Judges 2:19

2:19 When a leader died, the next generation ¹  would again ²  act more wickedly than the previous one. ³  They would follow after other gods, worshiping them ⁴  and bowing down to them. They did not give up ⁵  their practices or their stubborn ways.

Judges 2:18

2:18 When the Lord raised up leaders for them, the Lord was with each leader and delivered the people ⁶  from their enemies while the leader remained alive. The Lord felt sorry for them ⁷  when they cried out in agony because of what their harsh oppressors did to them. ⁸ 

[2:19]  ¹ tn Heb “they”; the referent (the next generation) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[2:19]  ² tn The verb שׁוּב (shuv, “to return; to turn”) is sometimes translated “turn back” here, but it is probably used in an adverbial sense, indicating that the main action (“act wickedly”) is being repeated.

[2:19]  ³ tn Heb “their fathers.”

[2:19]  ⁴ tn Or “serving [them]”; or “following [them].”

[2:19]  ⁵ tn Or “drop.”

[2:18]  ⁶ tn Heb “them”; the referent (the people) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[2:18]  ⁷ tn The phrase “for them” is supplied in the translation for clarity.

[2:18]  ⁸ tn Heb “the ones oppressing them and afflicting them.” The synonyms “oppressing” and “afflicting” are joined together in the translation as “harsh oppressors” to emphasize the cruel character of their enemies.