Judges 2:18

Authorized King James Version

And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכִֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הֵקִ֨ים

H6965

raised

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

And when the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לָהֶם֮

הַשּׁוֹפֵ֑ט

H8199

of the judge

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

וְהָיָ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

And when the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הַשּׁוֹפֵ֑ט

H8199

of the judge

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

#10

וְהֽוֹשִׁיעָם֙

H3467

and delivered

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

#11

מִיַּ֣ד

H3027

them out of the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#12

אֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֔ם

H341

of their enemies

hating; an adversary

#13

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

יְמֵ֣י

H3117

all the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#15

הַשּׁוֹפֵ֑ט

H8199

of the judge

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

#16

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#17

יִנָּחֵ֤ם

H5162

for it repented

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

#18

יְהוָה֙

H3068

And when the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#19

מִנַּֽאֲקָתָ֔ם

H5009

of their groanings

a groan

#20

מִפְּנֵ֥י

H6440

because

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#21

לֹֽחֲצֵיהֶ֖ם

H3905

by reason of them that oppressed

properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to distress

#22

וְדֹֽחֲקֵיהֶֽם׃

H1766

them and vexed

to press, i.e., oppress

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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