Old Testament

Judges 2:14

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Judges 2:14, we see a serious consequence of Israel's disobedience to God.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

The LORD's anger burned against Israel. He handed them over to raiders who plundered them and sold them into the power of their surrounding enemies. They could no longer hold their own in battle.

KJVKing James Version

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Judges 2:14, we see a serious consequence of Israel's disobedience to God. The verse describes how God became angry with His people because they turned away from Him and worshipped other gods. As a result, He allowed raiders to attack them, leading to their defeat and suffering. This was not just a physical defeat in battle; it symbolized a spiritual failure as well. The Israelites found themselves powerless against their enemies, illustrating the dire consequences of abandoning their covenant with God. This passage serves as a reminder that turning away from God can lead to dire circumstances, as He may withdraw His protection and allow challenges to arise. The anger of the Lord signifies His desire for His people to remain faithful and the seriousness of their rebellion. Ultimately, this verse highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God, as well as the repercussions of straying from His path.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 2:14 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider areas where we may be straying from God's guidance. It serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of staying faithful to our commitments to God. Regular self-examination and repentance can help us maintain a strong relationship with Him.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 2:14 mean?

Judges 2:14 describes God's anger towards Israel for their disobedience and idolatry. As a consequence, He allowed raiders to attack them, leading to their defeat and suffering, illustrating the serious repercussions of turning away from God.

What is the significance of God's anger in Judges 2:14?

God's anger in Judges 2:14 signifies His deep disappointment with Israel's unfaithfulness. It highlights the importance of obedience to God and the consequences that arise when His people stray from their covenant relationship.

What does 'delivered them into the hands of spoilers' mean in Judges 2:14?

The phrase 'delivered them into the hands of spoilers' means that God allowed Israel to be attacked and plundered by their enemies as a punishment for their disobedience. This reflects the loss of divine protection due to their rebellion.

How does Judges 2:14 relate to the theme of idolatry?

Judges 2:14 relates to idolatry by showing that Israel's worship of other gods provoked God's anger. Their turning away from Him led to dire consequences, emphasizing the dangers of idolatry and the need for faithfulness to God.

Book Summary

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.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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