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Introduction to Judges

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Judges

  1. History of the judges of Israel (1:116:31)
    • Introduction (1:1-3:6)
    • Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar (3:731)
    • Deborah and Barak (4:15:31)
    • Gideon (6:18:35)
    • Abimelech, Tola, and Jair (9:110:5)
    • Jephthah (10:6-12:7)
    • Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon (12:8-15)
    • Samson (13:116:31)
  2. The account of Micah and his idols (17:118:31)
  3. The account of Gibeah; the other Israelites take revenge (19:121:25)

What is the Book of Judges about?

The Book of Judges tells of events that occurred after the Israelites settled in the Promised Land. The events in this book happened over a period of about 150 years.

This book describes how the Israelites repeatedly sinned against Yahweh during this time. They worshiped false gods and did the same wicked things as the peoples who lived around them. Therefore, God would allow enemies to defeat and oppress the Israelites. Eventually, the Israelites would call to Yahweh for help. Yahweh would then cause someone to help the Israelites defeat their enemies. This person was called a “judge.” The Israelites would live in peace until the judge died.

After that judge died, the Israelites would start sinning again. So this pattern of events would repeat.

How should the title of this book be translated?

This book traditionally has the title “Judges” because it gives accounts of some of the main leaders or judges in Israel before there were any kings over the people. Unless there are good reasons for following the title in other Bible versions, the translator should probably use the title “Judges” or a title such as “The Book about the Leaders in Israel.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What kind of leaders were the judges?

These were men and women whom God chose to help the Israelites defeat their enemies. After defeating their enemies, these leaders usually continued to help the people by deciding disputes among them. They also helped them make important decisions. Many of these leaders served all the people of Israel, but some of these leaders may have served only certain tribes.

What kind of society was Israel during the time of the judges?

During this time, the twelve tribes of Israel were independent of one another. They were not a unified nation with one ruler. The tribes would sometimes help each other when enemies were threatening them.

These tribes were descended from the same ancestors: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They shared in the same covenant with Yahweh.

What spiritual struggles did Israel experience during the time of the judges?

During this time, Israel struggled to remain faithful to Yahweh. The best judges encouraged Israel to be faithful to him, but some of the judges failed to do so. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]])

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What is the meaning of the phrase “in those days there was no king in Israel, and everyone did what was right in his own eyes”?

This phrase occurs twice in the book of Judges. Shorter versions of the phrase occur two other times. These phrases imply that the writer or editor of this book was alive at a later time when there was a king in Israel. They also seem to imply that the writer thought that things were not good in Israel because there was no king.

The translation of these phrases should imply to the reader that the books writer is looking back into the past.

What is the meaning of the phrase “to this day”?

The narrator used this phrase to refer to the time when he was writing. The translator should be aware that “to this day” refers to a time already passed. The translator must avoid giving the impression that the present day of the translations readers is meant. The translator might decide to say, “to this day, at the time when this is being written,” or, “to this day, at the time of writing.” This Hebrew phrase occurs in Judges 1:21, 26; 6:24; 10:4; 15:19; 18:12.

3JDG1introa4am0

Judges 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

“After the death of Joshua”

This statement creates a seamless transition from the book of Joshua.

Special concepts in this chapter

Finishing the conquest of the Promised Land

Israel fought to clear the land of the Canaanites, but they also made treaties with other peoples and made some of them do hard labor. This was against Gods instruction to completely remove the Canaanite people from the land.

4JDG11r9ee0Connecting Statement:

The book of Judges continues the story about Joshua and is also the beginning of a new part of the story.

5JDG11b9my0Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

6JDG11c92jfigs-exclusive0will attack the Canaanites for us

The word “us” refers to the people of Israel, but not to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

7JDG12c4zwfigs-synecdoche0Judah will attack

Here “Judah” represents the men of the tribe of Judah. Yahweh is commanding these men to attack first. Alternate translation: “The men of Judah must attack first” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

8JDG12i2v60See

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

9JDG12ysi6figs-explicit0this land

This refers to the land where the Canaanites lived. Alternate translation: “the land of the Canaanites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

10JDG13k7aq0their brothers

Alternate translation: “their fellow Israelites” or “their relatives”

11JDG13x2kz0Come up with us

The people of the tribes of Judah and Simeon were camped with the rest of the Israelite people in the valley of the Jordan River. The land given to Judah was in the hills above the valley. Some languages do not usually indicate whether people were going up or down. Alternate translation: “Come with us” or “Go with us”

12JDG13p8mqfigs-activepassive0that was assigned to us … that was assigned to you

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh assigned to us … that Yahweh assigned to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

13JDG13yz2b0We will likewise go with you

Alternate translation: “We will also go with you” or “In the same way, we will go with you”

14JDG14ku4hfigs-explicit0The men of Judah attacked

It is implied that the men of Simeon attacked with the men of Judah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

15JDG14n19dtranslate-numbers0They killed ten thousand

“They killed about 10,000” or “They killed a large number” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

16JDG14vmc40of them

Alternate translation: “soldiers of the Canaanites and Perizzites” or “enemies”

17JDG14c9xqtranslate-names0Bezek

This is an area in the mountains of Canaan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

18JDG15w88ltranslate-names0Adoni-Bezek

This man was the leader of the army of the Canaanites and the Perizzites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

19JDG15i3pnfigs-synecdoche0they fought against him

Here “him” actually refers to Adoni-Bezek and his army. Alternate translation: “they fought against him and his army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

20JDG16vz6p0pursued him

Alternate translation: “chased him”

21JDG17es2ptranslate-numbers0Seventy kings

“70 kings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

22JDG17t5fdfigs-activepassive0who had their thumbs and their big toes cut off

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whose thumbs and big toes I told my men to cut off” or “whose thumbs and big toes we cut off” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

23JDG17p5cwfigs-metonymy0gathered their food from under my table

Forcing these kings to eat scraps of food represents all the ways that Adoni-Bezek humiliated these kings. Here “gathering” food represents eating it. Alternate translation: “ate scraps of food from under my table” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

24JDG18hh58figs-metonymy0the city of Jerusalem and took it

Here “city” represents the people. Alternate translation: “the people who lived in Jerusalem and defeated them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

25JDG18ca78figs-metonymy0They attacked it

Here “it” refers to the city which represents the people of the city. Alternate translation: “They attacked the people of the city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

26JDG18k6zefigs-synecdoche0with the edge of the sword

“with the point of the sword.” Here “sword” represents the swords and other weapons that the soldiers used in battle. Alternate translation: “with their swords” or “with their weapons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

27JDG19cs3t0the men of Judah went down to fight

It was common to use the word “down” when it refers to traveling from Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the men of Judah went to fight”

28JDG19q3x90in the Negev

Alternate translation: “in the southern Judean wilderness”

29JDG19x4ew0foothills

hills at the base of a mountain or mountain range

30JDG110ax37writing-background0the name of Hebron was previously Kiriath Arba

This is background information. Some people who first read this book had probably heard of Kiriath Arba but did not know that it was the same as the city that they called Hebron. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

31JDG110edk7translate-names0Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai

These are the names of three Canaanite leaders of Hebron. Each leader represents his army. Alternate translation: “Sheshai, Ahiman, Talmai, and their armies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

32JDG111lh59writing-background0the name of Debir was previously Kiriath Sepher

The author probably wrote this because his readers knew the city as Debir. But at the time Israel attacked it, it was called Kiriath Sepher. Alternate translation: “which used to be called Kiriath Sepher” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

33JDG111fn5g0was previously

Alternate translation: “was in times past” or “was at an earlier time”

34JDG112e7kffigs-metonymy0Whoever attacks Kiriath Sepher and takes it

Here “Kiriath Sepher” represents the people. Alternate translation: “Whoever attacks and defeats the people of Kiriath Sepher and takes their city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

35JDG112n39vtranslate-names0Aksah

This is the name of Calebs daughter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

36JDG113xa4btranslate-names0Othniel, son of Kenaz

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

37JDG114u3cc0she urged him

Alternate translation: “Aksah urged Othniel”

38JDG115m3cg0Give me a blessing

Alternate translation: “Do a favor for me” or “Do this for me”

39JDG115rz4ufigs-explicit0Since you have given me the land of the Negev

Caleb gave Aksah in marriage to Othniel, so she lived with Othniel in the city that he had captured in the Negev. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Since you have given me in marriage to live in the Negev” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

40JDG115n8difigs-explicit0Since you have given me the land

This implies that Caleb did give her the field when she asked him for it (verse 14). She is now asking for springs of water in addition to that field. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

41JDG116x6ei0of Moses father-in-law

Alternate translation: “of the father of Moses wife”

42JDG116fqe90father-in-law the Kenite went up

Alternate translation: “father-in-law, who was one of the Ken people, went up”

43JDG116n6kh0went up from the City of Palms … into the wilderness

Alternate translation: “left the City of Palms … and went into the wilderness”

44JDG116a29wfigs-explicit0City of Palms

This is another name for the city of Jericho. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

45JDG116u7t8translate-names0Arad

This is the name of a city in Canaan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

46JDG117e48a0the men of Simeon their brothers

Here “brothers” means relatives who were in another tribe of Israel.

47JDG117nd84translate-names0Zephath

This is the name of a city in Canaan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

48JDG117iy2dfigs-explicit0The name of the city was called Hormah

After the Israelites destroyed Zephath, they changed its name to “Hormah.” The name “Hormah” means “complete destruction.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

49JDG119vtq2figs-idiom0Yahweh was with the people of Judah

Here “was with” means that Yahweh helped the people of Judah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

50JDG119g27v0plains

a very large area of level, treeless ground

51JDG120ys79figs-activepassive0Hebron was given to Caleb (like Moses had said)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Moses had given Hebron to Caleb” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

52JDG120eml1figs-synecdoche0three sons of Anak

The leaders of the people groups are used to refer to the entire group. Alternate translation: “three sons of Anak and their people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

53JDG120tyj7translate-names0Anak

This is the name of a man. Anak and his descendants were famous for being very tall. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

54JDG121l6aj0to this day

“until now.” This refers to the time the book of Judges was written.

55JDG122da33figs-metonymy0The house of Joseph

Here “house” represents descendants. Manasseh and Ephraim were sons of Joseph, and the “house of Joseph” can refer to the descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim. Alternate translation: “The descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim” or “The men of the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

56JDG122pc1nfigs-metonymy0to attack Bethel

Here “Bethel” represents the people who live in Bethel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

57JDG123ffy30spy

to get information secretly

58JDG123vx3fwriting-background0the city that was formerly called Luz

This is background information. Some people who first read this book had probably heard of Luz but did not know that it was the same as the city that they called Bethel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

59JDG124qdm80spies

people who get information secretly

60JDG125dj1jfigs-metonymy0they attacked the city

Here “city” represents the people. Alternate translation: “they attacked the people of the city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

61JDG125ncm9figs-synecdoche0with the edge of the sword

“with the point of the sword.” Here “sword” represents the swords and other weapons that the soldiers used in battle. Alternate translation: “with their swords” or “with their weapons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

62JDG125uw87figs-idiom0get away

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “escape” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

63JDG126i4r50Luz

This new town started in the land of the Hittites was named after the town of Luz, near Bethel, that the man had left.

64JDG126ym4e0which is its name to this day

“which is still its name.” Here “to this day” refers to the time when the book of Judges was written.

65JDG127va98translate-names0Beth Shan … Taanach … Dor … Ibleam … Megiddo

These are names of cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

66JDG127grh40because the Canaanites were determined to live in that land

To “determine” is to firmly decide something. Alternate translation: “because the Canaanites firmly decided not to leave that land”

67JDG128m64kfigs-metonymy0When Israel became strong

Here “Israel” represents the people. Alternate translation: “When the people of Israel became stronger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

68JDG128h7tu0they forced the Canaanites to serve them with hard labor

Alternate translation: “they forced the Canaanites to do hard work for them”

69JDG129ek8nfigs-metonymy0Ephraim did not

Here “Ephraim” the men or the soldiers of the tribe of Ephraim. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

70JDG129u8mqtranslate-names0Gezer

The name of one of the cities in the Ephraim area. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

71JDG130z9jefigs-metonymy0Zebulun did not drive out

Here “Zebulun” represents the men or the soldiers of the tribe of Zebulun. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

72JDG130p5amtranslate-names0Kitron … Nahalol

These are names of cities in the land of Canaan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

73JDG130l8tvfigs-metonymy0but Zebulun forced

Here “Zebulun” represents the people of the tribe of Zebulun. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

74JDG130cp5q0hard labor

Alternate translation: “difficult labor”

75JDG131e29rfigs-metonymy0Asher did not drive

Here “Asher” represents the men or the soldiers of the tribe of Asher. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

76JDG131b612translate-names0Akko … Sidon … Ahlab, Akzib, Helbah, Aphek … Rehob

These are names of cities in the land of Canaan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

77JDG133d9v1translate-names0Beth Shemesh … Beth Anath

These are names of cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

78JDG133pck2figs-activepassive0the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh and Beth Anath were forced into hard labor for Naphthali

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people of Naphtali forced the people of Beth Shemesh and Beth Anath to work for them as slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

79JDG134w8it0not allowing them to come down

Alternate translation: “stopping them from coming down”

80JDG134ijt50plain

a very large area of flat land without trees

81JDG135qwt2translate-names0Mount Heres

This is the name of a large hill on which the city of Aijalon was built. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

82JDG135cw8ttranslate-names0Aijalon … Shaalbim

These are names of cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

83JDG135x2760the military might of the house of Joseph conquered them

Alternate translation: “the tribes of people who descended from Joseph were able to conquer them because of their powerful army”

84JDG135uvw1figs-metonymy0house of Joseph

Here “house” represents descendants. Manasseh and Ephraim were sons of Joseph, and the “house of Joseph” can refer to the descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Manasseh and Ephraim” or “the men of the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

85JDG136g7nxtranslate-names0the hill of Akrabbim

This was a pass southwest of the Dead Sea. It is also called the “Scorpion Pass.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

86JDG136qr2wtranslate-names0Sela

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

87JDG2intromf6a0

Judges 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahweh tests Israel

Yahweh said, “Because this nation has broken the terms of my covenant.” Completely removing the Canaanites from the land was a test from Yahweh. While Yahweh displayed covenant faithfulness, Israel did not. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/test]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenantfaith]])

88JDG21tt9y0angel of Yahweh

This could mean: (1) “angel who represents Yahweh” or (2) “messenger who serves Yahweh” or (3) it may refer to Yahweh himself, who looked like an angel as he talked to a person. Either one of these meanings would explain the angels use of “I” as if Yahweh himself were talking.

89JDG21q2ka0went up from Gilgal to Bokim

Alternate translation: “left Gilgal and went to Bokim”

90JDG21x66itranslate-names0Bokim

This is what the Israelites named this place in 2:5 after the angel rebukes the people. “Bokim” means “crying.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

91JDG21te37figs-ellipsis0and said

It is understood that the angel of Yahweh is speaking to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “and said to the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

92JDG21im2i0brought you up from Egypt

Alternate translation: “led you from Egypt”

93JDG21ha9u0your fathers

Alternate translation: “your ancestors” or “your forefathers”

94JDG21p92ufigs-idiom0break my covenant with you

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “fail to do what I said I would do for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

95JDG22syq4figs-metonymy0you have not listened to my voice

Here “voice” represents what Yahweh said. Alternate translation: “you have not obeyed my commands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

96JDG22w8ysfigs-rquestion0What is this that you have done?

This question is asked to cause the people of Israel to realize they have disobeyed Yahweh and will suffer because of it. Alternate translation: “You have done a terrible thing.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

97JDG23kdq3figs-quotesinquotes0So now I say, I will not … trap for you.

This has a quotation within a quotation. This direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “So now I tell you that I will not … trap for you.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

98JDG23plg4figs-metaphor0become thorns in your sides

The Canaanites troubling the Israelites is spoken of as if the Canaanites would be thorns in the side of the Israelites. Alternate translation: “cause you trouble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

99JDG23y4wm0thorns

sharp pieces of wood up to 7 centimeters long that stick out from some plants

100JDG23b6w1figs-metaphor0their gods will become a trap for you

The Israelites worshiping the Canaanite gods is spoken of as if the false gods were a hunters trap that catches an animal and causes it harm. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

101JDG24f5v20shouted and wept

Alternate translation: “cried many tears”

102JDG26p53v0Now when Joshua

Here “Now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the narrator begins a summary that explains how the generations of Israelites after Joshua sinned and worshiped false gods so that Yahweh punished them, but then he would send judges to rescue them. This summary ends in 2:23.

103JDG26u1xbwriting-background0when Joshua … of their land

The events of 1:1-2:5 happened after Joshua died. This is recounting events that happened at the end of the book of Joshua. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

104JDG26i12efigs-explicit0to the place assigned

You may want to help your readers by stating who assigned this place to them. Alternate translation: “to the place Yahweh gave them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

105JDG27kcc2writing-background0

The background information that begins with the words “Now when Joshua” in verse 6 continues. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

106JDG27ydz90during the lifetime

This means the time that someone lived. Alternate translation: “during the life”

107JDG27g5ah0the elders

Here this means the men who helped lead Israel, participating in matters of social justice and in religious matters such as maintaining the law of Moses.

108JDG27qml90outlived him

This means to live longer than someone else. Alternate translation: “lived longer than he did”

109JDG28ii19writing-background0

The background information that begins with the words “Now when Joshua” in verse 6 continues. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

110JDG28m4jxwriting-background0Joshua son of Nun … died at the age of 110 years old

The background information that begins with the words “Now when Joshua” in verse 6 ends. The events of 1:1-2:5 happened after Joshua died. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

111JDG28k12wtranslate-names0Nun

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

112JDG28xfn6translate-numbers0110 years old

“one hundred and ten years old” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

113JDG29ne2zfigs-activepassive0he was assigned

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that God gave him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

114JDG29yk2stranslate-names0Timnath Heres

This is the name of an area of land. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

115JDG29f8u2translate-names0Mount Gaash

This is the name of a mountain. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

116JDG210umh1figs-euphemism0All that generation was also gathered to their fathers

The phrase “was also gathered to their fathers” means that as the people of that generation died, their souls went to the same place as their ancestors who died before them. It is a polite way of saying they died. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

117JDG210r6cs0fathers

Here this means the ancestors of a certain person or people group.

118JDG210flq10grew up

Alternate translation: “grew older” or “became older”

119JDG210qd7f0who did not know Yahweh

Here “did not know” means they had not experienced Yahweh or his power the way the previous generation had.

120JDG211yhh4figs-metaphor0what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahwehs judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahwehs judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

121JDG211gx61translate-names0Baals

This is the plural of Baal. While “Baal” was generally the name of one false god, the word was also used for various other gods that were often worshiped along with Baal. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

122JDG212tp3ffigs-metaphor0They broke away from Yahweh

The Israelites no longer obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they physically broke away from him and left him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

123JDG212re2c0their fathers

Alternate translation: “their ancestors” or “their forefathers”

124JDG212n4xlfigs-metaphor0They went after other gods

The Israelites starting to worship false gods is spoken of as if the Israelites walked and went after the false gods. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

125JDG212w9r2translate-symaction0bowed down to them

This is an act of worship and giving honor to someone. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

126JDG212j3xw0They provoked Yahweh to anger

Alternate translation: “They caused Yahweh to become angry”

127JDG213ddu6translate-names0Ashtoreths

This is the plural of Ashtoroth, who was worshiped as a goddess in many different forms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

128JDG214r6xmfigs-metaphor0The anger of Yahweh burned against Israel

The anger of Yahweh is described as burning like a fire. Alternate translation: “Yahweh became very angry with the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

129JDG214bjf90he gave them to the raiders who stole their possessions from them

Alternate translation: “he let raiders steal their possessions”

130JDG214v1kifigs-metaphor0He sold them as slaves who were held by the strength of their enemies around them, so they could no longer defend themselves against their enemies

Yahweh allowing the enemies to take the Israelites as slaves is spoken of as if he sold them into slavery. The phrase “who were held by” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He allowed their enemies to conquer them and take them as slaves, and they could no longer resist their powerful enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

131JDG215b13pfigs-metonymy0Yahwehs hand was against them to defeat them

Here “hand” represents Yahwehs power. Alternate translation: “Yahweh helped their enemies defeat them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

132JDG215n59g0they were in terrible distress

Alternate translation: “they were suffering terribly”

133JDG216t2b3figs-metaphor0Then Yahweh raised up judges

Yahweh appointing persons to be judges is spoken of as if he were raising or lifting the persons up. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

134JDG216myh2figs-metonymy0out of the hand of those

Here “hand” refers to power. Alternate translation: “from the power of the enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

135JDG217p49i0they would not listen to their judges

Alternate translation: “they would not obey their judges”

136JDG217dv8sfigs-simile0gave themselves like prostitutes to other gods and worshiped them

The people betraying Yahweh and worshiping other gods is spoken of as if the people were prostitutes. Alternate translation: “betrayed him by worshiping false gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

137JDG217wwn40their fathers

Alternate translation: “their ancestors” or “their forefathers”

138JDG218eau5figs-metaphor0When Yahweh raised up judges

Yahweh appointing persons to be judges is spoken of as if he raised or lifted up the persons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

139JDG218hz8j0judges for them … rescued them

The word “them” refers to the Israelites.

140JDG218ql9kfigs-metonymy0the hand of their enemies

Here “hand” refers to power of the enemies to hurt Israel. Alternate translation: “the power of their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

141JDG218j2rk0all the days the judge lived

Alternate translation: “as long as the judge lived”

142JDG218n8w40pity

to have compassion for someone or something

143JDG218g95tfigs-metonymy0as they groaned

The sound made by a person who suffers is used to describe the pain of the Israelites as they suffer. Alternate translation: “as they suffered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

144JDG219q63wfigs-metaphor0they would turn away

The people no longer obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they would physically turn away from Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

145JDG219fnt40their fathers

Alternate translation: “their ancestors” or “their forefathers”

146JDG219kid3figs-metaphor0They would go after other gods to serve them and worship them

The Israelites worshiping other gods is spoken of as if they were walking and going after other gods. Alternate translation: “They would serve and worship other gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

147JDG219lq1afigs-litotes0They refused to give up any of their evil practices or their stubborn ways

“They refused to stop doing evil things and being stubborn.” This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “They continued doing evil things and being stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

148JDG220b7rkfigs-metaphor0The anger of Yahweh burned against Israel

The anger of Yahweh is described as burning like a fire. See how you translated this phrase in Judges 2:14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

149JDG220clk3figs-metonymy0this nation has broken

Here “nation” represents the people. Alternate translation: “these people have broken” or “the Israelites have broken” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

150JDG221ry6qfigs-metonymy0any of the nations

Here “nations” represents the people groups that lived in Canaan before the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

151JDG222n194figs-metaphor0they will keep the way of Yahweh and walk in it

How Yahweh wants people to live or behave is spoken of as if it were a way or road. A person obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if they were walking in his way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

152JDG223tn49figs-doublet0did not drive them out quickly and give them into the hand of Joshua

These two phrases mean the same thing and can be combined. Alternate translation: “he did not let Joshua quickly conquer them and drive them out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

153JDG223b618figs-metonymy0into the hand of Joshua

Here “hand” is a metonym for power, and “Joshua” represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “into the power of Joshua and his army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

154JDG3introk35h0

Judges 3 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The people worship false gods

Israel worshiped idols and false gods. Because of this, Yahweh allowed Aram and Moab to rule over them. In the period of Judges, when Israel sinned, they were often placed under the rule of a foreign power. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Blew a trumpet”

When Ehud “blew a trumpet,” he was calling all of the men to come help him fight. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

155JDG31w2is0Now Yahweh

Here “Now” begins a new section of the story.

156JDG31hp8z0these nations

This refers to the people groups that the narrator will list in 3:3.

157JDG31xj63figs-activepassive0who had not experienced any of the wars fought in Canaan

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who had not fought in any of the wars in Canaan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

158JDG32l4u8writing-background0He did this to teach warfare to the new generation of the Israelites who had not known it before

This breaks from the main story line. The narrator gives background information about why Yahweh left some of the people groups in Canaan. Alternate translation: “Yahweh left nations among the Israelites to teach the young men who had not fought in battle before how to fight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

159JDG33mgb4figs-synecdoche0the five kings

These five kings represent themselves and their people. Alternate translation: “the five kings and their people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

160JDG33upq5translate-names0Mount Baal Hermon

This is the highest mountain in Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

161JDG33z6zctranslate-names0Hamath Pass

This is the name of an area at the northern boundary of Canaan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

162JDG34vqn2figs-activepassive0These nations were left

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh left these nations in Canaan” or “Yahweh allowed these nations to continue to live in Canaan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

163JDG34dzs70as a means

Alternate translation: “as a way”

164JDG34f89f0whether they would … gave their ancestors

The words “they” and “their” refer to the people of Israel.

165JDG34wbc70the commands he gave

Alternate translation: “the commands Yahweh gave”

166JDG37p6m5figs-metaphor0what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahwehs judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in Judges 2:11. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahwehs judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

167JDG37e1t1figs-idiom0forgot Yahweh their God

Here “forgot” is an idiom that means “they stopped obeying.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

168JDG38yg7pfigs-metaphor0the anger of Yahweh was set on fire

Yahweh becoming very angry is spoken of as if his anger were something that could be set on fire. Alternate translation: “Yahweh became very angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

169JDG38gwp8figs-metaphor0sold them into the hand of Cushan-Rishathaim

Allowing the people of Israel to be conquered is spoken of as if Yahweh sold them to Cushan-Rishathaim. Alternate translation: “allowed Cushan-Rishathaim and his army to defeat them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

170JDG38zj78figs-metonymy0into the hand of Cushan-Rishathaim

Here “hand” is a metonym that represents power or control. Also, “Cushan-Rishathaim” is a synechdoche that represents himself and his army. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

171JDG38b1vltranslate-names0Cushan-Rishathaim

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

172JDG38a27ltranslate-names0Aram Naharaim

This is the name of a country. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

173JDG39vg5kfigs-metaphor0Yahweh raised up someone

Yahweh appointing someone to do a special work for him is spoken of as if Yahweh raised or lifted up the person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

174JDG39k6r60Othniel … Kenaz

See how you translated these mens names in Judges 1:13.

175JDG310y8450empowered him

This phrase means that Yahweh helped Othniel to have and develop the qualities he needed to be a great leader.

176JDG310rq2z0he judged Israel

Here “judged” means he led the people of Israel.

177JDG310k8cdfigs-synecdoche0he went out to war

Here “he” refers to Othniel who represents himself and the army of Israel. Alternate translation: “Othniel and the Israelite soldiers went to fight against the army of Cushan-Rishathaim” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

178JDG310l4lhfigs-synecdoche0Yahweh gave him victory over Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram

Here “Cushan-Rishathaim” represents his army. Alternate translation: “Yahweh helped the Israelite army defeat the army of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

179JDG310f953figs-metonymy0The hand of Othniel

Here “hand” is a metonym for army. Alternate translation: “The army of Othniel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

180JDG311svg9figs-metonymy0The land had peace

“The land” is used to refer to the people who lived in the land. Alternate translation: “The people lived peacefully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

181JDG311i8kstranslate-numbers0forty years

“40 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

182JDG312l914figs-metaphor0what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahwehs judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in Judges 2:11. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahwehs judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

183JDG312nj1tfigs-abstractnouns0Yahweh gave strength to Eglon king of Moab

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word strength, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “Yahweh made Eglon king of Moab strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

184JDG312s1wnfigs-synecdoche0to Eglon king of Moab to overpower the Israelites

Here “Eglon king of Moab” represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “to Eglon king of Moab and his soldiers as they attacked the Israelite army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

185JDG312z23qtranslate-names0Eglon

This is the name of a king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

186JDG313rp3h0the City of Palms

This is another name for the city of Jericho. See how you translated this in Judges 1:16.

187JDG314h6y6translate-numbers0eighteen years

“18 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

188JDG315mpv50called out to Yahweh

Here this means to shout or speak loudly to someone far away. It can also mean to ask someone for help, especially God.

189JDG315zn6dfigs-metaphor0raised up someone

Yahweh appointing someone to do a special service for him is spoken of as if he raised or lifted up the person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

190JDG315jja5translate-names0Ehud … Gera

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

191JDG315w4sk0left-handed

Ehud was better able to hold a sword with his left hand.

192JDG316fm5ltranslate-bdistance0one cubit

If it is necessary to use a modern measurement of length, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: “46 centimeters” or “about one half meter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])

193JDG316i3y70he strapped it on under his clothing on his right thigh

Alternate translation: “he tied it to his right thigh under his clothing”

194JDG316s4wh0thigh

the part of the leg between the knee and the hip

195JDG317k42dwriting-background0Now Eglon was a very fat man

Here “Now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the narrator tells background information about Eglon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

196JDG319q56yfigs-activepassive0when he reached the place where the carved images were made near Gilgal

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when he arrived at the place near Gilgal where people made carved images” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

197JDG320f67g0in the coolness of the upper room

This is a room above the lower level that was used for rest and to remain cool during the hot part of the day.

198JDG320p7fttranslate-symaction0The king got up out of his seat

Standing up was a sign of honoring God will listening to his message. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

199JDG322k49p0The tip of the sword came out of his back

Alternate translation: “The sharp end of the sword came out of his back”

200JDG323djg40porch

an outside room with low walls and a roof covering

201JDG324z2qtfigs-euphemism0Surely he is relieving himself

This is a polite way to speak about a person having a bowel movement (defecating) or urinating. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

202JDG325d7zv0until they felt they were neglecting their duty

They waited until they became worried that something was wrong and it was their duty to open the doors to their kings private room.

203JDG325e1jf0took the key and opened them

Alternate translation: “took the key and opened the doors”

204JDG326r2igfigs-events0While the servants were waiting … Ehud escaped

This tells what happened before the servants opened the doors to the upper room and found the king dead. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile, as the servants were still waiting outside of the upper room … Ehud escaped” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

205JDG326x36qtranslate-names0Seirah

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

206JDG327zet1figs-ellipsis0When he arrived

You may want to help your readers by stating where he arrived. Alternate translation: “When he arrived in Seirah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

207JDG328s9y40General Information:

Ehud speaks to the people of Israel in Ephraim.

208JDG328ax6hfigs-metaphor0for Yahweh is about to defeat your enemies

Yahweh helping the Israelites to defeat their enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh were a warrior who would fight and defeat their enemies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

209JDG328i3vy0captured the fords

Alternate translation: “gained control of the fords”

210JDG328k9q10fords

the areas of a river where it is shallow and easy to walk across to the other side

211JDG328uf810did not allow anyone to cross

Alternate translation: “did not let anyone cross”

212JDG329jjy8translate-numbers0ten thousand men

“10,000 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

213JDG329e6ge0capable men

Alternate translation: “able men” or “men able to fight well”

214JDG330ch1zfigs-activepassive0Moab was subdued by the strength of Israel

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Israelite army defeated the Moabites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

215JDG330par9figs-metonymy0the strength of Israel

Here “strength” represents the Israelite army. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

216JDG330w1xrfigs-metonymy0the land had rest

Here “land” represents the people. Alternate translation: “the Israelites lived peacefully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

217JDG330dln1translate-numbers0eighty years

“80 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

218JDG331psq10judge

God appointed judges to lead the people of Israel in times of trouble after they entered the Promised Land and before they had kings. Often judges rescued the Israelites from their enemies.

219JDG331xdh8translate-names0Shamgar

The name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

220JDG331uz68translate-names0Anath

The name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

221JDG331f6s9translate-numbers0600 men

“six hundred men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

222JDG331z3lr0a stick used to goad cattle

Cattle farmers would poke their cattle with a sharp stick to make them move. AT “a stick used to urge cattle to move” or “a stick used to direct cattle”

223JDG331n8z3figs-metonymy0He also delivered Israel from danger

The word “danger” refers to enemies that tried to harm the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “He also delivered the people of Israel from their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

224JDG4intropjw50

Judges 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapters 4 and 5 form one section about Barak and Deborah.

Special concepts in this chapter

Baraks leadership

At this time, it was very unusual for a woman to be a leader, especially a military leader. Barak lacked the strength to go into battle without Deborah. This indicates that Barak was a poor leader. If a woman won the battle for him, it would have brought Barak shame. It also indicates that Deborah was very well respected. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

225JDG41h4q70Ehud

See how you translated this mans name in Judges 3:15.

226JDG41aq65figs-metaphor0what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahwehs judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in Judges 2:11. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahwehs judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

227JDG42yj14figs-metonymy0Yahweh sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan

Here “hand” refers to Jabins power over Israel. Yahwehs decision to give Jabin power over them is spoken of as if Yahweh had sold them to Jabin. Alternate translation: “Yahweh allowed them to be defeated by the power of Jabin king of Canaan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

228JDG42i943translate-names0Jabin … Sisera

These are the names of men (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

229JDG42fk1ttranslate-names0Hazor … Harosheth Haggoyim

These are the names of cities or places (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

230JDG43ftq8translate-numbers0nine hundred iron chariots

“900 iron chariots” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

231JDG43k27q0twenty years

Alternate translation: “20 years”

232JDG44e7xnwriting-background0Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the narrator tells background information about Deborah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

233JDG44nnu6translate-names0Deborah

This is the name of a woman (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

234JDG44gru6translate-names0Lappidoth

This is the name of a man (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

235JDG44lj930judge

God appointed judges to lead the Israelites in times of trouble. Often the judges rescued them from their enemies.

236JDG45uy3x0palm of Deborah

This tree was named after Deborah.

237JDG46b5l8translate-names0General Information:

The writer of Judges refers to men, a city, a mountain, and a river by their names. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

238JDG46ehp5translate-names0Barak … Abinoam

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

239JDG46yn83translate-names0Mount Tabor

This is the name of a mountain. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

240JDG46vi2xtranslate-numbers0ten thousand men

“10,000 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

241JDG47rm5r0I will draw out

Here “I” refers to God.

242JDG47mmc1figs-synecdoche0draw out Sisera

Here “Sisera” represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “draw out Sisera and his army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

243JDG47hl3v0draw out

to cause people to come away from a safe location

244JDG47k3na0Sisera … Jabin

See how you translated these mens names in Judges 4:2.

245JDG47sue6translate-names0Kishon

This is the name of a river. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

246JDG48qr6v0General Information:

Barak has a discussion with Deborah.

247JDG48b27v0Barak

See how you translated this mans name in Judges 4:6.

248JDG49y6wwfigs-metaphor0the road on which you are going will not lead to your honor

The choice Barak makes is spoken of as if Barak were choosing a road on which to travel. And, “honor” is spoken of as if it were a destination to which one travels. Alternate translation: “no one will honor you for what you do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

249JDG49v8rifigs-metonymy0for Yahweh will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman

Here “hand” refers to her power to kill him. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh will cause a woman to defeat Sisera” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

250JDG49msw70Sisera

See how you translated this mans name in Judges 4:2.

251JDG49bi9q0Deborah

See how you translated this womans name in Judges 4:4.

252JDG410g69ftranslate-numbers0Ten thousand men

“10,000 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

253JDG411wq16writing-background0Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the narrator tells background information about Heber the Kenite. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

254JDG411fty7translate-names0Heber … Hobab

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

255JDG411aup80Kenite

See how you translated this in Judges 1:16

256JDG411jez10Moses father-in-law

Alternate translation: “the father of Moses wife”

257JDG411y5mftranslate-names0Zaanannim

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

258JDG412rkt10When they told Sisera

Here “they” does not identify anyone specifically. Alternate translation: “When someone told Sisera”

259JDG412dcw10Sisera

See how you translated this mans name in Judges 4:2.

260JDG412i2cf0Barak … Abinoam … Mount Tabor

See how you translated these names in Judges 4:6.

261JDG413r3xwfigs-metonymy0Sisera called out all his chariots

Here “chariots” represents the soldiers who drove the chariots. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

262JDG413avt4translate-numbers0nine hundred iron chariots

“900 iron chariots” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

263JDG413x4xy0Harosheth Haggoyim

See how you translated the name of this city in Judges 4:2.

264JDG413a7q60Kishon River

See how you translated this in Judges 4:7.

265JDG414pb3bfigs-pastforfuture0Yahweh has given you victory

Because Deborah is certain of victory, she speaks as if Barak had already won the battle. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will give you victory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])

266JDG414r1phfigs-rquestion0Is not Yahweh leading you?

Deborah asks this question to remind Barak that they fight on the side of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Remember, Yahweh is leading you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

267JDG414fv1qtranslate-numbers0with ten thousand

“with 10,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

268JDG415t5qj0Yahweh confused Sisera and all his chariots and all his army

Alternate translation: “Yahweh made Sisera and all his chariots and all his army unable to think clearly” or “Yahweh made Sisera and all his chariots and all his army panic”

269JDG415u8qhfigs-metonymy0all his chariots

Here the word “chariots” is a metonym for the soldiers driving the chariots. Alternate translation: “all the men driving chariots” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

270JDG416qj43figs-synecdoche0Barak pursued

Here “Barak” represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “Barak and his soldiers chased” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

271JDG416ce5l0Harosheth

Translate this the same way you did in Judges 4:2.

272JDG416x3gkfigs-synecdoche0the whole army of Sisera was killed by the edge of the sword

Here “sword” represents the swords and other weapons that the soldiers used in battle. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Barak and his soldiers killed Siseras whole army with their swords” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

273JDG417ayi30Sisera … Jabin … Hazor

See how you translated these names in Judges 4:2.

274JDG417h17wfigs-idiom0ran away on foot

This is an idiom that means he was walking rather than riding a horse or in a chariot. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

275JDG417mp3utranslate-names0Jael

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

276JDG417s2ne0Heber

See how you translated this mans name in Judges 4:11.

277JDG417kwu80Kenite

See how you translated this in Judges 1:16.

278JDG418k8b1figs-explicit0Turn aside

This means to change course during a journey in order to rest. Alternate translation: “Come here” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

279JDG418u5k90blanket

a large covering for the body to sleep under for warmth, made of wool or animal skins

280JDG419cn6j0He said to her

Alternate translation: “Sisera said to Jael”

281JDG421ctd60tent peg

a pointed piece of wood or metal, like a large nail, that is hammered into the ground to hold down a corner of a tent

282JDG421i8q20hammer

a heavy tool made of wood used to hit a tent peg into the ground

283JDG421lvc4figs-metaphor0a deep sleep

Like a person in a deep hole cannot easily climb out, a person in a deep sleep cannot easily wake up. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

284JDG422n7wq0Barak was pursuing

Alternate translation: “Barak was chasing” or “Barak was following after”

285JDG423xzh1figs-metaphor0God defeated Jabin, the king of Canaan, before the people of Israel

God causing the Israelites to defeat Jabin and his army is spoken of as is God himself defeated Jabin as the people of Israel watched. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

286JDG424y25t0The might

Alternate translation: “The military power”

287JDG424zcb9figs-synecdoche0they destroyed him

Here “him” refers to Jabin who represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “they destroyed Jabin and his army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

288JDG5introjgd90

Judges 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Deborah and Barak continues in this chapter.

Some translations prefer to set apart quotations, prayers, and songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of Chapter 5, which is a song, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The flood

God caused rain and flooding to bog down Jabans chariots making them vulnerable to soldiers on foot, even though it is not said. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

289JDG51w7exfigs-explicit0On that day

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “On the day the Israelites defeated the army of King Jabin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

290JDG51pfq90Deborah

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:4.

291JDG51l3sj0Barak … Abinoam

See how you translated these names in Judges 4:6.

292JDG52s1810when the people gladly volunteer for war

Alternate translation: “when the men agree to fight in battle”

293JDG53hs8jfigs-apostrophe0Listen, you kings! Pay attention, you leaders

Deborah and Barak speak to the kings and leaders as if they were there listening to the song. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])

294JDG53cbt10you kings … you leaders

This refers to kings and leaders in general, not to specific kings or leaders.

295JDG54f5pufigs-metaphor0when you went out from Seir, when you marched from Edom

This refers to the time when the Israelites left Edom to start conquering the people in Canaan. Yahweh empowering his people to defeat the people of Canaan is spoken of as if he were a warrior leading the Israelite army. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

296JDG54vj7etranslate-names0Seir

Seir is a mountain on the border of the land of Israel and Edom. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

297JDG54hw54figs-metaphor0the earth shook, and the skies also trembled; also the clouds poured down water

This could mean: (1) this is poetic language that emphasizes Yahwehs power by describing it as causing earthquakes and storms or (2) the people of Canaan being terrified as the Israelites were about to attack them is spoken of as if the earth and sky were shaking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

298JDG55p4qpfigs-personification0The mountains quaked

This probably refers to earthquakes and gives the impression that the mountains quaked because they were very afraid of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “The mountains trembled in fear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

299JDG55d62lfigs-metonymy0before the face of Yahweh

Here “face” refers Yahwehs presence. Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

300JDG55wuf5figs-explicit0even Mount Sinai quaked

When Moses and Israel were at Mount Sinai, it quaked. Alternate translation: “long ago, even Mount Sinai quaked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

301JDG56he9e0In the days of

Alternate translation: “During the lifetime of”

302JDG56asi7translate-names0Shamgar … Anath … Jael

These are the names of people. See how you translated Shamgar and Anath in Judges 3:31 and Jael in Judges 4:18. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

303JDG56rw34writing-background0son of Anath

Shamgars father is mentioned to help identify Shamgar and when he lived. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

304JDG56ki5efigs-activepassive0the main roads were abandoned

This can be stated in active form and you can make explicit why the roads were abandoned Alternate translation: “people stopped using the main roads; because they were afraid of Israels enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

305JDG56i6j50the winding paths

This refers to smaller roads that fewer people traveled on.

306JDG57n27xfigs-metaphor0I, Deborah, arose—arose as a mother in Israel

Deborah speaks of becoming a leader in Israel as if she were a mother taking care of young children. Alternate translation: “I, Deborah, began to lead—I took care of the Israelites as a mother takes care of her children” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

307JDG58mxk4figs-explicit0they chose new gods

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel worshiped new gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

308JDG58duj5figs-synecdoche0there was fighting at the city gates

Here “gates” represents the entire city. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “enemies attacked the people within the Israelite cities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

309JDG58v83hfigs-hyperbole0there were no shields or spears seen among forty thousand in Israel

This statement is probably an exaggeration about how few weapons the Israelites had. Alternate translation: “few weapons for battle remained in Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

310JDG58dl2ntranslate-numbers0forty thousand in Israel

“40,000 in Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

311JDG59u5zyfigs-metonymy0My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel

The word “heart” represents a persons emotions. The phrase “My heart goes out to” is a way of saying that Deborah feels gratitude or appreciation. Alternate translation: “I appreciate the commanders of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

312JDG510dt2pfigs-merism0you who ride on white donkeys … you who walk along the road

This contrast probably refers to rich people and poor people. Alternate translation: “you rich people who ride on white donkeys … you poor people who walk along the road” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

313JDG510vf240sitting on rugs for saddles

These rugs were probably used as saddles on the donkeys back to make the rider more comfortable.

314JDG511v4bjfigs-synecdoche0Hear the voices of those

Here “voices” represents the people singing. Alternate translation: “Listen to those” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

315JDG511f6ilfigs-synecdoche0went down to the city gates

Here “gates” represents the whole city. Alternate translation: “returned to their cities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

316JDG512de7e0Awake, awake

Possible speakers are: (1) the people of Israel or (2) Deborah who is speaking to herself or (3) the poet who wrote the song.

317JDG512jc430Deborah

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:4.

318JDG512qc510Barak … Abinoam

See how you translated these names in Judges 4:6.

319JDG513tl3e0to me with the warriors

The word “me” refers to Deborah.

320JDG514e478figs-metaphor0from Ephraim, whose root is in Amalek

The people of Ephraim living in the land where the descendants of Amalek originally lived is spoken of as if the people of Ephraim were planted and their roots grew into the land. Alternate translation: “from Ephraim, that land where the descendants of Amalek once lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

321JDG514k3phfigs-you0followed you

Here “you” refers to the people of Ephraim. It can be stated in third person. Alternate translation: “followed them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

322JDG514yna1translate-names0Machir

This is the place where the descendants of Machir live. Machir was the son of Manasseh and the grandson of Joseph. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

323JDG514rl91figs-metonymy0from Zebulun those who carry an officers staff

Military leaders are described by the staff, a symbol of their authority. Alternate translation: “military leaders from Zebulun” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

324JDG515ruv4figs-123person0My princes in Issachar were with Deborah

Here “My” refers to Deborah. This whole statement can be translated in first person. Alternate translation: “My princes in Issachar were with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

325JDG515w1en0Deborah

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:4.

326JDG515sn4nfigs-metonymy0Issachar was with Barak

Here “Issachar” refers to the tribe of Issachar. Alternate translation: “the tribe of Issachar was with Barak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

327JDG515yt1t0Barak

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:6.

328JDG515z2wa0rushing after him into the valley under his command

Alternate translation: “obeying his command and rushing after him into the valley”

329JDG515u31z0rushing after

Alternate translation: “following after” or “hurrying after”

330JDG515sdi1figs-metonymy0there were great searchings of heart

Here “heart” represents thoughts. The people discussing with each other but being unable to decide what they should do is spoken of as if they were searching their heart. Alternate translation: “there was a lot of discussing about what they should do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

331JDG516wc6cfigs-rquestion0Why did you sit between the fireplaces, listening to the shepherds playing their pipes for their flocks?

This question is asked to criticize the people of Reuben because they did not decide to come fight in the battle. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have helped us fight, instead of staying at home and listening to the shepherds playing their pipes for their flocks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

332JDG516xdd20the fireplaces

Some versions of the Bible have the translation “the sheepfolds” or “the sheep pens.”

333JDG516jg14figs-metonymy0there were great searchings of heart

Here “heart” represents thoughts. The people discussing with each other but being unable to decide what they should do is spoken of as if they were searching their heart. See how you translated this in Judges 5:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

334JDG517pg1nfigs-metonymy0Gilead stayed

Here “Gilead” the men from Gilead who should have gone to fight in battle. Alternate translation: “The men of Gilead stayed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

335JDG517zwj6figs-explicit0the other side of the Jordan

This refers to the east side of the Jordan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

336JDG517l6vzfigs-rquestion0Dan, why did he wander about on ships?

This question is asked to express anger because the people of the tribe of Dan would not fight for Israel. Alternate translation: “the men of Dan should not have remained on their ships!” or “the people of the tribe of Dan did not help us in the battle. Instead they were wandering around on the sea in ships!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

337JDG517wn8kfigs-metonymy0Dan, why did he

Here “Dan” represents the men from Dan who should have gone to fight in battle. Alternate translation: “the men of Dan, why did they” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

338JDG517wy1cfigs-explicit0wander about on ships

The tribe of Dan was located near the Mediterranean sea. They sailed on the sea to make money through trade and fishing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

339JDG517q466figs-explicit0Asher remained on the coast and lived close to his harbors

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “The people of the tribe of Asher also failed to help us, they just remained on the coast near their harbors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

340JDG517hk9vfigs-metonymy0Asher remained

Here “Asher” represents the men who should have gone to fight in battle. Alternate translation: “The men of Asher remained” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

341JDG517s37f0harbors

places at the seacoast with deeper water where ships were kept

342JDG518iq38figs-ellipsis0Naphtali, also

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “Naphtali was a tribe who would also risk their lives to the point of death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

343JDG519klr4figs-synecdoche0The kings came, they fought … the kings of Canaan fought

The king of a people group is used to refer to himself and the army he commands. Alternate translation: “The kings and their armies came and fought … the kings of Canaan and their armies fought” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

344JDG519qh9sfigs-ellipsis0they fought … fought

The word “us” is understood. Alternate translation: “they fought us … fought us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

345JDG519bwx40Taanach … Megiddo

Translate the names of these places as you did in Judges 1:27.

346JDG519jn5lfigs-synecdoche0no silver as plunder

Here “silver” represents any treasure in general. Alternate translation: “no silver or other treasures as plunder” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

347JDG519lin60plunder

things taken by force, usually in battle or by thieves

348JDG520uwf8figs-personification0From heaven the stars fought, from their paths across the heavens they fought against Sisera

Yahweh helping the Israelite to defeat Sisera and his army is spoken of as if the stars themselves fought against Sisera and his army. This may refer to Yahweh using natural elements, specifically rain storms, to defeat Sisera. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

349JDG520r9rmfigs-synecdoche0against Sisera

Here “Sisera” represents himself and his whole army. Alternate translation: “Sisera and his army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

350JDG520ac6p0Sisera

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:2.

351JDG521yn1bfigs-explicit0The Kishon River swept them away

Because of the heavy rain the river flooded quickly causing the chariots to be stuck in the mud and drowning many soldiers. Alternate translation: “The Kishon River flooded and swept away Siseras soldiers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

352JDG521h8ac0Kishon

See how you translated this in Judges 4:6.

353JDG521je12figs-synecdoche0March on my soul, be strong

Here “soul” refers to the whole person. The word “my” refers to Deborah. Alternate translation: “I tell myself to march on and to be strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

354JDG522wx9vfigs-explicit0Then came the sound of horses hooves—galloping, the galloping of his mighty ones

This describes the sound of many horses running away from the battle. Alternate translation: “Then I heard the sound of horses running away. Siseras mighty horses were running away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

355JDG522n7540galloping

runninb quickly

356JDG523gg5nfigs-metonymy0Curse Meroz

Here “Meroz” represents the people who lived there. Alternate translation: “Curse the people of Meroz” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

357JDG523cdl6translate-names0Meroz

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

358JDG524n5q60Jael

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:18.

359JDG524r37w0Heber

See how you translated this name in Judges 4:11.

360JDG524jve50Kenite

Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 1:16.

361JDG525a4wl0brought him butter

Here “butter” refers to curdled milk. This was the best milk and a favorite drink among Jaels people. Alternate translation: “brought him yogurt” or “brought him curds”

362JDG525viu5figs-explicit0a dish fit for princes

This phrase means the dish was of the best quality because princes were given the best things. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

363JDG526k8d20She put her hand to the tent peg

Alternate translation: “Jael grabbed the tent peg with her left hand”

364JDG526iyf80tent peg

This is a pointed piece of wood or metal, like a large nail, that is hammered into the ground to hold down a corner of a tent. See how you translated this in Judges 4:21.

365JDG526c1ypfigs-ellipsis0her right hand to the workmans hammer

This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “she grabbed a hammer with her right hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

366JDG526va7c0hammer

This is a heavy tool made of wood used to hit a tent peg into the ground. See how you translated this in Judges 4:21.

367JDG526hkm30Sisera

See how you translated this mans name in Judges 4:2.

368JDG527e9gf0limp

without strength or movement

369JDG527ezv3figs-activepassive0he was violently killed

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “she killed him” or “he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

370JDG528duq10the lattice

This is a frame in the window made of crossed wood.

371JDG528mw4dfigs-parallelism0Why has it taken his chariot so long to come? Why have the hoofbeats of the horses that pull his chariots been delayed?

Both of these questions mean the same thing. These two statements can be combined. Alternate translation: “Why is it taking Sisera so long to arrive home” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

372JDG528k2dyfigs-metonymy0taken his chariot … Why have the hoofbeats of the horses that pull his chariots

Both of these represent Sisera. Alternate translation: “taken Sisera … Why has he” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

373JDG529xa2n0wisest princesses

A “princess” is the daughter of a king, but a “princess” can also mean female advisers to the kings family. Alternate translation: “wisest ladies”

374JDG529mw320she gave herself the same answer

Alternate translation: “she said to herself the same thing”

375JDG530l98ifigs-rquestion0Have they not found and divided up the plunder—a womb … plunder?

The women use a question to emphasize that they believe this is what certainly happened. Alternate translation: “They must have so much plunder that it is taking a long time to divide it. They have … plunder.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

376JDG530cw6vfigs-rquestion0a womb, two wombs for every man … of those who plunder?

The women use a question to emphasize that they believe this is what certainly happened. Alternate translation: “There must be a womb, two wombs for every man … of those who plunder.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

377JDG530xgr7figs-synecdoche0a womb, two wombs for every man

Here “womb” represents a woman. Siseras mother believes Siseras men have captured many women. Alternate translation: “Each soldier will receive a woman or two” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

378JDG530p9nz0dyed fabric

Alternate translation: “colored cloth” or “colored clothes”

379JDG530zp9h0embroidered

having designs made of colored threads

380JDG530yg2cfigs-synecdoche0for the necks of those who plunder

Here “necks” represents Siseras soldiers. Alternate translation: “for the soldiers who plunder to wear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

381JDG531bi4xfigs-simile0like the sun when it rises in its might

The people of Israel wish to be like the sun that rises because no nations army is powerful enough to stop the sunrise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

382JDG531q1ytfigs-metonymy0the land had peace

Here “the land” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “and the people of Israel lived peacefully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

383JDG531mw3utranslate-numbers0for forty years

“for 40 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

384JDG6introp5sj0

Judges 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a section about Gideon. (Chapters 6-8)

Special concepts in this chapter

Israels punishment

In Judges, Israels actions are connected to their obedience to Yahweh. When Israel does evil, they are oppressed. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/oppress]])

385JDG61ht3zfigs-metaphor0what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahwehs judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in Judges 2:11. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahwehs judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

386JDG61l9nlfigs-metonymy0the hand of Midian

Here “Midian” represents the people of Midian. Also, “hand” represents control. Alternate translation: “the control of the people of Midian” or “the control of the Midianites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

387JDG62bs4zfigs-metonymy0The power of Midian oppressed Israel

Here “the power of Midian” refers to the people of Midian. Alternate translation: “The people of Midian were more powerful than the people of Israel and they oppressed them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

388JDG62pl5z0dens

places in the rocky cliffs that would provide shelter

389JDG64zcp10They would set up their army

Alternate translation: “The army would encamp” or “The army would set up their tents”

390JDG65i2ld0Whenever they and their livestock and tents came up

The land of Midian was south of the land of Israel, near the Red Sea. It was common to use the phrase “came up” when speaking of traveling from Midian to Israel. Alternate translation: “Whenever the Midianites brought their livestock and tents to the land of Israel”

391JDG65e5slfigs-simile0they would come as a swarm of locusts

The Midianites are compared to a swarm of locusts because they came in with a great number of people and their livestock ate everything that grew. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

392JDG65ra2ifigs-hyperbole0it was impossible to count

This is an exaggeration, a hyperbole, showing the number is very great. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

393JDG66eg3lfigs-metonymy0Midian weakened

Here “Midian” represents the people of Midian. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

394JDG66lcc3figs-idiom0called out to Yahweh

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “prayed to Yahweh for help” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

395JDG67z7safigs-idiom0called out to Yahweh

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “prayed to Yahweh for help” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

396JDG67r2ejfigs-metonymy0because of Midian

Here “Midian” represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: “because of the Midianites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

397JDG68q22q0I brought you up from Egypt

Alternate translation: “I led you out of Egypt”

398JDG68h336figs-metaphor0the house of slavery

Moses speaks of Egypt as if it were a house where people keep slaves. Alternate translation: “the place where you were slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

399JDG69ue1tfigs-metonymy0from the hand

In this phrase “hand” represents power or control. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

400JDG610ne4sfigs-metonymy0obeyed my voice
  • Here “my voice” represents what Yahweh commanded. Alternate translation: “obeyed my command” or “obeyed me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
401JDG611sex80Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the story line. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.

402JDG611r6sgtranslate-names0Ophrah

This is the name of a town. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

403JDG611iz4dtranslate-names0Abiezrite

This is a people group named after their ancestor Abiezer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

404JDG611y3ww0was separating out the wheat by beating it on the floor

This is a process called “threshing.” Gideon was beating the wheat against the floor to separate the wheat grain from the rest of the wheat plant.

405JDG612fe5w0appeared to him

Alternate translation: “went to him”

406JDG613as350my master

Gideon uses the word “master” as a polite way to greet a stranger. He does not realize he is speaking to Yahweh in the form of an angel or a man.

407JDG613in9xfigs-rquestion0Where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers told us about, when they said, Did not Yahweh bring us up from Egypt?

Gideon uses a question to challenge the strangers statement that Yahweh was with him. Also, the direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “We have not seen any wonderful deeds like the ones our fathers told us about when Yahweh brought them up from Egypt.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

408JDG613e2k9figs-idiom0gave us into the hand of Midian

The phrase “gave us into” means Yahweh allowed the Israelites to be defeated. Alternate translation: “allowed the Midianites to defeat us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

409JDG613vi7efigs-metonymy0gave us into the hand

Here “hand” represents power or control. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

410JDG613buc4figs-metonymy0of Midian

Here “Midian” represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: “of the Midianites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

411JDG614n2w10Yahweh looked at him

Alternate translation: “Yahweh looked at Gideon”

412JDG614kx2tfigs-metonymy0from the hand

Here “hand” represents power or control. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

413JDG614wuu9figs-metonymy0of Midian

Here “Midian” represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: “of the Midianites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

414JDG614zs9hfigs-rquestion0Have I not sent you?

Yahweh uses a question to ensure Gideon that he is sending him. Here “sent” means Yahweh has appointed Gideon with a specific task. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, am sending you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

415JDG615w5e80Please, Lord

Gideon now calls the person “Lord” instead of “my master” as in Judges 6:13. Here it seems Gideon either knows or suspects that he is speaking with Yahweh.

416JDG615wn75figs-rquestion0how can I deliver Israel?

Gideon uses a question to emphasize that he does not think he can rescue the Israelites. Alternate translation: “I cannot possibly rescue the Israelites!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

417JDG615gpv80See, my family

Alternate translation: “Look at my family and me and you will see that it”

418JDG615gp6c0in Manasseh

Alternate translation: “in the tribe of Manasseh”

419JDG615tw55figs-metonymy0in my fathers house

Here “house” represents a family. Alternate translation: “in my fathers family” or “in my family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

420JDG616p1xafigs-idiom0I will be with you

Here “be with you” is an idiom that means Yahweh will help and bless Gideon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

421JDG616fhe8figs-explicit0as one man

You can state the full meaning explicitly. Alternate translation: “as easily as if you were fighting only one man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

422JDG618ngy50set it before you

Alternate translation: “place it in front of you”

423JDG619kmz6translate-bvolume0from an ephah of flour

If it is necessary to use a modern measurement; here is one way of doing it. Alternate translation: “with 22 liters of flour” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])

424JDG619c4pf0broth

water that has had food, such as meat, cooked in it

425JDG619r55k0them to him

Alternate translation: “them to the angel of God”

426JDG620u9cs0angel of God

This is the same as the angel of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “God, who was in the form of an angel” or “God”

427JDG621ggc20angel of Yahweh

In 6:11-24 Yahweh appears to Gideon in the form of an angel. See how you translated this in Judges 6:11.

428JDG621x8t90went away

Alternate translation: “disappeared”

429JDG622x6iw0angel of Yahweh

In 6:11-24 Yahweh appears to Gideon in the form of an angel. See how you translated this in Judges 6:11.

430JDG622l2ppfigs-exclamations0Ah, Lord Yahweh!

The word “Ah” here shows that Gideon was very frightened. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

431JDG622c1ktfigs-idiom0seen the angel of Yahweh face to face

This phrase refers to two people being close to each other. Alternate translation: “really seen the angel of Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

432JDG623b3hafigs-explicit0Yahweh said to him

Apparently Yahweh spoke to Gideon from heaven. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

433JDG624s81y0To this day

This means to the time when the book of Judges was written.

434JDG624y4ya0Ophrah

Translate the name of this town as you did in Judges 6:11.

435JDG624w4kn0the clan of Abiezer

Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 6:11.

436JDG625h71ytranslate-ordinal0a second bull

The word “second” is the ordinal number for “two.” Alternate translation: “another bull” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

437JDG625n1rh0that is beside it

Alternate translation: “that is beside the altar of Baal”

438JDG626tj4p0on the top of this place of refuge

The city of Ophrah was on top of a hill. Israelites fled there for refuge from the Midianites.

439JDG626gvr90construct it the correct way

Alternate translation: “place the stones in an orderly manner” or “and build it properly”

440JDG627xp8k0did as Yahweh had told him

This refers to Yahwehs command in Judges 6:25-26.

441JDG628mii10got up

Alternate translation: “got up out of bed” or “woke up”

442JDG628i5zbfigs-activepassive0the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah that was beside it was cut down, and the second bull had been offered on the altar that had been built

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they noticed that someone had broken down the altar of Baal, cut down the Asherah that was beside it, and built an altar and sacrificed the second bull on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

443JDG630r7h5figs-activepassive0he may be put to death

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we may kill him as punishment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

444JDG631jw4vfigs-rquestion0Will you plead the case for Baal?

Joash uses a question to emphasize that a human should not have to defend a god. Alternate translation: “You should not have to defend Baal.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

445JDG631xk3a0plead the case

Alternate translation: “make a defense” or “give an excuse”

446JDG631n471figs-rquestion0Will you save him?

Joash uses a question to emphasize that a human should not have to rescue a god. Alternate translation: “You should not have to save Baal.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

447JDG632j4wktranslate-names0Jerub Baal

This is another name for Gideon. It means “let Baal defend himself.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

448JDG632q44c0because he said

Alternate translation: “because Joash said”

449JDG633ual50Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the story line. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.

450JDG633eu5dfigs-explicit0gathered together

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “gathered together as an army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

451JDG634d9ebfigs-idiom0came over Gideon

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “took control of Gideon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

452JDG634sz1y0clan of Abiezer

Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 6:11.

453JDG634zxl8figs-ellipsis0so they might follow him

The words “to battle” are understood. Alternate translation: “so they might follow him to battle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

454JDG635sy9tfigs-activepassive0and they too, were called out to follow him

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “calling them out to follow him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

455JDG635qb25figs-metonymy0to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali

These all represent the people of each tribe. Alternate translation: “to the tribes of Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

456JDG637uf1b0woolen fleece

the woolly coat of a sheep

457JDG637qz5z0dew

water that forms on plants during the night

458JDG637s8rifigs-explicit0then I will know that you will

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “this will be a sign from you, and then I will know that you will” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

459JDG638cs870Gideon rose

Alternate translation: “Gideon got out of bed”

460JDG638ub6l0wrung

twist and squeeze something to remove water

461JDG7introq5450

Judges 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Gideon continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

God gets all of the credit

God said, “There are too many soldiers for me to give you victory over the Midianites. Make sure that Israel will not boast against me, saying, Our own power has saved us.’” By lowering the number of fighting soldiers, it emphasizes that the victory is achieved through Gods power. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/glory]])

462JDG71u9630Jerub Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated his name in Judges 6:32.

463JDG71se4n0they encamped

Alternate translation: “they set up their camp”

464JDG71q9lutranslate-names0spring of Harod … hill of Moreh

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

465JDG71w8xbfigs-metonymy0The camp of Midian was to their north

Here “Midian” represents the Midianite army. Alternate translation: “The Midianite army set up their camp to the north of the Israelite army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

466JDG72ja78figs-abstractnouns0for me to give you victory over the Midianites

The word “victory” is an abstract noun that can be translated as a verb or an adjective. Alternate translation: “for me to allow you to defeat the Midianites” or “for me to cause you to be victorious over the Midianites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

467JDG72ww36figs-metonymy0Our own power has saved us

Here “power” represents the people themselves. Alternate translation: “We have saved ourselves without Gods help” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

468JDG73i31q0Now

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

469JDG73ahw6figs-synecdoche0proclaim in the ears of the people

Here “the ears” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “proclaim to the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

470JDG73gt6xfigs-parallelism0Whoever is afraid, whoever trembles

Both of these phrases have the same meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

471JDG73h7mv0trembles

This word describes fear that causes a person to uncontrollably shake. Alternate translation: “shakes with fear”

472JDG73m53afigs-explicit0let him return

You can make explicit where he will go. Alternate translation: “let him return to his home” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

473JDG73iup9translate-names0Mount Gilead

This is the name of a mountain in the region of Gilead. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

474JDG73s1sdtranslate-numbers0twenty-two thousand

“22,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

475JDG73wn6ffigs-ellipsis0ten thousand remained

The word “people” or “men” is understood. Alternate translation: “10,000 people remained” or “10,000 men remained” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

476JDG73z1zrtranslate-numbers0ten thousand

“10,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

477JDG74t9ydfigs-metonymy0I will make their number smaller for you there

Here “number” represents the army. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “there, I will show you who to send home so the army will have less men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

478JDG75iem1figs-go0Gideon brought

The word “brought” can be translated as “took” or “led.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

479JDG75w69s0laps

to drink by licking with the tongue

480JDG76ae7ktranslate-numbers0Three hundred men

“300 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

481JDG77e8uvtranslate-numbers0three hundred men

“300 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

482JDG77gk97figs-you0I will rescue you and give you victory

Here “you” is plural and refers to Gideon and the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

483JDG78j7gyfigs-activepassive0So those who were chosen

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “So those whom Yahweh chose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

484JDG78u2nh0took their supplies and their trumpets

Here “their” refers to the Israelite soldiers who were leaving the army.

485JDG78cx8b0Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the story line. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.

486JDG79u84qfigs-metonymy0Attack the camp, for I am going to give you victory over it

Here “camp” refers to the whole Midianite army. The word “victory” is an abstract noun that can be translated as a verb or an adjective. Alternate translation: “Attack the Midianites at their camp, for I am going to help you defeat them” or “Attack the Midianites at their camp, for I am going to cause you to be victorious over them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

487JDG710xqh7figs-ellipsis0afraid to go down

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “afraid to go down to attack” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

488JDG710u4w3translate-names0Purah

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

489JDG711j99jfigs-activepassive0your courage will be strengthened

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “what you hear will be encourage you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

490JDG711wv5r0guard posts

places around the edge of an area where soldiers stand to watch for an enemy army

491JDG712r5wwfigs-simile0as thick as a cloud of locusts

Here “cloud” means a swarm. The author speaks of the army as if it were a swarm of locusts to emphasize how many soldiers there were. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

492JDG712zt6sfigs-hyperbole0Their camels were more … in number than the grains of the sand on the seashore

The author uses a hyperbole, an exaggeration, to emphasize that there were very many camels. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

493JDG712d37kfigs-activepassive0Their camels were more than could be counted

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Their camels were more than anyone could count” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

494JDG714yg52figs-metonymy0This is nothing other than the sword of Gideon

Here “the sword of Gideon” refers to Gideons army attacking. Alternate translation: “The loaf of barley bread in your dream must be the army of Gideon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

495JDG714v4e2figs-pastforfuture0God has given him victory over Midian

This future event is spoken of as if it were a past event. This emphasizes that it will certainly happen. Alternate translation: “God will certainly help the Israelites defeat the Midianites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])

496JDG716xjf2translate-numbers0three hundred men

“300 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

497JDG718rj9wfigs-explicit0For Yahweh and for Gideon!

The words “we fight” are implied. Alternate translation: “We fight for Yahweh and for Gideon!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

498JDG719cxa7translate-numbers0hundred men

“100 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

499JDG719wba70right at the beginning of the middle watch

The beginning of the middle watch would be around 10 oclock at night.

500JDG720zfw1figs-metonymy0The sword of Yahweh and of Gideon

Here “sword” refers to their fighting. Alternate translation: “We fight for Yahweh and for Gideon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

501JDG722nw1rtranslate-numbers0three hundred trumpets

“300 trumpets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

502JDG722nk36figs-metonymy0Yahweh set every Midianite mans sword against his comrades

Here “sword” refers to their attack with the use of the sword. Alternate translation: “Yahweh caused every Midianite man to fight against his fellow soldiers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

503JDG722rv5btranslate-names0Beth Shittah … Zererah … Abel Meholah … Tabbath

These are the names of towns and cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

504JDG723u5e9figs-activepassive0The men of Israel from Naphtali, Asher, and all Manasseh were called out

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Gideon called out the Israelites from the tribes of Naphtali, Asher, and all Mannasseh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

505JDG724js9ytranslate-names0Beth Barah

This is the name of a town. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

506JDG724u7ze0took control of the waters, as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan River

Alternate translation: “took control of the area of the Jordan River as far south as Beth Barah”

507JDG725hn84figs-explicit0at the rock of Oreb … at the winepress of Zeeb

The places were given these names after the Israelites killed Oreb and Zeeb there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

508JDG725rvj8translate-names0Oreb … Zeeb

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

509JDG8introzh950

Judges 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Gideon concludes in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Succoths refusal to help Gideon

The men of Succoth feared the Midianites more than Gideon. This is why they refused to help Gideon. By allying themselves with the Midianites, they aligned themselves against Yahweh. Because of this, Gideon treated them like he treated the Midianites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Gideon refuses to be king

Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, neither will my son rule over you. Yahweh will rule over you.” Although the book of Deuteronomy anticipates a king in Israel, it was sinful for Israel to desire to have a king. He did though take a share of everyones plunder as a king would have done through taxes. This may serve as a warning to Israel about their desire to have a king. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

510JDG81sea3figs-rquestion0What is this you have done to us?

The people of the tribe of Ephraim were rebuking Gideon with this rhetorical question for not including them in his army. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have not treated us fairly.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

511JDG81f8fyfigs-metonymy0against Midian

Here “Midian” represents the Midianite army. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

512JDG81whc10they had a violent argument with him

they argued angrily with him” or “they rebuked him severely”

513JDG82xg1a0General Information:

Gideon replies to the men from Ephraim.

514JDG82wpi2figs-rquestion0What have I done now compared to you?

Gideon uses this question to honor the people of Ephraim. Alternate translation: “I have done very little compared with what you have done!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

515JDG82xg8bfigs-rquestion0Are not the gleanings of Ephraims grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer?

Gideon was calming the people of Ephraim with this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “Certainly the grapes you people of Ephraim gleaned are better than what we the descendants of Abiezer gathered from the whole harvest!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

516JDG82i6yrfigs-rquestion0Are not the gleanings of Ephraims grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer?

Gideon and his army defeating the Medianites is spoken of as if it were a grape harvest. The people of Ephraim killing Oreb and Zeeb at the end of the battle is spoken of as if they were gleaning grapes at the end of the harvest. Alternate translation: “What you people of Ephraim did at the end of the battle is more important than what we descendants of Abiezer did at the beginning.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

517JDG82rr59figs-metonymy0Abiezer

This is the name of one of Gideons ancestors. Gideon used his name to refer to Abiezers descendants and their land. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

518JDG83x1xa0Oreb and Zeeb

See how you translated these names in Judges 7:25.

519JDG83bi55figs-rquestion0What have I accomplished compared to you?

Gideon uses this question to honor the people of Ephraim. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “What you have done is more important than what I have done.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

520JDG83riv20died down

Alternate translation: “became less”

521JDG84f6yptranslate-numbers0the three hundred men

“the 300 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

522JDG84s9yvfigs-abstractnouns0kept up the pursuit

The word “pursuit,” an abstract noun, can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “continued to chase their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

523JDG85zt2qtranslate-names0Zebah and Zalmunna

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

524JDG86l71pfigs-rquestion0Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand?

The leaders use a question to emphasize that the Israelites have not yet captured Zebah and Zalumnna. Alternate translation: “You have not captured Zebah and Zalmunna yet.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

525JDG86aw3gfigs-synecdoche0Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna

Here “hands” refer to the whole body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

526JDG86bn4xfigs-metonymy0now in your hand

Here “hand” represents power or control. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

527JDG86k3emfigs-rquestion0Why should we give bread to your army?

The leaders use a question to emphasize that they have no reason to give bread to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “We see no reason to give bread to your army.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

528JDG87gwp6figs-explicit0I will tear your skin with the desert thorns and briers

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I will make whips out of desert thorns and briers and use them to beat you and cut you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

529JDG87j77m0thorns and briers

sharp, pointed pieces on vines or tree limbs that stick out and can cut people and animals

530JDG88bi3xfigs-synecdoche0He went up from there

Here “He” refers to Gideon. Gideon represents himself and the soldiers following him. Alternate translation: “They left there” or “Gideon and his 300 men left there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

531JDG88ikw7translate-names0Peniel

The name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

532JDG88ak91figs-ellipsis0spoke to the people there in the same way

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “asked for food there in the same way” or “he also asked them for food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

533JDG89y4qffigs-euphemism0When I come again in peace

This is a polite way of referring to the defeat of his enemies. Alternate translation: “After I have completely defeated the Midian army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

534JDG89nth4figs-synecdoche0I will pull down this tower

Here “I” refers to Gideon and represents himself and his men. Alternate translation: “My men and I will pull down this tower” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

535JDG810nfu60Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the story line. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.

536JDG810tli80Zebah and Zalmunna

See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.

537JDG810vw38translate-names0Karkor

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

538JDG810bh2jtranslate-numbers0fifteen thousand men

“15,000 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

539JDG810p2iwfigs-euphemism0had fallen

This is a polite way of referring to people who died in battle. Alternate translation: “had been killed” or “had died in battle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

540JDG810j3dktranslate-numbers0120,000 men

“one hundred thousand men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

541JDG810mz6tfigs-metonymy0men who drew the sword

Here drawing the sword represents using the sword in battle. This could mean: (1) this phrase refers to soldiers who use swords in battle. Alternate translation: “swordsmen” or “men who fought with swords” or (2) this phrase refers to any soldiers. Alternate translation: “soldiers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

542JDG811t81pfigs-synecdoche0Gideon went up

Here “Gideon” represents himself and all of his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Gideon and his soldiers went up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

543JDG811y551figs-synecdoche0He defeated

Here “He” refers to Gideon and represents himself and all of his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Gideon and his soldiers defeated” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

544JDG811jbu9translate-names0Nobah and Jogbehah

These are names of towns. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

545JDG812dmu90Zebah and Zalmunna

See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.

546JDG812if5y0panic

extreme fear or worry that makes someone unable to think or act normally

547JDG813w2l7translate-names0the pass of Heres

This is the name of a road that passes between two mountains. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

548JDG814a6z2figs-explicit0questioned him

It can be stated explicitly what Gideon asked the young man. Alternate translation: “he asked him to identify all the names of the leaders in the town” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

549JDG814l2rrtranslate-numbers0seventy-seven officials

“77 officials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

550JDG815buj30Zebah and Zalmunna

See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.

551JDG815bnf8figs-rquestion0Have you already conquered Zebah and Zalmunna?

Gideon quotes the people of Succoth as using a question to mock him. Alternate translation: “You have not yet conquered Zebah and Zalmunna.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

552JDG816ct8gfigs-synecdoche0Gideon took … he punished

Here “Gideon” represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Gideon and his soldiers took … they punished” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

553JDG816vr3e0thorns and briers

These are sharp, pointed pieces on vines or tree limbs that stick out and can cut people and animals. See how you translated this in Judges 8:7.

554JDG817dbh6figs-synecdoche0he pulled

Gideon and his soldiers pulled. Alternate translation: “Gideon and his soldiers pulled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

555JDG817jg810Peniel

Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 8:8.

556JDG818lav20Zebah and Zalmunna

See how you translated these names in Judges 8:5.

557JDG818gw8k0Tabor

Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 4:6.

558JDG818q1pd0As you are, so were they

Alternate translation: “They were just like you”

559JDG819jb1yfigs-idiom0As Yahweh lives

This idiom is a religious oath used for emphasis that what he is about to say is true. Alternate translation: “I promise you that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

560JDG820xg9ftranslate-names0Jether

This is the name of Gideons son. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

561JDG821p21pfigs-idiom0For as the man is, so is his strength

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “It is a job for a man to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

562JDG821lzn10crescent

This is a curved shape with two points. This shape occurs when the moon is mostly covered in shadow.

563JDG821eu980ornaments

decorations

564JDG822n3hyfigs-metonymy0out of the hand of Midian

Here “hand” represents the power of Midian over Israel. Alternate translation: “from the power of Midian” or “from Midian” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

565JDG822zz2ffigs-metonymy0of Midian

Here “Midian” represents the people of Midian. Alternate translation: “of the Midianites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

566JDG824va810Gideon said to them

Alternate translation: “Gideon said to the men of Israel”

567JDG824qb9s0earrings

jewelry worn on the ear

568JDG824e5zj0plunder

things stolen by force or taken off of people killed in war

569JDG824c2b3writing-background0The Midianites had golden earrings because they were Ishmaelites

Here the narrator tells background information about the Midianites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

570JDG825ark20cloak

clothing made from a large piece of fabric and worn over the shoulders as a coat

571JDG826z8qbtranslate-numbers01,700 shekels of gold

“one thousand seven hundred shekels of gold.” If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: “18.7 kilograms of gold” or “about 20 kilograms of gold” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])

572JDG826w5mz0crescent ornaments

See how you translated this in Judges 8:21.

573JDG826rc470pendants

pieces of jewelry that hang at the end of the chains or cords of necklaces

574JDG826z7ldfigs-activepassive0that was worn by the kings of Midian

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the kings of Midian wore” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

575JDG827awh90Gideon made an ephod out of the earrings

Alternate translation: “Gideon used the gold from the earrings to make an ephod”

576JDG827tir60Ophrah

Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 6:11.

577JDG827tyw2figs-metaphor0all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there

This speaks of worshiping a false god as if it were prostitution. Alternate translation: “the Israelites sinned against Yahweh by worshiping the ephod there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

578JDG827j6yefigs-hyperbole0all Israel

Here “all” is an exaggeration to emphasize that very many worshiped the garment. Alternate translation: “very many people in Israel worshiped the garment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

579JDG827bbx3figs-metaphor0It became a trap for Gideon and for those in his house

This speaks of Gideon and his family being tempted to worship the ephod as if the ephod were a hunters snare that would trap them. Alternate translation: “It became a temptation for Gideon and his family” or “Gideon and his family sinned by worshiping it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

580JDG827i29yfigs-metonymy0for those in his house

Here “his house” represents Gideons family. Alternate translation: “for his family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

581JDG828wui8figs-activepassive0So Midian was subdued before the people of Israel

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “So Yahweh subdued the Midianites before the people of Israel” or “So Yahweh helped the Israelites defeat the Midianites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

582JDG828u2arfigs-idiom0they did not raise their heads up again

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they did not attack Israel again” (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

583JDG828un4lfigs-metonymy0So the land had peace

Here “land” represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “So the Israelites lived peacefully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

584JDG828mw8qtranslate-numbers0forty years

“40 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

585JDG828z3zj0in the days of Gideon

Alternate translation: “during the life of Gideon”

586JDG829z3sb0Jerub Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated his name in Judges 6:32.

587JDG830m14ntranslate-numbers0seventy sons

“70 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

588JDG832i3jlfigs-idiom0a good old age

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “when he was very old” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

589JDG832w8ygfigs-activepassive0was buried

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

590JDG832aen40Ophrah

Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 6:11.

591JDG832pc1f0the clan of Abiezer

Translate the name of this people group as you did in Judges 6:11.

592JDG833be440It came about

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

593JDG833l1r2figs-metaphor0turned again

The people rejecting Yahweh is spoken of as if they physically turned away from him. Alternate translation: “they stopped worshiping Yahwheh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

594JDG833gh13figs-metaphor0prostituted themselves by worshiping the Baals

This speaks of worshiping false gods as if it were prostitution. Alternate translation: “they sinned against Yahweh by worshiping the Baals” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

595JDG833ce8stranslate-names0Baal-Berith

This is the name of a false god. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

596JDG834k1h5figs-metonymy0from the hand of all their enemies

Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “from the power of all their enemies” or “from all their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

597JDG834lqk50on every side

Alternate translation: “who surrounded them”

598JDG835svf8figs-metonymy0the house of Jerub Baal

Here “the house of” represents a persons family. Alternate translation: “the family of Jerub Baal” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

599JDG835w3k30Jerub Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

600JDG9introzl190

Judges 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Jothams curse

Gideons son, Abimelech, killed all of his brothers except Jotham in order to become king of Shechem. Jotham cursed Abimelech for having murdered Gideons other sons. “Let fire come out from Abimelech and burn up the men of Shechem and the house of Millo. Let fire come out from the men of Shechem and Beth Millo, to burn up Abimelech.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Tree metaphor

This chapter contains an extended metaphor about trees. This metaphor functions as a parable instructing Israel about their sinful desire to have a king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

601JDG91cb580Jerub Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

602JDG92gfl5figs-quotesinquotes0Please say this, so that all the leaders in Shechem may hear, Which is better for you, that all seventy sons of Jerub Baal rule over you, or that just one rule over you?

This has a quotation within a quotation. A direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Please ask the leaders of Shechem if they would rather have all seventy sons of Jerub Baal rule over them, or if they would rather have just one of his sons rule over them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

603JDG92lpf2translate-numbers0seventy

“70” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

604JDG92e38yfigs-metonymy0I am your bone and your flesh

Here “your bone and your flesh” represents being someones relative. Alternate translation: “I am a member of your family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

605JDG93ie290His mothers relatives spoke for him to the leaders

This means that the relatives of the mother of Abimelech spoke to the leaders, suggesting that they make Abimelech their king.

606JDG93ubh90they agreed to follow Abimelech

Alternate translation: “they agreed to let Abimelech be their leader”

607JDG94yf44figs-metonymy0the house

Here “house” represents a temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

608JDG94yf3wtranslate-bmoney0seventy pieces of silver

This means seventy shekels of silver. A shekel weighs 11 grams. If it is necessary to translate this with modern measurements, you can translate it like this. Alternate translation: “almost one kilo of silver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

609JDG94v8x5translate-numbers0seventy

“70” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

610JDG94g7i40Baal-Berith

This is the name of a false god. See how you translated it in Judges 8:33.

611JDG94mi770worthless and reckless

Alternate translation: “violent and foolish”

612JDG95c56j0Ophrah

Translate the name of this city as you did in Judges 6:11.

613JDG95jer7translate-numbers0one stone

“1 stone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

614JDG95gnp3translate-numbers0seventy

“70” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

615JDG95ilv20Jerub Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

616JDG96up6dtranslate-names0Beth Millo

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

617JDG97d3wsfigs-parables0General Information:

Jotham begins telling a parable in which the trees try to find someone to rule them. The trees represent the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]])

618JDG97ksz5figs-activepassive0When Jotham was told about this

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “When Jotham heard that Abimelech had murdered his brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

619JDG97z9vxtranslate-names0Mount Gerizim

This is a mountain. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

620JDG98p19pfigs-parables0The trees once went out to anoint a king over them. For they said to the olive tree, Reign over us.

In this parable Jotham describes the trees doing things that humans do. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

621JDG98x1kytranslate-symaction0to anoint a king over them

Here, to anoint with oil is a symbolic action that represents appointing a person to be king. Alternate translation: “to appoint a king to rule over all of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

622JDG98ai6t0Reign over us

Alternate translation: “Be our king”

623JDG99q6h3figs-rquestion0Should I give up my abundance … over the other trees?

The olive tree is asking this question to refuse to be king. This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “I will not give up my abundance … over the other trees.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

624JDG99v5ccfigs-metonymy0abundance

This word for “wealth” is a metonym for the olives that come from the tree. People ate olives as food and crushed them to make oil for lamps. Alternate translation: “oil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

625JDG99b42t0by which gods and men are honored

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “by which people honor both gods and other men”

626JDG99ctc80gods

It is possible to translate the same Hebrew word as “god,” “God,” or “gods,” so this could mean: (1) “gods” or (2) “God.”

627JDG99a9cyfigs-metaphor0sway over

To sway is to move back and forth. Trees sway when the wind blows them. Here this is a metaphor for ruling over people. Jotham is also using irony, saying that the work of any ruler will be useless because the “trees,” the people, will not obey anyone who rules them. Alternate translation: “rule over” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

628JDG911df3rfigs-parables0the fig tree said to them

Jotham continues describing the trees as doing things that humans do. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

629JDG911bi3ffigs-rquestion0Should I give up my sweetness … over the other trees?

The fig tree is asking this question to refuse to be king. This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “I will not give up my sweetness … over the other trees.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

630JDG911jkz5figs-abstractnouns0my sweetness and my good fruit

The word “sweetness” is an abstract noun. It can be stated as an adjective that describes the fruit that grows on the tree. Alternate translation: “my good sweet fruit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

631JDG912m2h3figs-parables0The trees said to the vine

In this parable, Jotham describes the trees and the vine as doing things that humans do. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

632JDG913i2y3figs-rquestion0Should I give up my new wine … over the other trees?

The vine is asking this question to refuse to be king. This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “I will not give up my new wine … over the other trees.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

633JDG914mp3a0thornbush

Thorns are sharp spikes or spurs that hurt. This bush has many sharp spikes along its branches.

634JDG915g1p2figs-parables0The thornbush said to the trees

In this parable, Jotham describes the thornbush and the trees as doing things that humans do. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parables]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

635JDG915zea8translate-symaction0to anoint me as king over you

To anoint someone with oil is a symbolic action that appoints a person to be king. Alternate translation: “to appoint me as your king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

636JDG915cm8afigs-abstractnouns0find safety

The word “safety” is an abstract noun that can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “be safe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

637JDG915hvs50fire come out of the thornbush and let it burn up the cedars of Lebanon

This means to let the thornbush burn so that it will burn the cedars.

638JDG915xn44figs-123person0then let fire come out of the thornbush

The thornbush refers to itself as “the thornbush.” Alternate translation: “then may fire come out from me, the thornbush” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

639JDG916ayq20Now

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

640JDG916y7g30Jerub Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

641JDG916nu7nfigs-metonymy0his house

Here “house” represents Gideons family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

642JDG917x8ae0General Information:

Jotham makes the application to the situation at that time and place.

643JDG917fpm70to think that my father fought for you … out of the hand of Midian

Here Jotham is expressing that he cannot believe how badly the people of Shechem have treated Gideon and his family even after Gideon fought to save the people of Shechem.

644JDG917kqc3figs-metonymy0out of the hand of Midian

Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “from the power of the Midianites” or “from the Midianites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

645JDG918cr5wfigs-idiom0you have risen up against

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “you have opposed” or “you have rebelled against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

646JDG918i5zwfigs-metonymy0my fathers house

Here “house” represents family. Alternate translation: “my fathers family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

647JDG918yy47translate-numbers0seventy

“70” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

648JDG918ym97translate-numbers0one stone

“1 stone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

649JDG918c1540his female servant

Here “his” refers to Gideon.

650JDG919cwl5figs-hypo0If you acted with honesty and integrity with Jerub Baal and his house

Jotham offered the possibility that what they did was good, but Jotham does not actually believe what they did was good. Alternate translation: “If you treated Jerub Baal and his family as they deserved to be treated” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

651JDG919re1x0Jerub Baal

This is another name for Gideon. It means “let Baal defend himself.” See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

652JDG919r5cefigs-metonymy0his house

Here “house” refers to family. Alternate translation: “his family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

653JDG920rv9vfigs-hypo0But if not

Jotham offered the opposite possibility that what they did was evil and applied a curse. Jotham does believe what they did was evil. Alternate translation: “But if you treated Jerub Baal and his family as they did not deserve to be treated” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

654JDG920g8i6figs-metaphor0let fire come out from Abimelech and burn up the men of Shechem

Jotham is speaking a curse. He speaks of Abimelech destroying the people of Shechem as if he would burn them with fire. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

655JDG920ibq3figs-metaphor0Let fire come out from the men of Shechem and Beth Millo, to burn up Abimelech

Jotham is speaking a curse. He speaks of the people of Shechem and Beth Millo destroying Abimelech as if they would burn him with fire. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

656JDG920iey10Beth Millo

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Judges 9:6.

657JDG921pan4translate-names0Beer

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

658JDG923bv9r0God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem

This means that God applied the curse Jotham made by sending an evil spirit to cause trouble and animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem.

659JDG924xf1efigs-activepassive0God did this so the violence done … helped him murder his brothers

The passive phrases can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God did this to avenge the seventy sons whom Abimelech their brother murdered and the men of Shechem helped murder” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

660JDG924cb41translate-numbers0seventy

“70” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

661JDG924b1g10Jerub Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

662JDG925b7tx0positioned men to lie in wait on the hilltops that they might ambush him

Alternate translation: “sent men to hide on the hilltops and wait to attack Abimelech”

663JDG925pd3xfigs-activepassive0This was reported to Abimelech

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Someone told Abimelech about the men waiting to attack him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

664JDG926r2uetranslate-names0Gaal … Ebed

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

665JDG926mv9bfigs-abstractnouns0had confidence in him

The word “confidence” is an abstract noun that can be stated with the verb “trust.” Alternate translation: “trusted him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

666JDG927i6sf0They went out into the field

Here “They” refers to Gaal and his relatives and the men of Shechem.

667JDG927r8w9figs-explicit0they trampled on them

They did this to squeeze out the grape juice to make wine with it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

668JDG927c3x30trampled

Alternate translation: “crushed” or “stomped”

669JDG927d9l2figs-metonymy0in the house

Here “house” represents a temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

670JDG928yyy50Gaal … Ebed

See how you translated these names in Judges 9:26.

671JDG928w9hjfigs-rquestion0Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him?

Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelech. Alternate translation: “We should not serve Abimelech!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

672JDG928dfp7figs-parallelism0Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him?

Both of these questions means the same thing. Gaal refers to Abimelech as “Shechem” because Abimelechs mother was from Shechem. Alternate translation: “We should not serve Abimelech, that is, Shechem!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

673JDG928a6wsfigs-rquestion0Is he not the son of Jerub Baal? Is Zebul not his officer?

Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelech. Alternate translation: “He is just the son of Jerub Baal, and Zebul is just his officer.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

674JDG928p2s80Jerub Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this in Judges 6:32.

675JDG928b36ztranslate-names0Zebul

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

676JDG928rq5n0Serve the men of Hamor, Shechems father

Gaal means the people of Shechem should serve those who descended from Hamor, that is, those who are truly Canaanites, and not serve someone whose father was an Israelite.

677JDG928ju72figs-rquestion0Why should we serve Abimelech?

Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelech. Alternate translation: “We should not serve Abimelech!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

678JDG929v1e20I wish that this people were under my command

Alternate translation: “I wish that I ruled the people of Shechem”

679JDG930qj5l0Zebul

See how you translated this name in Judges 9:28.

680JDG930a53k0heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed

Alternate translation: “heard what Gaal son of Ebed said”

681JDG930p2rs0Gaal … Ebed

See how you translated these names in Judges 9:26.

682JDG930u13bfigs-metaphor0his anger was kindled

Becoming angry is spoken of as if a fire were starting. Alternate translation: “he became very angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

683JDG930lx8ufigs-metonymy0the city

Here “city” represents the people of the city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

684JDG931u8980in order to deceive

Zebul is deceiving Gaal and the people of Shechem. Alternate translation: “secretly”

685JDG931gvg1figs-metaphor0they are stirring up the city against you

This speaks of the people of the city becoming upset as if they were liquid in a pot moving around. Alternate translation: “they are persuading the people of the city to rebel against you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

686JDG932yn4z0General Information:

Zebuls messengers continue talking to Abimelech.

687JDG932j18v0Now

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

688JDG932mrh80an ambush

Alternate translation: “to hide and attack them suddenly”

689JDG933k1f30do whatever you can to them

This means that they can do what they want to destroy the followers of Gaal.

690JDG934be8t0all the men who were with him

Alternate translation: “all the men accompanying Abimelech” or “all the men fighting for Abimelech”

691JDG934b14ptranslate-numbers0dividing into four units

“separating into 4 groups” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

692JDG935q22c0Gaal … Ebed

See how you translated these names in Judges 9:26.

693JDG936v8bb0Gaal

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:26.

694JDG936vu4i0Zebul

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:28.

695JDG936gz9v0You are seeing the shadows on the hills like they are men

Zebul is trying to confuse Gaal and keep him from preparing for battle. Alternate translation: “That is not people, it is only shadows on the hills”

696JDG937kmf8translate-numbers0one unit

“1 group” or “1 troop” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

697JDG938tqh10Zebul

See how you translated this name in Judges 9:28.

698JDG938qap7figs-rquestion0Where are your proud words now, you

Zebul is scolding Gaal with this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “You are not speaking proudly now, you” or “You are not proud now, you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

699JDG938fub2figs-rquestion0you who said, Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?

Zebul is quoting Gaals boast back to Gaal. This can be translated as a statement and as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “you who said that we should not serve Abimelech.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

700JDG938qdj1figs-rquestion0Are these not the men you despised?

Zebul is challenging Gaal with this rhetorical question. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Here are the men that you despised.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

701JDG938u3920despised

strongly disliked or hated

702JDG939h55i0Gaal

See how you translated this name in Judges 9:26.

703JDG940p7lvfigs-idiom0Many fell with deadly wounds

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “And many men died of wounds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

704JDG941y21ztranslate-names0Arumah

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

705JDG941q5ep0Zebul

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:28.

706JDG941f6ud0Gaal

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Judges 9:26.

707JDG942em2hfigs-activepassive0this was reported to Abimelech

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone reported this to Abimelech” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

708JDG943rm73translate-numbers0divided them into three units

“separated them into 3 groups” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

709JDG943e8ph0they set an ambush in the fields

Alternate translation: “they hid in the fields to attack the people by surprise”

710JDG943l12efigs-synecdoche0he attacked

Here “he” refers to Abimelech who represents himself and all of his soldiers. Alternate translation: “they attacked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

711JDG944h6g90the units

Alternate translation: “the groups of soldiers”

712JDG944a246translate-numbers0other two

“other 2” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

713JDG945e7uyfigs-synecdoche0Abimelech fought … He tore down

Here “Abimelech” represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Abimelech and his soldiers fought … They tore down” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

714JDG945ch7pfigs-metonymy0against the city

Here “city” represents the people. Alternate translation: “against the people of Shechem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

715JDG945zi770tore down

Alternate translation: “demolished”

716JDG945t928figs-explicit0spread salt over it

“spread salt over the land.” Spreading salt over land keeps anything from growing there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

717JDG946lty1figs-metonymy0the house

Here this represents a temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

718JDG946kw6qtranslate-names0El-Berith

The word “El” means “god.” This is the same false god as “Baal-Berith” in Judges 8:33. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

719JDG947hnv1figs-activepassive0Abimelech was told

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Someone told Abimelech” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

720JDG948h1s8translate-names0Mount Zalmon

This is the name of a mountain. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

721JDG949thc70piled

This means to stack the branches into a large heap.

722JDG949f9xstranslate-numbers0about a thousand men

“about 1,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

723JDG950jh8ftranslate-names0Thebez

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

724JDG950nyj80encamped against Thebez

Alternate translation: “camped outside the city of Thebez”

725JDG952jgq20fought against it

Alternate translation: “attacked it”

726JDG953z9j60upper millstone

Two large, flat, round stones were used to grind grain in a mill. An upper millstone was the top one that was rolled on the lower one to crush the grain in between them.

727JDG954vm490armor-bearer

This is the man who carried the weapons of Abimelech.

728JDG954is1h0pierced him through

This means the young man put the sword right through the body of Abimelech.

729JDG956h9fbtranslate-numbers0seventy

“70” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

730JDG957fx65figs-idiom0made all the evil of the men of Shechem turn back on their own heads

“Evil turn back on their heads” here is an idiom. Alternate translation: “punished the men of Shechem for all the evil they had done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

731JDG957hua1figs-idiom0on them came the curse of Jotham son of Jerub Baal

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the curse of Jotham son of Jerub Baal happened to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

732JDG957q7dp0Jerub Baal

This is another name for Gideon. See how you translated this name in Judges 6:32.

733JDG10introzqn20

Judges 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the account of Jephthah (Judges 10-12).

Special concepts in this chapter

Israels punishment

In Judges, Israels actions are connected to their obedience to Yahweh. When Israel does evil, they are oppressed. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/oppress]])

734JDG101g7wwtranslate-names0Tola … Puah … Dodo

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

735JDG101ti4gtranslate-names0Shamir

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

736JDG101lxh70arose to deliver Israel

Alternate translation: “came to deliver Israel” or “became the leader to deliver Israel”

737JDG101i5f3figs-metonymy0deliver Israel

Here “Israel” represents the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

738JDG102m2fd0He judged Israel

Here “judged” means he led the people of Israel.

739JDG102m93utranslate-numbers0twenty-three years

“23 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

740JDG102unp5figs-activepassive0was buried

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

741JDG103f3wifigs-activepassive0He was followed by Jair the Gileadite

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Jair the Gileadite was leader after Tola” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

742JDG103m9uktranslate-names0Jair

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

743JDG103j6fm0the Gileadite

Jair was from the tribe of Gilead.

744JDG103fmn80He judged Israel

Here “judged” means he led the people of Israel.

745JDG103d5gsfigs-metonymy0Israel

Here “Israel” represents the people of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

746JDG103ezp7translate-numbers0twenty-two years

“22 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

747JDG104i1hvtranslate-numbers0thirty sons

“30 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

748JDG104vb1ytranslate-names0Havvoth Jair

This is the name of a region, which is named after a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

749JDG104h6440to this day

This means to the time when the book of Judges was being written.

750JDG105t8kafigs-activepassive0was buried

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

751JDG105s19jtranslate-names0Kamon

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

752JDG106lj2dfigs-metaphor0added to the evil they had done in the sight of Yahweh

This speaks of evil as if it were an object that a person could add to and make bigger. Alternate translation: “continued doing what Yahweh said was evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

753JDG106ki1zfigs-metaphor0in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahwehs judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “according to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

754JDG106p7j40Ashtoreths

This is the plural of Ashtoroth, who was worshiped as a goddess in many different forms. See how you translated this in Judges 2:13.

755JDG106r515figs-parallelism0They abandoned Yahweh and no longer worshiped him

The author basically said the same thing twice for emphasis. These can be combined. Alternate translation: “They completely stopped worshiping Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

756JDG106p6q5figs-metaphor0They abandoned Yahweh

No longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if the people left Yahweh and went somewhere else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

757JDG107zf61figs-metaphor0Yahweh burned with anger toward Israel

Yahweh becoming angry is spoken of as if anger were a burning fire. Alternate translation: “Yahweh was very angry at Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

758JDG107f4v2figs-metaphor0he sold them into the hand of the Philistines and into the hand of the Ammonites

Yahweh allowing the Philistines and the Ammonites to defeat the Israelites is spoken of as if he sold the Israelites to them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

759JDG107aj5nfigs-metonymy0into the hand

Here “hand” represents power or control. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

760JDG108psa9figs-doublet0crushed and oppressed

These two words basically mean the same and emphasize how much the Israelites suffered. Alternate translation: “terribly oppressed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

761JDG108q2mltranslate-numbers0eighteen years

“18 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

762JDG108msz60who were beyond the Jordan

This means on the east side of the Jordan River.

763JDG108b5w40which is in Gilead

Alternate translation: “this region is also called Gilead”

764JDG109wq6gfigs-metonymy0Judah … Benjamin

“Judah” and “Benjamin” refer to the people belonging to those tribes. Alternate translation: “the people of the tribe of Judah … the people of the tribe of Benjamin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

765JDG109nt9cfigs-metonymy0house of Ephraim

The “house” refers to the people of the tribe of Ephraim. Alternate translation: “the people of the tribe of Ephraim” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

766JDG109gl3bfigs-metonymy0so that Israel was greatly distressed

“Israel” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “so that the people of Israel suffered much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

767JDG1010lda90the people of Israel called out to Yahweh

This means the people of Israel desperately asked Yahweh for help.

768JDG1010b8t5figs-metaphor0because we abandoned our God

The people no longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if they left Yahweh and went somewhere else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

769JDG1010t38afigs-123person0abandoned our God

The people are speaking to Yahweh and refer to him as “our God.” This can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: “abandoned you, our God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

770JDG1012lf73figs-rquestion0and also from the Sidonians?

God is rebuking the people of Israel for their worship of other gods. The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Did I not deliver you” in verse 11 ends here. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am the one who delivered you … and also from the Sidonians.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

771JDG1012w39atranslate-names0Maonites

These are the people from the clan or family of Maon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

772JDG1012e4mlfigs-metonymy0from their power

Here “power” represents the Amalekites and the Maonites. Alternate translation: “from them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

773JDG1013p759figs-metaphor0you abandoned me again

The people no longer obeying and worshiping Yahweh is spoken of as if they left Yahweh and went somewhere else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

774JDG1013zdy2figs-idiom0I will not keep adding to the times I deliver you

The phrase “keep adding to the times” is an idiom that means to continue to do something. You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Yahwehs saying. Alternate translation: “I will not keep on delivering you again and again” or “You can be sure that I will stop delivering you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

775JDG1016i2l8figs-explicit0foreign gods among them

You can make explicit the implicit meaning of this statement. Alternate translation: “foreign gods whose images they possessed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

776JDG1016m6hdfigs-metonymy0Yahweh could bear Israels misery no longer

Here Israel refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh did not want the people of Israel to suffer any longer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

777JDG1018j3k20Who is the man who will begin to fight the Ammonites?

Alternate translation: “Who will lead our army to fight against the Ammonites?”

778JDG11introq7si0

Judges 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Jephthah continues in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jephthah the leader

Jephthah was half Israelite and half Canaanite by birth. While all of the judges were called by Yahweh, it is the leaders who called Jephthah to help them, but Yahweh still used Jephthah to help them.

779JDG111yk6stranslate-names0Gileadite

This is someone who is from the region of Gilead. It is a coincidence that his fathers name is also Gilead. See how you translated this in Judges 10:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

780JDG112r35b0When his wifes sons grew up

Alternate translation: “When the sons of Gileads wife became adults”

781JDG113aw1rtranslate-names0the land of Tob

Tob is the name of a region. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

782JDG113f5ze0they traveled with him

Alternate translation: “they followed him” or “they went everywhere together”

783JDG114cn670Some days later

Alternate translation: “Some time later”

784JDG114s6kufigs-idiom0made war against Israel

The phrase “made war” is an idiom which means that they attacked Israel and were at war with them. Here “Israel” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “attacked the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

785JDG116b37n0that we may fight with

Alternate translation: “so that we can fight against”

786JDG117f7vjfigs-metonymy0my fathers house

Here “house” refers to people living in the house. Alternate translation: “my family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

787JDG118ph3xfigs-explicit0That is why we are turning to you now

The word “that” refers to what Jephthah said about them being in trouble. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “We are turning to you now because we are in trouble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

788JDG118uem90fight with the people of Ammon

Alternate translation: “fight against the people of Ammon”

789JDG1111hf4cfigs-doublet0leader and commander

These two words basically have the same meaning repeated to emphasize how important Jephthah had became. You can combine the two words. Alternate translation: “commander” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

790JDG1111v6uqfigs-idiom0When he was before Yahweh in Mizpah, Jephthah repeated all the promises he made

This is an idiom. Here the phrase “before Yahwheh” means that he repeated his promises as a vow before Yahweh. Alternate translation: “When Jephthah was in Mizpah he repeated all of these promises as a vow before Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

791JDG1111w6mk0all the promises he made

This refers to the promises he made to the leaders of Gilead about becoming their leader.

792JDG1112ybt90What is this conflict between us

“Why is there conflict between us?” Jephthah is asking the king why they are angry with Israel.

793JDG1112su7kfigs-synecdoche0Why have you come with force to take our land

The word “you” refers to the King of Ammon and represents himself and his soldiers. Alternate translation: “Why have your soldiers come to seize our land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

794JDG1112hwk40come with force to take

Alternate translation: “come to forcefully take”

795JDG1113qdz6translate-names0Arnon … Jabbok

These are the names of two rivers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

796JDG1113ps710over to the Jordan

Alternate translation: “on the other side of the Jordan River”

797JDG1113tsw40in peace

Alternate translation: “peacefully” or “and do not try to defend them”

798JDG1115i4nsfigs-explicit0he said

Here the word “he” refers to the messenger who was speaking to the king. This may be written with the word “they” as in the UST, referring to the group of messengers. Alternate translation: “Jephthah told the messengers to say” or “they said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

799JDG1116e7sjfigs-idiom0they came up from Egypt

Whenever people traveled to the promised land it is referred to as going “up” to the promised land. When the Israelites left Egypt they were on their way to the promised land. Alternate translation: “they left Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

800JDG1117je4p0General Information:

Jephthahs messengers continue to speak.

801JDG1117tn6ffigs-synecdoche0When Israel sent messengers

The messengers were sent by the leaders of Israel. Alternate translation: “When the leaders of Israel sent messengers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

802JDG1117kl4c0pass through

Alternate translation: “go through” or “cross”

803JDG1117v8aafigs-idiom0would not listen

This phrase is an idiom that means to “refuse.” Alternate translation: “refused” or “denied their request” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

804JDG1117q2mzfigs-explicit0They also sent messengers to the king of Moab

The reason that Israel sent messengers to the king of Moab can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “They also send messengers to the king of Moab with the same request” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

805JDG1117x2uefigs-explicit0but he refused

The king of Moab refused Israels request to pass through Moab. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “but he also refused and would not let them pass through the land of Moab” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

806JDG1118el820Arnon

This is the name of a river. See how you translated this in Judges 11:13.

807JDG1119msq60General Information:

Jephthahs messengers continue to speak.

808JDG1119ur8xfigs-synecdoche0Israel sent messengers to Sihon

The messengers were sent by the leaders of Israel. Alternate translation: “When the leaders of Israel sent messengers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

809JDG1119j2t5translate-names0Sihon

This is the name of a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

810JDG1119pyu6translate-names0Heshbon

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

811JDG1120mn9xtranslate-names0Jahaz

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

812JDG1120ew16figs-explicit0But Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory

Sihon did not trust the people of Israel to pass through his land peacefully. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “But Sihon did not trust the people of Israel to pass through his territory peacefully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

813JDG1120d9gafigs-synecdoche0there he fought

The word “he” refers to Sihon and represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “there they fought” or “there his army fought” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

814JDG1121sf5x0General Information:

Jephthahs messengers continue to speak.

815JDG1121fsk60Sihon

See how you translated this mans name in Judges 11:19.

816JDG1121vp7wfigs-metonymy0gave Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel

Here “hand” refers to power to defeat in battle. Alternate translation: “gave Israel power over Sihon and all his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

817JDG1122ce2e0Arnon … Jabbok

See how you translated the names of these rivers in Judges 11:13.

818JDG1123v22e0General Information:

Jephthahs messengers continue to speak.

819JDG1123ru3nfigs-rquestion0should you now take possession of their land?

Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with this rhetorical question. The word “their” refers to the Israel. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “therefore, you should not take possession of their land.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

820JDG1124nr59figs-rquestion0Will you not take over the land that Chemosh, your god, gives you?

Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should only take over the land that Chemosh, your god, gives you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

821JDG1124bcm5figs-idiom0take over

This is an idiom which means to take control of something. Alternate translation: “take control of” or “take possession of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

822JDG1124z3zhtranslate-names0Chemosh

This is the name of a false god. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

823JDG1125wln3figs-rquestion0Now are you really better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab?

Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are not better than Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

824JDG1125fk7mtranslate-names0Balak … Zippor

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

825JDG1125giw3figs-rquestion0Did he dare to have an argument with Israel?

Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated with a statement. Alternate translation: “Yet he did not dare to have an argument with Israel.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

826JDG1125k8y5figs-rquestion0Did he ever wage war against them?

Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated with a statement. Alternate translation: “Nor did he ever wage war against them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

827JDG1126pty20General Information:

Jephthahs messengers continue to speak.

828JDG1126t5g4translate-numbers0three hundred years

“300 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

829JDG1126pu9w0Heshbon

Translate the name of this city the same way that you did in Judges 11:19.

830JDG1126c2xitranslate-names0Aroer

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

831JDG1126h61tfigs-rquestion0why then did you not take them back during that time?

Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “you should have taken them back during that time.” or “now it is too late; you should have taken them back long ago.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

832JDG1127aei3figs-synecdoche0I have not done you wrong, but you are doing me wrong by attacking me

Jephthah is speaking to the Sihon. Here Jephthah speaks about the Israelites as though they were himself and of the Ammonites as if they were Sihon their king. Alternate translation: “The Israelites have not done wrong to your people, but your people are doing us wrong by attacking us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

833JDG1127n4fkfigs-idiom0done you wrong … doing me wrong

This is an idiom. To do someone wrong means to do something wrong to them. Alternate translation: “treated you wrongly … treating me wrongly” or “treated you unfairly … treating me unfairly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

834JDG1129p2lwfigs-idiom0the Spirit of Yahweh came on Jephthah

This is an idiom which means that the Spirit influenced Jephthahs decisions. Alternate translation: “the Spirit of Yahweh took control of Jephthah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

835JDG1129dq1cfigs-explicit0he passed through Gilead and Manasseh … from Mizpah of Gilead

Jephthah passed through these places enlisting men for his army to go to war with the people of Ammon. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “he gathered men for his army as he passed through Gilead and Manasseh … from Mizpah of Gilead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

836JDG1131kh4efigs-idiom0I will offer it up

This is an idiom which means to give something as an offering. Alternate translation: “I will offer it to you” or “I will sacrifice it to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

837JDG1132wr1nfigs-synecdoche0So Jephthah passed through … Yahweh gave him victory

Since Jephthah was the leader of his army, he and his army are often spoken of as Jephthah himself. Alternate translation: “So Jephthah and his army passed through … Yahweh gave them victory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

838JDG1133rt2jfigs-synecdoche0He attacked

Since Jephthah was the leader of his army, he and his army are often spoken of as Jephthah himself (verse 32). Alternate translation: “they attacked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

839JDG1133dl1t0Aroer

Translate the name of this city the same way you did in Judges 11:26.

840JDG1133pfq6translate-names0Minnith … Abel Keramim

These are the names of cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

841JDG1133i18jtranslate-numbers0twenty cities

“including 20 cities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

842JDG1134ng9vtranslate-unknown0tambourines

musical instruments with heads like drums that can be hit and with pieces of metal around their sides that sound when the instruments are shaken (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

843JDG1135md3ntranslate-symaction0he tore his clothes

This is an act that shows mourning or great sadness. Alternate translation: “he tore his clothes from grief” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

844JDG1135puu2figs-parallelism0You have crushed me with sorrow … you have become one who causes me pain

Jephthah said basically the same thing twice to emphasize that he was very sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

845JDG1135qi6cfigs-metaphor0You have crushed me with sorrow

Here Jephthah speaks of his great sorrow as something that crushes him. Alternate translation: “You have caused me great sorrow” or “You have filled me with sorrow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

846JDG1135dvs5figs-metaphor0you have become one who causes me pain

Here Jephthah talks about his great distress and trouble as if it were pain. Alternate translation: “you have become someone who troubles me” or “you cause me great distress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

847JDG1135gvy5figs-idiom0I cannot turn back on my promise

This is an idiom. To turn back on a promise means to not do what you have promised to do. Alternate translation: “I must do what I have promised” or “I cannot break my promise” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

848JDG1136e6gufigs-explicit0has taken vengeance for you against your enemies, the Ammonites

Yahweh has taken vengence for him by defeating his enemies. The meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “has taken vengeance for you against your enemies, the Ammonites, by defeating them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

849JDG1137hj6qfigs-activepassive0Let this promise be kept for me

This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: “Keep this promise for me” or “Keep this promise concerning me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

850JDG1137dh7s0grieve over my virginity

Alternate translation: “weep because I am a virgin” or “cry because I will never be married”

851JDG1139n4myfigs-euphemism0had never known a man

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “had never had sexual relations with a man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

852JDG1140s7390the Gileadite

This refers to someone from Gilead. See how you translated this in Judges 10:3.

853JDG12introp8zn0

Judges 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Jephthah concludes in this chapter.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Shibboleth

This is a word in Hebrew. Its importance in this chapter is because of its sounds, not its meaning. The translator should not translate the meaning of this word, but should transliterate or transfer it into the target language by substituting letters that have the same sounds. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

854JDG121mp3kfigs-abstractnouns0A call went out to the men of Ephraim

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word call, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The men of Ephraim were called together” or “The men … of Ephraim called together their soldiers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

855JDG121ubq3translate-names0Zaphon

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

856JDG121hh1l0passed through … pass through

or “traveled through … travel” or “journeyed through … journey”

857JDG121lt7lfigs-idiom0We will burn your house down over you

This idiom means to burn down a house with people inside it. Alternate translation: “We will burn your house down with you still in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

858JDG122fsb1figs-you0When I called you, you

Here the word “you” is plural and refers to the people of Ephraim. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

859JDG122nxf4figs-synecdoche0did not rescue me

Jephthah uses the word “me” to refer to himself and all the people of Gilead. Alternate translation: “do not rescue us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

860JDG123s3v2figs-you0you did not rescue me

The word “you” is plural and refers to the men of Ephraim. Jephthah is referring to the people of Gilead, including himself, when he says “me.” Alternate translation: “you did not rescue us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

861JDG123zev7figs-idiom0I put my life in my own hand

This is an idiom which means to risk ones life and to rely only on ones own strength. Jephthah continues to refer to the people of Gilead as himself. Alternate translation: “We risked our lives, relying on our own strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

862JDG123u5y7figs-explicit0Yahweh gave me victory

Jephthah is referring to Yahweh giving the men of Gilead victory over the Ammonites. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave us victory over them” or “Yahweh allowed us to defeat them in battle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

863JDG123uje8figs-you0Why have you come to fight against me

The word “you” is plural and refers to the men of Ephraim. Jephthah is referring to the people of Gilead, including himself, when he says “me.” Alternate translation: “Why have you come to fight against us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

864JDG123nt4rfigs-explicit0passed through against the people of Ammon

This means that they fought against the Ammonites as they passed through Ammon. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “fought against the people of Ammon as we passed through their region” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

865JDG124by47figs-synecdoche0he fought against Ephraim

The word “he” refers to Jephthah and all the fighting men of Gilead. Alternate translation: “they fought against Ephraim” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

866JDG124y6zxfigs-explicit0You Gileadites are fugitives

You can make the meaning of this insult explicit. Alternate translation: “You Gileadites do not really belong here. You are just people who came here to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

867JDG124p9f20Gileadites

people from Gilead

868JDG124h3vl0in Ephraim—in Ephraim and Manasseh

“in the regions of Ephraim and Manasseh” or “in the land of Ephraim and Manasseh.” Here “Ephraim” and “Manasseh” refer to regions and are named after the tribes which live there.

869JDG125dcy50to Ephraim

Alternate translation: “to the land of Ephraim”

870JDG125f8sh0The Gileadites captured

Alternate translation: “The Gileadites controlled” or “The Gileadites occupied”

871JDG125yc1p0fords

These are places where you can cross the river on foot because the water is shallow.

872JDG125w1cc0Ephraimite

person from the tribe of Ephraim

873JDG126cee8translate-transliterate0Shibboleth … Sibboleth

These words have no meaning. Copy these words into your language, and make sure that the beginning of the words, that is the letters “Sh” and “S” are translated differently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

874JDG126uc7k0pronounce the word

Alternate translation: “make the sound of the word”

875JDG126d82ptranslate-numbers0Forty-two thousand

“42,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

876JDG126c2bbfigs-activepassive0Forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They killed forty-two thousand Ephraimites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

877JDG127v8rvfigs-activepassive0Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Jephthah the Gileadite died and they buried him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

878JDG128ha85translate-names0Ibzan of Bethlehem

This is the name of a man from Bethlehem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

879JDG129d515figs-idiom0He gave away thirty daughters in marriage

Here “give away … in marriage” is an idiom which means that he allowed his daughters to get married. Alternate translation: “He had thirty daughters and arranged a marriage for each of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

880JDG129r2m9figs-idiom0he brought in thirty daughters of other men for his sons, from the outside

The idiom “bring them in from the outside” means that he had women from other clans marry his sons. Alternate translation: “he arranged for thirty daughters of other men from outside of his clan to marry his sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

881JDG1210jbg6figs-activepassive0was buried at Bethlehem

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him in Bethlehem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

882JDG1211k8nxtranslate-names0Elon

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

883JDG1211jl6e0Zebulunite

someone from the tribe of Zebulun

884JDG1212dn790Aijalon

Translate the name of this place the same way you did in Judges 1:35.

885JDG1212dzh4figs-activepassive0was buried in Aijalon

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried him in Aijalon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

886JDG1213x9gztranslate-names0Abdon … Hillel

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

887JDG1213z3n6translate-names0Pirathon

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

888JDG1214n7k2figs-metonymy0They rode on seventy donkeys

These men owned seventy donkeys, which they did ride. Here the word “rode” is used instead of “owned.” Alternate translation: “They owned seventy donkeys” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

889JDG1214ua8stranslate-numbers0forty sons … thirty grandsons … seventy donkeys

“40 sons…30 grandsons…70 donkeys (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

890JDG1215wqm2translate-names0Pirathonite … Pirathon

Pirathon is the name of a place, someone who is from that place is called a Pirathonite. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

891JDG13introeu670

Judges 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the account of Samson (Judges 13-16).

Special concepts in this chapter

Warning not to cut his hair

The angel of the Lord prophesied about Samson and gave instructions to Samsons mother. Samsons mother was to offer up her son under a Nazarite vow. This was a special type of vow, dedicating Samson to Yahweh. Part of this vow prohibited the cutting of the persons hair. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/vow]])

892JDG131acr5figs-metaphor0what was evil in the sight of Yahweh

The sight of Yahweh represents Yahwehs judgment or evaluation. See how you translated this in Judges 2:11. Alternate translation: “what was evil in Yahwehs judgment” or “what Yahweh considered to be evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

893JDG131g29rfigs-metonymy0he gave them into the hand of the Philistines

Here “hand” refers to power to gain victory in battle. Alternate translation: “he allowed the Philistines to defeat them” or “he allowed them to be oppressed by the Philistines” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

894JDG131jxd2translate-numbers0forty years

“40 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

895JDG132y3djtranslate-names0Zorah

This was the name of a town in Israel. It was in the region of Judah near the border of Dan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

896JDG132l3wl0Danites

people from the tribe of Dan

897JDG132v9vwtranslate-names0Manoah

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

898JDG133a36ufigs-idiom0give birth to a son

This refers to childbirth. Alternate translation: “bear a son” or “have a baby boy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

899JDG134nfl8figs-metaphor0anything unclean

Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

900JDG135q3p10Look

Alternate translation: “Pay attention” or “Listen”

901JDG135wb3hfigs-metonymy0No razor will be used upon his head

Here the word “head” refers to his hair. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one should ever cut his hair” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

902JDG135lb1d0razor

a sharp knife used to cut hair close to the skin

903JDG135vq8hfigs-explicit0a Nazirite to God

This means that he will be devoted to God as a Nazirite. Alternate translation: “a Nazirite devoted to God” or “devoted to God as a Nazirite” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

904JDG135zui7figs-metonymy0from the womb

Here the word “womb” refers to the time before the child is born. Alternate translation: “from before he is born” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

905JDG135am6sfigs-metonymy0the hand of the Philistines

Here the word “hand” means control. Alternate translation: “the control of the Philistines” or “being under the Philistines control” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

906JDG136djg9figs-explicit0A man of God

This means that the man was sent by God. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “A man that God sent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

907JDG136w3z3figs-simile0his appearance was like that of an angel of God, very terrible

Here “terrible” means “frightening.” Alternate translation: “I was very afraid of him because he looked like an angel of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

908JDG137n53c0Look

Alternate translation: “Pay attention” or “Listen”

909JDG137p1srfigs-idiom0give birth to a son

This refers to childbirth. Alternate translation: “bear a son” or “have a baby boy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

910JDG137s1qyfigs-metaphor0any food that the law declares to be unclean

Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

911JDG137pd9afigs-explicit0a Nazirite to God

This means that he will be devoted to God as a Nazirite. See how you translated this in Judges 3:5. Alternate translation: “a Nazirite devoted to God” or “devoted to God as a Nazirite” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

912JDG137xct1figs-merism0from the time he is in your womb until the day of his death

This emphasizes that it would be for his entire life. Alternate translation: “all his life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

913JDG138nb4i0Manoah

See how you translated this mans name in Judges 13:2.

914JDG139m96nfigs-explicit0came to the woman

You can make explicit the implicit meaning of the authors words. Alternate translation: “came to Manoahs wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

915JDG1310me6y0Look

Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

916JDG1310snn4figs-explicit0The man

This refers to the angel of God in Judges 13:3. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the man of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

917JDG1312gti50your words

Alternate translation: “what you have said”

918JDG1314u67rfigs-metonymy0anything that comes from the vines

Here the angel refers to any food that grow on a vine as “coming” from the vine. Alternate translation: “anything that grows on a vine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

919JDG1314f8vufigs-metaphor0unclean

Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. See how you translated this phrase in Judges 13:7. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

920JDG1315aw65figs-explicit0prepare a young goat for you

You can make explicit the implicit meaning of Manoahs statement. Alternate translation: “cook a young goat for you to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

921JDG1317ut4y0your words come true

Alternate translation: “what you have said comes true”

922JDG1318dsd7figs-rquestion0Why do you ask my name?

The angel asks this question as a rebuke. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not ask me what my name is.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

923JDG1318rr96figs-explicit0It is wonderful

It may be helpful to explain more explicitly why they should not ask his name. Alternate translation: “It is too wonderful for you to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

924JDG1319lw91figs-explicit0with the grain offering

This law requires a grain offering to be offered when a burnt offering is made. Alternate translation: “with the grain offering required with it” or “with the grain offering to accompany it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

925JDG1319d2km0on the rock

“on the altar.” The altar Manoah sacrificed the offering on was a rock.

926JDG1319pqv40He did something

Alternate translation: “The angel did something”

927JDG1320s8h80the angel of Yahweh went up in the flame of the altar

Alternate translation: “the angel of Yahweh went back up into heaven through the flames on the altar”

928JDG1320g2fztranslate-symaction0lay facedown on the ground

“lay with their faces to the ground.” This is a sign of respect and honor, but it also shows their fear of Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

929JDG1321yi5q0that he was the angel of Yahweh

The word “he” refers to the man who Manoah and his wife had seen.

930JDG1322f9uzfigs-explicit0We are sure to die, because we have seen God

It is implied that they think God will cause them to die. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “God will cause us to die because we have seen him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

931JDG1323u22xfigs-parallelism0He would not have shown us all these things, nor at this time would he have let us hear such things

Manoahs wife said basically the same thing twice for emphasis. These two statements can be combined. Alternate translation: “He would not have told us what he wanted us to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

932JDG1324n5650the woman

Alternate translation: “Manoahs wife”

933JDG1324lz2qfigs-idiom0gave birth to a son

This refers to childbirth. Alternate translation: “bore a son” or “had a baby boy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

934JDG1324ht9i0grew up

Alternate translation: “became an adult” or “matured”

935JDG1325hmc1figs-metaphor0Yahwehs Spirit began to stir him

Here the way Yahwehs Spirit influences Samson is compared to the way a spoon stirs food in a pot. Alternate translation: “Yahwehs Spirit began to influence Samson” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

936JDG1325wnc2translate-names0Mahaneh Dan … Eshtaol

Mahaneh Dan is the name of a temporary camp that the tribe of Dan lived in while they looked for a permanent home. Eshtaol is the name of a town. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

937JDG1325x4d30Zorah

Translate the name of this town the same way you did in Judges 13:2.

938JDG14introcl2d0

Judges 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Samson continues in this chapter.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 14:14, 18.

Special concepts in this chapter

Intermarriage

It was considered sinful for an Israel to marry a Canaanite or anyone from a different people group. This is why Samsons parents did not want him to marry a Philistine woman. They use rhetorical questions to convince him that he is sinning. This woman caused Samson many problems. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

939JDG141bwa3translate-names0Samson went down to Timnah

The phrase “went down” is used here because Timnah is lower in elevation than where his fathers house was. Timah is the name of a city in the Sorek Valley. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

940JDG141u7xbfigs-euphemism0one of the daughters of the Philistines

The word “daughter” is a polite way to refer to a young, unmarried woman. Alternate translation: “one of the unmarried women among the Philistine people” or “a Philistine girl” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

941JDG142b9h1figs-idiom0Now get her for me to be my wife

This is an idiom. Samson was demanding his parents to speak to the Philistine womans parents about marriage. Alternate translation: “Now arrange for her to become my wife” or “Make the arrangements for me to marry her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

942JDG143lcb9figs-rquestion0Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people?

They ask this question to suggest that they could find Samson a wife among their own people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely there are women among your people whom you could marry.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

943JDG143x278figs-euphemism0the daughters of your relatives

The word “daughter” is a polite way to refer to a young, unmarried woman. Alternate translation: “one of the unmarried women among your relatives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

944JDG143wj22figs-rquestion0Are you going to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?

This question is asked to rebuke Samson. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. You can make explicit the reason his parents do not want him to marry a Philistine. Alternate translation: “You really should not marry a Philistine woman because the Philistine people do not worship Yahweh.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

945JDG143srv6figs-idiom0Get her for me

This is an idiom. Samson was demanding his parents to speak to the Philistine womans parents about marriage. Alternate translation: “Now arrange for her to be my wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

946JDG143r62cfigs-explicit0she pleases me

This means that Samson thinks she is beautiful. “I am pleased by how beautiful she is” or “she is beautiful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

947JDG144ubq90this matter

This refers to Samsons request to marry the Philistine woman.

948JDG144k7hy0for he desired to create a conflict

The word “he” refers to Yahweh.

949JDG145d4lttranslate-names0Samson went down to Timnah

The phrase “went down” is used here because Timnah is lower in elevation than where his fathers house was. Timnah was a city in the Sorek Valley. Translate the name of this city the same way you did in Judges 14:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

950JDG145ty9rfigs-idiom0And, look, there one of the young lions came up

Here the word “look” is used to draw the readers attention to a surprising event that happens in the story. The phrase “came up” means that the lion came near him. Alternate translation: “Suddenly, a young lion came near him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

951JDG145szi70was roaring at him

“threatened him.” This is the kind of noise that a lion makes when it threatens to attack something.

952JDG146m9m5figs-idiom0Yahwehs Spirit suddenly came on him

The phrase “came on” means that Yahwehs Spirit influenced Samson. In this case, he made him very strong. Alternate translation: “Yahwehs Spirit made him very strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

953JDG146ryx90tore … apart

tore into two pieces

954JDG146t92dfigs-litotes0had nothing in his hand

Here it states that he had nothing in his hand to emphasize that he was not holding a weapon. Alternate translation: “did not have a weapon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

955JDG147s2mjfigs-explicit0she pleased Samson

This means that he thought she was very beautiful. Alternate translation: “he was pleased by how beautiful she was” or “he thought she was very beautiful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

956JDG148d5v9figs-idiom0he turned aside

This means that he left his path to do something. Alternate translation: “he left the path” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

957JDG148ude70carcass

dead body

958JDG148um8zfigs-idiom0And, look, there was a swarm of bees

Here the word “look” is used to draw the readers attention to something surprising that happens in the story. Alternate translation: “He found a swarm of bees” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

959JDG148y8ha0swarm

large group of insects

960JDG149u3ie0scraped up

Alternate translation: “gathered up”

961JDG1410cm3zfigs-idiom0Samsons father went down to where the woman was

The phrase “went down” is used to describe Timnah which is lower in elevation than where Samsons father lives. Alternate translation: “Samsons father went to where the woman lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

962JDG1410ugh2figs-explicit0the custom of the young men

It may be helpful to state that this was a marriage custom. Alternate translation: “the custom of young men who were getting married” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

963JDG1411ff89translate-numbers0thirty of their friends

“30 of their friends” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

964JDG1412kh6c0riddle

a game in which the players must discover the answer to a difficult question

965JDG1412a8erfigs-idiom0can find it out

This means to figure out the meaning of the riddle. Alternate translation: “can figure out its meaning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

966JDG1412fk4ttranslate-numbers0thirty linen robes and thirty sets of clothes

“30 linen robes and 30 sets of clothes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

967JDG1412ze1u0linen

a type of cloth

968JDG1413yu1yfigs-you0But if you cannot tell me

Here the word “you” is plural and refers to the guests at the feast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

969JDG1414z49r0General Information:

Samson tells his riddle. Since it is supposed to be hard to understand, do not translate it in a way that people will immediately know what it means.

970JDG1414j8sv0Out of the eater was something to eat

Alternate translation: “Out of the eater came something to eat” or “Something to eat came out of something that eats”

971JDG1414mcm30the eater

The noun “eater” can be expressed as a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “the thing that eats”

972JDG1414hsz90out of the strong was something sweet

Alternate translation: “out of the strong came something sweet” or “Something that is sweet came out of something that is strong”

973JDG1414ck4efigs-nominaladj0the strong

This refers to something that is strong. Alternate translation: “the strong thing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

974JDG1414bdu60his guests

Alternate translation: “the men at his feast”

975JDG1414mf31figs-metaphor0could not find the answer

Here figuring out the answer to the riddle is spoke of as if it were something hidden that the guest had to search for and find. Alternate translation: “could not figure out the answer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

976JDG1415wrs2translate-ordinal0the fourth day

“day 4” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

977JDG1415w5dc0Trick

mislead or fool someone into doing something they would not want to do

978JDG1415jx5rfigs-metonymy0your fathers house

This could mean: (1) this refers to the actual house. Alternate translation: “the house your father and his family live in” or (2) “house” refers to the people who live in it. Alternate translation: “your family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

979JDG1415t8shfigs-idiom0will burn up

The phrase “burn up” means to burn something completely. If a person is “burnt up,” it means that person is burned to death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

980JDG1415si25figs-rquestion0Did you invite us here in order to make us poor?

They ask her this question to accuse her of doing evil. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have brought us here to make us poor!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

981JDG1415sg4ifigs-explicit0to make us poor

They would become poor if they had to buy him new clothes if they could not solve the riddle. Alternate translation: “to make us poor by forcing us to buy him new clothes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

982JDG1416hr3kfigs-parallelism0All you do is hate me! You do not love me

Samsons wife basically said the same thing twice for emphasis. Alternate translation: “You do not really love me at all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

983JDG1416d72a0riddle

a game in which the players must discover the answer to a difficult question

984JDG1416j4gp0Look here

This is used to get someones attention. Here “look” means to “listen.” Alternate translation: “Listen to me” or “Pay attention to what I am about to say”

985JDG1416zq8zfigs-rquestion0if I have not told my father or my mother, should I tell you?

Samson was rebuking her for demanding that he tell her the answer. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have not even told my father or mother. I will not tell you.” or “you should not demand that I tell you, since I have not even told my parents, and they are closer to me than you are.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

986JDG1417ejm70during the seven days that their feast lasted

This could mean: (1) “during the seven days of their feast” or (2) “during the rest of the seven days of their feast.”

987JDG1417rfq6translate-ordinal0the seventh day

“day 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

988JDG1417xid1figs-idiom0she pressured him very much

Here the word “pressured” means “urged.” Alternate translation: “she kept urging him to tell her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

989JDG1418ui6tfigs-explicit0the men of the city

This refers to Samsons wifes relatives. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the young men” or “her relatives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

990JDG1418mq6ytranslate-ordinal0the seventh day

“day 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

991JDG1418vi1zfigs-rquestion0What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?

This is the answer to the riddle. It may be written as a statement instead of as questions. If necessary it could be made clear how this relates to the riddle by adding more information. Alternate translation: “Honey is sweet and a lion is strong.” or “Honey is sweet and it came out of a lion.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

992JDG1418scv6figs-metaphor0If you had not plowed with my heifer

Samson compares their using his wife to get the answer to someone using another persons heifer to plow his field. Alternate translation: “If you had not used my wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

993JDG1418cl8w0plowed

To plow is to use an animal to pull a blade through soil to prepare the soil for seeds.

994JDG1419m2gzfigs-idiom0came on Samson with power

The phrase “came on” means that Yahwehs Spirit influenced Samson. In this case, he made him very strong. Alternate translation: “made Samson very strong” or “made Samson very powerful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

995JDG1419ht3ctranslate-numbers0killed thirty of their men

“killed 30 of their men” - (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

996JDG1419kc4e0their men

Alternate translation: “the men who lived there”

997JDG1419u2u50plunder

things taken by force, usually after a fight or battle

998JDG1419axx7figs-explicit0their clothes

These were from the plunder he had taken from Ashkelon. Alternate translation: “the sets of clothing that he had taken” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

999JDG1419ym430Burning with anger

Alternate translation: “Very angry”

1000JDG1419d5ji0went up to his fathers house

The phrase “went up” is used here because Samson was at Timnah which is lower in elevation than where his fathers house is located.

1001JDG1420hb14figs-activepassive0Samsons wife was given to his best friend

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his wifes father gave her to his best friend” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1002JDG1420ibt70best friend

Alternate translation: “closest friend”

1003JDG15introdn160

Judges 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Samson continues in this chapter.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 15:16.

Special concepts in this chapter

Samsons strength

The Spirit of Yahweh rushed upon Samson. This meant God gave Samson extraordinary strength. Samsons power is the power of Yahweh himself and he enacted the judgment of God on the Philistines. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]])

1004JDG151gn7wfigs-idiom0He said to himself

This refers to thinking. Alternate translation: “He thought to himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1005JDG151n6mlfigs-explicit0I will go to my wifes room

Samson intended to sleep with his wife. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I will go to my wifes room, so we may sleep together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1006JDG151hmg4figs-ellipsis0would not allow him to go in

The phrase “her room” is understood from what Samson said to himself. It can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “would not permit him to go into her room” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1007JDG152f2qkfigs-explicit0so I gave her to your friend

This means that he gave her to be his friends wife. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “so I gave her to be married to your friend” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1008JDG152pn1afigs-rquestion0is she not?

He asks this question to imply that Samson should agree with him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I hope you agree.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1009JDG152ruf2figs-explicit0Take her instead

He is suggesting that Samson take her as his wife. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Take her to be your wife instead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1010JDG153b19afigs-explicit0I will be innocent in regard to the Philistines when I hurt them

Samson thinks that he will be innocent if he attacks the Philistines because they wronged him. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I will be innocent if I hurt the Philistines because they have wronged me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1011JDG154vl3ytranslate-numbers0three hundred foxes

“300 foxes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1012JDG154bxn90foxes

Foxes are animals like dogs that have long tails and that eat nesting birds and other small animals.

1013JDG154g4ms0each pair

a pair is two of anything, such as two foxes, or two tails

1014JDG154l3z70tail to tail

Alternate translation: “by their tails”

1015JDG154b6p30torches

A torch is a stick of wood with something flammable attached to one end; a torch is often used to light other things or to be carried for light.

1016JDG155p7mc0standing grain

grain that is still growing on its stalk in the field

1017JDG155i6qn0stacked grain

the stalks of grain collected in piles after it has been harvested

1018JDG155a7kw0orchards

An orchard is a place where fruit trees are grown.

1019JDG156mns70the Timnites son-in-law

The husband of a mans daughter is a “son-in-law.”

1020JDG156r78stranslate-names0Timnite

This is a person from Timnah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1021JDG156uk9afigs-explicit0took Samsons wife and gave her to his friend

Samsons wifes father gave her in marriage to Samsons friend. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “took Samsons wife and allowed her to marry Samsons friend” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1022JDG156hz8ufigs-idiom0burned up

The phrase “burned up” means to burn something completely. If a person is “burned up,” it means that person is burned to death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1023JDG157sj8e0said to them

Alternate translation: “said to the Philistines”

1024JDG157k4eu0If this is what you do

Alternate translation: “Because you have done this.”

1025JDG158x42bfigs-synecdoche0he cut them to pieces, hip and thigh

Here “hip and thigh” refers to the whole body. This is a graphic description of how Samson killed the Philistines. Alternate translation: “He cut their bodies to pieces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1026JDG158m2qafigs-idiom0he went down

Here the phrase “went down” does not likely mean that he changed elevation, but rather, it is a way to describe someone going to another place. Alternate translation: “he went” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1027JDG158xk3p0cave

an opening in a hill or mountainside

1028JDG158yl630cliff

a high, rocky hill or mountainside

1029JDG158b6rwtranslate-names0Etam

This is the name of the rocky hill country near Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1030JDG159g7cb0the Philistines came up … in Judah

The phrase “came up” is used here because the Philistines went to Judah which is higher in elevation than where they traveled from.

1031JDG159fkh20prepared for battle

Alternate translation: “organized themselves for battle”

1032JDG159v6jwtranslate-names0Lehi

This is the name of a town in Judah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1033JDG1510ut2qfigs-explicit0do to him as he has done to us

The Philistines are comparing how they want to kill Samson to how he killed many of the Philistines. Alternate translation: “kill him like he killed many of our people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1034JDG1511y64ptranslate-numbers0three thousand men of Judah

“3,000 men of Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1035JDG1511ji180cave in the cliff of Etam

See how you translated this phrase in Judges 15:8.

1036JDG1511k7fwfigs-rquestion0Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What is this you have done to us?

The men of Judah ask Samson these questions to rebuke him. This questions may be written as a statements. Alternate translation: “You know that the Philistines are rulers over us but you act like they are not. What you have done has caused us great harm.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1037JDG1511td2dfigs-explicit0They did to me, and so I have done to them

Samson is referring to how they killed his wife and how he killed them in revenge. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “They killed my wife, so I killed them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1038JDG1512a6tyfigs-metonymy0the hands of the Philistines

Here “hands” refers to power. Alternate translation: “the Philistines control” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1039JDG1513nz1kfigs-idiom0hand you over to them

This means to cause someone to be under someone elses control. Alternate translation: “give you to the Philistines” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1040JDG1513m8g6figs-explicit0up from the rock

This refers to the cave in the cliff of Etam where Samson had gone in Judges 15:8. Here the words “up from” mean that they had brought him away from the cave. Alternate translation: “away from the cave in the large rock” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1041JDG1514dr4zfigs-explicit0When he came

Samson was not travelling alone, he was being led by the men who had tied him with ropes. Alternate translation: “When they came” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1042JDG1514xp7l0Lehi

This is the name of a town in Judah. See how you translated this in Judges 15:9.

1043JDG1514w48hfigs-idiom0came on him with power

The phrase “came on” means that Yahwehs Spirit influenced Samson. In this case, he made him very strong. Alternate translation: “made Samson very strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1044JDG1514nue5figs-simile0The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax

Samson easily broken the ropes that bound his hands. The author describes how easily he broke the ropes by saying it was as if they had become burnt flax. Alternate translation: “He snapped the ropes on his arms as easily as if they had been stalks of burned flax” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1045JDG1514d1fe0flax

fibers from the flax plant used for making threads and cloth

1046JDG1515w6nt0a fresh jawbone

This means that the donkey had died very recently and its bones had not yet begun to decay. A jawbone is the bone in which the lower rows of teeth are set.

1047JDG1515nb59translate-numbers0a thousand men

“1,000 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1048JDG1516dzp60the jawbone of a donkey

Alternate translation: “a donkeys jawbone”

1049JDG1516dm4vfigs-explicit0heaps upon heaps

This phrase describes how many people Samson killed. There were enough bodies to make large piles of bodies. Alternate translation: “I have made heaps of dead bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1050JDG1517ra2dtranslate-names0Ramath Lehi

This is the name of a place. Its name means “Jawbone Hill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1051JDG1518ta260was very thirsty

Alternate translation: “needed water to drink”

1052JDG1518t3wxfigs-hyperbole0But now will I die of thirst and fall into … uncircumcised?

This could mean: (1) Samson is so thirsty he could literally die. Alternate translation: “But now I will die of thirst and my body will fall into … uncircumcised.” or (2) Samson exaggerates how thirsty he is by asking if he will die of thirst. Alternate translation: “But now will you allow me to become so weak from my thirst that I fall into … uncircumcised?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1053JDG1518h9yrfigs-idiom0die of thirst

This means to die because you have not drank enough and therefore, you do not have enough water in your body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1054JDG1518u4x9figs-idiom0fall into the hands of those who are uncircumcised

The phrase “fall into the hands” means to be captured. “Those who are uncircumcised” refers to the Philistines and with the word “uncircumcised” emphasizing that they do not worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “be captured by those godless Philistines” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1055JDG1519c7pf0split open the hollow place

“opened a hole in the ground” or “opened the low place.” This refers to a low area of ground where Yahweh caused a spring of water to appear.

1056JDG1519c7760Lehi

See how you translated this in Judges 15:9

1057JDG1519rty1figs-parallelism0his strength returned and he revived

These two phrase mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Samson became strong again. These two statements can be combined. Alternate translation: “he became strong again” or “he was revived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1058JDG1519r7jitranslate-names0En Hakkore

This is the name of a spring of water. The name means “spring of him who prayed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1059JDG1519k47vfigs-idiom0it is at Lehi to this day

This means that the spring did not dry up but that it remained. The phrase “to this day” refers to the “present” time. Alternate translation: “the spring can still be found at Lehi, even today” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1060JDG1520ru29figs-explicit0in the days of the Philistines

This refers to the time period that the Philistines controlled the land of Israel. Alternate translation: “during the time the Philistines controlled Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1061JDG1520l52vtranslate-numbers0for twenty years

“for 20 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1062JDG16introu81n0

Judges 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The account of Samson concludes in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Samsons mistake

Samson mistakenly thought that he was the source of his strength. He did not realize that Yahweh had left him and without Yahweh, he had no strength. This was not Samsons only mistake. His foreign wife created most of his problems.

1063JDG161l289figs-euphemism0he went to bed with her

The phrase “went to bed with” is a polite way of referring to having sex. Alternate translation: “he had sex with her” or “he slept with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

1064JDG162j859translate-names0The Gazites were told

The word “Gazites” refers to people from Gaza. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Someone told the people of Gaza” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1065JDG162fyj20The Gazites surrounded the place … they waited for him all night at the city gate

This implies that some Gazites surrounded the place where Samson was staying and others waited at the city gate so that he could not leave.

1066JDG162lsy60They kept silent all night

This could mean: (1) “They did not make any noise all night” or (2) “They made no attempt to attack him all night.”

1067JDG163iye20until midnight

Alternate translation: “until the middle of the night”

1068JDG163fv5x0its two posts

These are supports for the city gate. These posts were probably made from tree trunks and were buried deep into the ground. The doors of the city gate were attached to these posts.

1069JDG163c2m40bar and all

The bar was probably a heavy rod of iron that connected the gate to the posts. The doors of the city gate were probably made of heavy wooden beams or iron bars.

1070JDG163m4dx0shoulders

the part of the human body where the arms and the neck attach to the body

1071JDG163yq6ttranslate-names0Hebron

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1072JDG164itb4translate-names0Valley of Sorek

This is the name of a valley near Samsons home. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1073JDG165c6wz0Trick

to mislead or fool someone into doing something they would not want to do

1074JDG165x4w2figs-idiom0to see

This is an idiom that means to learn something. Alternate translation: “to understand” or “to learn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1075JDG165vq28figs-idiom0where his great strength lies

This is an idiom that refers to where his strength comes from. Alternate translation: “what causes him to be very strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1076JDG165y38x0by what means we may overpower him

Alternate translation: “how we might overpower him”””

1077JDG165g3bgtranslate-numbers01,100 pieces of silver

“one thousand one hundred pieces of silver.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1078JDG166r4hyfigs-activepassive0bind you, so you might be controlled

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “bind you to control you” or “bind you to restrain you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1079JDG167ae1p0fresh bowstrings

Bowstrings were often made from parts of an animal, often from the tendons. The words “fresh bowstrings” refer to those that come from a freshly slaughtered animal that have not yet dried.

1080JDG167z8mlfigs-activepassive0that have not been dried

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that have not yet dried” or “that are not dry yet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1081JDG168xv64figs-activepassive0that had not been dried

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that had not yet dried” or “that were not dry yet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1082JDG168xt1g0she tied Samson up with them

Alternate translation: “Delilah tied Samson up with the fresh bowstrings”

1083JDG169n6pxwriting-background0Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author tells background information about Philistine men that Delilah had waiting to capture Samson. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1084JDG169by3qfigs-idiom0The Philistines are upon you

The phrase “upon you” means that they are ready to capture him. Alternate translation: “The Philistines are here to capture you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1085JDG169sy3afigs-simile0he broke the bowstrings like a thread of yarn when it touches the fire

The author describes how easily he broke the bowstrings by comparing them to how yarn breaks when it is burned. Alternate translation: “he broke the bowstrings as easily as if he were breaking burned yarn” or “he broke the bowstrings as easily as if they were made of thin yarn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1086JDG1610x2kmfigs-parallelism0This is how you have deceived me and told me lies.

Deceiving and lying mean the same thing and are stated to emphasize how angry Delilah felt. Alternate translation: “You have greatly deceived me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1087JDG1610e5iw0you can be overpowered

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people can overpower you”

1088JDG1612vpr3figs-idiom0The Philistines are upon you

The phrase “upon you” means that they are there to capture him. Alternate translation: “The Philistines are here to capture you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1089JDG1612rnx9figs-idiom0lying in wait

This means that they were hiding and waiting for the right moment to attack. Alternate translation: “waiting to attack him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1090JDG1612j7zpfigs-simile0like they were a piece of thread

The author describes how easily Samson broke the ropes by comparing it to him breaking a piece of thread. Alternate translation: “as easily as if they were only a piece of thread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1091JDG1613hg41figs-parallelism0you have deceived me and told me lies

Deceiving and lying mean the same thing and are stated to emphasize how angry Delilah felt. Alternate translation: “you have greatly deceived me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1092JDG1613t97zfigs-activepassive0you may be overpowered

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people can overpower you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1093JDG1613s6f30weave

crossing pieces of material together so they hold each other in place

1094JDG1613h8x30locks of my hair

small bunches of hair

1095JDG1613c2e80fabric

cloth made from weaving material together

1096JDG1613wv5vtranslate-unknown0loom

a machine used for combining many threads of material into a cloth (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1097JDG1613gkr70then nail that to the loom

Alternate translation: “then nail the fabric to the loom”

1098JDG1613pn2m0nail

to hammer a nail in order to hold something in one place

1099JDG1613w58afigs-explicit0I will be like any other man

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “I will be as weak as any other man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1100JDG1614h61lfigs-idiom0The Philistines are upon you

The phrase “upon you” means that they are there to capture him. Alternate translation: “The Philistines are here to capture you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1101JDG1614k9fifigs-explicit0he pulled out the fabric and the pin from the loom

Samson pulled out the fabric from the loom when he pulled his hair away from the loom. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “pulled away his hair, taking with it the pin of the loom and the fabric in the loom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1102JDG1614lc6p0the pin

This is the wooden nail or peg used to fasten the fabric to the loom.

1103JDG1615zzt1figs-rquestion0How can you say, I love you, when you do not share your secrets with me?

Delilah asks this question to say that if Samson really loved her he would tell her his secrets. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “When you say I love you, you are lying because you do not share your secrets with me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1104JDG1616s5uifigs-idiom0pressed him hard … pressured him

Here the author speaks of how Delilah tries to persuade Samson as if she were putting pressure on him to convince him to tell her what she wants to know. Alternate translation: “tried hard to persuade him … kept trying to persuade him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1105JDG1616imn20with her words

Alternate translation: “by what she said to him”

1106JDG1616iqa6figs-hyperbole0that he wished he would die

The author used a hyperbole, an exaggeration, to emphasize how miserable Sampson felt. Alternate translation: “that he was completely miserable” or “that he was very unhappy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1107JDG1617c8q9figs-explicit0told her everything

everything about the source of his strength. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “told her the source of his strength” or “told her the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1108JDG1617y8xz0razor

a sharp blade used to cut hair close to a persons skin

1109JDG1617z2nffigs-explicit0a Nazirite for God

This means that he is devoted to God as a Nazirite. See how you translated a similar phrase in Judges 13:5. Alternate translation: “a Nazirite devoted to God” or “devoted to God as a Nazirite” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1110JDG1617fhm4figs-metonymy0from my mothers womb

Here “from my mothers womb” refers to when he was born. This means that he has been a Nazirite since he was born. Alternate translation: “my entire life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1111JDG1617t2usfigs-activepassive0If my head is shaved

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If someone shaves my head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1112JDG1617seg50shaved

to have had the hair cut close to the skin with a razor

1113JDG1617iq1lfigs-personification0my strength will leave me

Samson speaks about his strength as if it were a person who could leave him. Alternate translation: “I will not be strong any more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1114JDG1618m9zgfigs-idiom0Delilah saw

Here the word “saw” is a idiom that means to realize something. Alternate translation: “Delilah realized” or “Delilah learned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1115JDG1618z2eufigs-explicit0the truth about everything

Here the word “everything” refers to everything about why Samson was strong. Alternate translation: “the truth about why he is strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1116JDG1618x4mm0Come up again

Delilah is telling the rulers to come again to where she lives. Her home is likely at a higher elevation than where the rulers would be travelling from.

1117JDG1618ipi8figs-explicit0bringing the silver in their hands

This means that they brought to her the silver that they had promised to give her if she helped them capture Samson. Alternate translation: “bringing the silver that they had promised to give her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1118JDG1619h2jg0She had him fall asleep

Alternate translation: “She caused him to fall asleep”

1119JDG1619x4y8figs-explicit0in her lap

This means that he slept with his head on her lap. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “with his head on her lap” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1120JDG1619gjg30lap

The lap is the level area of the upper legs when a person is sitting down.

1121JDG1619vai4figs-possession0the seven locks of his head

Samson had seven locks of hair on his head. Locks are small bunches of hair. Here his locks of hair are described as “belonging” to his head. Alternate translation: “the seven locks of hair on his head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

1122JDG1619w8dj0subdue him

Alternate translation: “control him”

1123JDG1619qt31figs-personification0his strength had left him

Here Samsons strength is described as if it were a person who could leave him. Alternate translation: “his strength was gone” or “he was no longer strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1124JDG1620e9djfigs-idiom0The Philistines are upon you

The phrase “upon you” means that they are ready to capture him. Alternate translation: “The Philistines are here to capture you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1125JDG1620jt7e0woke up

Alternate translation: “awakened”

1126JDG1620n31e0get out

Alternate translation: “escape”

1127JDG1620n47xfigs-explicit0But he did not know that Yahweh had left him

It is implied that if Yahweh left Samson, he would no longer be strong. Alternate translation: “But he did not know that Yahweh had left him and that he would not be strong enough to defeat the Philistines” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1128JDG1621ve9nfigs-idiom0put out his eyes

This means that they removed his eyes from his head. Alternate translation: “removed his eyes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1129JDG1621z2vv0down to Gaza

The phrase “down to” is used here because they brought Samson to Gaza which is lower in elevation than his home where they captured him.

1130JDG1621t7gr0bound him with bronze shackles

Alternate translation: “chained him with bronze shackles” or “tied him up using bronze shackles”

1131JDG1621t1sq0shackles

locks on the end of chains that hold a prisoner at his feet or hands, or both

1132JDG1621mn740turned the millstone

Alternate translation: “pulled the millstone around in a circle”

1133JDG1621ujq10millstone

This is a very large, heavy, circular stone. Normally, a large animal pulls the millstone around in a circle to crush grain. Here the Philistines humiliate Samson by making him pull it.

1134JDG1622ru6pfigs-activepassive0after it had been shaved

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “after the Philistines had shaved it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1135JDG1623b13vtranslate-names0Dagon

a major false god of the Philistines (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1136JDG1623p1250has conquered

Alternate translation: “has defeated”

1137JDG1623ekg1figs-metaphor0put him in our grasp

Here the author speak of Samson being under the rulers control as if he were something grasped tightly by their hands. Alternate translation: “put him under our control” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1138JDG1624ums10the destroyer of our country

This refers to Samson. The word “destroyer” can be expressed with the verb “destroy.” Alternate translation: “the man who has destroyed our country”

1139JDG1624y4qkfigs-synecdoche0who killed many of us

Here the word “us” refers to the Philistine people. Those who are talking are not counting themselves among the people whom Samson killed. Alternate translation: “who killed many of our people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1140JDG1625hiy5figs-explicit0Call for Samson … They called for Samson

Since Samson was a prisoner, he would not be called directly, but rather the people were asking for the men in charge of the prison to bring him to them. Alternate translation: “Call for them to bring out Samson … They brought Samson” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1141JDG1626b8yg0the boy

“the young man” This was not a young child, but rather a youth.

1142JDG1626d2gs0Permit me to touch the pillars on which the building rests

Alternate translation: “Allow me to touch the pillars which hold up the building”

1143JDG1627fx8pwriting-background0Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story while the writer tells background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1144JDG1627cp19translate-numbers0three thousand men and women

“3,000 men and women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1145JDG1627l6hc0looking on

Alternate translation: “watching”

1146JDG1627ulj60while Samson was entertaining them

It is unclear what Samson did to entertain them. It seems the Philistines were making him do things that would humiliate him so that they could make fun of him.

1147JDG1628n4yh0called to Yahweh

Alternate translation: “prayed to Yahweh”

1148JDG1628ypq4figs-idiom0call me to mind

This means to remember him and his situation. Alternate translation: “remember me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1149JDG1628ld690only this once

Alternate translation: “one more time”

1150JDG1628f2enfigs-idiom0in one blow on the Philistines

This idiom means that he wants to have one more powerful act against the Philistines to get full revenge for what they did to him. Alternate translation: “with one strike against the Philistine” or “in one powerful act against the Philistines” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1151JDG1629dmd30on which the building rested

Alternate translation: “which held up the building”

1152JDG1630mt5gfigs-explicit0He stretched out with his strength

When Samson stretched out his arms he pushed down the pillars of the building. Alternate translation: “He used his strength to push down the pillars” or “He used his strength to push over the pillars” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1153JDG1630i5lwfigs-nominaladj0the dead

This refers to people who are dead. Alternate translation: “the dead people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

1154JDG1630u7yd0were more

Alternate translation: “were a greater amount”

1155JDG1631rl5rfigs-metonymy0all the house of his father

Here the word “house” refers to his family. Alternate translation: “all of his fathers family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1156JDG1631jg6m0came down

The phrase “came down” is used here because the place that Samsons family traveled form was higher in elevation than Gaza.

1157JDG1631na1k0Zorah … Eshtaol

See how you translated the names of these places in Judges 13:2 and Judges 13:25.

1158JDG1631de6c0in the burial place of Manoah, his father

Alternate translation: “where his father, Manoah, is buried”

1159JDG1631i2d4translate-names0Manoah

See how you translated this mans name in Judges 13:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1160JDG1631wv8zfigs-explicit0Samson had judged Israel for twenty years

This same sentence is also in Judges 15:20. It is repeated here to remind readers of how long he judged Israel. Alternate translation: “Samson had judged Israel for twenty years before he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1161JDG1631vmv2translate-numbers0twenty years

“20 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1162JDG17introc4540

Judges 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins a section explaining how Israel came to have a king.

Special concepts in this chapter

Idols and figures

According to the law of Moses, the Israelites were prohibited from making wooden figures or cast metal idols. This was a form of idolatry. This practice was common in Canaan and it shows the influence the Israelites allowed these people to have on them. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

1163JDG171rrp1writing-participants0There was a man

This is a way to introduce a new person to the story line. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

1164JDG171ke46translate-names0Micah

This is the name of a man. It is not the same man who wrote the book of Micah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1165JDG172c1x6translate-numbers01,100 pieces

“one thousand one hundred pieces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1166JDG172k7itfigs-activepassive0that were taken from you

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which someone stole from you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1167JDG172m56x0I stole it

Alternate translation: “I was the one who took it”

1168JDG173z9j9translate-numbers01,100 pieces

“one thousand one hundred” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1169JDG173p6ydfigs-idiom0set apart

This means to dedicate something to a specific purpose. Alternate translation: “dedicate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1170JDG173sc6v0cast metal

metal that has been melted and poured into a mold to form a special shape

1171JDG173ss9u0I restore it to you

Alternate translation: “I give it back to you”

1172JDG174xsr8translate-numbers0two hundred pieces of silver

“200 pieces of silver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1173JDG174r9hlfigs-activepassive0they were placed in the house of Micah

The word “they” refers to the metal figures. This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Micah placed them in his house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1174JDG175f5zyfigs-explicit0a house of idols

This refers to a house used specifically for worshiping idols. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “a house for worshiping idols” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1175JDG176mxx3figs-metaphor0everyone did what was right in his own eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “each person did what he decided was right” or “each person did what he judged to be right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1176JDG177z9bc0of Bethlehem

Alternate translation: “from Bethlehem”

1177JDG177u5wvfigs-explicit0of the clan of Judah

This means that he was living among the family of Judah, that is, the tribe of Judah. Alternate translation: “who was living among the tribe of Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1178JDG177ktm70He stayed there to fulfill his duties

Alternate translation: “He lived and worked there”

1179JDG178pd1z0find a place to live

Alternate translation: “find a different place to live”

1180JDG179u9x8figs-explicit0where I might live

It is implied that he is looking for a place to live and work. Alternate translation: “where I might live and have a job” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1181JDG1710s5tzfigs-metonymy0a father and a priest

The word “father” is here used in the sense of an advisor, and not to a literal father. Alternate translation: “an advisor and a priest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1182JDG1710mw130I will give you ten pieces of silver a year

Alternate translation: “I will give you ten pieces of silver each year”

1183JDG1710j73e0a suit of clothes

Alternate translation: “a set of clothes”

1184JDG1710tm7mfigs-explicit0So the Levite went into his house

It is implied that the Levite accepted Micahs offer, and therefore, entered Micahs house. Alternate translation: “So the Levite accepted his offer and went into his house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1185JDG1711mvs9figs-simile0the young man became to Micah like one of his sons

The relationship between the Levite and Micah became like the close relationship between a father and son. Alternate translation: “the young man became close to Micah and was like one of his sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1186JDG1712t9anfigs-idiom0Micah set apart the Levite

Here “set apart” means that Micah “dedicated” or “ordained” him. Alternate translation: “Micah dedicated the Levite” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1187JDG1712s6d6figs-metonymy0was in Micahs house

Here living in Micahs house is spoken of as “being” in his house. Alternate translation: “lived in Micahs house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1188JDG18introy2ru0

Judges 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The tribe of Dan

The tribe of Dan lacked faith in Yahweh and had yet to conquer its inheritance. In this chapter, they begin to conquer their land, but they also started to worship an idol. Their conquering of the land is much different than the other tribes victories. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/inherit]])

1189JDG181d1r4writing-newevent0In those days

This phrase introduces the beginning of another event in the story line. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1190JDG181w9qnwriting-background0In those days … from among the tribes of Israel

This is background information about Israel and the people of the tribe of Dan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1191JDG181g4f2figs-explicit0not received any inheritance from

This refers specifically to land inherited where they would live. Alternate translation: “not received a land inheritance from” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1192JDG182f83tfigs-metonymy0from the whole number of their tribe

The phrase “the whole number” refers to all of the men in the tribe. Alternate translation: “from among all of the men in their tribe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1193JDG182j6xd0experienced warriors

Alternate translation: “experienced fighters”

1194JDG182jv960Zorah

See how you translated the name of this town in Judges 13:2.

1195JDG182cgy70Eshtaol

See how you translated the name of this town in Judges 13:25.

1196JDG182wg6efigs-idiom0to scout the land on foot

The phrase “on foot” means to walk. Alternate translation: “to scout the land by walking through it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1197JDG182bt980Micah

See how you translated this mans name in Judges 17:1.

1198JDG183c2tlfigs-metonymy0they recognized the speech of the young Levite

They recognized the man by the sound of his voice. Here “speech” refers to his “voice.” Alternate translation: “they heard the young Levite talking, and they recognized his voice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1199JDG187i57ptranslate-names0Laish

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1200JDG187a8c90There was no one who conquered

Alternate translation: “There were no enemies living in their land who had conquered them”

1201JDG187ch810had no dealings with anyone

“had no contact with any outsiders.” This means they lived far enough away from any other city that they lived secluded from other people.

1202JDG188f5il0Zorah

Translate the name of this city the same as you did in Judges 13:2.

1203JDG188lih20Eshtaol

Translate the name of this city the same as you did in Judges 13:25.

1204JDG189zpe9figs-rquestion0Are you doing nothing?

This rhetorical question is asked sarcastically and means that they should be doing the opposite. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should be acting now!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1205JDG189n8umfigs-doublenegatives0Do not be slow to attack

These two negative words “not” and “slow” together emphasize the positive idea to attack quickly. Alternate translation: “Hurry! Attack” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1206JDG1810r61z0the land is wide

“the land is large.” This is a description of the size of the land.

1207JDG1810ab9jfigs-hyperbole0that does not lack anything in the land

The men use a hyperbole, an exaggeration, to emphasize that it is a very desirable place to live. Alternate translation: “where we will have everything there that we need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1208JDG1810aj2lfigs-doublenegatives0that does not lack anything

The two negative words together emphasize a positive idea. Alternate translation: “has everything” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1209JDG1811b97ltranslate-numbers0Six hundred men

“600 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1210JDG1812z66itranslate-names0Kiriath Jearim

This is the name of a town. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1211JDG1812q4cf0Mahaneh Dan

Translate the name of this place the same as you did in Judges 13:25.

1212JDG1812f453figs-idiom0to this day

This means that something remains the same. It refers to the “present” time. Alternate translation: “and that is still its name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1213JDG1814l46p0Laish

Translate the name of this town the same as you did in Judges 18:7.

1214JDG1814g3grfigs-rquestion0in these houses there are an ephod,…metal figure? Decide … will do

The five men asked this question to suggest and encourage the men that they should steal the idols. This can be written as a statement, and the implied information may be given in a parenthetical phrase. Alternate translation: “these houses contain an ephod,…metal figure. (They were suggesting that the men steal these things.) Decide … will do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1215JDG1814g8xi0in these houses there are

Alternate translation: “in one of these house there is” or “among these houses is”

1216JDG1815cx880they turned in there

Alternate translation: “they turned”

1217JDG1815tf6m0they greeted him

The word “him” refers to the Levite.

1218JDG1816m84vtranslate-numbers0six hundred Danites

“600 Danites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1219JDG1817a6nqtranslate-numbers0six hundred men

“600 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1220JDG1819fje7figs-rquestion0Is it better for you to be priest for the house of one man … a clan in Israel?

They ask this as a rhetorical question to imply that it is true. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is better for you to be priest for a tribe and a clan in Israel than for just the house of one man.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1221JDG1820z2bpfigs-synecdoche0The priests heart was glad

Here the priest is referred to by his “heart” to emphasize his emotions. Alternate translation: “The priest was glad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1222JDG1821v31efigs-explicit0They put the small children in front of themselves

They traveled this way to protect the children. If Micah and his people attacked them the would reach the warriors first and not the children. Alternate translation: “They put the small children in front of themselves to protect them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1223JDG1821t33e0they turned

Alternate translation: “the Danites turned around”

1224JDG1822p9e2figs-idiom0a good distance

“some distance.” This refers a short distance but one that is long enough to be considered as measurable progress. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1225JDG1822l34efigs-activepassive0the men who were in the houses near Micahs house were called together

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he called together the men who were in the houses near his house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1226JDG1822vkf10they caught up with the Danites

This implies that they ran after them. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “running after the Danites, they caught up with them”

1227JDG1823c2k3figs-rquestion0Why have you been called together?

This question is a rebuke. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have called your men together to chase us.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1228JDG1823sbb8figs-activepassive0been called together

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “called these men together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1229JDG1824dy7ifigs-metonymy0the gods that I made

Micah did not make his gods, rather the craftsman made them. Alternate translation: “the gods which I had made for me” or “the gods which a craftsman made for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1230JDG1824edz2figs-rquestion0What else do I have left?

Micah asks this question to emphasize that he no longer has the things that are important to him. Alternate translation: “I have nothing left.” or “You have taken everything that is important to me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1231JDG1824i1v2figs-rquestion0How can you ask me, What is bothering you?

Micah asks this question to emphasize that the Danites definitely know what is bothering him. Alternate translation: “You know that I am greatly distressed!’” or “You know how much I am bothered by what you have done to me!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1232JDG1825yzy3figs-metonymy0let us hear you say anything

The phrase “us hear you say” refers to the Danites hearing Micah speaking about what had happened, but it also includes if they are told by others that Micah had spoken about what had happened. Alternate translation: “let us find out that you have said anything” or “say anything about this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1233JDG1825pgt9figs-explicit0hear you say anything

The word “anything” refers to any information about the Danites coming to Micahs house and stealing his idols. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “hear you say anything about this matter” or “hear you say anything about what has happened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1234JDG1825fqe4figs-activepassive0you and your family will be killed

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “kill you and your family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1235JDG1826g59xfigs-idiom0went their way

This means that they continued on their journey. Alternate translation: “continued on their journey” or “continued travelling” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1236JDG1826v6dffigs-explicit0they were too strong for him

This refers to the Danites being too strong for Micah and his men to fight against. Alternate translation: “they were too strong for him and his men to fight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1237JDG1827k9pyfigs-metonymy0what Micah had made

Micah did not make his gods, rather a craftsman made them for him. Also, If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the things that had been made for Micah” or “Micahs things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1238JDG1827fw330Laish

See how you translated this in Judges 18:7.

1239JDG1827r1pvfigs-synecdoche0with the edge of the sword

“with their swords.” Here “the sword” represents the swords and other weapons that the soldiers used in battle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1240JDG1828p5rb0they had no dealings with anyone

this means they lived far enough away from any other city, that they lived secluded from other people. See how you translated this phrase in Judges 18:7.

1241JDG1828vw28translate-names0Beth Rehob

This is a name of a town. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1242JDG1830z23nfigs-explicit0Jonathan son of Gershom, son of Moses

This is the name of the young Levite who used to serve as priest for Micah. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “The young Levites name was Jonathan the son of Gershom, son of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1243JDG1830myi7figs-metaphor0until the day of the lands captivity

This refers to a time later on when the people of Dan would be captured by their enemies. Here the land being conquered is spoken of as if it were a prisoner taken captive by an enemy. Alternate translation: “until the day that their enemies conquered their land” or “until the day that their enemies took them captive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1244JDG1831m78zfigs-metonymy0that he made

Micah did not make his gods, rather the craftsman made them for him. Alternate translation: “that had been made for him” or “that his craftsman made for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1245JDG19introgj7f0

Judges 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The sin of Benjamin

People from a village of the tribe of Benjamin raped a visitors wife to death. This was very evil, especially in the ancient Near East. The people of Israel considered mistreatment of a guest one of the worst crimes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])

1246JDG191akh7writing-newevent0In those days

This phrase introduces the beginning of another event in the story line. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1247JDG191u1qs0remote

far from where most people live

1248JDG192p37kfigs-explicit0was unfaithful to him

This means that she was unfaithful in their relationship and that she began to sleep with other men. This can be stated explicitly if necessary. Alternate translation: “began to sleep with other men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1249JDG193e9q80His servant was with him, and a pair of donkeys

Alternate translation: “He took with him his servant and two donkeys”

1250JDG194bhr20His father-in-law, the girls father, persuaded

Alternate translation: “His father-in-law, that is, the girls father, persuaded” or “The girls father persuaded”

1251JDG194v2kw0persuaded him to stay

Alternate translation: “spoke to him so he decided to stay”

1252JDG195in6x0he prepared

the Levite prepared

1253JDG195kp5gfigs-synecdoche0Strengthen yourself with a bit of bread

Here “bread” refers to “food.” Alternate translation: “Eat some food so you will be strong enough to travel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1254JDG196j88k0Please be willing to spend the night

Alternate translation: “Please stay another night”

1255JDG198a9urfigs-metonymy0Strengthen yourself, and wait until the afternoon

The father-in-law is suggesting that he strengthen himself by eating. He is also asking him to wait until the afternoon to leave. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Eat some food so you will be strong enough to travel, and wait until afternoon to leave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1256JDG199lvj40now the day is advancing toward evening

Alternate translation: “the day is almost over” or “it is almost evening”

1257JDG1910amf90that is Jerusalem

Alternate translation: “which was later called Jerusalem”

1258JDG1911l8erfigs-idiom0Come, let us

This is an idiom used to make a suggestion. Alternate translation: “I suggest that we” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1259JDG1911k4l3figs-idiom0turn aside to

This means to take a break from their journey and stop somewhere along the route. Alternate translation: “stop at” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1260JDG1912yc4vfigs-idiom0turn aside into

This means to take a break from their journey and stop at a place along the route. See how you translated a similar phrase in Judges 19:11. Alternate translation: “stop at” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1261JDG1913mke2figs-idiom0Come, let us

This is an idiom used to make a suggestion. Alternate translation: “I suggest that we” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1262JDG1915fgr6figs-idiom0turned aside

This means to take a break from their journey and stop at a place along the route. See how you translated a similar phrase in Judges 19:11. Alternate translation: “stopped” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1263JDG1915bqt50the city square

the marketplace where people gathered during the day

1264JDG1915w9nyfigs-idiom0took them into his house

This phrase means for someone to invite them to spend the night in their home. Alternate translation: “invited them to stay in their house for that night” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1265JDG1916z1l20Benjamites

A Benjamite was a descendant of Benjamin. See how you translated the name of this people group in Judges 3:15.

1266JDG1917lsd3figs-metaphor0He raised his eyes

Here the man looked up and paid attention to what was around him. Alternate translation: “He looked up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1267JDG1917h3nh0the city square

the marketplace where people gathered during the day. See how you translated this in Judges 19:14.

1268JDG1918jzg4figs-idiom0who will take me into his house

This phrase refers to someone inviting other people into his house to spend the night there. Alternate translation: “who has invited me to stay in his house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1269JDG1918c5tifigs-synecdoche0will take me

Here the Levite says “me,” but he is actually referring to himself along with his servant and his concubine. Alternate translation: “will take us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1270JDG1919he3wfigs-activepassive0there is bread and wine

Change to active voice. Alternate translation: “we have plenty of bread and wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1271JDG1919gw93figs-123person0me and your female servant here, and for this young man with your servants

The Levite speaks of himself and the others as servants and in the third person to show respect. Alternate translation: “me, my concubine, and my servant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1272JDG1919w8hbfigs-litotes0We lack nothing

This can be written as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “We have everything we need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1273JDG1920ep3p0Only do not

“Do not.” The word “only” is used here to emphasize what he did not want the Levite to do.

1274JDG1920jm1p0square

This refers to the city square. See how you translated this Judges 19:17.

1275JDG1921z5ahfigs-idiom0brought the Levite into his house

This means that he invited the Levite to spend the night in his house. Also, by inviting the Levite he was inviting the mans concubine and servant as well. Alternate translation: “invited the Levite and his servants to stay in his house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1276JDG1922dx6jfigs-idiom0they were making their hearts glad

The phrase “making their hearts glad” is an idiom that means to have a good time with someone else. Alternate translation: “they were have a good time together” or “they were enjoying themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1277JDG1922q1dh0some men of … surrounded the house

Some men stood on all sides of the house.

1278JDG1924k4nm0See

This word is used to get the peoples attention. Alternate translation: “Listen”

1279JDG1925lk3tfigs-metaphor0the men would not listen to him

Here the author speaks of “agreeing” as if it were “listening.” Alternate translation: “the men would not accept his offer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1280JDG1925ty8i0the man seized his concubine

there could be confusion as to the identity of the man. Alternate translation: “the Levite seized his concubine”

1281JDG1925d28f0at dawn

“when the sun was coming up” or “at first light” This refers to when the sun begins to rise.

1282JDG1926irp4figs-idiom0it was light

This refers to morning when it is bright outside. Alternate translation: “the sun was fully risen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1283JDG1928gk5sfigs-explicit0But there was no answer

The woman did not answer because she was dead. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “But she did not answer because she was dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1284JDG1929r79afigs-idiom0limb by limb

“section by section.” The author uses this graphic description of how the Levite cut up her body into specific pieces to emphasize what he did. “Limbs” refers to a persons arms and legs. If there is not a similar phrase in your language, this description may be left out of the translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1285JDG1929fx7utranslate-numbers0twelve pieces

“12 pieces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1286JDG1929xd3ifigs-explicit0sent the pieces everywhere throughout Israel

This means that he sent the different pieces to twelve different areas of Israel. Alternate translation: “sent each piece to a different place throughout Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1287JDG20introlla10

Judges 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Benjamin destroyed

The army of Israel destroys all the tribe of Benjamin except 600 men. After this point in time, the tribe of Benjamin becomes mostly insignificant.

1288JDG201wg4pfigs-simile0as one man

This simile speaks of the group as acting as a single person. It refers to a group of who people do everything together in the same way. Alternate translation: “as if they were a single man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1289JDG201jp6afigs-merism0from Dan to Beersheba

This refers to the land as a whole. Alternate translation: “from all the eleven tribes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

1290JDG202ze7s0God—400,000 men on foot

Alternate translation: “God and also 400,000 regular soldiers came”

1291JDG202hzs80ready to fight

“capable of going to war.” They were not going to fight each other.

1292JDG203sl7g0Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author of the book tells background information about what the people of Benjamin knew.

1293JDG203x8r40had gone up to Mizpah

Mizpah was located high in the mountains.

1294JDG204sa270to spend the night

Alternate translation: “for the night” or “to stay for a night”

1295JDG206gkc4figs-hendiadys0wickedness and outrage

The word “outrage” describes the “wickedness.” Alternate translation: “outrageous wickedness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

1296JDG207h9h30Now

This word is used to introduce the conclusion of the speech of the Levite.

1297JDG207wp5tfigs-doublet0give your advice and counsel here

The words “advice” and “counsel” refer to the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. They can be combined. Alternate translation: “decide what we need to do about this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1298JDG208s9g2figs-simile0as one

This simile speaks of the group as acting as a single person. They all acted together in exactly the same way. Alternate translation: “as if they were a single man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

1299JDG208s835figs-parallelism0None of us will go to his tent … none of us will return to his house

These two clauses say basically the same thing twice for emphasis. They can be combined. The words “none … go” and “none … return” emphasizes how the people will continue to stay there. They can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “We will all stay here” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1300JDG209xy7l0But now

These words introduce the main portion of what the people say after the initial exclamation.

1301JDG209l3690as the lot directs

This involved tossing or rolling small marked stones to determine what God wants.

1302JDG2010wsa9translate-numbers0ten men of a hundred … one hundred of a thousand … one thousand of ten thousand

“10 men out of 100…100 out of 1,000…1,000 out of 10,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1303JDG2010mm9k0provisions

food and other things the people need

1304JDG2011wfs10assembled against the city

Alternate translation: “came together to attack the city”

1305JDG2013m9f5figs-idiom0put them to death

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “kill them” or “execute them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1306JDG2013n1zxfigs-metonymy0the voice of their brothers

Here “voice” refers to the message that they spoke. Alternate translation: “what their brother said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1307JDG2015s9kutranslate-numbers0twenty-six thousand

“26,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1308JDG2015g1vktranslate-numbers0seven hundred

“700” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1309JDG2016a8xm0left-handed

A left-handed person is someone who is more skilled with their left hand than with their right hand.

1310JDG2016u1tj0could sling a stone at a hair and not miss

This show how amazingly well they could aim and hit their target. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “could throw a stone at even a hair and hit it” or “could throw a stone at something as small as a hair and hit it”

1311JDG2017apy50not counting

Alternate translation: “not including”

1312JDG2017g8sztranslate-numbers0400,000

“four hundred thousand men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1313JDG2018w2v70asked for advice from God

Alternate translation: “asked God what to do” or “asked God how to continue”

1314JDG2019k8jq0moved their camp near Gibeah

There is some question about the meaning of the Hebrew text. Instead of meaning that they set up their camp near Gibeah, it could mean that the army went out and stood across from Gibeah ready to fight.

1315JDG2021vj4ctranslate-numbers0twenty-two thousand

“22,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1316JDG2022cr9jfigs-idiom0strengthened themselves

Here “strengthened” is an idiom that means they encouraged each other. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1317JDG2022wb6t0they formed the battle line

This probably means that the Israelites prepared their battle lines for the next days fighting. Alternate translation: “they got ready to fight the next day”

1318JDG2023cpc20they sought direction from Yahweh

The method they used is not stated. The priest may have cast lots to determine Gods will.

1319JDG2025t59rtranslate-numbers0eighteen thousand

“18,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1320JDG2026y97x0before Yahweh

Alternate translation: “in Yahwehs presence” or “to Yahweh”

1321JDG2027usm6writing-background0for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days

This is background information that the author inserted to help the reader understand how the people asked Yahweh for an answer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1322JDG2027cs7a0was there in those days

Alternate translation: “was at Bethel in those days”

1323JDG2028ly8ewriting-background0and Phinehas … was serving before the ark in those days

This is background information that the author inserted to help the reader understand how the people asked Yahweh for an answer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1324JDG2028d9mafigs-explicit0was serving before the ark

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “was serving as priest before the ark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1325JDG2028w427figs-explicit0Attack

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Attack the army of Benjamin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1326JDG2029f7uqfigs-metonymy0Israel set men

Here “Israel” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1327JDG2029k5i50secret places

Alternate translation: “in ambush”

1328JDG2031t9ehfigs-explicit0fought against the people

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “fought against the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1329JDG2031d8mefigs-activepassive0they were drawn away from the city

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel drew them away from the city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1330JDG2031z77cfigs-explicit0They began to kill some of the people

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “The people of Benjamin began to kill some of the men of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1331JDG2032e81w0just as at first

Alternate translation: “just as before” or “just like the first two times”

1332JDG2033a2iktranslate-names0Baal Tamar

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1333JDG2033swx2translate-names0Maareh Gibeah

This is the name of a place. Other translations may read “fields of Gibeah” or “west of Gibeah” or “Maareh Geba.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1334JDG2034de7ztranslate-numbers0ten thousand

“10,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1335JDG2034wk8afigs-idiom0chosen men

This is an idiom that means these were particularly good soldiers. Alternate translation: “well-trained soldier” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1336JDG2034p4k5figs-metaphor0disaster was close to them

Here immanent disaster is spoken of as if it was standing very close by them. Alternate translation: “they would soon be completely defeated” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1337JDG2035bt91translate-numbers025,100 men

“twenty-five thousand one hundred men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1338JDG2036mrd4writing-background0The men of Israel had given ground to Benjamin, because they were counting on the men … outside Gibeah

From this sentence until the end of verse 41 is background information that the writer inserted to explain to the readers how the ambush defeated the Benjamites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1339JDG2036i3rufigs-idiom0had given ground to Benjamin

This is an idiom that means they intentionally retreated. Alternate translation: “had allowed Benjamin to move forward” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1340JDG2036sq9efigs-idiom0they were counting on the men

This is an idiom that means they trusted their men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1341JDG2039t29b0would turn from the battle

Alternate translation: “would retreat from the fight”

1342JDG2039vbr9figs-activepassive0they are defeated before us

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we have defeated them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1343JDG2041ltm10disaster

great harm, trouble, misery

1344JDG2041jg8pfigs-idiom0come on them

This idiom means it happened to them. Alternate translation: “happened to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1345JDG2042pdp2figs-personification0But the fighting overtook them

This speaks about fighting as if it were a person who could overtake someone. Alternate translation: “But the soldiers of Israel caught up to them” or “But they were not able to escape the fighting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1346JDG2043xh56translate-names0Nohah

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1347JDG2043cis4figs-metaphor0trampled them down

The completed destruction of the Benjamites is spoken of as if the Israelites stomped on their bodies. Alternate translation: “they completely destroyed them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1348JDG2044jd79translate-numbers0eighteen thousand

“18,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1349JDG2044c8tw0were distinguished in battle

Alternate translation: “had fought bravely in the battle”

1350JDG2045akn80They turned and fled

Alternate translation: “The remaining Benjamites turned and fled”

1351JDG2045e3cstranslate-numbers0five thousand … two thousand

“5,000…2,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1352JDG2045y3rytranslate-names0Gidom

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1353JDG2046d674translate-numbers0twenty-five thousand

“25,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1354JDG2047h1citranslate-numbers0six hundred

“600” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1355JDG2048h7m30turned back against the people of Benjamin

These people of Benjamin are not the soldiers who fled to the rock of Rimmon, but the ones who were still in the city.

1356JDG2048l4rwfigs-metonymy0the city

Here “the city” refers to the people in that city. Alternate translation: “everyone who was in the city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1357JDG2048ue39figs-idiom0in their path

This idiom refers to everything that they found as they went toward the city. Alternate translation: “they came to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1358JDG21introbf760

Judges 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter concludes the account of the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Sin and immorality

At the end of Judges, there is much sin and immorality. The people are doing wrong and fixing their wrongs by doing more evil things. This period of Judges is typified by this final account and summarized by the statement, “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

1359JDG211w65ewriting-background0Now the men of Israel had made a promise … marry a Benjamite.”

This background information tells the reader about the promise that the Israelites made before the battle with the Benjamites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1360JDG211rw2t0Benjamite

This is the name of the descendants of Benjamin. See how you translated this in Judges 3:15.

1361JDG213q8cbfigs-rquestion0Why, Yahweh, God of Israel, has this happened to Israel, that one of our tribes should be missing today?

The people of Israel used this rhetorical question to express their deep sadness. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Oh Yahweh, we are so sad that one of the tribes of Israel has been completely destroyed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1362JDG215xs350The people of Israel said, “Which of all the tribes of Israel did not come up in the assembly to Yahweh?”

The people are referring back to the assembly of the Israelites at Mizpah before they attacked the Benjamites.

1363JDG215p72fwriting-background0For they had made an important promise concerning anyone who did not come up to Yahweh at Mizpah. They said, “He would certainly be put to death.”

This is background information to explain to the reader the promise that the Israelites had made at Mizpah before they attacked the Benjamites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1364JDG215flc8figs-activepassive0He would certainly be put to death

Here “He” refers to anyone who did not go to Mizpah. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We will certainly kill that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1365JDG216yb7gfigs-metaphor0their brother Benjamin

This speaks of the tribe of Benjamin as if it were Israels brother to show their closeness to the tribe. Alternate translation: “the surviving Benjamites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1366JDG216j93pfigs-metaphor0one tribe has been cut off from Israel

The destruction of the tribe of Benjamin is spoken of as if it had been cut off from Israel by a knife. This was an exaggeration because 600 men were still left. However, the women of Benjamin had been killed, so the future of the tribe was in question. Alternate translation: “one tribe has been removed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1367JDG217dms90Who will provide wives for those who are left, since we have made a promise to Yahweh that we will not let any of them marry our daughters?

The Israelites wanted to provide wives for the few surviving Benjamites, but their promise at Mizpah prevented them from doing that.

1368JDG218vtf2translate-names0Jabesh Gilead

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1369JDG219jyg70people were set out in an orderly manner

Alternate translation: “people that were assembled at Mizpah were accounted for”

1370JDG219qs2vfigs-explicit0none of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead were there

This refers back to the earlier assembly at Mizpah. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “none of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead had been present at Mizpah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1371JDG2110p52btranslate-numbers0twelve thousand

“12,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1372JDG2110qw5x0strike the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword, including the women and children

The next verse will add an exception to this general instruction.

1373JDG2110ajh80strike … with the edge of the sword

Alternate translation: “kill … with their swords”

1374JDG2112n2u20Jabesh Gilead

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Judges 21:8.

1375JDG2112ani7translate-numbers0four hundred young women

“400 young women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1376JDG2112w47bfigs-euphemism0who had not known a man by lying with him

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “who had not had sexual relations with a man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

1377JDG2113c39bfigs-abstractnouns0they were offering them peace

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word peace, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “they wanted to stop fighting with them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1378JDG2114h1ad0Jabesh Gilead

This is the name of a city. See how you translated this in Judges 21:8.

1379JDG2114iu7g0there were not enough women for all of them

There were six hundred Benjamite men, and only four hundred women from Jabesh Gilead.

1380JDG2115v1140made a division between the tribes of Israel

Alternate translation: “had caused the tribes of Israel not to be unified”

1381JDG2116sc2b0Benjamites

This refers to the descendants of Benjamin. See how you translated this in Judges 3:15.

1382JDG2116rgy2figs-activepassive0the women of Benjamin have been killed

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “we killed all the Benjamite women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1383JDG2117mk7lfigs-hyperbole0There must be an inheritance … is not destroyed from Israel

The Israelites are exaggerating. They had already given wives to four hundred of the Benjamites, so the tribe would not be completely destroyed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1384JDG2118qnk3figs-synecdoche0a wife to Benjamin

Here Benjamin refers to the male descendants of Benjamin. Alternate translation: “a wife to the men of Benjamin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1385JDG2119u453writing-background0which is north of Bethel, east of the road that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah

This is background information to explain to the reader where the city of Shiloh is located. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1386JDG2119m2hztranslate-names0Lebonah

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1387JDG2121am3ffigs-explicit0each one of you should grab a wife … go back to the land of Benjamin

It is understood that the Benjamites would take these women back to their own land with them. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “each one of you should seize one of the girls of Shiloh, and then take her back with you to the land of Benjamin to become your wife” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1388JDG2122z5ggfigs-abstractnouns0Show us favor

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word favor, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Act kindly toward us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1389JDG2122zsi5figs-explicit0because we did not get wives for each man during the war

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “because we did not get wives for each of them during the war with Jabesh Gilead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1390JDG2122pcc60You are innocent … not give your daughters to them

This refers to the men of Shiloh. They did not voluntarily give their daughters to the Benjamites, and therefore did not break their promise not to do that.

1391JDG2123ng9r0the number of wives that they needed

This refers to one wife for each of the two hundred Benjamite men who did not receive wives from Jabesh Gilead (Judges 21:14).

1392JDG2125b8xe0there was no king in Israel

Alternate translation: “Israel did not yet have a king”

1393JDG2125d46gfigs-metaphor0what was right in his own eyes

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “what he judged to be right” or “what he considered to be right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])