Judg 2:11-18 | MHM | STEP | v. 11 : The Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord . They began to serve the Baals, the gods of the Canaanites. This was a turning away from God, and it was the beginning of many troubles.

‏ Judges 2:11-18

v. 11: The Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord. They began to serve the Baals, the gods of the Canaanites. This was a turning away from God, and it was the beginning of many troubles.

v. 12: They abandoned the Lord, who had brought them out of Egypt, and followed other gods from among the peoples around them. They provoked the Lord to anger by choosing idols over Him.

v. 13: They forsook the Lord and worshipped Baal and Ashtaroth, which was both foolish and sinful.

v. 14: The anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel. He allowed them to be defeated by their enemies and plundered by those around them. They could not stand against their foes, because they had broken their covenant with God.

v. 15: Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the Lord was against them for harm, as He had warned and sworn to them. This caused great distress among the people.

v. 16: Even so, the Lord raised up judges to deliver them from their enemies. But even then, they did not always listen or obey the judges.

v. 17: Instead, they quickly turned aside from the way their ancestors had walked, disobeying the commandments of the Lord. They were stubborn and did not remain faithful.

v. 18: When the Lord raised up judges, He was with them and saved the people from their enemies as long as the judge lived. The Lord had compassion on them when they groaned under those who oppressed and afflicted them.