Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.
Wherever they went, the LORD's power worked against them to bring trouble, just as the LORD had warned them and promised would happen. They were in great distress and suffering.
God is allowing the Israelites to face serious troubles because they broke their covenant with Him, just as He had warned them would happen.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Judges, this verse describes the period after Joshua's death when the Israelites repeatedly abandoned God by worshiping idols, leading to a cycle of disobedience and punishment. God had warned them through the covenant at Sinai that turning away would bring consequences, such as defeat by their enemies, which is what happened as they faced oppression and distress wherever they went. This reflects the broader historical narrative of Israel's unfaithfulness during the time of the judges, a chaotic era before the monarchy.
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