Judges 10:16

16 They got rid of their foreign gods and served ADONAI, and he became troubled by Isra'el's misery.

Judges 10:16 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 10:16

And they put away the strange gods from among them
Which was an evidence of the truth of their repentance, and showed their confessions and humiliations to be genuine:

and served the Lord;
and him only, both in private and public; in the observance of duties, both moral and ceremonial; in an attendance on the service of the sanctuary, and by offering sacrifices to God there, according to his will:

and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel;
which is to be understood after the manner of men; for grief properly does not belong to God, there being no passion in him; but it denotes a carriage or behaviour of his, which shows what looks like sympathy in men; a love and affection for Israel, notwithstanding their ill behaviour to him, and a change of his dispensations Providence towards them, according to his unchangeable will; so Maimonides ^F2 understands it of the good will and pleasure of God, to cease from afflicting the people of Israel; but Abarbinel is of opinion that this refers to the soul of Israel, which was shortened and contracted, as the word signifies, because of the labour of servitude, the affliction and distress they were in.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 Moreh Nevochim, par. 1. c. 41.

Judges 10:16 In-Context

14 Go and cry to the gods you chose; let them rescue you when you're in trouble!"

15 The people of Isra'el said to ADONAI, "We have sinned! Treat us in whatever way seems good to you, but save us today, please!"

16 They got rid of their foreign gods and served ADONAI, and he became troubled by Isra'el's misery.

17 Then the people of 'Amon gathered together and set up camp in Gil'ad, while the people of Isra'el assembled and camped at Mitzpah.

18 The people, the chiefs of Gil'ad, said to each other, "Whoever leads the battle against the army of 'Amon will be head over everyone living in Gil'ad."