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Book of Judges - Chapter 3 - Verse 14

3:14
So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.

Meaning

During this period of eighteen years, the children of Israel were under the oppressive rule of King Eglon of Moab. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences the Israelites faced when they turned away from God and disobeyed His commandments. The Israelites were meant to be a chosen people, living according to God's laws and enjoying His protection. However, their disobedience led them into a time of bondage and servitude under a foreign ruler. This verse serves as a lesson to all readers, emphasizing the importance of staying faithful to God and following His will to avoid the consequences of straying away from His path. It also highlights the cyclical nature of the Israelites' relationship with God, where disobedience led to punishment, repentance led to deliverance, and the cycle repeated throughout their history.

Theological Overview

This verse, found in the book of Judges, highlights a period of oppression that the children of Israel faced under King Eglon of Moab. The theological interpretation of this verse points to a cycle of disobedience by the Israelites, leading to their subjugation by foreign rulers. The Israelites had turned away from God's commandments, which resulted in them serving a foreign king for eighteen years. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's will and the importance of obedience to Him.

Word studies of this verse can delve into the meanings of "served" and "Moab" to provide further insights. The term "served" implies a sense of bondage and servitude, underscoring the oppressive nature of the Israelites' situation under King Eglon. Additionally, the mention of Moab is significant as it was a neighboring nation that had a tumultuous history with the Israelites. Understanding the historical context and implications of Moab's involvement in this verse can shed light on the geopolitical dynamics at play during this period.

Overall, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance and reliance on God for deliverance. By exploring the theological and word study aspects of this verse, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the Israelites' relationship with God and the challenges they faced in staying faithful to His commandments.

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