And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

JUDGES 2:14KJV
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Judges 2:14 (KJV)

What does Judges 2:14 mean?

Judges 2:14 says that God became very angry with Israel and allowed them to be overpowered by raiders and enemies all around them, so that Israel could no longer defend themselves. This verse explains that Israel’s troubles came as a direct result of God’s anger over their actions.

In the story, the people of Israel have turned away from God after settling in the promised land. The verse describes how God responded by letting other groups—called “spoilers” and “enemies”—defeat and oppress Israel. This is part of a cycle in Judges where Israel’s disobedience leads to hardship, showing the consequences of their choices.

The Hebrew behind Judges 2:14

  • “Anger” (אַף, ’aph, H639): This word often refers to flaring nostrils, a vivid picture of intense anger. Here, it emphasizes how deeply God was provoked by Israel’s behavior.
  • “Spoilers” (שָׁסָה, shasah, H8154) and “spoiled” (שָׁסָה, shasah, H8155): These words mean to plunder or rob. The use of both forms highlights that Israel was not just attacked but thoroughly looted and oppressed.
  • “Sold” (מָכַר, makar, H4376): This word means to hand over or sell, often used for selling a person into slavery. It shows that God allowed Israel to fall completely under the power of their enemies, as if they were given up or abandoned.

Why Judges 2:14 matters

  • This verse makes it clear that Israel’s suffering was not random but was directly connected to their choices and God’s response to them.
  • The language of being “sold” and “spoiled” shows the depth of Israel’s defeat, making it clear they were powerless without God’s help.
  • Judges 2:14 sets up the recurring pattern in the book: Israel turns away, God allows hardship, and the people realize their need for God. This cycle shapes the whole story of Judges.

Where else these words appear

“spoiled” Hebrew H8155 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:53 And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.
  • Psalms 89:41 All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours.
  • Isaiah 13:16 Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.

“spoilers” Hebrew H8154 · used in 12 verses

  • Judges 2:16 Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.
  • 2 Kings 17:20 And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight.
  • Isaiah 42:22 But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.

“longer” Hebrew H5750 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 4:25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.
  • Genesis 46:30 And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.
  • Deuteronomy 34:10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,

“sold” Hebrew H4376 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 25:31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
  • Leviticus 25:39 And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:
  • Nehemiah 5:8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.