And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.

JUDGES 3:13KJV
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Judges 3:13 (KJV)

What does Judges 3:13 mean?

Judges 3:13 describes how an enemy leader gathered the people of Ammon and Amalek to join him in attacking Israel, defeating them, and taking control of the "city of palm trees." This verse shows a moment when Israel was overpowered by a coalition of neighboring peoples who seized an important city.

The verse is part of a story where Eglon, king of Moab, forms an alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites to oppress Israel. The "city of palm trees" is often understood to refer to Jericho, a significant location in Israel's history. This event sets the stage for Israel's suffering under foreign rule, which leads to the rise of a deliverer in the next part of the story.

The Hebrew behind Judges 3:13

  • "Gathered" (אָסַף, 'asaf): This word means to collect or assemble, emphasizing that Eglon intentionally brought together different groups for a united attack.
  • "Possessed" (יָרַשׁ, yarash): This verb often means to take possession or inherit, showing that the enemy did not just attack but actually took control and settled in the captured city.
  • "City" (עִיר, 'ir) and "trees" (תָּמָר, tamar): The phrase "city of palm trees" uses these words, pointing to Jericho, which was famous for its palm trees and strategic location.

Why Judges 3:13 matters

  • This verse highlights the seriousness of Israel’s situation by showing that multiple enemy nations joined forces, not just one, making the oppression more severe.
  • The mention of the "city of palm trees" connects this event to Jericho, reminding readers of Israel’s earlier victories and how those gains could be lost through disobedience or weakness.
  • Understanding the coalition and the specific city involved gives context for the deliverance that follows, showing the depth of Israel’s need and the significance of their eventual rescue.

Where else these words appear

“trees” Hebrew H5899 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 34:3 And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.
  • Judges 1:16 And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:15 And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.

“trees” Hebrew H8558 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 15:27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
  • Deuteronomy 34:3 And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.
  • Psalms 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

“Amalek” Hebrew H6002 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 36:12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife.
  • Deuteronomy 25:19 Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.
  • 1 Samuel 15:8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.

“Ammon” Hebrew H5983 · used in 98 verses

  • Genesis 19:38 And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.
  • Judges 12:1 And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:11 And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon.