CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 2:16 Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/2-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/07_Jdg_02_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 2:16 - Judges Raised Up" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/2-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/2-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/2-15.htm" title="Judges 2:15">◄</a> Judges 2:16 <a href="/judges/2-17.htm" title="Judges 2:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up judges to rescue the Israelites from their attackers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the LORD raised up judges who delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up judges who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up judges who delivered them from the hands of those who plundered them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up judges who delivered them from the hands of those who plundered them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Yahweh raised up judges who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up judges who rescued them from the hands of those who robbed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the power of their marauders,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the power of their marauders, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jehovah raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those that despoiled them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />From time to time, the LORD would choose special leaders known as judges. These judges would lead the Israelites into battle and defeat the enemies that made raids on them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the LORD raised up judges, which saved them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD would send judges to rescue them from those who robbed them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD gave the Israelites leaders who saved them from the raiders. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up leaders, who delivered Israel from domination by their marauders. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD raised up leaders who delivered them from these robbers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, who delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And YHWH raises up judges, and they save them from the hand of their spoilers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jehovah raiseth up judges, and they save them from the hand of their spoilers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will raise up judges, and they will save them from the hand of their plunderers.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord raised up judges, to deliver them from the hands of those that oppressed them: but they would not hearken to them, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Lord raised up judges, who would free them from the hands of their oppressors. But they were not willing to listen to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But the LORD raised up judges to save them from the power of their plunderers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up judges, who delivered them out of the power of those who plundered them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up judges among the Israelites, and they delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH raised up Judges among Israel, and they delivered them from the hand of their plunderers<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Lord raised up judges, and the Lord save them out of the hands of them that spoiled them: and yet they hearkened not to the judges,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/2-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=505" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/2.htm">Judges Raised Up</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">Then the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qem (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">raised up</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: šō·p̄ə·ṭîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To judge, govern. ">judges,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: way·yō·wō·šî·‘ūm (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp:: 3mp) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">who saved them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: mî·yaḏ (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">from the hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/8154.htm" title="8154: šō·sê·hem (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 3mp) -- To spoil, plunder. Or shasah; a primitive root; to plunder.">of those who plundered them.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>Israel, however, did not listen to their judges. Instead, they prostituted themselves with other gods and bowed down to them. They quickly turned from the way of their fathers, who had walked in obedience to the LORD’s commandments; they did not do as their fathers had done.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-27.htm">Nehemiah 9:27</a></span><br />So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-11.htm">1 Samuel 12:11</a></span><br />So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-43.htm">Psalm 106:43-45</a></span><br />Many times He rescued them, but they were bent on rebellion and sank down in their iniquity. / Nevertheless He heard their cry; He took note of their distress. / And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/13-5.htm">2 Kings 13:5</a></span><br />So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped the power of the Arameans. Then the people of Israel lived in their own homes as they had before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-20.htm">Acts 13:20</a></span><br />All this took about 450 years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/15-4.htm">2 Chronicles 15:4</a></span><br />But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-8.htm">Isaiah 63:8-9</a></span><br />For He said, “They are surely My people, sons who will not be disloyal.” So He became their Savior. / In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/14-27.htm">2 Kings 14:27</a></span><br />and since the LORD had said that He would not blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Jehoash.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/36-15.htm">2 Chronicles 36:15-16</a></span><br />Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32-34</a></span><br />And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-11.htm">2 Samuel 7:11</a></span><br />and have done since the day I appointed judges over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD declares to you that He Himself will establish a house for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/3-20.htm">1 Samuel 3:20</a></span><br />So all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/7-3.htm">1 Samuel 7:3</a></span><br />Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. And He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-10.htm">1 Samuel 12:10</a></span><br />Then they cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, that we may serve You.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-13.htm">2 Kings 17:13-14</a></span><br />Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.” / But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/3-9.htm">Judges 3:9,10,15</a></b></br> And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, <i>even</i> Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/4-5.htm">Judges 4:5</a></b></br> And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/6-14.htm">Judges 6:14</a></b></br> And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/32-33.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/judges/2-14.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/judges/2-14.htm">Despoiled</a> <a href="/judges/2-15.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/judges/2-14.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/joshua/24-1.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/judges/1-33.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/judges/2-14.htm">Plundered</a> <a href="/judges/2-14.htm">Power</a> <a href="/genesis/49-19.htm">Raiders</a> <a href="/joshua/8-29.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/joshua/24-26.htm">Raiseth</a> <a href="/joshua/22-22.htm">Save</a> <a href="/joshua/9-26.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-21.htm">Saviours</a> <a href="/judges/2-14.htm">Spoiled</a> <a href="/judges/2-14.htm">Spoilers</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/4-3.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/judges/2-18.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-48.htm">Despoiled</a> <a href="/judges/2-18.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/judges/2-18.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/judges/2-17.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/judges/4-9.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-48.htm">Plundered</a> <a href="/judges/2-23.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-17.htm">Raiders</a> <a href="/judges/2-18.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-8.htm">Raiseth</a> <a href="/judges/6-11.htm">Save</a> <a href="/judges/2-18.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/judges/10-14.htm">Saviours</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-48.htm">Spoiled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-17.htm">Spoilers</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/2-1.htm">An angel rebukes the people at Bochim</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/2-6.htm">The wickedness of the new generation after Joshua</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/2-14.htm">God's anger and pity toward them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/2-20.htm">The Canaanites left to prove Israel</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/judges/2.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Then the LORD</b><br />The phrase "Then the LORD" signifies a divine intervention at a critical juncture in Israel's history. The Hebrew name for God used here is "Yahweh," which emphasizes His covenantal relationship with Israel. This intervention is not merely a reaction but a fulfillment of His promises to His people. Historically, this reflects the cyclical pattern in Judges where Israel falls into sin, faces oppression, cries out to God, and then God raises a deliverer. It underscores God's faithfulness and mercy despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness.<p><b>raised up</b><br />The Hebrew verb "qum" is used here, meaning to "establish" or "appoint." This action is sovereign and purposeful, indicating that the judges were not self-appointed leaders but divinely chosen. This reflects God's active role in the governance and deliverance of His people. Archaeologically, this period is marked by decentralized tribal leadership, and the raising of judges was a divine solution to the lack of centralized authority.<p><b>judges</b><br />The term "judges" (Hebrew: "shofetim") refers not only to judicial figures but also to military leaders and deliverers. These individuals were charismatic leaders endowed with God's Spirit to lead Israel both in battle and in spiritual renewal. The role of a judge was multifaceted, combining governance, military leadership, and spiritual guidance. Scripturally, this period is characterized by a lack of kingship, and the judges served as temporary leaders raised by God to address specific crises.<p><b>who saved them</b><br />The phrase "who saved them" highlights the primary function of the judges as deliverers. The Hebrew root "yasha" means to deliver or rescue, pointing to the judges as instruments of God's salvation. This salvation is both physical, from oppression, and spiritual, as it often led to a period of repentance and renewal. Theologically, this prefigures the ultimate salvation through Christ, who delivers from sin and death.<p><b>from the hands of these raiders</b><br />The "raiders" refer to the various oppressors that plagued Israel during this period, including the Moabites, Ammonites, and Philistines. The phrase "from the hands of" indicates the severity of the oppression, as being in someone's hands implies control and domination. Historically, this reflects the constant threat from surrounding nations due to Israel's disobedience and failure to fully conquer the land. The deliverance from these raiders is a testament to God's power and faithfulness in protecting His covenant people despite their shortcomings.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Nevertheless.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">And.</span><p><span class= "bld">The Lord raised up judges.</span>--<a href="/acts/13-20.htm" title="And after that he gave to them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.">Acts 13:20</a>; <a href="/context/1_samuel/12-10.htm" title="And they cried to the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve you.">1Samuel 12:10-11</a>. This is the key-note to the book. (See <a href="/judges/3-10.htm" title="And the Spirit of the LORD came on him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.">Judges 3:10</a>; <a href="/judges/4-4.htm" title="And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.">Judges 4:4</a>; <a href="/judges/10-2.htm" title="And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir.">Judges 10:2</a>; <a href="/judges/12-7.htm" title="And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.">Judges 12:7</a>, &c.; 15:20.) The word for <span class= "ital">Judges </span>is <span class= "ital">Shophetim. </span>The ordinary verb "to judge," in Hebrew, is not <span class= "ital">Shaphat, </span>but <span class= "ital">dayyan. </span>Evidently their deliverers (comp. <a href="/context/deuteronomy/17-8.htm" title="If there arise a matter too hard for you in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within your gates: then shall you arise, and get you up into the place which the LORD your God shall choose;">Deuteronomy 17:8-9</a>; <a href="/psalms/2-10.htm" title="Be wise now therefore, O you kings: be instructed, you judges of the earth.">Psalm 2:10</a>; <a href="/amos/2-3.htm" title="And I will cut off the judge from the middle thereof, and will slay all the princes thereof with him, said the LORD.">Amos 2:3</a>) are of higher rank than the mere tribe-magistrates mentioned in <a href="/exodus/18-26.htm" title="And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought to Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.">Exodus 18:26</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/1-16.htm" title="And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brothers, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him.">Deuteronomy 1:16</a><span class= "ital">, </span>&c. Artemidorus (<a href="/judges/2-14.htm" title="And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.">Judges 2:14</a>) says that to judge (<span class= "ital">Krinein</span>) signified among the ancients "to govern." Of the judges in this book some--<span class= "ital">e.g., </span>Tola, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon--are not said to have performed any warlike deeds. They <span class= "ital">may, </span>however, have been warriors, like Jair, whose exploits are only preserved in tradition. Samuel, though not himself a fighter, yet roused the military courage of his people. They received no salary, imposed no tributes, made no laws, but merely exercised, for the deliverance of Israel, the personal ascendency conferred upon them by "the Spirit of God." Perhaps they find their nearest analogy in the Greek <span class= "ital">Aisymnetai </span>(elective princes) or the Roman <span class= "ital">Dictators. </span>The name is evidently the same as that of the Ph?nician <span class= "ital">Suffetes, </span>who succeeded the kings and were the Doges of Tyre after its siege by Nebuchadnezzar. (Jos. <span class= "ital">100 Ap. i.</span> 21.) Livy tells us that the Suffetes of Carthage had a sort of consular power in the senate (Liv. 30:7; 28:57; 33:46; 34:61). So, too, in the Middle Ages, Spanish governors were called "judges," and this was the title of the chief officer of Sardinia. The judges of Israel, at any rate in their true ideal, were not only military deliverers (<a href="/judges/3-9.htm" title="And when the children of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.">Judges 3:9</a>), but also supporters of divine law and order (<a href="/genesis/18-25.htm" title="That be far from you to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from you: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?">Genesis 18:25</a>). The abeyance of normally constituted authority during this period is seen in the fact that one of the judges is the son of a "stranger" (<a href="/judges/11-2.htm" title="And Gilead's wife bore him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said to him, You shall not inherit in our father's house; for you are the son of a strange woman.">Judges 11:2</a>), another a woman (<a href="/judges/4-4.htm" title="And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.">Judges 4:4</a>), and not one of them (in this book) of priestly or splendid birth. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Raised up judges</span>. Hence the name of this book, which recites the names and exploits of those whom God raised up to deliver them out of the hand of their enemies. The title Judges (Hebrew, <span class="accented">shophetim</span>) is, as is well known, identical with the Carthagenian <span class="accented">suffetes.</span> Mark the riches of God's mercy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/2-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">raised up</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֥קֶם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·qem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">judges,</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹֽׁפְטִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(šō·p̄ə·ṭîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who delivered them</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיּ֣וֹשִׁיע֔וּם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·wō·šî·‘ūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the hands</span><br /><span class="heb">מִיַּ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(mî·yaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of these raiders.</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁסֵיהֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(šō·sê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8154.htm">Strong's 8154: </a> </span><span class="str2">To spoil, plunder</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/2-16.htm">Judges 2:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/2-16.htm">Judges 2:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/2-16.htm">Judges 2:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/2-16.htm">Judges 2:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/2-16.htm">Judges 2:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/2-16.htm">Judges 2:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/2-16.htm">Judges 2:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/2-16.htm">Judges 2:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/2-16.htm">Judges 2:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/2-16.htm">Judges 2:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/2-16.htm">OT History: Judges 2:16 Yahweh raised up judges who saved them (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/2-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 2:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 2:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/2-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 2:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 2:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>