And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim.
And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir.
And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years.
And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havoth–jair unto this day, which are in the land of Gilead.
And Jair died, and was buried in Camon.
And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the Lord, and served not him.
And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.
And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen years, all the children of Israel that were on the other side Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead.
Moreover the children of Ammon passed over Jordan to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that Israel was sore distressed.
And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.
And the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines?
The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand.
Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more.
Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.
And the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.
And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.
And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
Judges 10 marks a critical juncture in the narrative of Israel's tumultuous relationship with God. Following the era of Gideon and the tragic reign of Abimelech (Judges 6-9), this chapter highlights the persistent cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that defines the book of Judges. Judges 10 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of forsaking God and the enduring nature of His mercy when genuine repentance is offered. This chapter sets the stage for the rise of Jephthah in Judges 11, a leader born out of Israel's desperate need for deliverance.
The Judges Tola and Jair: A Brief Respite (Judges 10:1-5)
The chapter opens with brief accounts of two judges, Tola and Jair. Tola, whose name interestingly means "worm," hailed from the tribe of Issachar and judged Israel for twenty-three years (Judges 10:1-2). Little is known about his deeds, but his leadership likely provided a period of stability after the chaos of Abimelech's reign.
Following Tola, Jair the Gileadite judged Israel for twenty-two years (Judges 10:3-5). Jair's prosperity is highlighted by the mention of his thirty sons, each riding on a donkey and ruling over a city in the region known as Havvoth-jair, meaning "the settlements of Jair." The large number of sons hints at the possibility that, like Gideon, Jair may have practiced polygamy, perhaps in an attempt to establish a dynasty. However, the emphasis on the deaths of both Tola and Jair (Judges 10:2, 5) subtly underscores the point that no human leader can be Israel's permanent source of salvation. While God uses individuals, He alone remains the ultimate source of deliverance.
Descent into Idolatry and Oppression (Judges 10:6-9)
Tragically, after the relatively peaceful tenures of Tola and Jair, Israel once again reverts to its familiar pattern of apostasy. They abandon the Lord and worship the gods of the surrounding nations, including Syria, Sidon, Moab, the Ammonites, and the Philistines (Judges 10:6). This marked an escalation in their idolatry, surpassing even the worship of Baals and Ashtaroth prevalent in earlier periods (Judges 3:7; 8:33).
God's anger is kindled by their unfaithfulness, and He "sells" them into the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites (Judges 10:7). The Ammonites oppress the Israelites living east of the Jordan River in Gilead, while also launching attacks westward into Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim. For eighteen long years, Israel suffers under the weight of this oppression (Judges 10:8). This period of intense suffering serves as a harsh consequence of their deliberate choice to abandon God and embrace false deities. It illustrates a sobering principle: when we choose to worship false gods, God may allow us to be ruled by our chosen preferences.
A Confession and a Shocking Response (Judges 10:10-14)
Finally, driven to desperation by their prolonged suffering, the Israelites cry out to the Lord and confess their sin (Judges 10:10). They acknowledge their idolatry and the wickedness that accompanied it (Deuteronomy 12:29-31). However, instead of immediately offering comfort or deliverance, God responds with a stern rebuke. He reminds them of the many times He had delivered them from their enemies in the past (Judges 10:11-12).
Then, in a shocking and seemingly sarcastic statement, God declares, "I will not deliver you anymore. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them deliver you in your time of distress" (Judges 10:13-14). This severe response highlights the depth of God's disappointment and the consequences of persistent unfaithfulness. It forces the Israelites to confront the futility of their idolatry and the reality that their chosen gods are powerless to save them.
True Repentance and God's Relenting Compassion (Judges 10:15-18)
Faced with the gravity of their situation, the Israelites demonstrate genuine repentance. They confess their sin again, acknowledge God's right to deal with them as He sees fit, and, most importantly, they remove the foreign gods from their midst and serve the Lord (Judges 10:15-16). This act of tangible repentance marks a turning point in the chapter.
The text states that God "could bear Israel's misery no longer" (Judges 10:16). While Numbers 23:19 and 1 Samuel 15:29 tell us that God does not change his mind, this passage reveals that God's relationship with humanity can shift based on our response to Him. When we align our actions with God's will, doors of blessing can open that were previously closed. Confession acknowledges sin, but repentance involves turning away from it. It is this combination that moves God to compassion.
Though God's character remains constant, His actions toward humanity are responsive. He has promised mercy, grace, and forgiveness to those who sincerely repent and believe. This passage also reminds us that God experiences emotions. He grieves over our sin and rejoices in our repentance.
As the Ammonites prepare to attack Gilead, the Israelites gather their forces but lack a leader. The leaders of Gilead offer a compelling incentive: whoever leads them to victory will become the "captain" or "chief" over all of Gilead (Judges 10:17-18). This sets the stage for the emergence of Jephthah in Judges 11, an unlikely hero whom God will use to deliver Israel.
Judges 10 serves as a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of sin and redemption. It underscores the importance of genuine repentance, not just empty words, and reveals the depth of God's compassion for those who turn to Him with a contrite heart. Even when God seems to have turned away, true repentance can open the door to His mercy and renewed blessing.
And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim.
And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir.
And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years.
And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havoth–jair unto this day, which are in the land of Gilead.
And Jair died, and was buried in Camon.
And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the Lord, and served not him.
And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.
And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen years, all the children of Israel that were on the other side Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead.
Moreover the children of Ammon passed over Jordan to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that Israel was sore distressed.
And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.
And the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines?
The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand.
Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more.
Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.
And the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.
And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.
And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
Judges 10 marks a critical juncture in the narrative of Israel's tumultuous relationship with God. Following the era of Gideon and the tragic reign of Abimelech (Judges 6-9), this chapter highlights the persistent cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that defines the book of Judges. Judges 10 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of forsaking God and the enduring nature of His mercy when genuine repentance is offered. This chapter sets the stage for the rise of Jephthah in Judges 11, a leader born out of Israel's desperate need for deliverance.
The Judges Tola and Jair: A Brief Respite (Judges 10:1-5)
The chapter opens with brief accounts of two judges, Tola and Jair. Tola, whose name interestingly means "worm," hailed from the tribe of Issachar and judged Israel for twenty-three years (Judges 10:1-2). Little is known about his deeds, but his leadership likely provided a period of stability after the chaos of Abimelech's reign.
Following Tola, Jair the Gileadite judged Israel for twenty-two years (Judges 10:3-5). Jair's prosperity is highlighted by the mention of his thirty sons, each riding on a donkey and ruling over a city in the region known as Havvoth-jair, meaning "the settlements of Jair." The large number of sons hints at the possibility that, like Gideon, Jair may have practiced polygamy, perhaps in an attempt to establish a dynasty. However, the emphasis on the deaths of both Tola and Jair (Judges 10:2, 5) subtly underscores the point that no human leader can be Israel's permanent source of salvation. While God uses individuals, He alone remains the ultimate source of deliverance.
Descent into Idolatry and Oppression (Judges 10:6-9)
Tragically, after the relatively peaceful tenures of Tola and Jair, Israel once again reverts to its familiar pattern of apostasy. They abandon the Lord and worship the gods of the surrounding nations, including Syria, Sidon, Moab, the Ammonites, and the Philistines (Judges 10:6). This marked an escalation in their idolatry, surpassing even the worship of Baals and Ashtaroth prevalent in earlier periods (Judges 3:7; 8:33).
God's anger is kindled by their unfaithfulness, and He "sells" them into the hands of the Philistines and Ammonites (Judges 10:7). The Ammonites oppress the Israelites living east of the Jordan River in Gilead, while also launching attacks westward into Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim. For eighteen long years, Israel suffers under the weight of this oppression (Judges 10:8). This period of intense suffering serves as a harsh consequence of their deliberate choice to abandon God and embrace false deities. It illustrates a sobering principle: when we choose to worship false gods, God may allow us to be ruled by our chosen preferences.
A Confession and a Shocking Response (Judges 10:10-14)
Finally, driven to desperation by their prolonged suffering, the Israelites cry out to the Lord and confess their sin (Judges 10:10). They acknowledge their idolatry and the wickedness that accompanied it (Deuteronomy 12:29-31). However, instead of immediately offering comfort or deliverance, God responds with a stern rebuke. He reminds them of the many times He had delivered them from their enemies in the past (Judges 10:11-12).
Then, in a shocking and seemingly sarcastic statement, God declares, "I will not deliver you anymore. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them deliver you in your time of distress" (Judges 10:13-14). This severe response highlights the depth of God's disappointment and the consequences of persistent unfaithfulness. It forces the Israelites to confront the futility of their idolatry and the reality that their chosen gods are powerless to save them.
True Repentance and God's Relenting Compassion (Judges 10:15-18)
Faced with the gravity of their situation, the Israelites demonstrate genuine repentance. They confess their sin again, acknowledge God's right to deal with them as He sees fit, and, most importantly, they remove the foreign gods from their midst and serve the Lord (Judges 10:15-16). This act of tangible repentance marks a turning point in the chapter.
The text states that God "could bear Israel's misery no longer" (Judges 10:16). While Numbers 23:19 and 1 Samuel 15:29 tell us that God does not change his mind, this passage reveals that God's relationship with humanity can shift based on our response to Him. When we align our actions with God's will, doors of blessing can open that were previously closed. Confession acknowledges sin, but repentance involves turning away from it. It is this combination that moves God to compassion.
Though God's character remains constant, His actions toward humanity are responsive. He has promised mercy, grace, and forgiveness to those who sincerely repent and believe. This passage also reminds us that God experiences emotions. He grieves over our sin and rejoices in our repentance.
As the Ammonites prepare to attack Gilead, the Israelites gather their forces but lack a leader. The leaders of Gilead offer a compelling incentive: whoever leads them to victory will become the "captain" or "chief" over all of Gilead (Judges 10:17-18). This sets the stage for the emergence of Jephthah in Judges 11, an unlikely hero whom God will use to deliver Israel.
Judges 10 serves as a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of sin and redemption. It underscores the importance of genuine repentance, not just empty words, and reveals the depth of God's compassion for those who turn to Him with a contrite heart. Even when God seems to have turned away, true repentance can open the door to His mercy and renewed blessing.