Judges
Jdg 1:11 And
[ par. 1 2 ]
Jdg 1:11 [1] According to the full scope of the Old Testament, at Mount Sinai God married Israel (see note 62 in Exo. 20). In His concept and desire, God wanted to be a Husband to Israel, and He wanted Israel to be a wife to Him, living in the most intimate contact with Him in this marvelous marriage union. In writing the books of history, Samuel put Judges after Joshua to show us the kind of life Israel lived toward her Husband. As unveiled in this book, Israel did not have a heart to be the wife of Jehovah. She forsook God as her Husband and went about as a harlot after other gods and worshipped them (2:11-13, 17; 3:7; 8:33; 10:6; cf. Jer. 11:13; Ezek. 16:25-26; Hosea 1:2; 2:2). After the account of Judah and Caleb in 1:1-20, Israel’s history as recorded in this book is full of the rottenness and corruption of a harlot. Whereas Joshua is the book of Israel’s history full of the marvelous victories over the inhabitants of Canaan in the presence of Jehovah, Judges is the book of Israel’s history full of miserable defeats under their enemies in the forsaking of Jehovah. This is the intrinsic significance of the book of Judges.
Jdg 1:11 [2] The content of Judges consists of the children of Israel trusting in God, forsaking God, being defeated by their enemies, repenting to God in their misery, being delivered through the judges, and again becoming corrupted (1:1-2; 2:11—3:11). This became a cycle repeated seven times in Judges.
Jdg 1:12a inquired Num. 27:21; 1 Sam. 22:10; 23:9-10; 2 Sam. 2:1
Israel’s inquiring of Jehovah at the beginning of this book, vv. 1-20, describes the beautiful scene of Israel’s trusting in God. This marvelous picture of oneness with the Lord, prefiguring the organic union of God with His people, is a continuation of the oneness in the book of Joshua when the people of Israel first entered into the good land (Josh. 6).
Jdg 1:1b first Judg. 20:18
Jdg 1:2a Judah Gen. 44:14; 49:8-10; Num. 7:12
Jdg 1:3a Simeon Josh. 19:1
Jdg 1:8a Jerusalem cf. Judg. 1:21; Josh. 15:63; 1 Sam. 17:54; 2 Sam. 5:6
Jdg 1:10a Then vv. 10-15: Josh. 15:13-19
Jdg 1:171 utterly
Lit., devoted it (i.e., to destruction).
Jdg 1:172 Hormah
Meaning devoted.
Jdg 1:19a with Judg. 1:22; 2:18; 6:12; Josh. 6:27; 2 Sam. 5:10; 2 Kings 18:7
Jdg 1:20a Moses Num. 14:24; Deut. 1:36; Josh. 14:13; 15:13-14
Jdg 1:201 Anak
See Num. 13:33 and note.
Jdg 1:211 But
Although Judah was bold and victorious (vv. 1-19a, 20), his victory was not absolute, for there was a shortage in that he did not dispossess the inhabitants of the valley (v. 19b) and the Jebusites (v. 21). Likewise, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan did not dispossess all the inhabitants of their lands (vv. 27, 29-36). As a result of Israel’s disobedience in not utterly driving out the tribes that inhabited Canaan (Exo. 23:23-33; Num. 33:50-56), Israel dwelt among them, took their daughters as their wives, gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods, thus doing evil in the sight of the Lord (3:5-6). See notes 231 in Exo. 23 and 521 in Num. 33.
Jdg 1:21a Jebusites cf. Josh. 15:63
Jdg 1:22a with Judg. 1:19
Jdg 1:23a Luz Gen. 28:19; 35:6; 48:3; Josh. 18:13
Jdg 1:27a And vv. 27-28: Josh. 17:12-13
Jdg 1:28a forced Deut. 20:11; Josh. 16:10; 17:12-13; Judg. 1:28, 30, 33, 35; 1 Kings 9:21; cf. Josh. 9:21
Jdg 1:29a And Josh. 16:10
Jdg 1:34a Dan cf. Judg. 18:1
Jdg 2:11a Angel Num. 22:22; Judg. 5:23
[ par. 1 2 ]
Jdg 2:11 [1] The Angel of Jehovah is God Himself in His Divine Trinity serving His elect as a Servant (cf. Heb. 1:14). The embodiment of the Triune God is Christ, and Christ is the Angel of Jehovah, who took care of Israel as Jehovah in action in the Old Testament (see note 21 in Exo. 3). For Christ to be the Angel of Jehovah means that God has appointed and commissioned Himself in His Divine Trinity to act in caring for His people.
Jdg 2:11 [2] Because Israel did not act as a proper wife, the very Jehovah who was the Husband, the Head, and the King of Israel became a Servant to His wife. He came to her not as a Husband, Head, or King but as the Angel of Jehovah, who was sent by Jehovah (Zech. 2:9-11). Since Israel did not regard Jehovah as the Head, He became a Servant to serve her. His word to Israel in vv. 1-3 was not a rebuke or a command but the admonition of a servant.
Jdg 2:1b Gilgal Josh. 4:19; 10:15
Jdg 2:1c go Exo. 14:19; 23:20
Jdg 2:1d covenant Gen. 17:7; Exo. 6:4; Deut. 31:16
Jdg 2:2a covenant Exo. 23:32; 34:12-13; Deut. 7:2, 5
Jdg 2:3a thorns Num. 33:55
Jdg 2:3b snare Exo. 23:33; Deut. 7:16; Josh. 23:13; Psa. 106:36
Jdg 2:51 Bochim
Meaning weepers.
Jdg 2:6a Now vv. 6-9: cf. Josh. 24:28-31
Jdg 2:7a served Josh. 24:31
Jdg 2:8a died Josh. 24:29
Jdg 2:91a Timnath-heres cf. Josh. 19:50; 24:30
Some MSS read, Timnath-serah (cf. Josh. 19:50; 24:30).
Jdg 2:10a not 1 Sam. 2:12; cf. Deut. 11:1; Jer. 5:4; Micah 4:12
Jdg 2:11a served Judg. 3:7; 10:6, 10; 1 Sam. 12:10
Jdg 2:121a forsook Deut. 31:16
Man’s forsaking of God began in Gen. 3, when man, under the seducing of Satan, forsook God as the tree of life and joined himself to Satan as the tree of knowledge (Gen. 2:9, 16-17; 3:1-6). To take the tree of knowledge is actually to marry Satan and divorce God. Since the beginning of man’s existence man has been forsaking God and joining to Satan, taking many things as replacements of God (idols). This forsaking of God and joining to Satan, portrayed here by Israel’s forsaking Jehovah and joining themselves to idols, is the strongest factor behind the chaos in human society, including that in Israel. See Jer. 2:13 and note.
Jdg 2:12b followed Deut. 6:14; Judg. 2:17, 19
Jdg 2:13a Baal Judg. 3:7; 10:6
Jdg 2:14a delivered 2 Kings 17:20; Neh. 9:27
Jdg 2:14b sold Judg. 3:8; 4:2; 6:1; 13:1; 1 Sam. 12:9
Jdg 2:15a had cf. Lev. 26:14-46; Deut. 28:15-68
Jdg 2:16a judges Acts 13:20
Jdg 2:16b saved Judg. 3:15, 31; 10:1, 12; 13:5; 1 Sam. 12:11; Neh. 9:27
Jdg 2:17a harlots Deut. 31:16; Judg. 8:27, 33; 1 Chron. 5:25
Jdg 2:18a with Judg. 1:19
Jdg 2:18b groaning Judg. 3:9, 15; 4:3; 6:6; 10:10
Jdg 2:19a died Judg. 3:11-12; 4:1; 8:33
Jdg 2:21a dispossess Judg. 2:3; Josh. 23:13
Jdg 2:22a test Exo. 15:25; Deut. 8:2, 16; 13:3; Judg. 3:1, 4
Jdg 2:221 it
According to some Hebrew MSS and many ancient versions; other MSS read, them.
Jdg 3:1a test Judg. 2:22
Jdg 3:21 the
Lit., them.
Jdg 3:3a five Josh. 13:3
Jdg 3:51 dwelt
Verses 5-6 show the three factors of Israel’s failure.
Jdg 3:6a took Exo. 34:16; Deut. 7:3; Ezra 9:12
Jdg 3:7a served Judg. 2:11, 13
Jdg 3:8a sold Judg. 2:14
Jdg 3:9a cried Judg. 2:18
Jdg 3:9b saved Judg. 2:16
Jdg 3:9c Othniel Judg. 1:13; 3:11
Jdg 3:10a Spirit Judg. 6:34; 11:29; 13:25; 14:6, 19; 15:14
Jdg 3:11a rest Judg. 3:30; 5:31; 8:28; Josh. 11:23
Jdg 3:13a Amalek Exo. 17:8; Judg. 6:3, 33; 10:12
Jdg 3:15a cried Judg. 2:18
Jdg 3:15b savior Judg. 2:16; 3:31
Jdg 3:15c left-handed Judg. 20:16; cf. 1 Chron. 12:2
Jdg 3:231 Eglon
Lit., him.
Jdg 3:241 Eglon’s
Lit., his.
Jdg 3:28a delivered Judg. 4:7, 14; 7:9, 15; 1 Sam. 14:12; 17:47; 2 Chron. 16:8; cf. 1 Kings 22:12, 15
Jdg 3:30a rest Judg. 3:11
Jdg 3:31b saved Judg. 2:16
Jdg 4:2a sold Judg. 2:14
Jdg 4:2b Hazor cf. Josh. 11:1, 10
Jdg 4:2c Sisera 1 Sam. 12:9; Psa. 83:9
Jdg 4:3a cried Judg. 2:18
Jdg 4:41 Deborah
God’s raising up of a female, Deborah, as a judge of Israel was extraordinary, indicating that all the men of Israel had failed God, forcing Him to raise up a woman. In the Bible a proper female indicates one who is in submission to God, one who keeps God’s ordination (see note 211, par. 2, in Exo. 2). This is the position that Israel should have taken before God, but Israel violated God’s ordination, leaving her position as God’s wife and forsaking Him for hundreds of idols. This brought Israel into a miserable situation and condition. Although Deborah was a very capable person, she was very submissive. God made her the leader, yet she kept the proper order and took Barak as her covering (vv. 6-9; cf. 1 Cor. 11:3, 5-6, 10). When this excellent, extraordinary woman took the lead to practice the female submission to the man, the entire country came into an excellent order, assuming the proper position before Jehovah (v. 10). Among the people there were great resolutions in heart and great searchings of heart (5:15-16), and they rose up to follow the others to fight for God’s kingdom. Because Israel fought under Deborah in a proper order, God fought for them (vv. 14-24).
Jdg 4:4a prophetess cf. Exo. 15:20; 2 Kings 22:14; Luke 2:36
Jdg 4:5a Ramah 1 Sam. 1:19; 25:1
Jdg 4:6a Barak Heb. 11:32
Jdg 4:6b Tabor Judg. 4:12, 14
Jdg 4:10a Zebulun Judg. 5:18
Jdg 4:11a Hobab Num. 10:29
Jdg 4:14a before Deut. 9:3; 2 Sam. 5:24; Psa. 68:7; Isa. 52:12
Jdg 4:14b down Judg. 5:13
Jdg 4:17a Jael Judg. 5:24
Jdg 4:19a milk Judg. 5:25
Jdg 4:21a tent Judg. 5:26
Jdg 5:4a O vv. 4-5: cf. Psa. 68:7-9; Deut. 33:2
Jdg 5:6a Shamgar Judg. 3:31
Jdg 5:71 I
Others translate, you.
Jdg 5:12b captive Psa. 68:18; Eph. 4:8
Jdg 5:13a down Judg. 4:14
Jdg 5:18a Zebulun Judg. 4:10
Jdg 5:23a Angel Judg. 2:4; 6:11
Jdg 5:23b did cf. Judg. 21:5, 9
Jdg 5:24a Blessed cf. Luke 1:42
Jdg 5:24b Jael Judg. 4:17
Jdg 5:25a milk Judg. 4:19
Jdg 5:26a tent Judg. 4:21
Jdg 5:301 each
Lit., the head.
Jdg 5:31a perish cf. Psa. 83:9-10
Jdg 5:31b sun 2 Sam. 23:4
Jdg 5:31c might Psa. 37:6; Dan. 12:3; Prov. 4:18; Matt. 13:43
Jdg 5:31d rest Judg. 3:11
Jdg 6:1a delivered Judg. 2:15
Jdg 6:1b Midian Num. 25:17-18; cf. Gen. 25:2
Jdg 6:3a Amalek Judg. 3:13; Exo. 17:8
Jdg 6:5a locust Judg. 7:12; cf. Joel 1:4
Jdg 6:6a cried Judg. 2:18
Jdg 6:8a brought Exo. 12:17; Judg. 2:1; 6:13; 1 Sam. 10:18; 12:8
Jdg 6:111a Angel Judg. 5:23; 13:3
See note 11, par. 1, in ch. 2.
Jdg 6:11b Gideon Heb. 11:32
Jdg 6:12a with Josh. 1:5; Judg. 2:18; Luke 1:28
Jdg 6:13a fathers Psa. 44:1; 78:3-4
Jdg 6:141 Jehovah
The Angel of Jehovah is Jehovah Himself (vv. 11-14, 21-23). See note 21 in Exo. 3.
Jdg 6:14a save Judg. 2:16
Jdg 6:14b sent 1 Sam. 12:11
Jdg 6:15a I cf. Exo. 3:11; 2 Sam. 7:18
Jdg 6:15b least 1 Sam. 9:21; 18:23; 1 Cor. 15:9; Eph. 3:8
Jdg 6:18a Do vv. 18-21: cf. Gen. 18:3-8; Judg. 13:15-16, 19-20
Jdg 6:201 Angel
The Angel of God is the Angel of Jehovah (v. 11), who is Jehovah Himself (v. 14).
Jdg 6:21a fire Lev. 9:24; 1 Kings 18:38; 2 Chron. 7:1
Jdg 6:22a seen cf. Gen. 32:30; Exo. 33:20; Judg. 13:22
Jdg 6:23a Do Dan. 10:19; Luke 1:13
Jdg 6:241a Jehovah-shalom cf. Gen. 22:14; 28:19; 33:20; 35:7, 15; Exo. 17:15; Ezek. 48:35
Meaning Jehovah is peace, or Jehovah of peace.
Jdg 6:25a tear Deut. 7:5; 12:3; Judg. 2:2; 2 Chron. 34:4
Jdg 6:251 Asherah
An image of a female deity.
Jdg 6:271 did
Gideon, a marvelous judge who was called by God in a very particular way (vv. 11-24), was successful because of four things. First, he listened carefully to the word of God, something that was rare among the children of Israel at that time. Second, he obeyed God’s word and acted on it. Third, he tore down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah (vv. 25-28). Fourth, by tearing down the altar of Baal and cutting down the Asherah that belonged to his father, Gideon sacrificed his relationship with his father and his enjoyment of society to follow Jehovah (vv. 29-32). As a result of these four factors, Gideon received a reward: the economical Spirit came upon him (v. 34). Hence, he became powerful and with only three hundred men defeated two princes and two kings (7:25; 8:10-12). With Gideon we have a picture of a man who lived in union with God, a God-man, to fulfill God’s word and to carry out God’s economy.
Jdg 6:321 Gideon
Lit., him.
Jdg 6:322a Jerubbaal Judg. 7:1; 1 Sam. 12:11
Meaning let Baal contend.
Jdg 6:34a Spirit Judg. 3:10; 2 Chron. 20:14
Jdg 6:39a May Gen. 18:32
Jdg 7:1a Jerubbaal Judg. 6:32
Jdg 7:21 too
By telling Gideon that he had too many people, God was indicating that He would fight for Israel.
Jdg 7:2a vaunt cf. Deut. 8:17; Isa. 10:12-13
Jdg 7:3a afraid Deut. 20:8
Jdg 7:31 here
Lit., Mount Gilead; the Hebrew text is obscure here.
Jdg 7:4a many cf. 1 Sam. 14:6
Jdg 7:51 laps
Drinking is a basic item of man’s daily necessities. God tested the men by observing how they took care of their necessities. The selection of the three hundred men stresses the sacrifice of one’s personal interests and enjoyment for God’s purpose. Like Gideon, the three hundred who lapped water from their hand, restricting themselves in quenching their thirst, were willing to sacrifice in order to be used by God. Those who knelt down on their knees and drank without restraint took care of their necessity much more than God’s need, and God sent them home (cf. 2 Tim. 2:4).
Jdg 7:15a delivered Judg. 3:28
Jdg 7:22a trumpets cf. Josh. 6:4, 16, 20
Jdg 7:22b sword 1 Sam. 14:20; 2 Chron. 20:23
Jdg 7:25a Oreb Judg. 8:3; Psa. 83:11
Jdg 8:1a not Judg. 6:35; cf. Judg. 12:1
Jdg 8:3a subsided cf. Prov. 15:1
Jdg 8:8a Penuel Gen. 32:30-31; 1 Kings 12:25
Jdg 8:161 trampled
[ par. 1 2 ]
Jdg 8:161 [1] Following v. 7. The Hebrew may read, taught. After his great success, Gideon had a terrible failure. Intrinsically, Gideon’s failure was due to his forsaking God and his joining himself to Satan (see note 121 in ch. 2). The secret of his failure comprises three factors. First, Gideon was not kind; he killed those countrymen who did not support him (vv. 16-17), breaking the sixth commandment of God (Exo. 20:13). Second, he indulged in the lust of the flesh, not exercising any restriction over his fleshly lust (vv. 30-31), thus breaking the seventh commandment (Exo. 20:14). Third, although he acted properly in refusing to rule over the people (vv. 22-23), he coveted the spoil of his people (v. 24), thereby breaking the tenth commandment (Exo. 20:17). Gideon’s indulgence in sex and his greediness for gold led to idolatry (cf. Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5). Gideon made an ephod with the gold he had taken from the people, and this ephod became an idol to the children of Israel (v. 27). As a result, Gideon’s family and the entire society of Israel were corrupted.
Jdg 8:161 [2] In this book, which is related to the enjoyment of the good land as a type of Christ (see note 71 in Deut. 8), Gideon’s success indicates the gaining of an excellent opportunity to enjoy Christ, whereas his failure indicates the losing of the opportunity to enjoy Christ. Gideon’s failure shows that we must exercise strict control in dealing with the matters of sex and wealth. Any indulgence in these things will cause our enjoyment of Christ to be annulled. See notes 41 in 2 Sam. 11, 431, par. 3, in 1 Kings 11, and 231 in Gen. 14.
Jdg 8:21a Zebah Psa. 83:11
Jdg 8:22a saved Judg. 2:16
Jdg 8:23a rule cf. 1 Sam. 8:7; 12:12
Jdg 8:241 The
Lit., For they.
Jdg 8:27a ephod Exo. 28:6-12; Judg. 17:5; 18:14, 17
Jdg 8:27b harlots Judg. 2:17
Jdg 8:28a rest Judg. 3:11; 5:31
Jdg 8:30a seventy Judg. 9:2, 5, 24
Jdg 8:31a Abimelech Judg. 9:1, 18
Jdg 8:331a harlots Judg. 2:17
The intrinsic significance of the fifth and sixth cycles of Israel’s miserable history (8:33—10:5; 10:6—12:15) consists of Israel’s forsaking God and joining herself to idols. See note 121 in ch. 2.
Jdg 8:34a not Psa. 78:42
Jdg 9:1a Abimelech Judg. 8:31
Jdg 9:2a seventy Judg. 8:30
Jdg 9:51 slew
The record of this chapter portrays the degradation and corruption of God’s elect Israel in their forsaking Jehovah their God and their worshipping the idols of the Canaanites (8:33), which issued in their indulgence in fleshly lust by having many wives to produce many sons (8:30-31; 9:5; 10:4; 12:8-9, 13-14; 16:1-4) and in the wantonness of their hatred in slaying one another (12:1-6; chs. 19—20), bringing themselves to an end in full destruction.
Jdg 9:5a hid cf. 2 Kings 11:1-2
Jdg 9:7a Gerizim Deut. 11:29; 27:12; Josh. 8:33; cf. John 4:20
Jdg 9:81 olive
The olive tree signifies Christ (cf. Rom. 11:17; Zech. 4:11-14; Rev. 11:4a) as the One who is full of the Holy Spirit and anointed with the Spirit (Luke 4:1a, 18a; Heb. 1:9), signified by the olive oil. The oil of the olive tree was used to honor God and man (v. 9), signifying that those who walk by the Spirit honor God (Gal. 5:16, 25), and those who minister the Spirit honor man (2 Cor. 3:6, 8).
Jdg 9:9a fatness Exo. 29:7; 35:14; Lev. 2:1; Rom. 11:17
Jdg 9:101 fig
The fig tree here signifies the sweetness and satisfaction of Christ as the life supply.
Jdg 9:11a fig Luke 13:6-7; cf. Matt. 24:32
Jdg 9:121 vine
The vine signifies Christ as the One who sacrificed Himself by being “pressed” on the cross to produce new wine to cheer God and man (Matt. 9:17).
Jdg 9:13a wine Num. 15:7; Psa. 104:15
Jdg 9:15a bramble cf. 2 Kings 14:9
Jdg 9:23a evil cf. 1 Sam. 16:14; 18:10; 19:9
Jdg 9:24a seventy Judg. 8:30
Jdg 9:241 might
Lit., might come.
Jdg 9:281 this
Lit., him.
Jdg 9:311 Tormah
Called Arumah in v. 41; others understand, craftily.
Jdg 9:401 Gaal
Lit., he.
Jdg 9:53a millstone 2 Sam. 11:21
Jdg 9:56a seventy Judg. 8:30
Jdg 9:57a Jotham Judg. 9:20
Jdg 10:1a save Judg. 2:16
Jdg 10:4a Havvoth-jair Deut. 3:14
Jdg 10:6a served Judg. 2:11-12
Jdg 10:7a sold Judg. 2:14
Jdg 10:10a cried Judg. 2:18
Jdg 10:11a Egyptians Exo. 14:30
Jdg 10:11b Amorites Num. 21:21-32
Jdg 10:11c Philistines Judg. 3:31
Jdg 10:14a cry cf. 1 Kings 18:27
Jdg 10:16a bear Judg. 2:18; cf. Isa. 63:9
Jdg 11:1a Jephthah Heb. 11:32
Jdg 11:6a chief cf. Judg. 9:14
Jdg 11:8a head Judg. 10:18
Jdg 11:10a Witness Gen. 31:50; 1 Sam. 12:5; Jer. 42:5
Jdg 11:13a land cf. Num. 21:24-26
Jdg 11:15a Moab Deut. 2:9
Jdg 11:15b Ammon Deut. 2:19
Jdg 11:17a Israel Num. 20:14-21
Jdg 11:18a around Num. 21:4
Jdg 11:18b east Num. 21:11, 13; 22:36
Jdg 11:19a Then vv. 19-22: Num. 21:21-26; Deut. 2:26-37
Jdg 11:24a dispossesses Deut. 9:5; 18:12; Josh. 3:10
Jdg 11:25a Balak Num. 22:2; Josh. 24:9; Micah 6:5
Jdg 11:27a Judge Gen. 16:5; 31:53; 1 Sam. 24:12, 15
Jdg 11:29a Spirit Judg. 3:10; 6:34; 13:25; 1 Sam. 16:13
Jdg 11:30a vow Gen. 28:20; 1 Sam. 1:11; Num. 30:2
Jdg 11:35a opened Num. 30:2; Eccl. 5:4-5
Jdg 11:401 lament
Or, commemorate.
Jdg 12:5a fords Judg. 3:28; 7:24
Jdg 12:6a say cf. Matt. 26:73
Jdg 13:1a delivered Judg. 2:14
Jdg 13:1b Philistines Judg. 10:7; 1 Sam. 12:9
Jdg 13:1c forty Num. 14:33; Deut. 8:2; cf. Deut. 9:9; Matt. 4:2
Jdg 13:2a no Luke 1:7; cf. 1 Sam. 1:2
Jdg 13:31a Angel Judg. 6:11; 2 Kings 1:3; Luke 1:11
The Angel of Jehovah in vv. 3-21 is Jehovah, the Triune God (vv. 22-23). This Angel is Christ as the sent One of God (see note 21 in Exo. 3).
Jdg 13:32 appeared
Samson’s birth was a miracle initiated by the appearing of the Angel of Jehovah. When Samson was in the womb of his mother, he was sanctified to be a Nazarite. As he grew up, he was clean and pure according to God’s ordination (vv. 4-5, 14), and he was empowered by the Spirit of God as the holy, economical Spirit (v. 25; 14:5-6, 19; 15:14).
Jdg 13:4a wine Num. 6:2-3; Judg. 13:7, 14; Luke 1:15
Jdg 13:5a no Num. 6:5; Judg. 16:17; 1 Sam. 1:11
Jdg 13:51 Nazarite
Concerning the Nazarite, see notes in Num. 6:1-21.
Jdg 13:5b save Judg. 2:16
Jdg 13:5c Philistines cf. 1 Sam. 7:13; 2 Sam. 8:1; 1 Chron. 18:1
Jdg 13:61a man cf. Deut. 33:1; 1 Sam. 2:27
The man of God was Christ as a man. Thus, the Triune God embodied in Christ appeared to Manoah and his wife before Christ’s incarnation. See note 21 in Gen. 18.
Jdg 13:15a And vv. 15-20: cf. Judg. 6:18-21
Jdg 13:18a Why Gen. 32:29
Jdg 13:181b wonderful Isa. 9:6
Every item of what Christ is, is wonderful (Isa. 9:6). He is the wonder in the entire universe; thus, He is wonderful.
Jdg 13:22a We cf. Judg. 6:22-23
Jdg 13:24a Samson Heb. 11:32
Jdg 13:24b grew 1 Sam. 2:21; 3:19; Luke 1:80; 2:40
Jdg 13:25a Spirit Judg. 3:10
Jdg 13:251 Mahaneh-dan
Or, the camp of Dan.
Jdg 14:11 woman
Samson failed in not contacting God and in indulging in sex. He was not genuine in seeking for a spouse; rather, his contacting of women was to indulge his lusts. He indulged his lust with a Philistine woman, whom he married and who released his secret to the Philistines (vv. 1-3, 10-17); with a harlot in Gaza, in whose place Samson was surrounded by the Philistines (16:1-3); and with a woman by the name of Delilah, who released the secret of his great strength (16:4-20a). Although he had been empowered by God, he was damaged to the uttermost because of his indulgence in lust. Ultimately, Jehovah left him, and he came to a miserable ending (16:20b-30).
Jdg 14:3a daughters cf. Gen. 24:3-4; 28:1-2; Deut. 7:3
Jdg 14:4a ruled Judg. 15:11, 20
Jdg 14:6a Spirit Judg. 14:19; 3:10; 15:14
Jdg 14:61b tore Heb. 11:33
Samson had faith in God (cf. Heb. 11:32). His faith is seen in his tearing a young lion by the Spirit of Jehovah rushing upon him (vv. 5-6), in his slaying thirty men by the Spirit of Jehovah rushing upon him (v. 19), in his slaying one thousand Philistines by the Spirit of Jehovah rushing upon him (15:12-18a), and in his destroying the house where he was compelled to perform (16:28-30).
Jdg 14:8a honey cf. Exo. 3:8; Deut. 8:8; 1 Sam. 14:25; Matt. 3:4
Jdg 14:12a riddle Psa. 78:2; Prov. 1:6; Ezek. 17:2; cf. 1 Kings 10:1
Jdg 14:151 fourth
Following some ancient versions; the Hebrew text reads, seventh.
Jdg 14:17a pressed cf. Judg. 16:16
Jdg 14:18a sweeter cf. Psa. 19:10; 119:103
Jdg 14:19a Spirit Judg. 14:6
Jdg 15:4a foxes S.S. 2:15; Lam. 5:18; Matt. 8:20
Jdg 15:8a cleft Judg. 15:11; Isa. 2:21
Jdg 15:11a Philistines Judg. 13:1; 14:4; 15:20
Jdg 15:13a ropes Judg. 16:11-12
Jdg 15:14a Spirit Judg. 3:10; 14:6, 19
Jdg 15:15a thousand cf. Josh. 23:10
Jdg 15:171 Ramath-lehi
Meaning the hill of the jawbone.
Jdg 15:18a uncircumcised 1 Sam. 17:26, 36; 2 Sam. 1:20
Jdg 15:19a water Isa. 41:17-18; 44:3; cf. Exo. 17:6; Psa. 78:16, 20; 105:41; Neh. 9:15
Jdg 15:19b spirit cf. 1 Sam. 30:12; Luke 8:55
Jdg 15:191 En-hakkore
Meaning the fountain of him who called.
Jdg 16:3a posts Judg. 16:29
Jdg 16:5a strength Judg. 16:19
Jdg 16:11a ropes Judg. 15:13-14
Jdg 16:131 and
The portion beginning here and continuing through the words into the web in the next verse has been restored from the Septuagint; the Hebrew text lacks this portion.
Jdg 16:15a three Judg. 16:7, 11, 13
Jdg 16:16a pressed cf. Judg. 14:17
Jdg 16:17a No Judg. 13:5; Num. 6:5
Jdg 16:17b Nazarite Num. 6:2; Judg. 13:5; Amos 2:11
Jdg 16:19a strength Judg. 16:5-6, 17
Jdg 16:191 him
Lit., from off him. So also in the next verse.
Jdg 16:20a Jehovah cf. 1 Sam. 28:15-16
Jdg 16:21a ground cf. Exo. 11:5; Matt. 24:41
Jdg 16:23a Dagon 1 Sam. 5:2-7
Jdg 16:28a remember 1 Sam. 1:11; Neh. 5:19; 13:14; Psa. 25:7; 106:4; Jer. 15:15; Luke 23:42
Jdg 16:29a pillars Judg. 16:3
Jdg 17:31a idol cf. Exo. 20:4
Micah’s mother offered something to God, but her offering to God was mixed with the leaven of idolatry (cf. Matt. 13:33 and notes).
Jdg 17:4a founder cf. Isa. 46:6
Jdg 17:51 house
The house of Micah as a house of gods, with its idols (as replacements of Christ), its ephod (representing the authority of God), and its hired priest (representing the clergy-laity system—vv. 7-13; see note 61 in Rev. 2), portrays the chaotic situation related to the worship of God among Christians today.
Jdg 17:5a ephod Judg. 8:27; 18:14, 17; cf. Exo. 28:6-35
Jdg 17:52 consecrated
Lit., filled the hands of. So also in v. 12.
Jdg 17:61a no Judg. 18:1; 19:1; 21:25
In their degradation Israel became chaotic in three ways: in government, in worship, and in morality. Although God’s tabernacle was at Shiloh (18:31) and the high priest had the Urim and Thummim (see note 301 in Exo. 28), there was no government, no administration, in Israel because Israel had annulled God and His status as their King (cf. 1 Sam. 8). Therefore, the children of Israel did what was right in their own eyes, and as a result they became rotten and corrupted. See note 11 in ch. 1.
Jdg 17:12a priest Num. 16:8-10; cf. 1 Kings 12:31; 13:33
Jdg 18:1a no Judg. 17:6; 19:1; 21:25
Jdg 18:1b Danites Josh. 19:47-48; Judg. 1:34
Jdg 18:4a hired Judg. 17:10; cf. John 10:12-13
Jdg 18:11a Zorah Josh. 15:33; Judg. 13:25
Jdg 18:121 Mahaneh-dan
Meaning the camp of Dan.
Jdg 18:14a ephod Judg. 17:4-5
Jdg 18:29a Dan Gen. 14:14; Judg. 20:1; 1 Kings 12:29-30
Jdg 18:301 Moses
Many MSS read, Manasseh; but most authorities agree that the text was modified at a very early date out of respect for Moses.
Jdg 18:30a Dan 1 Kings 12:29-30; 2 Kings 10:29
Jdg 18:30b captivity Psa. 78:60-61; 1 Sam. 4:11, 21
Jdg 18:311 set
The Danites set up another worship place in the city of Dan, while God’s tabernacle remained in Shiloh. The result was two worship centers—the proper one with God’s tabernacle at Shiloh and the improper one in Dan. This shows the chaos of the children of Israel in their worship. See notes 281 in 1 Kings 12 and 171 in Gen. 49.
Jdg 18:31a Shiloh Josh. 18:1; 1 Sam. 1:3
Jdg 19:1a no Judg. 17:6; 18:1; 21:25
Jdg 19:1b Bethlehem Judg. 17:7
Jdg 19:6a stay cf. Gen. 24:55
Jdg 19:10a Jebus Josh. 15:8, 63
Jdg 19:12a Gibeah Josh. 18:28
Jdg 19:181 my
Following the Septuagint; the Hebrew text reads, the house of Jehovah.
Jdg 19:20a square Gen. 19:2
Jdg 19:23a evil Gen. 19:7
Jdg 20:1a one 1 Sam. 11:7
Jdg 20:1b from 1 Sam. 3:20; 2 Sam. 3:10; 24:2
Jdg 20:51 men
Or, leaders, lords.
Jdg 20:121 tribe
Following the Septuagint; the Hebrew text reads, tribes.
Jdg 20:13a put Deut. 13:5; 17:7; 1 Cor. 5:13
Jdg 20:131 Benjaminites
Some MSS read, children of Benjamin.
Jdg 20:18a first Judg. 1:1-2
Jdg 20:27a inquired Num. 27:21
Jdg 20:28a Phinehas Num. 25:7; 31:6; Josh. 24:33
Jdg 20:29a And vv. 29-43: cf. Josh. 8:14-24
Jdg 20:31a drawn cf. Josh. 8:6
Jdg 20:341 the
Lit., they.
Jdg 20:40a smoke cf. Josh. 8:20
Jdg 21:1a Mizpah Judg. 20:1
Jdg 21:1b wife Judg. 21:18
Jdg 21:8a Jabesh-gilead 1 Sam. 11:1; 31:11; 2 Sam. 2:4-5
Jdg 21:111 utterly
Lit., devote (i.e., to destruction).
Jdg 21:12a Shiloh Josh. 18:1
Jdg 21:13a rock Judg. 20:47
Jdg 21:19a Shiloh Josh. 18:1
Jdg 21:251a no Judg. 17:6; 18:1; 19:1
See note 61 in ch. 17.