1 Samuel 12:9

9 "But the people forgot the LORD their God. So he gave them over to the powerful hand of Sisera. Sisera was the commander of the army of Hazor. The LORD also gave the people of Israel over to the powerful hand of the Philistines and the king of Moab. All of those nations fought against Israel.

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 then, stand here. I'm going to remind you of all of the good things the LORD has done for you and your people. He is a witness.

8 "After Jacob's family entered Egypt, they cried out to the LORD for help. The LORD sent Moses and Aaron. They brought your people out of Egypt. They settled them in this land.

9 "But the people forgot the LORD their God. So he gave them over to the powerful hand of Sisera. Sisera was the commander of the army of Hazor. The LORD also gave the people of Israel over to the powerful hand of the Philistines and the king of Moab. All of those nations fought against Israel.

10 "So the people cried out to the Lord. They said, 'We have sinned. We've deserted the Lord. We've served the gods that are named after Baal. We've served the goddesses that are named after Ashtoreth. But save us now from the powerful hands of our enemies. Then we will serve you.'

11 "The LORD sent Gideon, Barak, Jephthah and me. He saved you from the hands of your enemies, who were all around you. So you lived in safety.