Judges 3:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This passage illustrates, among other aspects, how triumph can occasionally be achieved even by those who do not revere God. Such victory is not bestowed upon them; rather, it is seized from “those who have done evil before the Lord” and who rightfully merit chastisement. It then falls into the hands of the nations, which serve as instruments of discipline, until it can eventually be restored to those who have undergone correction and reproof.

The Scriptures reveal that the Hebrews labored under Husarsaphem, the king of Mesopotamia, prior to Gethoniel being appointed as judge. The Israelites toiled for Husarsaphem for a duration of eight years, and subsequently, they served King Eglom of Moab for ten years. This indicates a discrepancy in the timeline regarding their governance.

EXPLANATION: The judges are credited not only with the years of peace during their rule but also with the oppression and servitude faced by the people, as they were chosen by God to liberate the Israelites. If we consider the eight years of Israel’s subjugation alongside the period from Gethoniel’s ascension to leadership after Joshua until his passing, the total amount of time comes to forty years.