Judges 6:1

Afrikaans 1933/1953

Maar toe die kinders van Israel gedoen het wat verkeerd was in die oë van die HERE, het die HERE hulle oorgegee in die hand van die Midianiete, sewe jaar lank.

What Does This Mean?

The verse describes how the Israelites disobeyed God and as a result, God allowed the Midianites to conquer them for seven years. This shows God's response to their wickedness.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you ignored your parents' rules and they decided to let you face the consequences for a while. That's what happened here. God let the Israelites deal with the Midianites because they didn't listen to His rules.

Historical Background

The Book of Judges was written by various authors, possibly including Samuel, in the 11th century BC. It was aimed at the Israelites to remind them of God's protection and the consequences of their actions.

Living It Out Today

If you see a colleague at work ignoring important safety rules and then suffering the consequences, this verse reminds us that our actions have consequences and we should follow the rules to avoid negative outcomes.

Topics

• judgment
• consequences
• disobedience
• deliverance
• protection
• Israelites

Related Verses

• Genesis 4:8-12
• Psalms 107:10-16
• Isaiah 45:9-10
• Romans 2:4-11
• 1 Corinthians 10:13

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God deliver the Israelites into the hands of the Midianites?

God did this as a consequence for the Israelites' disobedience, showing them the importance of following His commands and the repercussions of not doing so.

What was the significance of the seven years mentioned in the verse?

The seven years could symbolize a period of testing and discipline, often used in biblical narratives to represent completion or a full cycle.

How did the Israelites respond to their situation?

The verse does not specify, but historically, the Israelites often cried out to God for deliverance, which is a theme found later in the Book of Judges.

Are there any other instances in the Bible where God allowed His people to face consequences?

Yes, there are many examples, such as the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years because of their lack of faith, as described in Numbers 14:26-35.