to be expected, and the Canaanites were left among them to expel, that they might be trained up in the knowledge of warlike affairs, and so be also capable of teaching their children the military art; which they should make use of in obeying the command of God, by driving out the remains of the Canaanites, and not give themselves up to sloth and indolence; though some think that the meaning is, that God left these nations among them, that they might know what war was, and the sad effects of it; and the difference of fighting with their enemies alone, as other men, and the Lord fighting along with them, and for them, as he did for their fathers:

at least such as before knew nothing thereof; being either unborn, or at an age incapable of bearing arms, or learning the art of war.

Gill: Jdg 3:3 - -- Namely, five lords of the Philistines,.... The places they were lords of were Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron; see Jos 13:3; three of these, ...

Namely, five lords of the Philistines,.... The places they were lords of were Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron; see Jos 13:3; three of these, Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron, had been taken from them by Judah, since the death of Joshua, Jdg 1:18; but they soon recovered them again, perhaps by the help of the other two. The Philistines were a people originally of Egypt, but came from thence and settled in these parts, and were here as early as in the times of Abraham, and were very troublesome neighbours to the Israelites in later times; see Gen 10:14,

and all the Canaanites; these were a particular tribe or nation in the land so called, which inhabited by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan, Num 13:29; otherwise this is the general name for the seven nations:

and the Sidonians; the inhabitants of the famous city of Sidon, which had its name from the firstborn of Canaan, Gen 10:15,

and the Hivites that dwelt in Mount Lebanon; on the north of the land of Canaan:

from Mount Baalhermon; the eastern part of Lebanon, the same with Baalgad, where Baal was worshipped:

unto the entering in of Hamath; the boundary of the northern part of the land, which entrance led into the valley between Libanus and Antilibanus; see Num 34:8.

Gill: Jdg 3:4 - -- And they were to prove Israel by them,.... They were left in the land, as to inure them to war, and try their courage, so to prove their faithfulness ...

And they were to prove Israel by them,.... They were left in the land, as to inure them to war, and try their courage, so to prove their faithfulness to God:

to know whether they would hearken to the commandments, of the Lord,

which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses; even all the commandments of the Lord delivered to them by Moses, moral, civil, and ceremonial, and particularly those that concerned the destruction of the Canaanites, their altars, and their idols, Deu 7:1.

Gill: Jdg 3:5 - -- And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites,.... As if they had been only sojourners with them, and not conquerors of them; and dwelt by suf...

And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites,.... As if they had been only sojourners with them, and not conquerors of them; and dwelt by sufferance, and not as proprietors and owners; such were their sloth and indolence, and such the advantage the inhabitants of the land got over them through it, and through their compliances with them; and this was the case not only of one sort of them, the Canaanites, but of the rest:

the Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites; who all had cities in the several parts of the land, with whom the children of Israel were mixed, and with whom they were permitted to dwell.

Gill: Jdg 3:6 - -- And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons,.... The Israelites intermarried with the inhabitants of the l...

And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons,.... The Israelites intermarried with the inhabitants of the land, contrary to the express command of God, Deu 7:3; whereby they confounded their families, debased their blood, and were ensnared into idolatry, as follows: perhaps to these unlawful marriages, in their first settlement in the land of Canaan, reference is had in Eze 16:3, "thy father was an Amorite and thy mother an Hittite"; an Amorite marrying a daughter of Israel, and an Israelitish man an Hittite woman:

and served their gods; this was the natural consequence of their intermarriages, which the Lord foresaw, and therefore cautioned them against them, Exo 34:15.

Gill: Jdg 3:7 - -- And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord,.... Both by marrying with Heathens, and worshipping their gods: and forgot the Lord t...

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord,.... Both by marrying with Heathens, and worshipping their gods:

and forgot the Lord their God; as if they had never heard of him, or known him, their Maker and Preserver, who had done so many great and good things for them:

and served Baalim, and the groves; of Baalim, see Jdg 2:11; the groves mean either idols worshipped in groves, as Jupiter was worshipped in a grove of oaks, hence the oak of Dodona; and Apollo in a grove of laurels in Daphne: there were usually groves where idol temples were built; and so in Phoenicia, or Canaan, Dido the Sidonian queen built a temple for Juno in the midst of the city, where was a grove of an agreeable shade d: so Barthius e observes, that most of the ancient gods of the Heathens used to be worshipped in groves. And groves and trees themselves were worshipped; so Tacitus says f of the Germans, that they consecrated groves and forests, and called them by the names of gods. Groves are here put in the place of Ashtaroth, Jdg 2:13; perhaps the goddesses of that name were worshipped in groves; and if Diana is meant by Astarte, Servius g says that every oak is sacred to Jupiter and every grove to Diana; and Ovid h speaks of a temple of Diana in a grove. But as they are joined with Baalim, the original of which were deified kings and heroes, the groves may be such as were consecrated to them; for, as the same writer observes i, the souls of heroes were supposed to have their abode in groves; See Gill on Exo 34:13 and See Gill on Deu 7:5. It was in this time of defection that the idolatry of Micah, and of the Danites, and the war of Benjamin about the Levite's concubine, happened, though related at the end of the book; so Josephus k places the account here.

Gill: Jdg 3:8 - -- Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel,.... Because of their idolatry; see Jdg 2:14, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrisha...

Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel,.... Because of their idolatry; see Jdg 2:14,

and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim, king of Mesopotamia; or Aramnaharaim; that is, Syria, between the two rivers, which were Tigris and Euphrates; hence the Greek name of this place is as here called Mesopotamia. Josephus l calls him king of Assyria, and gives him the name of Chusarthus; and indeed Chushanrishathaim seems to be his whole name, though the Targum makes Rishathaim to be an epithet, and calls him Cushan, the wicked king of Syria; the word is of the dual number, and signifies two wickednesses; which, according to the mystical exposition of the Jews m, refers to two wicked things Syria did to Israel, one by Balaam the Syrian, and the other by this Cushan. Mr. Bedford n thinks it may be rendered,"Cushan, king of the two wicked kingdoms;''the Assyrian monarchy being at this time like two kingdoms, Babylon being the metropolis of the one, and Nineveh of the other; but it is question whether the monarchy was as yet in being. Hillerus o makes Cushan to be an Arab Scenite, from Hab 3:7; and Rishathaim to denote disquietudes; and it represents him as a man very turbulent, never quiet and easy, and so it seems he was; for not content with his kingdom on the other side Euphrates, he passed over that, and came into Canaan, to subject that to him, and add it to his dominions. Kimchi says that Rishathaim may be the name of a place, and some conjecture it to be the same with the Rhisina of Ptolemy p; but it seems rather a part of this king's name, who came and fought against Israel, and the Lord delivered them into his hands:

and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years; became tributaries to him during that space of time, but when that began is not easy to say. Bishop Usher q places it in A. M. 2591, and before Christ 1413.

Gill: Jdg 3:9 - -- And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord,.... Towards the close of the eight years' bondage, as it may be supposed, groaning under the oppr...

And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord,.... Towards the close of the eight years' bondage, as it may be supposed, groaning under the oppressive taxes laid upon them, and the bondage they were brought into: and

the Lord raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel; he heard their cry, and sent them a saviour, whose spirit he stirred up, and whom he qualified for this service:

who delivered them; out of the hands of the king of Mesopotamia, and freed them from his oppressions:

even Othniel, the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother; the same that took Debir, and married Achsah, the daughter of Caleb, Jdg 1:12; who now very probably was a man in years.

Gill: Jdg 3:10 - -- And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him,.... Moved him to engage in this work of delivering Israel, inspired him with courage, and filled him with ev...

And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him,.... Moved him to engage in this work of delivering Israel, inspired him with courage, and filled him with every needful gift, qualifying him for it; the Targum interprets it the spirit of prophecy; it seems father to be the spirit of counsel and courage, of strength and fortitude of body and mind:

and he judged Israel; took upon him the office of a judge over them, and executed it; very probably the first work he set about was to reprove them for their sins, and convince them of them, and reform them from their idolatry, and restore among them the pure worship of God; and this he did first before he took up arms for them:

and he went out to war; raised an army, and went out at the head of them, to fight with their oppressor:

and the Lord delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim; gave him the victory over him and his army, so that he fell into his hands, became his captive, and perhaps was slain by him.

Gill: Jdg 3:11 - -- And the land had rest forty years,.... As it should seem from the time of this deliverance; though, according to Ben Gersom and Abarbinel, the eight y...

And the land had rest forty years,.... As it should seem from the time of this deliverance; though, according to Ben Gersom and Abarbinel, the eight years' servitude are to be included in them; and Bishop Usher r reckons these forty years from the rest first settled in the land by Joshua; but the former sense seems best:

and Othniel the son of Kenaz died: not at the end of the forty years; it is not likely he should live so long, but when he died is not certain; Eusebius s says he judged Israel fifty years.

Gill: Jdg 3:12 - -- And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord,.... Fell into idolatry again, which was a great evil in the sight of God, and what...

And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord,.... Fell into idolatry again, which was a great evil in the sight of God, and what they were prone to fall into:

and the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel; put it into his heart to invade them, and encouraged him to it, and gave him success; what kings reigned over Moab between Balak and this king we know not: it is a commonly received notion of the Jews, that Ruth was the daughter of Eglon; see Rth 1:4; and it was about this time that Elimelech with his two sons went into Moab, and when many of those things recorded in the book of Ruth were transacted:

because they had done evil in the sight of the Lord; which had greatly provoked him to anger, and was the cause of stirring up the king of Moab against them.

Gill: Jdg 3:13 - -- And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek,.... Either the Lord gathered them to Eglon, inclined them to enter into a confederacy with ...

And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek,.... Either the Lord gathered them to Eglon, inclined them to enter into a confederacy with him, to assist in the war against Israel; or the king of Moab got them to join with him in it, they being his neighbours, and enemies to Israel, and especially Amalek:

and went and smote Israel; first the two tribes and a half, which lay on that side Jordan Moab did, whom it is reasonable to suppose he would attack first; and having defeated them, he came over Jordan:

and possessed the city of the palm trees; Jericho, as the Targum, which was set with palm trees; see Deu 34:3; not the city itself, for that was destroyed by Joshua, and not rebuilt until the time of Ahab; but the country, about it, or, as Abarbinel thinks, a city that was near it; here Josephus says t he had his royal palace; it is probable he built a fort or garrison here, to secure the fords of Jordan, and his own retreat; as well as to keep up a communication with his own people, and prevent the tribes of the other side giving any assistance to their brethren, if able and disposed to do it.

Gill: Jdg 3:14 - -- So the children of Israel served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years. Ten years longer than they served the king of Mesopotamia, Jdg 3:8, as a severer c...

So the children of Israel served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years. Ten years longer than they served the king of Mesopotamia, Jdg 3:8, as a severer correction of them for their relapse into idolatry.

Gill: Jdg 3:15 - -- But when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord,.... After being long oppressed, and groaning under their burdens, and brought to a sense of their...

But when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord,.... After being long oppressed, and groaning under their burdens, and brought to a sense of their sins, and humiliation for them, they asked forgiveness of God, and deliverance from their bondage; for it is very probable they were until towards the close of those years stupid and hardened, and did not consider what was the reason of their being thus dealt with:

the Lord raised them up a deliverer; another saviour, one that he made use of as an instrument of their deliverance:

Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded; who is described by his parentage, a son of Gera, but who his father was is not known; by his tribe a Benjamite, in which Jericho was, Eglon possessed, and so might be more oppressed than any other part; and therefore the Lord stirred up one of that tribe to be the deliverer; and by his being a lefthanded man, as several of that tribe were, Jdg 20:16; though a Benjamite signifies a son of the right hand; and he perhaps was one of those lefthanded Benjamites that fled to the rock Rimmon, as Dr. Lightfoot u conjectures, Jdg 20:47; for that affair, though there related, was before this: the Septuagint calls him an "ambidexter", one that could use both hands equally alike; but the Hebrew phrase signifies one that is "shut up in his right hand" w; who has not the true use of it, cannot exercise it as his other hand, being weak and impotent, or contracted through disuse, or some disease; or, as Josephus x expresses it, who could use his left hand best, and who also calls him a young man of a courageous mind and strong of body, and says he dwelt at Jericho, and was very familiar with Eglon, and who by his gifts and presents had endeared himself to all about the king:

and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab; either their yearly tribute, or rather a gift unto him, to soften him, and reconcile him to them, and make their bondage easier; or to give him access to him with more confidence and safety, though it does not seem that they knew anything of Ehud's design.

Gill: Jdg 3:16 - -- But Ehud made him a dagger, which had two edges, of a cubit length,.... A little sword, as Josephus calls it y, with two edges, that it might cut both...

But Ehud made him a dagger, which had two edges, of a cubit length,.... A little sword, as Josephus calls it y, with two edges, that it might cut both ways, and do the execution he designed by it, and was about half a yard long; which he could the more easily conceal, and use for his purpose:

and he did gird it under his raiment; that it might not be seen, and give occasion of suspicion; this was a military garment, the "sagum", as the Vulgate Latin version, which was coarse, and made of wool, and reached to the ankle, and was buttoned upon the shoulder, and put over the coat z; the Septuagint makes use of a word Suidas a interprets a coat of mail:

upon his right thigh; whereas a sword is more commonly girt upon the left; though some observe, from various writers, that the eastern people used to gird their swords on their right thigh; or this was done that it might be the less discernible and suspected, and chiefly as being most convenient for him, a lefthanded man, to draw it out upon occasion.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Jdg 3:1 Heb “did not know the wars of Canaan.”

NET Notes: Jdg 3:2 The stated purpose for leaving the nations (to teach the subsequent generations…how to conduct holy war) seems to contradict 2:22 and 3:4, which...

NET Notes: Jdg 3:3 Or “the entrance to Hamath.”

NET Notes: Jdg 3:4 Heb “to know if they would hear the commands of the Lord which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.”

NET Notes: Jdg 3:6 Or “served”; or “followed” (this term occurs in the following verse as well).

NET Notes: Jdg 3:7 The Asherahs were local manifestations of the Canaanite goddess Asherah.

NET Notes: Jdg 3:8 Or “they served Cushan-Rishathaim.”

NET Notes: Jdg 3:9 “Caleb’s younger brother” may refer to Othniel or to Kenaz (in which case Othniel is Caleb’s nephew).

NET Notes: Jdg 3:10 Heb “his hand was strong against Cushan-Rishathaim.”

NET Notes: Jdg 3:12 Heb “strengthened Eglon…against Israel.”

NET Notes: Jdg 3:13 Heb “and he gathered to him.”

NET Notes: Jdg 3:14 Or “the Israelites served Eglon.”

NET Notes: Jdg 3:15 Heb “The Israelites sent by his hand an offering to Eglon, king of Moab.”

NET Notes: Jdg 3:16 The Hebrew term גֹּמֶד (gomed) denotes a unit of linear measure, perhaps a cubit (the distance between the elbow a...

Geneva Bible: Jdg 3:1 Now these [are] the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, [even] as many [of Israel] as had not known all the ( a ) wars of Canaan; (...

Geneva Bible: Jdg 3:2 Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew ( b ) nothing thereof; ( b ) For ...

Geneva Bible: Jdg 3:6 And they took ( c ) their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. ( c ) Contrary to God's command...

Geneva Bible: Jdg 3:7 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the ( d ) groves. ( d ) Or Ashtero...

Geneva Bible: Jdg 3:10 And the ( e ) Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotami...

Geneva Bible: Jdg 3:11 And the land had rest ( f ) forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died. ( f ) That is, 32 under Joshua and 8 under Othniel.

Geneva Bible: Jdg 3:12 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD ( g ) strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because the...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Jdg 3:1-31 - --1 The nations which were left to prove Israel.5 By communion with them they commit idolatry.8 Othniel delivered them from Chushan-rishathaim;12 Ehud f...

MHCC: Jdg 3:1-7 - --As the Israelites were a type of the church on earth, they were not to be idle and slothful. The Lord was pleased to try them by the remains of the de...

MHCC: Jdg 3:8-11 - --The first judge was Othniel: even in Joshua's time Othniel began to be famous. Soon after Israel's settlement in Canaan their purity began to be corru...

MHCC: Jdg 3:12-30 - --When Israel sins again, God raises up a new oppressor. The Israelites did ill, and the Moabites did worse; yet because God punishes the sins of his ow...

Matthew Henry: Jdg 3:1-7 - -- We are here told what remained of the old inhabitants of Canaan. 1. There were some of them that kept together in united bodies, unbroken (Jdg 3:3):...

Matthew Henry: Jdg 3:8-11 - -- We now come to the records of the government of the particular judges, the first of which was Othniel, in whom the story of this book is knit to tha...

Matthew Henry: Jdg 3:12-30 - -- Ehud is the next of the judges whose achievements are related in this history, and here is an account of his actions. I. When Israel sins again God ...

Keil-Delitzsch: Jdg 3:1-6 - -- Nations which the Lord left in Canaan : with a repetition of the reason why this was done. Jdg 3:1-2 The reason, which has already been stated in...

Keil-Delitzsch: Jdg 3:7-11 - -- II. History of the People of Israel under the Judges - Judges 3:7-16:31 In order that we may be able to take a distinct survey of the development of...

Keil-Delitzsch: Jdg 3:12-14 - -- In vv. 12-30 the subjugation of the Israelites by Eglon , the king of the Moabites, and their deliverance from this bondage, are circumstantially d...

Keil-Delitzsch: Jdg 3:15 - -- But when the Israelites cried to the Lord for help, He set them free through the Benjaminite Ehud , whom He raised up as their deliverer. Ehud was...

Keil-Delitzsch: Jdg 3:16 - -- Ehud availed himself of the opportunity to approach the king of the Moabites and put him to death, and thus to shake off the yoke of the Moabites fr...

Constable: Jdg 1:1--3:7 - --I. THE REASONS FOR ISRAEL'S APOSTASY 1:1--3:6 The first major section in the book (1:1-3:6) explains very clearl...

Constable: Jdg 3:1-6 - --3. God's purposes with Israel 3:1-6 The purposes for which God allowed the Canaanites to live am...

Constable: Jdg 3:7--17:1 - --II. THE RECORD OF ISRAEL'S APOSTASY 3:7--16:31   ...

Constable: Jdg 3:7-11 - --A. The first apostasy 3:7-11 The first of six periods of oppression by Israel's enemies began while Othn...

Constable: Jdg 3:12-30 - --1. Oppression under the Moabites and deliverance through Ehud 3:12-30 The Moabites and Ammonites...

Guzik: Jdg 3:1-31 - --Judges 3 - The First Three Judges A. The pagan nations left in Israel's midst. 1. (1-2) God's reason for allowing these nations to continue in Israe...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: Judges (Book Introduction) JUDGES is the title given to the next book, from its containing the history of those non-regal rulers who governed the Hebrews from the time of Joshua...

JFB: Judges (Outline) THE ACTS OF JUDAH AND SIMEON. (Jdg 1:1-3) ADONI-BEZEK JUSTLY REQUITED. (Jdg. 1:4-21) SOME CANAANITES LEFT. (Jdg 1:22-26) AN ANGEL SENT TO REBUKE THE ...

TSK: Judges (Book Introduction) The book of Judges forms an important link in the history of the Israelites. It furnishes us with a lively description of a fluctuating and unsettled...

TSK: Judges 3 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Jdg 3:1, The nations which were left to prove Israel; Jdg 3:5, By communion with them they commit idolatry; Jdg 3:8, Othniel delivered th...

Poole: Judges (Book Introduction) BOOK OF JUDGES THE ARGUMENT THE author of this book is not certainly known, whether it was Samuel, or Ezra, or some other prophet; nor is it mate...

Poole: Judges 3 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 3 The nations left to prove Israel mentioned, Jud 3:1-4 . The Israelites marrying their daughters, and serving their gods, they are deliver...

MHCC: Judges (Book Introduction) The book of Judges is the history of Israel during the government of the Judges, who were occasional deliverers, raised up by God to rescue Israel fro...

MHCC: Judges 3 (Chapter Introduction) (Jdg 3:1-7) The nations left to prove Israel. (Jdg 3:8-11) Othniel delivers Israel. (v. 12-30) Ehud delivers Israel from Eglon. (Jdg 3:31) Shamgar ...

Matthew Henry: Judges (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Book of Judges This is called the Hebrew Shepher Shophtim , the Book of Judges, which the Syria...

Matthew Henry: Judges 3 (Chapter Introduction) In this chapter, I. A general account of Israel's enemies is premised, and of the mischief they did them (Jdg 3:1-7). II. A particular account of...

Constable: Judges (Book Introduction) Introduction Title The English title, Judges, comes to us from the Latin translation (...

Constable: Judges (Outline) Outline I. The reason for Israel's apostasy 1:1-3:6 A. Hostilities between the Israelites an...

Constable: Judges Judges Bibliography Aharoni, Yohanan. Land of the Bible. Phildelphia: Westminster Press, 1962. ...

Haydock: Judges (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION. THE BOOK OF JUDGES. This Book is called Judges, because it contains the history of what passed under the government of the judge...

Gill: Judges (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO JUDGES The title of this book in the Hebrew copies is Sepher Shophetim, the Book of Judges; but the Syriac and Arabic interpreters ...

Gill: Judges 3 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO JUDGES 3 This chapter gives an account of the nations left in Canaan to prove Israel, and who became a snare unto them, Jdg 3:1; an...

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