Moreover the children of Ammon passed over Jordan to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that Israel was sore distressed.
The Ammonites also crossed the Jordan River to fight against the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim. Because of this, Israel was in great trouble and distress.
The writer is describing how Israel faced attacks from multiple directions, leaving them in severe distress and desperate need of help.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Judges, which covers the period after Joshua's death when Israel was led by various judges, the nation often cycled through cycles of rebellion against God, resulting in oppression by enemies like the Ammonites. At this time, the Ammonites crossed the Jordan River to wage war against the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim, as a consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry. This event underscores the broader pattern of divine judgment and distress that befell Israel when they abandoned their covenant with God.
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