And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD after Ehud died.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is the precise timing: the "again" implies a cycle, but specifically linking it to Ehud's death, and not Shamgar's, suggests the people didn't just slip back into sin generally, but that Ehud’s personal leadership was the crucial restraint. This hints that national faithfulness often hinges on the character and presence of godly leaders, even after a period of peace.
And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD after Ehud died.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a period of peace following Ehud's deliverance of Israel, the people unfortunately reverted to their old ways, sinning against the Lord. This renewed oppression came from King Jabin of Canaan, whose fearsome general Sisera led his forces from his base in Harosheth. The stage is set for a new era of suffering that would eventually be broken by the remarkable prophetess Deborah.
It's easy to think we're past certain struggles, but this verse reveals a recurring pattern. What does it mean that Israel 'again' did evil?
The book of Judges is built on a cycle: Israel sins, God allows oppression, Israel cries out, God raises a deliverer, and peace returns. Verse 1 emphasizes that this isn't a one-time mistake, but a deep-seated tendency.
A Familiar Fall
The phrase 'again did what was evil' signals that this isn't a new problem. It echoes the sins described in Judges 2:11 and 2:14. It’s like a broken record, a habit that's hard to break.
The Comfort of Deliverance, The Danger of Peace
For eighty years, Israel experienced peace and rest after Ehud’s victory (Judges 3:30). While this period should have solidified their faithfulness, it instead led to complacency. Prosperity, when not properly handled, can become a breeding ground for sin, making them 'secure, and indulge their lusts,' as Henry notes. This shows us that external peace doesn't automatically guarantee internal spiritual health.
The Shadow of Leaders Past
The verse specifically mentions 'when Ehud was dead.' This highlights how the influence of godly leaders can temporarily restrain sin. But when they are gone, the underlying issues resurface. It underscores the fragility of outward conformity without inward transformation.
Ehud was a mighty judge who delivered Israel. But what happened when he was no longer around? This verse points to a critical moment of vulnerability.
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The death of a spiritual leader often exposes the deeper spiritual condition of a community. Judges 4:1 reveals this stark reality.
The Impact of a Godly Judge
Ehud was instrumental in freeing Israel from Moabite oppression (Judges 3:12-30). His leadership provided a period of rest and stability. As Gill suggests, the people's return to sin 'was the fruit and effect of the long rest and peace they enjoyed.' The absence of his strong, God-given leadership left a vacuum.
The Unmentioned Shamgar
Interestingly, the text skips over Shamgar, who followed Ehud (Judges 3:31). While Shamgar also delivered Israel (killing 600 Philistines with an ox-goad), his time was brief, and perhaps it didn't result in the same level of national repentance or lasting impact as Ehud's long tenure. As Clarke and Gill ponder, his reign might not have been reckoned in the same way, or perhaps the people's sinfulness was already too ingrained to be fully corrected by his brief intervention. This emphasizes that the lasting effect of leadership isn't just in its accomplishments, but in its ability to foster enduring faithfulness.
The Test of Peace
The eighty years of peace following Ehud's death (Judges 3:30) were a significant test. Prosperity can be a greater trial to faith than persecution. Without the immediate pressure of an oppressor, Israel let their guard down, and sin crept back in. The departure of a strong leader like Ehud removed a significant external check, allowing internal corruption to flourish.
Understand the original words
ra'ah · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A moral or spiritual deviation from God's standard, denoting unfaithfulness, rebellion, or wickedness in the eyes of Yahweh.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His faithfulness, holiness, and redemptive relationship with His people.
c. 1300-1200 BC
Israelite Conquest of Canaan
Following the Exodus, Joshua led the Israelites in conquering much of Canaan, including cities like Hazor, though some regions remained under Canaanite control.
c. 1290 BC
Ehud Delivers Israel
After a period of oppression by Moab, the judge Ehud delivers Israel and leads them in victory, resulting in 80 years of peace.
During Ehud's lifetime
Period of Peace and Prosperity
Israel enjoys 80 years of relative peace and prosperity following Ehud's victory, during which time many likely grew complacent in their faith.
After Ehud's death— this verse
Israel Falls Back into Sin
As soon as Ehud dies, the people of Israel abandon their faithfulness to the LORD, reverting to the evil practices that characterized earlier periods.
c. 1160 BC
Jabin and Sisera Oppress Israel
King Jabin of Canaan, with his formidable general Sisera, begins to oppress Israel from their base at Harosheth of the Gentiles, likely due to Israel's spiritual decline.
After Jabin's oppression begins
Deborah Rises as Prophetess and Judge
In this time of intense suffering, Deborah, a prophetess, becomes a spiritual leader and judge, calling Israel to repentance and rallying them for deliverance.
This passage warns that if Israel turns to other gods, the heavens will shut up and withhold rain, echoing the consequences of turning away from the Lord described in Judges 4:1.
Psalm 78:57This psalm describes Israel turning away from God after times of peace and deliverance, comparing them to a 'broken bow,' which directly parallels the 'again did evil' phrase in Judges 4:1.
Jeremiah 2:13The prophet condemns Israel for forsaking the Lord, the 'fountain of living waters,' for broken cisterns, highlighting the foolishness and spiritual betrayal that marks their recurring sin described in Judges 4:1.
Nehemiah 9:27This prayer recounts Israel's history of sin and oppression, acknowledging that God gave them judges and delivered them, yet they 'again did evil,' reinforcing the cycle seen at the beginning of Judges 4.
clarkeJudges 4:1: "And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead."
When Ehud was dead - Why not when Shamgar was dead? Does this not intimate that Shamgar was not reckoned in the number of the judges?
expositorsJudges 4:1-24: "And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead."
THE SIBYL OF MOUNT EPHRAIMJdg 4:1-24 THERE arises now in Israel a prophetess, one of those rare women whose souls burn with enthusiasm and holy purpose when the hearts of men are abject and despondent; and to Deborah it is given to make a nation hear her call. Of prophetesses the world has seen but few; generally the woman has her work of teaching and administering justice in the name of God…
What's striking here is the precise timing: the "again" implies a cycle, but specifically linking it to Ehud's death, and not Shamgar's, suggests the people didn't just slip back into sin generally, but that Ehud’s personal leadership was the crucial restraint. This hints that national faithfulness often hinges on the character and presence of godly leaders, even after a period of peace.
After a period of peace following Ehud's deliverance of Israel, the people unfortunately reverted to their old ways, sinning against the Lord. This renewed oppression came from King Jabin of Canaan, whose fearsome general Sisera led his forces from his base in Harosheth. The stage is set for a new era of suffering that would eventually be broken by the remarkable prophetess Deborah.
After a period of peace following Ehud's deliverance of Israel, the people unfortunately reverted to their old ways, sinning against the Lord. This renewed oppression came from King Jabin of Canaan, whose fearsome general Sisera led his forces from his base in Harosheth. The stage is set for a new era of suffering that would eventually be broken by the remarkable prophetess Deborah.
"And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD after Ehud died." — What's striking here is the precise timing: the "again" implies a cycle, but specifically linking it to Ehud's death, and not Shamgar's, suggests the people didn't just slip back into sin generally…
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Last reviewed October 2026