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Book of Judges - Chapter 3 - Verse 8

3:8
Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years.

Meaning

After the children of Israel had been freed from the oppression of their enemies, they again turned away from the Lord and worshiped idols. This verse in the book of Judges reflects the consequences of their disobedience. The phrase "anger of the LORD was hot against Israel" signifies God's displeasure with their actions and choices. As a result of their sin, they were sold into the hand of Chushanrishathaim, the king of Mesopotamia, and forced to serve him for eight years. This period of servitude was a form of punishment inflicted by God upon the Israelites for their unfaithfulness. The verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the repercussions of straying from His will.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of this verse from Judges 3:8 is that it serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and idolatry. The anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel because they turned away from Him and worshipped other gods. As a result, they were handed over into the hands of their enemies, in this case, King Chushanrishathaim of Mesopotamia. This illustrates the principle of divine justice and the importance of remaining faithful to God's commandments.

Additionally, a word study of the term "sold" could provide further insight into the nature of Israel's punishment. In this context, being "sold" into the hand of their enemies signifies a form of judgment and discipline. It conveys the idea of being subjected to the rule and authority of a foreign power as a consequence of their sinful actions. The duration of eight years also emphasizes the severity of Israel's oppression and serves as a lesson about the long-lasting effects of straying from God's will.

American Standard Version

Therefore the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight years.
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