Judges 6:13
And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
Judges 6:13 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Gideon expresses his confusion and disappointment at the situation the Israelites find themselves in. He questions why God, who had performed miracles in the past to deliver them from Egypt, seems to have forsaken them now. Gideon's words reflect the struggle of many believers when faced with adversity or challenges despite their faith. This verse can serve as a reminder that even in times of doubt or uncertainty, it is normal to question God and seek understanding. It also emphasizes the importance of remembering and holding on to the stories of God's past faithfulness, as a source of hope and strength in difficult times. Ultimately, this verse highlights the complex relationship between faith, doubt, and the human experience of suffering, and serves as a prompt for believers to seek God's presence and guidance in times of need.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Judges, Gideon is expressing his deep concern and confusion about the current state of affairs in Israel. He questions why the Lord, who performed miracles in the past, has seemingly forsaken the people and allowed them to be oppressed by the Midianites. Gideon's words reflect a theological interpretation of the concept of God's presence and intervention in the lives of His people. The verse raises important questions about the nature of God's actions and the reasons behind human suffering. Through Gideon's lament, readers are encouraged to reflect on the faithfulness of God throughout history and the challenges that arise when His perceived presence seems distant. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to trust in God's plan and to seek His guidance even in the midst of adversity.
Judges 6:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Gideon said unto him, Oh, my lord, if Jehovah is with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where are all his wondrous works which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not Jehovah bring us up from Egypt? but now Jehovah hath cast us off, and delivered us into the hand of Midian.
World English Bible
Gideon said to him, “Oh, my lord, if Yahweh is with us, why then has all this happened to us? Where are all his wondrous works which our fathers told us of, saying, ‘Didn’t Yahweh bring us up from Egypt?’ But now Yahweh has cast us off, and delivered us into the hand of Midian.”
Douay-Rheims
And Gedeon said to him: I beseech thee, my lord, if the Lord be with us, why have these evils fallen upon us? Where are his miracles, which our fathers have told us of, saying: The Lord brought us out of Egypt but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hand of Madian.
Geneva Bible (1599)
To whome Gideon answered, Ah my Lord, if the Lord be with vs, why then is all this come vpon vs? and where be all his miracles which our fathers tolde vs of, and sayd, Did not the Lord bring vs out of Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken vs, and deliuered vs into the hand of the Midianites.