1 Samuel 12:9

9 But the people forgot the Lord their God, and so he let the Philistines and the king of Moab and Sisera, commander of the army of the city of Hazor, fight against your ancestors and conquer them. 1

1 Samuel 12:9 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 12:9

And when they forgat the Lord their God
The worship of the Lord their God, as the Targum; that is, they fell into idolatry, which is a plain instance and proof of forgetfulness of God; for such that neglect his worship, and serve idols, may be truly said to forget him:

he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the host of Hazor;
who was general of the army of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor, ( Judges 4:2 ) , where they are said to be sold into the hands of Jabin, here into the hands of Sisera; because it is highly probable he was sent against them by Jabin, and subdued them, as he afterwards was sent by him, when they rebelled against him, and were delivered out of his hand:

and into the hand of the Philistines:
as they were in and before the times of Samson, ( Judges 13:1 )

and into the hand of the king of Moab;
as in the times of Ehud, ( Judges 3:14 Judges 3:15 ) , the exact order of these things is not observed:

and they fought against them;
the king of Moab, Sisera, and the Philistines, and overcame them, and so they fell into their hands.

1 Samuel 12:9 In-Context

7 Now stand where you are, and I will accuse you before the Lord by reminding you of all the mighty actions the Lord did to save you and your ancestors.
8 When Jacob and his family went to Egypt and the Egyptians oppressed them, your ancestors cried to the Lord for help, and he sent Moses and Aaron, who brought them out of Egypt and settled them in this land.
9 But the people forgot the Lord their God, and so he let the Philistines and the king of Moab and Sisera, commander of the army of the city of Hazor, fight against your ancestors and conquer them.
10 Then they cried to the Lord for help and said, "We have sinned, because we turned away from you, Lord, and worshiped the idols of Baal and Astarte. Rescue us from our enemies, and we will worship you!'
11 And the Lord sent Gideon, Barak, Jephthah, and finally me. Each of us rescued you from your enemies, and you lived in safety.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 12.9 aJudges 4.2; bJudges 13.1; cJudges 3.12.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.