Judges 10:16

So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD, and He could no longer bear the misery of Israel.

Study Bible

So they put away the foreign gods from among them
This phrase indicates a significant turning point for the Israelites. Throughout the Book of Judges, Israel repeatedly falls into idolatry, worshiping the gods of the surrounding nations such as Baal and Ashtoreth. This act of putting away foreign gods signifies repentance and a return to monotheistic worship. The removal of idols is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing the first commandment (Exodus 20:3). It reflects a physical and spiritual cleansing, aligning with the covenant relationship established at Sinai.

and served the LORD
Serving the LORD implies a renewed commitment to the covenant relationship with Yahweh. This service is not merely ritualistic but involves obedience to God's laws and commands. The Hebrew word for "serve" (עָבַד, avad) can also mean "to work" or "to worship," indicating a holistic devotion. This phrase echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), which calls for loving and serving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength. It also foreshadows the New Testament call to serve God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1).

and He could no longer bear the misery of Israel
This phrase highlights God's compassion and mercy. Despite Israel's repeated disobedience, God's love and covenant faithfulness lead Him to respond to their suffering. The term "misery" refers to the consequences of their sin, often manifesting as oppression by foreign powers. God's response is consistent with His character as described in Exodus 34:6-7, where He is portrayed as compassionate and gracious. This divine compassion prefigures the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who bears humanity's misery and sin on the cross (Isaiah 53:4-5).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The people of God who repeatedly fell into idolatry and sin, leading to their oppression by foreign nations.

2. Foreign gods
The idols and deities worshiped by the surrounding nations, which the Israelites adopted, leading them away from the worship of Yahweh.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who desires exclusive worship and is compassionate towards His people.

4. Oppression
The suffering and subjugation experienced by the Israelites as a consequence of their idolatry and disobedience.

5. Repentance
The act of turning away from sin and returning to God, demonstrated by the Israelites putting away foreign gods.

Teaching Points

The Necessity of Repentance
True repentance involves a decisive turning away from sin and idolatry, as seen in the Israelites' actions.

God's Compassion
Despite Israel's repeated failures, God's compassion is evident as He responds to their misery and repentance.

Exclusive Worship
God demands exclusive worship, and idolatry in any form is a serious offense against Him.

The Consequences of Sin
The Israelites' suffering under foreign oppression serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

Hope for Restoration
No matter how far we stray, there is always hope for restoration when we genuinely return to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What steps did the Israelites take to demonstrate their repentance in Judges 10:16, and how can we apply this in our own lives?

2. How does the concept of God's compassion in Judges 10:16 relate to His character as described in other parts of the Bible?

3. In what ways do modern "idols" distract us from exclusive worship of God, and how can we identify and remove them?

4. How does the cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in Judges reflect our own spiritual journeys?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our repentance is genuine and leads to lasting change, as seen in the Israelites' example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-6
The commandment against idolatry, emphasizing God's desire for exclusive worship and His jealousy for His people.

1 Samuel 7:3-4
Samuel's call to Israel to put away foreign gods and serve the LORD only, leading to their deliverance.

2 Chronicles 7:14
The promise of healing and restoration if God's people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways.

Psalm 106:44-45
God's compassion and relenting from anger when His people cry out to Him in their distress.

Hosea 14:1-3
A call to repentance and the promise of God's mercy and healing for those who return to Him.