CHAPTER X _Tola judges Israel_ twenty-three _years_, 1, 2. _Jair is judge_ twenty-two _years_, 3-5. _After him the Israelites rebel against God, and are delivered_ _into the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites_ eighteen _years_, 6-9. _They humble themselves, and God reproves them_, 10-14.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Judges 10:4. _HE HAD THIRTY SONS, C._] It appears that there was both peace and prosperity during the time that Jair governed Israel he had, it seems, provided for his family, and given a village to each of his thirty sons; which were, in consequence, called _Havoth_ _Jair_ or the _villages of... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Judges 10:6. _AND SERVED BAALIM_] They became _universal idolaters_, adopting every god of the surrounding nations. _Baalim_ and _Ashtaroth_ may signify _gods_ and _goddesses_ in general. These are enumerated: 1. _The gods of Syria; Bel_ and _Saturn, or Jupiter_ and _Astarte_. 2. _Gods of Zi... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Judges 10:7. _THE ANGER OF THE LORD WAS HOT_] This Divine displeasure was manifested in delivering them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites. The former dwelt on the _western_ side of Jordan; the latter, on the _eastern_: and it appears that they joined their forces on this occa... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Judges 10:11. _AND THE LORD SAID_] By what means these reproofs were conveyed to the Israelites, we know not: it must have been by an _angel_, a _prophet_, or some _holy man_ inspired for the occasion.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Judges 10:15. _WE HAVE SINNED_] The reprehension of this people was kind, pointed, and solemn; and their repentance deep. And they gave proofs that their repentance was genuine, by putting away all their idols: but they were ever _fickle_ and _uncertain_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Judges 10:16. _AND HIS SOUL WAS GRIEVED FOR THE MISERY OF ISRAEL._] What a proof of the _philanthropy_ of God! Here his compassions moved on a _small scale_; but it was the same principle that led him to give his Son Jesus Christ to be a sacrifice for the sins of the WHOLE _world_. God _grieve... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Judges 10:17. _THE CHILDREN OF AMMON WERE GATHERED TOGETHER_] Literally, _they cried against Israel_-they sent out criers in different directions to stir up all the enemies of Israel; and when they had made a mighty collection, they encamped in Gilead.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Judges 10:18. _WHAT MAN_ IS HE _THAT WILL BEGIN TO FIGHT_] It appears that, although the spirit of _patriotism_ had excited the people at large to come forward against their enemies, yet they had no general, none to lead them forth to battle. God, however, who had accepted their sincere repent... [ Continue Reading ]