Choice Notes On Joshua Through 2 Kings
by F B Meyer
Introduction
Judges 1 Enemies Cast Out
Judges 2 Apostasy & Failure
Judges 3 The First Judges
Judges 4 Javin & Sisera
Judges 5 Deborah's Song
Judges 6 Gideon
Judges 7 Trumpets & Pitchers
Judges 8 Rule Thou Over Us
Judges 9 Abimelech, The Usurper
Judges 10 Rebellous And Brought Low
Judges 11 Jephithah
Judges 12 Shibboleth
Judges 13 The Birth Of Samson
Judges 14 Samson's Marriage Feast
Judges 15 The Jawbone Of An Ass
Judges 16 Delilah
Judges 17 Micah's Idols
Judges 18 A Distant Colony
Judges 19 A Terrible Crime
Judges 20 National Indignation
Judges 21 Returning Home
Prophecies concerning nations that oppressed Israel
in the time of the Judges
Introduction
Judges is the title given to this Book, from its containing the history of those non-regal rulers who governed
the Hebrews from the time of Joshua to that of Eli, and whose functions in time of peace consisted chiefly in the
administration of justice, although they occasionally led the people in their wars against their public enemies.
The date and authorship of this book are not precisely known. It is certain, however, that it preceded the second
Book of Judg 9:35 with 2Sa 11:21 as well as the conquest of Jerusalem by David (Judg 1:21 with 2Sa 5:6).
Its author was in all probability Samuel, the last of the Judg 19:1, Judg 21:25, and the date of the first part
of it (Judges 1-16) is fixed in the reign of Saul, while the five chapters at the close might not be written till
after David's establishment as king in Israel (Judg 16:31).
It is a fragmentary history, being a collection of important facts and signal deliverances at different times and
in various parts of the land, during the intermediate period between Joshua and the establishment of monarchy.
The inspired character of this Book is confirmed by allusions to it in many passages of Scripture (Judges 4:2-6:14
with 1Sa 12:9-12, 1Sa 9:23 with 2Sa 11:21; 2Sa 7:25 with Psa 88:11; Psa 5:4-5 with Psa 68:7-8 (see also Act 13:20;
Heb 11:32).
JUDGES 1
ENEMIES CAST OUT
Whether this book is taken to represent the disorders of the professing Church, or those darker ones which convulse
the soul, this chapter is full of holy lessons and instruction. Israel began right by asking counsel of God, and
by endeavoring to ascertain His plan (Judg 1:1). If only we would build according to God's pattern, seek the works
He has prepared, and war in this spirit, we should be more successful and useful. And there is much beauty in the
suggestion that the different tribes of the one Church should help each other in the war (Judg 1:3).
There should be more of this holy alliance between Christian brethren - Judah asking Simeon to go with him, and
then going with Simeon (Judg 1:3, Judg 1:17). We should beckon to our partners in the other ship (Luk 5:7) to come
and help us; if we did, we should lose nothing. We cannot have more than what our boat can carry, and it is an
additional pleasure if their boat is also full to the water's edge. When shall we learn that the success of one
is the success of all (1Co 12:26)? We must never fail to go up against our foes, though we know and are sure that
our going up is useless, unless the Lord deliver.
Judg 1:4-11 Judah's success. - Judah was to be first, because the strongest tribe; strength is given for service.
To whom much is given, of him much is required. And is it not true that the Lion of the tribe of Judah must ever
lead the way? But our strength avails not unless God gives the victory. The fate of the tyrant Adonibezek was acknowledged
by himself to be deserved (Jam 2:13; Rev 13:10); at the same time it was a barbarous infliction, which shows how
vast is the change wrought on the world by the Spirit of Jesus. It was impossible for God to lead men immediately
into the gentle manner of the Gospel (Mat 19:8).
Judg 1:12-15 Caleb's portion. - Twice over is this incident told (Jos 15:13-19). Thus does God love to emphasize
the exploits of His people. Kirjath-sepher is "the city of books" and was perhaps the university town,
for the records of the nations were kept there. Othniel afterwards became the first Judge (Judg 3:9). The request
of Caleb's daughter for "springs of water" was cheerfully granted. Our Father, like Caleb, loves His
children to ask freely for what they want. He gives to all liberally, and upbraideth not.
But it is only the men, who, like Caleb, wholly follow the Lord, they who are entirely consecrated to His service,
who are able to give a blessing to others. It is the privilege of those who have received the fulness and anointing
of the Holy Ghost to open up that blessing to others, teaching them how to receive it. Alas for these repetitions
of "could not" (Judg 1:19-21). The strength of the "chariots of iron" seem to have unnerved
Judah, who, in their own strength, were not able to subdue the people in the valleys; but the Lord could have done
it for them, if only they had obeyed and trusted Him. It is not our strength or weakness that is in question, but
our faith in God's ability.
Judges 1:19-36 Failure. - Among the failure of the tribes to drive out the inhabitants of the land, Joseph stands
out as an exception - "the Lord was with them" or, as the Chaldee version puts it, "the Word of
the Lord was their helper,' i.e., the Lord Himself, the true Captain of the host. But the people of the other tribes
did not avail themselves of God's help. Either through unbelief or cowardice, or both, Israel failed to expel their
foes, and settled down among them, laying up for themselves some very bitter experiences. Asher even submitted
to the predominance of the Canaanites among whom it dwelt. Oh, how many of us shrink from the cross, and from waging
war against inbred sin to the knife? And thus, when we had seemed to be free from Satan's slavery, we are brought
again into his captivity. We must give no place to sin. We must pursue each evil with relentless severity. We must,
by the grace of the Spirit, appropriate the cross of Christ as our lot and destiny, and mortify each unholy passion.
We have only to avail ourselves of God's help, and all this is possible.
JUDGES 2
APOSTASY AND FAILURE
This was the first of many bitter remonstrances that were to come to Israel. "The messenger Jehovah"
must be He of whom the prophet spoke (Mal 3:1), the Word and Son of God.
Judg 2:1-3 There is a recital of the true cause of their failure. - It was due, not to any failure on God's part,
but to a great failure on theirs. They had made a league with the people, and had not destroyed their idols. Was
this guilty collusion due to any shame of their allegiance to an unseen God; or was it owing to their love of the
sinful orgies which characterized the heathen festivities?
God's warning angels still come to men. Let us be on the outlook for them. But how bitter sometimes is their reproof?
Have not we entered into covenant with forbidden things, avoiding His altar, and disobeying His voice. And this
is the reason why we are hindered and injured by the thorn in our side and the snare for our foot (Judg 2:3). We,
at least, may learn this solemn lesson, that the Church is no match for the world, so long as it is allied to the
world; and that the way of separation is the only path of victory and safety.
Judg 2:6-9 The death of Joshua. - The former part of this paragraph is identical with Jos 24:29. There was a parenthesis
of twenty years of rest, before the great warrior was summoned to his rest. During that time he exerted a great
repressive influence, which waned when his sun set; and another generation arose.
Judg 2:10-15 The sins and sorrows of Israel - What a marvellous relapse was here! How the heart of man abhors the
spirituality and purity of God (Jer 2:11-12). But those who turn from God lay themselves open to bitter sorrows.
If your heart is not perfect with God, your best plans will be spoiled by spoilers, and you will be sold as a slave
to the flesh.
In the light of Judg 2:14 and Judg 2:15 it cannot be too clearly or constantly repeated that failure in consecration
and obedience always means defeat. When we follow other gods, and bow ourselves down to them, we can no longer
stand against our enemies. Then the hand of the Lord is against us, and we become sore distressed. But even under
such circumstances He does not forget His covenant. Though we believe not, He remaineth faithful, He cannot deny
Himself. He therefore raises up judges, and saves us from the full measure of His wrath (Judg 2:18).
Judg 2:16-18 God's compassion. - How touching is the account of God's pity (Judg 2:18). Even though we have brought
grave sorrows on ourselves by sin, yet will God interpose to avert the full brunt of penalty. Though we believe
Him not, He remaineth faithful. He cannot deny Himself. God can always find or make deliverers in the most degenerate
age of the Church; so we find here that He raised up judges which delivered His people.
Judg 2:19-23 The madness of their apostasy. - After a while God left the people to the results of their own choice,
and, as they had permitted the Canaanites, they were allowed to suffer from them, and the discipline which refined
them came through the results of the sin, from which they were to be set free.
JUDGES 3
THE FIRST JUDGES
We have here an enumeration of the nations of Canaan left to try Israel (Judg 3:1-7). They ought to have been destroyed;
but, as the chosen people failed to fulfil the Divine purpose and command, they had to suffer the fret of perpetual
conflict. Difficulty and temptation, though due to our own failure and sin, may be used for blessed purposes, overruled
by the providence of God, to teach us priceless lessons. The presence of the Canaanites, due to the disobedience
and unbelief of Israel, proved them and taught them to be strong in war, and revealed to them many a trait in the
Divine character to which otherwise they had been oblivious. But what a lamentable record is here that they forgot
God. Intermarriage with the sinful peoples around had the effect of infecting them with their vices and sins, and
it became only too convenient to ignore and forget the all-holy God. Be not yoked with unbelievers.
Judg 3:8-11 The first captivity and deliverance. - It is a bitter record which here begins. The Holy Ghost says
the Lord "sold them into the hands of the king of Mesopotamia" (Judg 3:8), who probably invaded the trans-Jordanic
tribes which lay nearest to him; but it is also true that the people sold themselves. In their distress the people
cried unto the Lord. Those who had called upon Baal and Ashtaroth in their mirth were glad enough to call on God
in the day of their trouble. Let backsliders, and those that are reaping a bitter harvest from the results of their
wrong-doing, take heart from the next record, that when the people cried, "the Lord raised them up a saviour:'
Twice that statement is made in this chapter. Othniel was specially anointed for his work (Judg 3:10), and it would
be well, if we would distinguish between the grace of the Spirit within us for character, and upon us for work,
and if we would claim each. This anointing may be ours (2Co 1:21, 2Co 1:22; 1Jo 2:27).
Judges 3:12-30 Ehud's achievements stand next. - Eglon was permitted by God to wax strong and to prevail against
Israel. But again, when the people repented, deliverance came through a man who might not have been supposed most
suited for the purpose. Throughout this book we shall have occasion to notice the kind of instruments which God
selected for His work. All of them to be classed among the things that are not, but which bring to nought the things
that are. Here a left-handed man (Judg 3:21). Let us take courage from this. Out of weakness He makes strong. To
those that have no might He increases strength.
Judg 3:31 Shamgar. - When it is said (Judg 3:30) that the land had rest for eighty years, it probably refers to
that part of Canaan which lay east of the Jordan, and had been oppressed by Moab; but the other side, which lay
southwest, was infested by Philistines, against whom Shamgar was victor. Deborah afterwards told how far-spread
their plunderings or robbery had been (Judg 5:6). An ox-goad would be simply a piece of pointed iron from six feet
to eight feet in length; but, though a formidable weapon, it would have failed to do this deed; unless God had
been mighty with its owner. What may not the weakest weapons do with God behind them!
JUDGES 4
JABIN AND SISERA
These chapters of the Judges are full of encouragement to such as are discouraged by repeated failures; those whose
experience has been one long series of endeavors after a better life, interrupted and darkened by transgression
and relapse. They have gone back to God so often with the same tale that they are almost ashamed to go any more.
Let these take heart; His mercy endureth for ever. Their remorse, and yearning to be different, are a clear proof
that He has not withdrawn His favor from them. Let them look again towards His holy temple (Jon 2:4).
Judg 4:1-3 Jabin's oppression. - In this chapter Israel had again rebelled against God; and this time Jabin, King
of Hazor, was the oppressor permitted to bring them to repentance. His city had been razed once (Jos 11:1-14);
but, through the inactivity of Israel, had been built again, and his kingdom partially re-established. He must
have been a very formidable foe, and his tyranny was very bitter (Judg 4:3). Mighty oppression like that of Jabin
and Sisera, is a type of vehement hatred of our spiritual foes, but it is the foil on which God displays the might
of His deliverance.
Judg 4:4-9 Deborah and Barak. - Deborah, the heroine of her time, was the prime mover in their deliverance. She
was a prophetess, living in communion with God, possessed of remarkable insight into His will, and able to communicate
it in glowing words. She was full of patriotic ardor, which she infused into others.
Barak, the soldier, m How lamentable that Barak should have pinned his faith to a woman, instead of to the eternal
God! If only he had said these words (Judg 4:8) to God, he might have achieved a more wonderful deliverance, and
his rule established on a more settled basis. We must beware lest we imitate his fault, and trust more in those
who are around us than in the living God. There cannot be failure in our faith without our suffering in some way
the results.
Judg 4:10-16 The defeat of Sisera's host. - The tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali chiefly bore the brunt of this conflict,
which set them free from the tyranny which had lain especially heavily upon the luxuriant plain of Esdraelon. How
sweet it is to know when the Lord is going before us; though this does not make our best efforts superfluous (Judg
4:14). The Lord will ever defeat the foes of those who follow Him.
Judg 4:17-24 Jael was the heroine of the day. At first she doubtless intended to show true Eastern hospitality,
and then was seized by the impulse of ridding the land of her adoption of the instrument of Jabin's authority.
A tent-peg sufficed for the grim deed of vengeance. Those were wild days, matched by the Border wars of Scottish
and British history; and through all a Divine purpose ran, which, though not condoning these deeds of violence,
wrought through all for the people, beloved for their fathers' sakes.
JUDGES 5
DEBORAH'S SONG
One of the noblest songs in history, composed by Deborah herself (Judg 5:7). In this magnificent ode we are taught
to ascribe all glory in our successes to God. The people made themselves free-will offerings in the day of God's
power; and it is only when we do so that the mighty power of God can work through human means.
Judg 5:1-5 Its opening notes are praise. - Whatever merit was attaching to Barak and his army, the glory of victory
was with God. Oh, how negligent we are in the high praises of God; and how much easier would prayer and trust be
if mingled more constantly with thanksgiving. The kings of surrounding lands were plotting to destroy the chosen
people, and they are bidden to hear what God had wrought, lest they meddle with them to their hurt.
Judg 5:6-8 The distress of Israel. - No trade on the highways; no safe travelling; no tillage of the country, because
the villagers had fled to the towns; no administration of justice, because war had invaded the gates, where the
courts were kept; no arms of defense. And all because they had chosen new gods (Judg 5:8).
We do well to remember our low estate, to see the hole of the pit from whence we have been taken; to set our former
low estate clearly forth, that the deliverance of God may be the more manifest.
Judg 5:9-18 The muster. - The governors first made themselves freewill gifts, and the story of their devotion,
and of the righteous acts of God, would long be rehearsed with thankfulness beside the village wells, no longer
held by the foe. Oh, when will men speak of the glorious majesty of our God with the enthusiasm that they now expend
on the words or acts of some favorite leader!
The songstress (Judg 5:12) summons Barak and herself to yet higher ascriptions of praise. He must be on fire who
would make others glow. Reuben came not, because of conflicting opinions; Dan and Asher stayed by their ships and
creeks; Meroz, though so near the field of battle, remained neutral, and was cursed.
The cooperation of God and man is clearly revealed throughout the Bible. We are His fellow-workers, "fellow-helpers
with the truth:' It is well worth our notice that some of the strongest denunciations in the Bible are against
those that do nothing. It is a sin not to do, not to come against might to the help of the Lord. "Curse ye
Meroz." O my soul, dost thou rightly fulfil all the opportunities of thy life? The virgins that slept without
oil: the man that hid the talent: the nations that did it not to the least of the king's brethren; these are held
up by Christ to the most terrible denunciations that His gentle lips could frame.
Judg 5:24-27 Sisera's death described in highly poetic phrase. Judg 5:28-30 The anxiety of the harem to hear the
news of the fight. What a contrast between their disappointment and the realized hopes of the Church when Jesus
returns from the last great fight! The closing words beautifully harmonize with Mat 13:43. The deliverance was
decisive. "The land had rest forty years."
JUDGES 6
GIDEON
Judg 6:1-10 Midianite oppression. - Israel's sin brought suffering, and this time from an almost despicable quarter;
because Midian had been severely punished, and almost annihilated when Israel passed through their land (Num 31:7).
The invaders seem to have possessed themselves of all the valleys, where there would be pasturage for their flocks,
etc., forcing the Israelites up into the hills. Their sorrows again drove them to their knees, and they cried to
the Lord. Alas! That God has so often to drive men to Himself.
Often enough have the hosts of Midianites visited us, and left us very low, leaving no green thing in cornfield
or vineyard. It is then that the Lord's voice (Judg 6:8-10) is heard, reminding us that we have fallen, not by
any failure on His part, but by our own iniquity. I brought out; I delivered; I drove them out; I said, but YE
have not hearkened to my voice. The path of obedience is the only safe and prosperous one.
Judg 6:11-24 The commission to Gideon was given by an angel, who was evidently the Angel-Jehovah (Judg 6:14).
God sends angels of deliverance as well as prophets of remonstrance, and they come to the men who hide in the winepress,
and are least in their own eyes, and meditate on the past mighty works of the Lord. See what a look of the Lord
can do; it carries with it might and salvation (Judg 6:14). God always goes with those whom He sends, and though
our foes be as swarms of locusts, they perish as one man, when smitten by the sword of the Lord and of Gideon.
When faith is weak, God nurtures it by sign of wonder and by fire, tenderly providing materials on which faith
can build; and the peace of God is breathed into the heart. What a sweet title! Jehovah-shalom! The Lord is our
Peace. He sends Peace and He is Peace, like the calm of evening settling down upon the heart. When we have seen
God face to face, we have no reason to fear man.
Judg 6:25-32 The destruction of idols must precede all successful and victorious work. Before we can be delivered
from Midian, there must be an honest dealing with the idolatry of evil in the inner life. The altar of Baal must
be thrown down, and replaced by the altar of God, and there must be the burnt-offering of entire surrender to His
claims. We are first tested in the less before being called to the greater. It was because Gideon dared to obey
God, as far as concerned his home and village, that the Spirit of the Lord "clothed itself with" him
for wider service (Judg 6:34, R.V., marg.).
Judg 6:36-40 God's condescension to allay his fears. - We must not be always looking for signs. God generally guides
us by our sanctified judgment. Yet there are indications sometimes afforded to those who walk close with Him (Act
16:6-10).
JUDGES 7
"TRUMPETS AND PITCHERS"
This is one of the most searching chapters in the Old Testament. It is full of teaching to those among us who are
full of their own plans and strength, and who can count on many great alliances to assist them. God will not give
His glory to another, and He cannot give the Midianites into our hand so long as there is a likelihood of our laying
claim to the results. Success in spiritual work must be denied us if it would tend to our vaunting ourselves. Hence
it is that so many of God's most successful workers have had to pass through periods of humiliation at the river's
brink.
Judg 7:3-8 The test. - Two methods were employed for thinning the army. First, the usual proclamation was made
(Deu 20:8). Then the way in which the soldiers drank was carefully observed. Those that threw themselves at full
length were evidently apt to prefer their own comfort and refreshment to their soldierly self-denial, which prefers
duty to pleasure; these were, therefore, dismissed. And the little body which remained was specially equipped;
taking no more victuals than they could easily carry, because the campaign would be short in spite of the numbers
of the foe. A good equipment for the Christian, - a light to shine, a trumpet to proclaim the victory of Jehovah;
though at the best we are but earthen vessels (2Co 4:6-7). "God counts hearts, not heads" (Rev. J. M'Neill).
Judg 7:9-15 Encouragement. - What a graphic picture! The leader listening under the covert of the night, and worshipping
on the spot, and returning with new courage to make his careful preparations. If a cake of barley-bread overthrew
a tent, what may not we do, if our God use us? Oh, to be nothing, nothing! Not wheat, but barley!
Judg 7:16-25 Victory. - The preparations made by Gideon were of the rudest description possible, and totally inadequate
to account for the marvelous result; but the terror produced by the crashing vessels, the flashing lights, the
blowing of trumpets, filled Midian with panic, and they fled. There is nothing in us to make the tents of Midian
collapse. It is only as God delivers Midian into our hands that any victory is possible. We shall do more execution
against Satan's kingdom by blowing the Gospel trumpet, and by shining, even though we be broken in the attempt,
than by our most splendid arguments. The two princes of Midian also fell. Oreb signifies a raven; Zeeb a wolf.
This was "the day of Midian" (Isa 9:4).
JUDGES 8
"RULE THOU OVER US"
Judg 8:1-3 The benefit of a soft answer is well illustrated in the opening verses. Those who are most reluctant
to undertake difficult services are quickest to find fault with such as carry them through to success. When we
are doing God's work, and especially if we are successful in doing it, there will always be plenty of critics.
Answer them kindly, or do not answer them at all. Gideon ruled his spirit, and behaved with true magnanimity and
meekness (Pro 13:10; Pro 15:1).
Judg 8:4-12 The pursuit of noble ends amid discouragement. - How little does the world understand the faintness
which overtakes the Christian warrior, never losing sight of his high purpose, yet often sorely in need of sympathy
and help, which is not always given. We, however, are not at liberty to imitate Gideon in his threats of vengeance,
which he terribly realized (Judg 8:13-17).
Judg 8:18-21 The infliction of deserved punishment. - Gideon constituted himself the avenger of the blood of his
brethren. Those were two striking sentences uttered by the captive kings, which we do well to ponder (Judg 8:18-21).
We, who belong to the family of God, should see to it that we resemble the children of a king, that there is a
royalty in our bearing worthy of our origin. A notable sentence is that which repeats an old proverb that a man's
strength is the outcome of his inner self (Judg 8:21). Force proportioned to character!
Judg 8:22-23 The refusal of a generous request. - "Rule, because thou hast delivered:' As the men of Israel
spake to Gideon, we should speak to our Lord: Rule Thou over us, for Thou hast saved us. "Thou art worthy
to take the book, for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us" My soul, thou hast been saved out of the hand
of thy foes, now enthrone the Lord, who has saved thee. When shall the love of Jesus so inspire and melt our hearts,
that we shall gladly give to Him all the jewels of life?
Judg 8:24-27 The ephod was a rich priestly garment. Gideon's may have been made in good faith, but it was turned
to very evil uses. Thus evil is often wrought for want of thought, as well as from want of heart. What we do innocently
may become a terrible snare to others, and it behooves us to consider each act, not only as it is in itself, but
as it may affect others (2Co 6:3).
The closing words of the chapter (Judg 8:33-35) are bitter. They remind us of the way in which the butler treated
Joseph and our own treatment of the Lord.
JUDGES 9
ABIMELECH, THE USURPER
This record of anarchy and blood is a photograph of the unrest of the world for want of a true Leader and Prince.
As all these incidents were leading towards the days of David and Solomon, so the great agony and sorrow of our
times must portend the advent of the true King. It is when the kingdoms of the world are rent by tribulation and
war that we may expect to see the reign of the Son of Man. "Lift up your heads, and rejoice, for your redemption
draweth nigh:'
Judg 9:1-6 Abimelech's conspiracy. - Disregarding his father's express declaration (Judg 8:23), Abimelech desired
the chieftainship of the people. How strong is the lust of power which will make men do the most abominable crimes
to gain their ends; wading through seas of blood. The men of Sechern aided and abetted Abimelech, and then made
him king.
Judg 9:7-21 Jotham's parable. - Government over men costs a great deal, and many a man has had to buy it by renouncing
ease and comfort and many other delights. The vilest are sometimes exalted (Psa 12:8). What a contrast between
trusting in the shade of a bramble and in the shade of the great rock (Isa 32:2).
Judg 9:22-29 The intrusion of discord. - For only three short years did the usurper enjoy his ill-gotten place.
Trouble soon broke out between him and his new subjects. Having combined to do wrong, they now divided against
each other to their mutual destruction. Gaal was the son of Ebed, which means a slave, and was perhaps descended
from Hamor (Gen. 34).
Judges 9:30-49 The destruction of Shechem. - How much evil one traitor, or rebel, may work in any fortress! The
power of Satan against us is immensely increased by a traitorous heart within. The people trusted in the protection
of their god, and were miserably disappointed. How different to our lot (Psa 27:5; Pro 18:10).
Judg 9:50-57 The fate of Abimelech. - Abimelech thought much less of his character with God before whose presence
he was soon to appear than he did of his credit with man (Judg 9:54). This fact which he was so anxious to conceal
is the one thing remembered of him (2Sa 11:21). Though wickedness may prosper for a time, yet is its end sure and
terrible (Ps. 37).
JUDGES 10
"REBELLIOUS AND BROUGHT LOW"
Judg 10:1-5 Times of quietness. - God will not be always threshing. After storms have disturbed the atmosphere,
there come times of clear shining and peace. Such parentheses of rest came to Israel under Tola and Jair, of whom
there is little notable to record. How often it happens that we make much of the days of strife and sorrow, while
we permit the days of uneventful calm and prosperity to pass almost without remark.
Judg 10:6-9 Times of sin and suffering. - Very woeful is this incessant story of backsliding. The whole land must
have been infected with multiplied idolatries. As an inspired commentary on these verses, we should read Psa 106:36-46.
The sentences there are very pathetic, and well in accord with the sad record before us. "Many times did He
deliver them, but they were rebellious in their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity:'
Judg 10:10-18 Times of repentance. - Truly pathetic is this scene! The cry of agony (Judg 10:10). There is hope
when sinners cry to God with genuine contrition, and to such cries there is an immediate response. The answer of
God may have come by Him, or by angels, but it was very just. This apparent refusal of help was only intended to
bring them more utterly to their knees in self-abhorrence, humiliation, and prayer. It is at such times that we
not only pray, but we put away the strange gods, and cast ourselves utterly and hopelessly at His feet. "We
have sinned, do Thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto Thee" (Judg 10:15). We should read also Hos 14:1-9,
appropriating the prayer with which it begins; and then we shall hear the reply coming from those gracious lips,
"I will heal their backslidings, I will love them freely, mine anger is turned away:' How touching the thought
that our miseries can grieve God (Judg 10:16), even when they are the result of sin. "His compassions fail
not:'
JUDGES 11
JEPHTHAH
Judg 11:1-3 Jephthah had a very base origin. - But men ought not to be reproached with their parentage, if their
own character is sweet and noble. Let us so live as to cast a halo of light on our origin, however lowly. Is not
this also an illustration of God's constant action (1Co 1:27)?
Judg 11:4-11 The terms of agreement. - How often it has happened that in our extremity we, like the elders of Gilead,
have turned to Him whom we refused. But there is only one condition on which the Lord will fight for us against
our over-mastering foes. He must be our Head; we must put Him on the throne.
Judges 11:12-28 The meeting. - This was consistent with Deu 20:10-11. The land had not belonged to the Ammonites,
but to the Amorites, from whom Israel had taken it at God's command; Ammon, therefore, had no claim to it whatever.
It is important that we should vindicate the cause we espouse, that those who oppose us may know that they are
in conflict not with us alone, but with the eternal principles of God's righteousness. It is a great thing to be
able to say, "I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong" (Judg 11:27). Even if we do not
wrong people by act, let us guard against speaking treacherously or unkindly.
Judg 11:29-40 His vow. - There was no need of such a vow to obtain God's favor. Our vows should not be made to
win God's help, but as an expression of our gratitude and love. We do not need to bribe Him to do aught for us.
Not the burnt-offering as an inducement for God to deliver, but God's deliverance an inducement to the burnt-offering.
Whether or not Jephthah did really offer his child is not material to our present consideration, for it must have
been as great an agony to shut her away from the cherished hope of an Oriental woman, as to see her consumed on
a funeral pyre.
JUDGES 12
"SHIBBOLETH"
Judg 12:1-6 Fratricidal strife. - This is the worst of all. There is no war to be compared to civil war. Ephraim
had contended thus with Gideon (Judg 8:1). Pride lay at the root of all. They could not endure that there should
be honor and glory from which they were excluded.
Men are very unreasonable; like these children of Ammon, they are reluctant to take up a difficult cause. Then
they are annoyed not to share in the glory when it has passed out of its narrowness into a large place. This comes
of calculating results, and considering what will make for name, or fame, or prosperity. No man can live happily
or honorably who has one eye towards his own interests and the other towards God's.
Oh, for the single eye, the united heart; the devoted purpose fixed on doing the will of God! When once the soul
elects to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, he is indifferent to human praise or blame, success
or failure, as the world may deem it, and turns away from the heated faces and words of critics and opponents,
saying, "I put my life in my hands, and the Lord delivered" (Judg 12:3).
The word "shibboleth" means river. Forty and two thousand is 2040. This scene had led to the use of shibboleth,
to indicate the tests which Christians impose on each other, and by which they condemn those who differ from them
in matters trivial as an h, while they ignore the great bonds of a common brotherhood (Rom 14:19).
There are many among us who might pass as allies and brothers, but they cannot adjust to pronounce certain words
which to us are as dear as life. They utter them, indeed, with their lips, but there is a certain dialect, a color,
an indefinable defect which we can instantly detect, and which betrays the false professor. God help us to speak
plainly!
Judg 12:8-15 Some minor Judgeships succeed, which call for very slight notice, and yet in these quiet days the
people were able to recoup themselves for the grievous rages made in their prosperity during the preceding years.
We all of us need quiet, growing days in our lives, in which, although we may not be winning conspicuous victories
or making remarkable progress, we are righting ourselves, striking our roots deep, and repairing the mistakes of
the past.
JUDGES 13
THE BIRTH OF SAMSON
Samson's story is very interesting. It teaches what can be wrought by one man who is right with God, and in whom
God's Spirit dwells with mighty power. Probably he was not specially remarkable in his physique; his power was
the result of faith.
Judg 13:3-7 An angelic annunciation. - This Angel was the Lord Himself, who is the Word of God, for His name is
called Wonderful (Judg 13:18, marg.) and Jehovah (Judg 13:19). How careful should parents be to deny themselves
of even lawful indulgences for the sake of their children, for what parents are, children are likely to become.
If a mother has no other inducement to live a noble life, let her do so on behalf of her children. It is interesting
to compare Judg 13:5 with Mat 2:23, Luk 1:15, Luk 2:23, as connecting the letter and the spirit of the Nazarite
vow.
Judges 13:8-23 Manoah's prayer and its answer. - Well would it be for father and mother often to use the words
of Manoah, when he asks for guidance as to teaching the child, "What shall be the ordering of the child, and
what shall be his work?" (Judg 13:12). God has a plan for every child, and parents should be fellow-workers
with Him. He is not far away from any who seek Him or need His help. He does wondrously, and His nature ascends
like the altar-flame (Judg 13:20).
The reasoning of Manoah's wife (Judg 13:23) was very wise, and one that would help us in many an hour of alarm.
Let us not always fear that God means harm, but look back upon the past, the services which He has permitted us
to render, the offerings He has received, and the things He has shown us. Would He have done all this, and then
fail us? Would He have begun if he had not counted the cost, and foreseen that He was able to complete? There are
no unfinished houses in the Eternal City; no incomplete busts in His workshops; no half-cut jewels in His crown.
It is not God's nature to thwart yearnings that He has instilled, or to cancel hopes that He has excited. What
He has told us is a guarantee of what He will yet do for us.
Judg 13:24-25 Samson's birth. - Zorah (Samson's birthplace), and Eshtaol, a few miles distant, occupied positions
of the Danite border. The plain in which they were situated was noted for its vineyards (Judg 15:5), and Samson's
self-denial, as regards the produce of the vine, would early be put to the test. Here, in his own country, and
in close proximity to the Philistines, he was trained for his future life-work, and from the first there were evident
traces of the Divine blessing, and of the possession of the Divine Spirit (Isa 44:3, Isa 44:4).
JUDGES 14
SAMSON'S MARRIAGE FEAST
Samson is the type of a man who, guarding against ceremonial laxity, and so keeping the Nazarite vow intact, is
at the same time extremely lax in his morals. Though he touched neither wine nor strong drink, and ate no unclean
thing, he was carried by passion, like a leaf before the autumn wind.
Judg 14:1-4 Samson's illicit love. - As in so many other cases this great mistake lay at the root of much of the
misery and sin of Samson's life. He had no right to allow his heart to go out towards any woman of an alien race
(Deu 7:3); but apparently it was quite enough for a woman to please him well, and he insisted that his father should
get the Philistine woman to be his wife. How foolish is it to be ensnared by a pretty or a handsome face, unless
we know something of the inner life also! God overruled the results, though that did not relieve Samson of blame
(comp. Judg 14:4 and Act 2:23).
Judg 14:5-9 Samson's first exploit. - The rending of the lion was accomplished by Divine power (Judg 14:6), but
the contact with the carcass rendered Samson unclean (Lev 11:27), and when, later, he returned to fetch his wife,
and found the carcass full of honey, he would not tell his parents the origin of the honey, lest they might have
scrupled to partake of it. In these little acts of laxity, he was already laying the foundation of his fall. The
borer-worm prepares the oak for its fall, long before it snaps before the northeast blast.
Not once or twice in our lives have we met with a close analogy to this old story; circumstances which have roared
against us, threatening our lives, have finally yielded honey and meat. We think as we meet them that they will
involve us in unmitigated disaster; but as we look back upon them in after years, we count them the sources of
unutterable delight. Everything depends upon how we meet them. It is only they on whom the Spirit of the Lord comes
mightily, to whom the strong yields sweetness.
Judg 14:10-20 Samson's marriage-feast, and riddle. - The proposal of riddles was a favorite Oriental pastime. It
was the seventh day of the week, but the fourth of the feast (Judg 14:14-15). The sheets (Judg 14:12) were the
hykes still worn in the East. When, at the end of the seven day limit, the Philistines were unable to solve the
riddle, they sought the aid of the bride, so that they should not become impoverished (Judg 14:15, marg.), by forfeiting
the penalty. Their threats caused this Philistine girl to waver in her allegiance to Samson, and she worked until
she had extracted from him the answer. Her efforts, however, to avoid the fate with which she was threatened (Judg
14:15) only obtained for her a temporary respite, as the identical punishment she dreaded was afterwards meted
out to her and her people (Judg 15:6). How weak human love may be unless it is sanctified by the love of God! Even
the love of a newly-married wife may fail, unless it is possessed by a stronger passion, and held true by a mightier
hand than her own.
Let us never forget the sense in which Samson's riddle has been realized in the destruction of death by Christ
(1Ti 1:10; 1Co 15:54; Heb 2:14-15). Some of our bitterest foes yield us strength and sweetness beneath the gracious
influences of the Holy Spirit.
JUDGES 15
"THE JAWBONE OF AN ASS"
In the roll-call of God's heroes, Samson is spoken of as a man of faith (Heb 11:32). It is so strange to find him
classed with David, and Moses, and Enoch, for as we look upon the deeds recited in this chapter, they seem to us
altogether so stormy, and boisterous, and savage. We find it hard to think of him as being inspired by the same
holy purpose as filled the hearts of the saints, and that the hand of faith was indeed there beneath the plated
armor of the warrior. Truly, "God fulfils Himself in many ways:' And yet it is comforting that God's children
are clad in a very different guise, speak many dialects, and are not expected to live higher than according to
the light they have.
Samson was a genial, good-natured, happy soul; full of joke and mirth (Judg 16:25); willing enough to forgive and
forget; and so he made new advances to the woman who had so basely betrayed his confidence, but he found that she
had become the wife of another (Judg 15:1-2).
Judg 15:3-8 His acts of vengeance were terrible. - The destruction of the standing crops and the vineyards, with
the "great slaughter" (Judg 15:8) of the Philistines proved that Samson was moved by anger in a very
high degree. But there is a sense in which we may emulate Samson, who, when he had completed his act of vengeance,
went down and dwelt in the cleft of the rock. There we are secure from the attempts of faithless friends and the
assaults of bitter foes.
Judg 15:9-17 Judah's treachery was mean in the extreme. It shows to how low a pitch of servility those will come
who yield meanly to a foreign despot's yoke. The men of Judah treated Samson, as in after years they treated Christ,
whom they bound and delivered to the Gentiles. But as Samson could not be restrained by the ropes, so did the bands
of death fall off the limbs of Christ, when raised from the dead on the third day in the might of the Holy Ghost
(Act 2:24).
If any should read these words who have been bound by strong ropes and rendered powerless to do God's work as aforetime,
let them trust and not be afraid, for there is that in the mighty descent of the Holy Spirit which shall set them
free.
The Philistines had not allowed any weapon to remain in the possession of the Israelites (1Sa 13:19-22), so that
Samson was dependent upon the jaw-bone of an ass to avenge himself upon his enemies; but in the hand of God a little
thing is sufficient to accomplish a great result. Often the "weak things" confound "the things that
are mighty," and "the things that are not" bring to nought "the things that are"
Judg 15:18-20 A lesson of dependence. - Samson gloried too much in his own strength. It was in the moment of exultation
that this great thirst came, from which his right arm could not save him. He was driven to plead that he might
be delivered for God's glory, lest the uncircumcised should rejoice. So when flushed with success, we are often
reminded that it is not ours, but God's good gift. Many a well of comfort opened to us might be called En-hakkore
"the fount of him that cried" (Psa 34:6).
JUDGES 16
DELILAH
Judg 16:1-3 A fatal snare again entangled Samson. - How many great men have been too weak to resist the wiles of
the flesh. Those who do great exploits for God must ever watch against these. This story should remind us of the
death of Christ. In His weakness as He hung upon the Cross, the power of hell compassed Him in, and anticipated
an easy victory, but He laid hold on the doors of death, the gate into the unseen, and plucked them up, bars and
posts and all, and put them upon His shoulders and carried them up to the top of the everlasting hills, which lie
towards the city of Rest (Eph 4:8).
Judges 16:4-20 A third time Samson fell under the deadly fascination of a woman. - Nor did he escape this time
so easily. By the promise of great riches, the Philistine lords successfully bribed Delilah to ascertain the secret
of his strength. A true woman uses her influence over those she loves, to augment rather than to sap their strength;
but Samson, to his own undoing, sought love outside the limits set by religion. Whenever men or women act thus
they forfeit their purity, and hand themselves over to the enemies of God, and of their souls, for their destruction.
Licentiousness robs men of wit and courage (Pro 7:26-27). What a warning to us not to tamper with any secret Delilah
sin. Notice how Delilah tried again and again to obtain Samson's secret, and how he dallied with her, until at
last he yielded. Let us learn that when temptation comes to us, it is a mistake merely to evade it, or to parry
attacks, as if to throw the tempter off the scent. These lines of defense are taken one after another, and the
foe presses into the citadel, which in turn must yield. Let us beware of scissors, even though apparent love holds
them, as they steal over the locks while we are steeped in unconsciousness of the havoc that they make; lest our
strength goes from us, and we become "like other men" There are hours in our life when, though we know
it not, our strength departs. Oh, the horror of he wist not (Judg 16:20).
Judg 16:21-31 Repentance and renewal. - Alone in the prison-cell reflection did its work; and prayer again arose
from Samson's heart; his hair began to grow again. Is not there an analogy to Peter's repentance with bitter tears,
preparing for Pentecost? What pathos in that last petition (Judg 16:28; Psa 74:18-23)! There is an encouragement
here for backsliders to return to God that He may forgive and restore them, and peradventure use them again.
JUDGES 17
MICAH'S IDOLS
The incidents related in this book do not follow in strict chronological order. They are fragments of history,
strung together to show the confusion and sin which arise in the absence of a properly constituted central authority
(Judg 17:6; Judg 18:1; Judg 19:1).
It is probable that what is here related, and to the close of this book, took place before Samson's time, for the
origin of the name given to the camp, mentioned in the time of Samson's youth (Judg 17:13, marg.) is given in the
narrative (Judg 18:12).
Judg 17:1-5 Idol-making. - A miserable home was this. The mother hoarding (1Ti 6:9); the son robbing. It is best
not to do evil; but it is next best, when it is done, to undo it, so far as may be, by confession and restitution.
This is what Micah did. The money had been their god; but it remained the mother's god, for she devoted less to
the images than she had vowed.
The family might be outwardly religious and accustomed to speak familiarly of God, and yet was evidently eaten
through with lying, deceit, and such-like sins. We should be very careful that with a form of godliness in our
homes, we also have its power, and train our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Here for the first
time we meet the phrase which often recurs in the latter chapters of this book, "there was no king in Israel,
every man did that which was right in his own eyes" It is always so when Christ is not on the throne; we do
as we like, and perhaps are more careful than ever in the observance of a ceremonial and outward religion.
Judg 17:7-13 Priest-making. - Micah thought that the Lord would do him good, because he had made a house of gods,
an ephod and teraphim, and had secured a Levite to be his priest. But this Levite had no right to the priesthood,
or Micah to consecrate him. How little did Micah know that disobedience to the second commandment did him more
harm in God's sight and in his own soul, than these externals could do him good. "Neither circumcision availeth
anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation and faith that worketh by love" (Gal 5:6). There is a strong
tendency among men to manufacture their own priests, and to suppose that things must go well when they have their
presence and blessing. But a religion which man invents will not suffice him in the sight of God, and will some
day desert him, as we shall see. He alone is the true Priest of souls who has been set apart to the work by the
hand of God Himself (Heb 2:17).
JUDGES 18
A DISTANT COLONY
We learn from Jos 19:47 that the "coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them;' i.e., was too
straitened. Probably they had not developed to the full extent the resources of their possession. Joppa - at that
time the only port in the land - was in their territory, but the business of the sea does not seem to have afforded
sufficient scope for the energies of the people, and an emigration scheme was decided upon. An embassy of five
were sent out to search the land, and they came to the extreme north to the country between the tribes of Asher
and Naphtali, the companions of Dan in the desert march.
Judg 18:1-10 The Danite scouts. - There is in all hearts a longing desire to have a consciousness of God's good
speed. The Italian bandit seeks a blessing on some proposed crime. And so it was with these five men.
We must not suppose, because there is no obstacle to our possession of that which we covet, but that our course
is clear, that therefore God hath given it into our hand. Many a time have souls been allured to their doom because
they have pursued an apparently open course. But we need also the assurance of God's counsel, seeking it, not at
the hand of a man-made priest, but in communion with God Himself.
Judges 18:11-26 Micah's spoliation. - What folly on the part of the Danites to suppose that they could be helped
by gods, who could not keep themselves from being stolen, or protect the house of their proprietor (Psa 115:8).
The priest had come to Micah for wealth and left him at the first opportunity of preferment. It is a test of the
true priest that he does not seek promotion, or a larger income, but is content to minister, though to the house
of one man, if that be the will of God. It is of the essence of priestcraft to catch at worldly advantages and
emoluments. God's Priest alone never forsakes, and "ever lives to make intercession"
Judg 18:27-31 The capture of Laish. - There was no harm in seeking an enlarged territory, but we can only turn
with a sense of horror from these acts of wholesale extermination. The conscience which is trained in the school
of Christ becomes very tender and sensitive, and rightly so. But the considerations which weigh with us could not
have been appreciated in those rude times.
The "captivity of the land" (Judg 18:30) was the Philistine invasion (1 Sam. 4). These people were the
first among the tribes to establish idolatry. To their lasting discredit this took place while the house of God
was in Shiloh (Judg 18:31). How easy it was for Jeroboam to establish in their city one of his golden calves (1Ki
12:29), and how necessary is it that our emigrants and colonists should take true religion with them to their distant
homes.
JUDGES 19
A TERRIBLE CRIME
This and the following chapters hold up the mirror to human nature, and reveal what is in the heart of man apart
from the grace of God. The Bible not only tells us of the remedy, but reveals to us the deadliness of the disease.
We might wonder why so much is said about the blood of the Son of God, if we had not been told of the depravity
and blackness of men's hearts. We must not suppose that these were sinners apart from others. We have all one human
heart, and the same tendencies are in us each. Man is horrified when these reveal themselves in their naked hideousness
in the lives of others, but is inclined to justify them in himself. But God justly brands with the same guilt the
thought and intention of the heart, which is only restrained from breaking into open sin by the conventionalities
of good society.
If you are standing near Christ, with your hand locked in His, it will not harm you to look over the jutting precipice
into these seething depths. But if it be not so with you, pass over this record until your soul has become pure
with a purity which turns from sin to Christ, with the shame that filled His holy soul in the days of His flesh,
and made Him stoop to the ground (Joh 8:6).
Many interesting lessons are taught of the manners of the times. Unhappily, drunkenness was already invading the
homes of the people (Judg 19:5-9). The surprise at the withholding of hospitality shows how general it was to entertain
strangers in those simple, old-world days (Judg 19:11-15). The conversation with the old man reminds us how often
the most generous feelings reveal themselves in the most unlikely quarters (Judg 19:16-21). In the subsequent assault
upon his house, he was prepared to make any sacrifice in order to save him whom he was sheltering under his roof.
So careful of the honor of the home, so careless of the honor of woman. One of the divinest traits in the religion
of Jesus Christ, is the sanctity with which He has invested womanhood.
We are reminded of a similar scene at the gates of Sodom; but there were no angels here to stay the deeds of violence.
Alas! that the redeemed people of the Lord had sunk to so low a depth (1Co 6:9, 1Co 6:10, 1Co 6:11).
This incident is spoken of afterwards as the beginning of Israel's corruption, and a pattern of much after sin
(Hos 9:9; Hos 10:9).
Josephus places this narrative at the beginning of the Judges. Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, was living while
these events took place (Judg 19:20 :28).
JUDGES 20
NATIONAL INDIGNATION
The Levite's appeal to Israel had an immediate effect. We are reminded of Saul's appeal (1Sa 11:7), and of the
Fiery Cross in more recent times. Mizpeh had already become the rallying-place of the people (Judg 20:10-17).
Judg 20:3-11 A judicial inquiry was instituted, which issued in the unanimous determination to avenge the tragedy
which had filled all hearts with detestation (Judg 20:11).
Amid the horror of a battlefield, there is one redeeming feature in the brave devotion of men for their country.
And amid the horrors of this chapter, there is at least evidence that the conscience of Israel was growing in their
detestation of the crime we have considered, though we must remember that it is always easier to denounce sins
in other people, and vow vengeance against them, than to exterminate them in ourselves. Would that each reader
would appropriate the words of Israel, "We will not any of us go to his tent till we have put away this evil
from Israel" (Judg 20:10).
Judg 20:12-14 Benjamin refused the opportunity of disavowing the perpetrators of the crime. - This made the whole
tribe accessory to the deed, and therefore liable to the punishment.
Judg 20:17-29 The double defeat. - It is at first difficult to understand why, in so good a cause, and after asking
God in all sincerity for guidance on two occasions, the children of Israel fled in battle before Benjamin. But
we must notice that it was only on the evening of the second day, in answer to fasting and prayer, that God promised
to deliver Benjamin into their hand. And we must remember that God was compelled to speak in language that they
could understand, and to teach them, through scenes of blood and tears, that higher morality to which they were
yet to come.
Judges 20:30-48 The terrible victory. - This was a fearful act of vengeance. Benjamin was practically exterminated
(Judg 20:47).
One turns from this chapter with a sad consciousness that it is a leaf out of the chronicles of human history which
has had, and is having, many counterparts. The story of the extermination of native races, the mowing down of tens
of thousands by the introduction of spirits and of opium, may read as darkly in the annals of eternity. Well may
creation travail, and the saints cry, Lord! how long!
JUDGES 21
RETURNING HOME
It is gratifying to find that after the stormy outburst of the previous chapter, there came a return of tender
feeling, like rain after claps of thunder. Human tears, as they well forth for others, evidence underlying fountains
in the strongest natures, and the existence of those tender feelings of compassion without which the race could
not exist.
Judg 21:1-7 Israel's lamentation for Benjamin. - Those that act in haste repent at leisure. Already there were
symptoms that a sweeter and purer spirit was about to rise up in Israel. This yearning after a lost tribe (Judg
21:6) indicated that a flame of love was beginning to burn amid the steam and smoke of the newly-kindled fire;
and if only there be love there is a point of contact at which God can reveal Himself to men, for he who loves
his brother will presently come on to know God who is Love, and the tears shed over Benjamin are similar in nature
to those shed on the Mount of Olives, when He beheld the city and wept over it.
Judg 21:9-14 The sack of Jabesh-Gilead. - It would have been better to turn their attention to the Canaanites still
in the land (Judg 19:11-12). But we are all more disposed to criticize our brethren, than to join forces with them
against a common foe.
Judg 21:15-23 The scheme at the dances at Shiloh. - What an indescribable admixture there is here of a recognized
religious worship, and its desecration, keeping avow in outward form, while violating its tenor and spirit.
We cannot admire the method adopted by Israel to preserve Benjamin from extinction. As in so many other cases,
a vow made rashly in a moment of excitement would have been better honored in the breach than in the observance.
One star at least shone in the black night; truth began to be revered, and they would not go back from their solemn
pledge and vow. The morals of the people were evidently lamentably low, but the whole of their course of action
is probably to be explained by the fact that they looked upon this war as having been an act of righteousness.
There was an air of satisfaction in the return of the people to their homes (Judg 21:24). But we need to correct
our self-estimate by the balances of eternity. As, in those days there could not be settled prosperity or peace
till the true King came, so it is now in the kingdom of our hearts.
PROPHECIES CONCERNING NATIONS THAT OPPRESSED
ISRAEL IN THE TIMES OF THE JUDGES
AMMON
Prophecies - Jer 49:2; Eze 25:2, Eze 25:5, Eze 25:7; Zep 2:9.
All this country, formerly so populous and flourishing, is now changed into a vast desert. The far greater part
of the country is uninhabited, being abandoned to the wandering Arabs, and the towns and villages are in a state
of total ruin.
MOAB
Prophecies - Num 24:17; Isa 16:2; Jer 48:1, Jer 48:2, Jer 48:46; Zep 2:9.
The cities of Moab have now disappeared: the whole country abounds with ruins. The Arab herds now roam in freedom
over the valleys and the plains, and the many vestiges of field enclosures form no obstruction; they wander undisturbed
around the tents of their masters, over the face of the country. The language of Moab was akin to the Hebrew.
PHILISTIA
Prophecies - Jer 47:5; Eze 25:16; Amo 1:8; Zec 9:5.
The plain of Philistia was famed for its corn, vines, and olives. Though the land was allotted to Israel, it was
never permanently occupied by them, although at various times the Philistines were subject to the Israelites. The
speech of the people differed from the Jew's language. The nation was finally overthrown by Alexander the Great,
and now "cottages for shepherds, and fields for flocks" partially scattered along the sea-coast, are
the only substitutes for the populous cities which this once powerful realm possessed.