Judges 8:34
And the children of Israel remembered not the LORD their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side:
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
וְלֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
זָֽכְרוּ֙
remembered
H2142
זָֽכְרוּ֙
remembered
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
בְּנֵ֣י
And the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֖ה
not the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
not the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם
their God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם
their God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הַמַּצִּ֥יל
who had delivered
H5337
הַמַּצִּ֥יל
who had delivered
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
8 of 13
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
אוֹתָ֛ם
H853
אוֹתָ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִיַּ֥ד
them out of the hands
H3027
מִיַּ֥ד
them out of the hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 13
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
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
This verse summarizes the recurring tragedy of Judges. Each generation that 'knew not the LORD' (2:10) fell into idolatry. Israel's enemies during this period included Mesopotamians, Moabites, Canaanites, Midianites, Ammonites, and Philistines—yet God delivered them from each threat. Their forgetfulness despite such consistent deliverance demonstrates the depth of human depravity and need for grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you actively 'remember' God's faithfulness through worship, testimony, and discipleship?
- What spiritual practices help you maintain covenant loyalty when circumstances change?
- In what ways does forgetfulness of God's past faithfulness lead to present unfaithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The children of Israel remembered not the LORD their God (לֹא זָכְרוּ, lo zachru)—the verb 'to remember' (זָכַר) in Hebrew means far more than mental recall; it means to act in accordance with covenant relationship. Israel's failure to 'remember' was not amnesia but covenant violation. Who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side—the comprehensive deliverance is emphasized: from all enemies, on every side, consistently throughout their history.
This forgetfulness is willful ingratitude. God's mighty acts—the Exodus, conquest of Canaan, deliverance from oppressors through judges—deserved loyal worship. Instead, Israel suffered spiritual alzheimer's, losing connection with their redemptive history. When God's people forget His faithfulness, they inevitable turn to false gods. Remembrance is not passive nostalgia but active covenant loyalty. This is why Scripture constantly commands 'remember'—because spiritual amnesia precedes apostasy. The antidote is continual rehearsal of God's mighty acts in corporate worship, family discipleship, and personal meditation.