Judges 6:1

"Judges."

Key Reflection

When the people of Israel sowed their crops, they faced a formidable threat from the Midianites, Amalekites, and children of the east. This verse sets the stage for a narrative about Israel's struggles against these enemies, highlighting the severity of the situation that would drive them to seek deliverance through divine intervention. The mention of these specific groups indicates a coalition of raiders who frequently harassed the region during this period, making the agricultural work and survival of the people highly precarious.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Midian -SeeGenesis 25:2note. They were remarkable not only for the vast number of their cattleJudges 6:5;Numbers 31:32-39, but also for their great wealth in gold and other metal ornaments, showing their connection with a gold country. (CompareNumbers 31:22,Numbers 31:50-54, withJudges 8:24:26.) At this time they were allies of the Amalekites and of the Arabian tribes called collectively “the children of the East”Judges 6:3. They seem to have extended their settlements to the east of Jordan, and to have belonged to the larger section of Arabs called IshmaelitesJudges 8:24.

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