Judges 6:2
Judges 6:2 in Multiple Translations
and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds.
And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
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.
And Midian was stronger than Israel; and because of the Midianites, the children of Israel made holes for themselves in the mountains, and hollows in the rocks, and strong places.
The Midianite oppression was so great that because of them the Israelites made themselves hiding places in mountains, caves, and fortifications.
And the hand of Midian preuayled against Israel, and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them dennes in the mountaines, and caues, and strong holdes.
and the hand of Midian is strong against Israel, from the presence of Midian have the sons of Israel made for themselves the flowings which [are] in the mountains, and the caves, and the strongholds.
The hand of Midian prevailed against Israel; and because of Midian the children of Israel made themselves the dens which are in the mountains, the caves, and the strongholds.
And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
And they were grievously oppressed by them. And they made themselves dens and eaves in the mountains, and strong holds to resist.
The people of Midian treated the Israelis so cruelly that the Israelis fled to the mountains. There they made places to live in caves and animal dens.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 6:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 6:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תָּ֥עָז
יַד
מִדְיָ֖ן
עַל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
מִ/פְּנֵ֨י
מִדְיָ֜ן
עָשֽׂוּ
לָ/הֶ֣ם
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
אֶת
הַ/מִּנְהָרוֹת֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
בֶּֽ/הָרִ֔ים
וְ/אֶת
הַ/מְּעָר֖וֹת
וְ/אֶת
הַ/מְּצָדֽוֹת
וַ/תָּ֥עָז
ʻâzaz
H5810
be strong
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs
מִדְיָ֖ן
Midyân
H4080
Midian
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
מִ/פְּנֵ֨י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
מִדְיָ֜ן
Midyân
H4080
Midian
N-proper
עָשֽׂוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לָ/הֶ֣ם
Prep | Suff
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מִּנְהָרוֹת֙
minhârâh
H4492
cave
Art | N-fp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בֶּֽ/הָרִ֔ים
har
H2022
mountain
Prep | N-mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/מְּעָר֖וֹת
mᵉʻârâh
H4631
cave
Art | N-fp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/מְּצָדֽוֹת
mᵉtsad
H4679
stronghold
Art | N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 6:2
וַ/תָּ֥עָז
ʻâzaz
H5810
"be strong"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to be strong or prevail, and can also mean to make something firm. It's used in the Bible to describe God strengthening someone or someone becoming strong. The KJV translates it as 'harden' or 'strengthen'.
Definition: 1) to be strong 1a) (Qal) to be strong, prevail 1b) (Hiphil) to make firm, strengthen
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: harden, impudent, prevail, strengthen (self), be strong. See also: Judges 3:10; Proverbs 7:13; Psalms 9:20.
יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
מִדְיָ֖ן
Midyân
H4080
"Midian"
N-proper
Refers to Midian, a son of Abraham, his country, and descendants, known for being a tribe that lived in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula.
Definition: § Midian or Midianite = "strife" the tribe descended from Midian inhabitant of the territory of the tribe descended from Midian; located principally in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula; land to which Moses went when he fled from Pharaoh
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: Midian, Midianite. See also: Genesis 25:2; Judges 7:1; Psalms 83:10.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
מִ/פְּנֵ֨י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מִדְיָ֜ן
Midyân
H4080
"Midian"
N-proper
Refers to Midian, a son of Abraham, his country, and descendants, known for being a tribe that lived in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula.
Definition: § Midian or Midianite = "strife" the tribe descended from Midian inhabitant of the territory of the tribe descended from Midian; located principally in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula; land to which Moses went when he fled from Pharaoh
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: Midian, Midianite. See also: Genesis 25:2; Judges 7:1; Psalms 83:10.
עָשֽׂוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָ/הֶ֣ם
""
Prep | Suff
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מִּנְהָרוֹת֙
minhârâh
H4492
"cave"
Art | N-fp
The Hebrew word for a cave or den, referring to a channel, fissure, or cavern. It describes a natural hole or opening in the ground, often used as a hiding place or shelter in biblical times.
Definition: 1) crevices, ravines, mountain clefts, den, dugout holes 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: den. See also: Judges 6:2.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בֶּֽ/הָרִ֔ים
har
H2022
"mountain"
Prep | N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מְּעָר֖וֹת
mᵉʻârâh
H4631
"cave"
Art | N-fp
The Hebrew word for a cave or den, often used to describe a dark or hidden place. It can also refer to a hole or a hollowed-out space. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural landscapes and places of refuge or hiding.
Definition: cave, den, hole
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: cave, den, hole. See also: Genesis 19:30; 1 Samuel 13:6; Psalms 57:1.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מְּצָדֽוֹת
mᵉtsad
H4679
"stronghold"
Art | N-fp
A stronghold or fort, often in a mountainous area, providing a safe place for people to hide or defend themselves, like the castle of David in 2 Samuel 5:7. It represents a secure and protected location.
Definition: 1) fort, stronghold, fastness 1a) mountain-fastness 1b) stronghold
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: castle, fort, (strong) hold, munition. See also: Judges 6:2; 1 Chronicles 12:9; Isaiah 33:16.
Study Notes — Judges 6:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 6:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 6:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 6:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 6:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 6:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 6:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 6:2
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 6:2
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 6:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 6:2
- Sermons on Judges 6:2
Context — Midian Oppresses Israel
1Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; so He delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years,
2and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds.
3Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, 4encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 11:38 | The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 13:6 | Seeing that they were in danger because their troops were hard-pressed, the men of Israel hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in cellars and cisterns. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 28:47–48 | Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart in all your abundance, you will serve your enemies the LORD will send against you in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution. He will place an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you. |
| 4 | Revelation 6:15 | Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 14:11 | So the two of them showed themselves to the outpost of the Philistines, who exclaimed, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they were hiding!” |
| 6 | Leviticus 26:17 | And I will set My face against you, so that you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one pursues you. |
Judges 6:2 Summary
The Israelites were being treated very badly by the Midianites, so they had to hide in the mountains, caves, and strongholds to be safe, as stated in Judges 6:2. This was very hard for them, and it shows how sin and disobedience can lead to difficult circumstances, as seen in Judges 6:1. But even in the midst of hardship, God is always with us and wants to help us, as seen in Psalm 46:1-3 and Matthew 28:20. We can learn from the Israelites' experience to trust in God's power and provision, even when things seem impossible, and to seek His help and guidance in times of trouble, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites have to prepare shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds?
The Israelites had to prepare shelters for themselves because the Midianites were oppressing them, as stated in Judges 6:2, and they needed a safe place to hide from their enemies, much like David did in Psalm 57:1 when he hid from King Saul in a cave.
What does it mean that the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel?
When it says that the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel, it means that Midian was able to overcome and dominate Israel, much like the Lord gave Israel into the hand of their enemies in Judges 2:14, as a result of their disobedience and sin against God.
How long did the Midianites oppress the Israelites?
Although Judges 6:2 does not specifically state the length of time the Midianites oppressed the Israelites, the preceding verse, Judges 6:1, states that the Lord delivered the Israelites into the hand of Midian for seven years.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience with the Midianites?
We can learn from the Israelites' experience that sin and disobedience can lead to oppression and hardship, as seen in Judges 6:1-2, but that God is always faithful to deliver and restore His people when they repent and turn to Him, as seen in Judges 6:6-10 and other passages like Isaiah 40:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be experiencing oppression or hardship in my own life, and how can I turn to God for deliverance?
- How can I avoid the mistakes of the Israelites and instead walk in obedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2?
- What are some 'strongholds' that I may be hiding in, rather than trusting in God's power and protection, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I apply the lessons of Judges 6:2 to my own life, and what changes can I make to trust more fully in God's sovereignty and provision?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 6:2
And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel,.... They were too strong for them, and overcame them, and brought them into subjection to them, and no wonder, when the Lord delivered them into their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 6:2
And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 6:2
In which they might secure their persons and provisions from the hands of the Midianites.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 6:2
Judges 6:2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: [and] because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which [are] in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.Ver. 2. Made them the dens which are in the mountains.] These served for shelters, places of refuge and strength, until the last desolation of the Jews. See 1 Samuel 13:6. And caves, and strongholds.] They sought not to God till needs must; till these coverings were too short.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 6:2
(2) The hand of Midian prevailed.—See Judges 3:10. This oppression is wholly different from that with which we have been dealing in the last chapter. That was the last great attempt of the old inhabitants to recover their lost country; this is a foreign invasion. The dens which are in the mountains.—The word mineharoth, rendered dens (LXX., mandrai), occurs here only. Rashi and Kimchi render it, “caves lighted from above,” deriving it from neharah, “light” (Job 3:4). They were probably thinking of the subterranean galleries like those found by Wetzstein in the Hauran (p. 45). R. Tanchum and others take it to mean fire-signals. But the more probable derivation is nahar, “a river,” and then the meaning is “torrent-gullies,” which they easily converted into places of concealment, since the limestone hills of Palestine abound in caves. Josephus understood it to mean mines and caverns (Antt. v. 6. § 1).
(Comp. 1 Samuel 13:6 : “When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.” Hebrews 11:38 : “in dens and caves of the earth.”) Three places of hiding are mentioned: (1) The mineharoth, perhaps catacombs and galleries in the rocks, which, as the article shows, were pointed out long afterwards. (2) Craggy peaks, like Rimmon, Magada, &c. (3) “Limestone caves, here first mentioned, and afterwards often used, like the Corycian cave in Greece during the Persian invasion, and the caves of the Asturias in Spain during the occupation of the Moors. It was returning to the old troglodyte habits of the Horites and Phoenicians” (Stanley, i. 340). These caves were used, long afterwards, by the brigands whom Herod and the Romans found it so hard to extirpate.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 6:2
Verse 2. Made them the dens which are in the mountains] Nothing can give a more distressing description of the state of the Israelites than what is here related. They durst not reside in the plain country, but were obliged to betake themselves to dens and caves of the mountains, and live like wild beasts, and were hunted like them by their adversaries.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 6:2
2. the hand … prevailed] A formula of Rd; cf. Judges 3:10. dens] This translation is a guess from the context. The mention of caves prepares the way for 11b; for strong holds cf. 1 Samuel 23:14; 1 Samuel 23:19; 1 Samuel 23:29 etc. Under pressure from the Philistines at a later time similar refuges were used, 1 Samuel 13:6.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 6:2
The word rendered “dens” is only found in this passage. It is best explained of ravines hollowed out by torrents, which the Israelites made into hiding-places.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 6:2
2. The dens which are in the mountains — The recesses, fissures, and hollow places which had been worn by the water-courses in the mountain sides. Caves — Such as abound all through the hill country of Palestine.
Sermons on Judges 6:2
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Life of c.t. Studd by George Stevenson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life and ministry of C.T. Studd, a missionary who dedicated his life to spreading the gospel. Studd's conviction to go to China was solid |
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Who for the Joy by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of depth and spiritual focus in many church meetings. He emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus as the ultimate source of de |
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The Certainty of Our Faith by Cornelius Van Til | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the contrast between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God. He highlights how the world's wisdom is considered foolishness by God. T |
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Tears of the Saints by Paul Hattaway | This sermon emphasizes the ongoing mission of reaching unreached people groups with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It highlights the urgent need to penetrate cultures, plant churches, |
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Revival Stories: John Wesley by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon transcript, John Wesley recounts a powerful experience he had while preaching in May 1739. As he was preaching on the words "be still and know that I am God," God be |
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Under His Wings by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares stories and illustrations to emphasize the importance of accepting God's invitation for protection and salvation. He describes a scene where a c |
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Homily 4 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of imitating the faith and courage of the three young men in the fiery furnace, who chose to remain faithful to God even in the face o |