Old Testament
Judges 10:8
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Judges 10:8, the Israelites faced severe oppression from their enemies for a long period of 18 years.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
And in that year, they troubled and oppressed the Israelites. For 18 years, they oppressed all the Israelites living on the other side of the Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead.
And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen years, all the children of Israel that were on the other side Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 10:8, the Israelites faced severe oppression from their enemies for a long period of 18 years. This oppression came from the Amorites, who lived in Gilead, a region located on the east side of the Jordan River. The term 'vexed' indicates that the Israelites were not only physically oppressed but also emotionally troubled. This suffering was a consequence of their disobedience to God, as they had turned away from Him and worshipped other gods. The verse highlights the cycle of sin and punishment that the Israelites experienced, where their unfaithfulness led to suffering at the hands of their enemies. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of faithfulness in maintaining peace and security. The prolonged nature of their suffering emphasizes the seriousness of their situation and the need for repentance and return to God for deliverance.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 10:8 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of staying faithful to our beliefs and values. When we stray from what is right, we may face challenges and hardships. It encourages us to seek God in times of trouble and to repent for our wrongdoings, trusting in His mercy and guidance.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 10:8 mean?
Judges 10:8 describes a period when the Israelites were severely oppressed by the Amorites for 18 years due to their disobedience to God. This oppression highlights the consequences of turning away from God and serves as a reminder of the need for faithfulness.
What is the significance of the Amorites in Judges 10:8?
The Amorites in Judges 10:8 represent the enemies of the Israelites who oppressed them as a result of their unfaithfulness to God. Their presence emphasizes the cycle of sin and punishment that the Israelites faced during this time.
What does 'vexed' mean in Judges 10:8?
In Judges 10:8, 'vexed' means that the Israelites were not only physically oppressed but also emotionally troubled by their suffering. This term indicates the deep distress they experienced during the 18 years of oppression.
Why did the Israelites suffer for 18 years in Judges 10:8?
The Israelites suffered for 18 years in Judges 10:8 because they had turned away from God and worshipped other gods, leading to their oppression by the Amorites as a consequence of their actions.

The Book of Judges
Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin
After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.
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