What is the meaning of Judges 3:13? After enlisting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join forces with him • Judges records that “the LORD strengthened Eglon king of Moab against Israel” (Judges 3:12). The alliance with Ammon and Amalek shows God’s sovereign hand permitting a coalition of long-standing foes—Moab to the east, Ammon just north of Moab, and the nomadic Amalekites of the south (Psalm 83:5-7). • These nations trace back to relationships hostile to Israel from the start (Genesis 19:36-38; Exodus 17:8-16). By rallying them, Eglon multiplied military pressure far beyond what Moab alone could exert. • The verse reminds us how sin removes divine protection: “The anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of their enemies” (Judges 2:14). Israel’s disobedience opened the door for this three-pronged threat. Eglon attacked and defeated Israel • The onslaught was decisive: “you shall flee before your enemies” had been Moses’ warning if Israel broke covenant (Deuteronomy 28:25). Judges 3:13 shows that warning fulfilled. • Notice the progression in Judges: sin (3:7), servitude (3:8-14), supplication (3:15), salvation (3:15-30), and serenity (3:30). Verse 13 sits in the servitude stage, emphasizing how far Israel had fallen since Joshua’s victories. • God’s purpose in allowing defeat was corrective, not destructive. He disciplines “those He loves” (Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6). Their loss set the stage for Ehud’s deliverance that follows (3:15-30). taking possession of the City of Palms • “City of Palms” points to Jericho (Deuteronomy 34:3), the first fortress Israel conquered under Joshua (Joshua 6). For it to fall back into enemy hands highlights the depth of Israel’s spiritual decline. • Jericho’s fertile oasis and strategic location near the Jordan crossing gave Moab a forward base to tax trade, control movement, and humiliate Israel. • The reversal is sobering: the walls God once brought down for His people now shelter their oppressor. Yet it also sets up God’s power to reverse fortunes again (2 Kings 14:26-27). summary Judges 3:13 shows God permitting King Eglon’s tri-nation alliance to punish a wayward Israel. Their sin led to a crushing defeat and the loss of Jericho, symbolizing forfeited blessings. Yet even in judgment, the stage is set for grace: the same Lord who allowed Moabite dominion will soon raise up Ehud and restore the land, proving His faithfulness to discipline, deliver, and keep covenant with His people. |
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