Judges 3:12

12 Once again, the people of Israel did what the LORD considered evil. So the LORD made King Eglon of Moab stronger than Israel, because Israel did what the LORD considered evil.

Judges 3:12 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 3:12

And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the
Lord
Fell into idolatry again, which was a great evil in the sight of God, and what they were prone to fall into:

and the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel;
put it into his heart to invade them, and encouraged him to it, and gave him success; what kings reigned over Moab between Balak and this king we know not: it is a commonly received notion of the Jews, that Ruth was the daughter of Eglon; see ( Ruth 1:4 ) ; and it was about this time that Elimelech with his two sons went into Moab, and when many of those things recorded in the book of Ruth were transacted:

because they had done evil in the sight of the Lord;
which had greatly provoked him to anger, and was the cause of stirring up the king of Moab against them.

Judges 3:12 In-Context

10 When the LORD's Spirit came over him, he became the judge of Israel. He went out to war. The LORD handed King Cushan Rishathaim of Aram Naharaim over to him, and Othniel overpowered him.

11 So there was finally peace in the land for 40 years. Then Othniel, son of Kenaz, died.

12 Once again, the people of Israel did what the LORD considered evil. So the LORD made King Eglon of Moab stronger than Israel, because Israel did what the LORD considered evil.

13 Eglon got the Ammonites and the Amalekites to help him, and they defeated the Israelites and occupied the City of Palms.

14 The Israelites served King Eglon of Moab for 18 years.