The Israelites served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years. The IsraelitesThis phrase refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who were chosen by God to be His people. In the context of Judges, the Israelites are in the Promised Land but are struggling with faithfulness to God. Historically, they are a confederation of tribes rather than a unified nation, which often leads to their vulnerability to surrounding nations. Theologically, their identity as God's chosen people is central, yet their repeated disobedience leads to cycles of oppression and deliverance. served
The Hebrew word used here is "עָבַד" (avad), which means to work or serve. In this context, it implies subjugation and forced labor, indicating that the Israelites were under the oppressive control of Eglon. This servitude is a direct consequence of their disobedience to God, as outlined in the cyclical pattern of sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation found throughout the Book of Judges. Eglon
Eglon is the king of Moab, a nation descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew. The Moabites were often in conflict with Israel, and Eglon's rule over the Israelites is a result of their turning away from God. Eglon's name, which can mean "calf-like" or "round," may also symbolize the idolatry and moral corruption that Israel fell into, as calves were often associated with pagan worship. king of Moab
Moab was located east of the Dead Sea and was often an adversary of Israel. The Moabites were related to the Israelites through Lot, yet they frequently led Israel into idolatry and immorality. The title "king" signifies Eglon's authority and the political power he wielded over Israel during this period. This domination is a reminder of the consequences of Israel's failure to fully obey God's commands to drive out the inhabitants of the land. eighteen years
This duration of oppression is significant, as it reflects a prolonged period of suffering and subjugation. The number eighteen, in biblical numerology, can symbolize bondage, as it is the product of six (often associated with human weakness) and three (a number of completeness or divine perfection). The extended period of servitude underscores the severity of Israel's rebellion and the patience of God, who allows them to experience the consequences of their actions before raising up a deliverer. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In this context, they are under oppression due to their disobedience to God. 2. EglonThe king of Moab, who oppressed the Israelites. His rule over Israel is a consequence of their turning away from God. 3. MoabA nation located east of the Dead Sea. Historically, Moab had a contentious relationship with Israel, often leading to conflict. 4. Eighteen YearsThe period during which the Israelites were subjugated by Eglon. This time of oppression is a direct result of Israel's sin and serves as a period of divine discipline. Teaching Points Consequences of DisobedienceThe Israelites' servitude under Eglon is a direct result of their disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder that turning away from God leads to negative consequences. God's Sovereignty in DisciplineEven in their disobedience, God remains sovereign. He uses Eglon as an instrument of discipline to bring His people back to Himself. The Need for RepentanceThe oppression faced by the Israelites eventually leads them to cry out to God. This highlights the importance of repentance and turning back to God in times of trouble. Hope for DeliveranceDespite the period of oppression, God raises up deliverers for Israel. This points to the hope and redemption available through God's intervention. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the oppression of the Israelites under Eglon teach us about the consequences of turning away from God? 2. How does the cycle of sin and deliverance in Judges reflect in our personal spiritual lives today? 3. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and purpose in times of discipline or hardship? 4. How can we apply the principle of repentance in our daily walk with God? 5. What other biblical examples can you find where God uses foreign nations to discipline His people, and what can we learn from these instances? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The Israelites' subjugation under Eglon is a fulfillment of the curses for disobedience. Judges 2:11-19Provides context for the cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the period of the Judges. Psalm 106:34-43Describes Israel's repeated cycle of sin and God's deliverance, highlighting the pattern seen in Judges. | Continued and Repeated Offence Entails More Signal Punishment | A.F. Muir | Judges 3:12-14 | | A Distinct Message | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Message from God | W. Rudder, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Message from God | J. Cumming, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Message from God | J. B. C. Murphy, B. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Sermon Upon Keys | John Mitchell. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Application of the Truth | | Judges 3:12-30 | | Effective Preachers Compared to Ehud | John McNeill. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Ehud: Left-Handedness | J. Parker, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | God's Messages | J. P. Millar. | Judges 3:12-30 | | I have a Message from God unto Thee | T. Raffles, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Lessons from the Death of Eglon | T. De Witt Talmage. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Sin -- Suffering; Penitence and Deliverance Repeated | J. P. Millar. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Christian Minister Bearing a Message from God to Man | H. S. Plumptre, M. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Gospel Message | D. Johnston, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Gospel Message | E. Cooper, M. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Summer Parlour | W.F. Bishop. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Unexpected Perils | S. Baring-Gould, M. A. | Judges 3:12-30 |
People Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Amorites, Anath, Aram, Canaanites, Chushanrishathaim, Chushan-rishathaim, Eglon, Ehud, Gera, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Kenaz, Moabites, Othniel, Perizzites, Shamgar, Sidonians, ZidoniansPlaces Canaan, Gilgal, Jordan River, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Mesopotamia, Moab, Mount Baal-hermon, SeirahTopics Eglon, Eighteen, Moab, Servants, Serve, Served, Sons, SubjectDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 3:12-14 5290 defeat
5607 warfare, examples Library Use what You Have
Few people really are and do their best. Nature has blessed a few with great talents and abilities. These persons often become proud, self-centered, and feel themselves to be superior, and for that reason many times they fail to make the proper use of their abilities. How often are they used in a bad or foolish way, so that what might be a blessing to the world fails to be such! There are many others who realize they do not possess these natural gifts. They look upon those who have them, and envy …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart TalksGifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Whether Baptism Should Take Away the Penalties of Sin that Belong to this Life?
Objection 1: It seems that Baptism should take away the penalties of sin that belong to this life. For as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:15), the gift of Christ is farther-reaching than the sin of Adam. But through Adam's sin, as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:12), "death entered into this world," and, consequently, all the other penalties of the present life. Much more, therefore, should man be freed from the penalties of the present life, by the gift of Christ which is received in Baptism. Objection 2: Further, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica "This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare unto You, that God is Light,"
1 John i. 5.--"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light," &c. The great design of the gospel is to make up the breach of man's joy, and open up the way to the fulness of it, and therefore it is the good news and glad tidings of great joy, the only best message that ever came to the world. Now it shows unto us the channel that this river of gladness and joy runs into, it discovers what is the way of the conveyance of it to the soul, and what are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Whether the Old Law Enjoined Fitting Precepts Concerning Rulers?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law made unfitting precepts concerning rulers. Because, as the Philosopher says (Polit. iii, 4), "the ordering of the people depends mostly on the chief ruler." But the Law contains no precept relating to the institution of the chief ruler; and yet we find therein prescriptions concerning the inferior rulers: firstly (Ex. 18:21): "Provide out of all the people wise [Vulg.: 'able'] men," etc.; again (Num. 11:16): "Gather unto Me seventy men of the ancients of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Doctrine of Angels.
I. THEIR EXISTENCE. 1. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. 2. THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES. II. THEIR NATURE. 1. CREATED BEINGS. 2. SPIRITUAL BEINGS. 3. GREAT POWER AND MIGHT. 4. VARIOUS GRADES. 5. THE NUMBER OF ANGELS. III. THE FALL OF ANGELS. 1. TIME AND CAUSE. 2. THE WORK OF FALLEN ANGELS. 3. THE JUDGMENT OF FALLEN ANGELS. IV. THE WORK OF ANGELS. 1. THEIR HEAVENLY MINISTRY. 2. THEIR EARTHLY MINISTRY. a) In Relation to the Believer. b) In Relation to Christ's Second Coming. THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS. We are not …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 3:14 NIVJudges 3:14 NLTJudges 3:14 ESVJudges 3:14 NASBJudges 3:14 KJV
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