Albert Barnes Commentary Judges 6
Albert Barnes Commentary
Judges 6
Albert Barnes Commentary
Judges 6
"And the children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah: and Jehovah delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years." — Judges 6:1 (ASV)
Midian - See Genesis 25:2 note. They were remarkable not only for the vast number of their cattle (Judges 6:5; Numbers 31:32–39), but also for their great wealth in gold and other metal ornaments, showing their connection with a gold country. (Compare Numbers 31:22, Numbers 31:50–54, with Judges 8:24, 26.) At this time they were allies of the Amalekites and of the Arabian tribes called collectively “the children of the East” (Judges 6:3). They seem to have extended their settlements to the east of Jordan, and to have belonged to the larger section of Arabs called Ishmaelites (Judges 8:24).
"And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel; and because of Midian the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and the caves, and the strongholds." — Judges 6:2 (ASV)
The word rendered “dens” is only found in this passage. It is best explained as ravines hollowed out by torrents, which the Israelites made into hiding-places.
"and they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance in Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass." — Judges 6:4 (ASV)
Gaza indicates the extreme southern point to which they spread their devastations, crossing the Jordan near Bethshan (Scythopolis), entering by the valley of Jezreel, and sweeping along the whole of the maritime plain or Shephelah.
"For they came up with their cattle and their tents; they came in as locusts for multitude; both they and their camels were without number: and they came into the land to destroy it." — Judges 6:5 (ASV)
Grasshoppers - Rather locusts (compare Exodus 10:4-6, Exodus 10:14–15; Joel 1:0; Joel 2:0; Psalms 78:46).
"that Jehovah sent a prophet unto the children of Israel: and he said unto them, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage;" — Judges 6:8 (ASV)
A prophet - His name is not given. (Compare 1 Kings 13:0.) This message is somewhat similar to that of the Angel (Judges 2:1–3). The reference to Exodus 20:2 is plain, and supposes the people to whom the prophet addresses these words to be familiar with the facts recorded in that text.
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