Judges 3:12-14 meaning

Judges 3:12-14 explains the beginning of Israel’s unfaithfulness after the death of Othniel. Now the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord (v 12). The phrase again did evil reflects the recurring pattern of Israel’s behavior during this period. Despite experiencing God’s deliverance through Othniel and a subsequent period of peace, the Israelites once more turn away from God and engage in practices that violate His commandments. Without good, God-honoring leaders, the Israelites easily fell back into idolatry and sin.

So the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the Lord (v 12). In response to Israel’s sin, God allows Eglon, the king of Moab, to rise in power and become an instrument of judgment against Israel. The phrase the Lord strengthened Eglon (v 12) suggests that God directly enabled Eglon’s success against Israel as a consequence of their disobedience. This demonstrates how God will continue to use foreign oppressors to discipline His people, reminding them of the consequences of forsaking His covenant. God had promised to punish Israel with foreign invaders if it broke its Suzerain-vassal covenant with Him (Deuteronomy 28:25, 47-51).

Thus, the king of Moab gathered to himself the sons of Ammon and Amalek; and he went and defeated Israel, and they possessed the city of the palm trees (v 13). King Eglon, seeking to solidify his power, forms an alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites, two other groups that were traditional enemies of Israel. This coalition of forces successfully defeats Israel, demonstrating the severe consequences of Israel’s sin.

The city of the palm trees (v 13) refers to Jericho, an important location in Israel’s history. Jericho was the first city conquered by Israel in the Promised Land (Joshua 6). Its capture by Eglon’s coalition represents a significant reversal of Israel’s fortunes. The loss of Jericho would have been a profound humiliation for Israel, as it symbolized their failure to maintain control of the land God had given them.

The sons of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years (v 14). The servitude that follows Israel’s defeat lasts for eighteen years, a long period of suffering and subjugation under Eglon’s rule. The term served indicates that the Israelites were forced into a state of subjugation, as a vassal to their overlord, Moab. Israel probably had to pay tributes of gold, silver, and grain to Moab, and some Israelites were probably made slaves

This suffering will lead Israel to cry out to God once again, setting the stage for another divine intervention and deliverance.