for they forsook HimThis phrase indicates a deliberate turning away from God by the Israelites. Historically, this period follows the death of Joshua, when the Israelites were settling into the Promised Land. The forsaking of God is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often leading to dire consequences. This act of forsaking is a violation of the covenant established at Sinai (Exodus 19-24), where the Israelites pledged exclusive loyalty to Yahweh. The forsaking of God is also a precursor to the cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterize the Book of Judges.
and served Baal
Baal was a prominent Canaanite deity associated with fertility, storms, and agriculture. The worship of Baal was widespread among the Canaanites, and it often involved rituals that were abhorrent to the Israelites, such as child sacrifice and temple prostitution. The Israelites' service to Baal represents a significant spiritual decline, as they adopted the religious practices of the surrounding nations, contrary to God's command to remain separate and holy (Leviticus 20:26). This service to Baal is a direct violation of the first commandment (Exodus 20:3) and illustrates the seductive power of idolatry.
and the Ashtoreths
Ashtoreth, also known as Astarte or Ishtar, was a goddess of love and war, often associated with Baal. The plural form "Ashtoreths" suggests the worship of multiple manifestations or local versions of this goddess. The worship of Ashtoreth typically involved immoral practices, which were in stark contrast to the moral and ethical standards set by God for His people. The Israelites' worship of the Ashtoreths further demonstrates their assimilation into Canaanite culture and religion, leading them away from the worship of the one true God. This idolatry is condemned throughout the Old Testament and is seen as spiritual adultery (Jeremiah 3:6-10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God who were led out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. In this context, they are turning away from God.
2.
BaalA Canaanite deity associated with fertility and weather, often worshiped by the surrounding nations. The Israelites' worship of Baal represents a significant departure from their covenant with Yahweh.
3.
AshtorethsFemale deities associated with fertility, love, and war, often linked with Baal worship. The plural form indicates the worship of multiple forms or manifestations of this goddess.
4.
CanaanThe land promised to the Israelites, where they were supposed to live according to God's laws but instead adopted the pagan practices of the inhabitants.
5.
JudgesLeaders raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression and guide them back to Him. This period is marked by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
Teaching Points
The Danger of SyncretismMixing true worship with pagan practices leads to spiritual compromise. Believers must guard against adopting cultural practices that contradict biblical teachings.
Faithfulness to GodJust as Israel was called to exclusive devotion to Yahweh, Christians are called to remain faithful to Christ, avoiding modern forms of idolatry.
Consequences of IdolatryTurning away from God leads to spiritual and often physical consequences. Understanding this helps believers prioritize their relationship with God.
The Cycle of Sin and RedemptionThe book of Judges illustrates a cycle that can occur in our lives. Recognizing this pattern can help us seek God’s deliverance and avoid repeated failures.
God’s Patience and MercyDespite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, God continually raised judges to deliver them. This reflects His patience and willingness to forgive when we repent.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Judges 2:13?
2.Why did Israel forsake the LORD for Baal and Ashtoreths in Judges 2:13?
3.How can we avoid idolatry like Israel in Judges 2:13 today?
4.What consequences did Israel face for idolatry in Judges 2:13 and beyond?
5.How does Judges 2:13 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3?
6.What modern "idols" might distract us from God, as in Judges 2:13?
7.Why did the Israelites forsake the LORD for Baal and Ashtoreths in Judges 2:13?
8.What does Judges 2:13 reveal about the Israelites' faithfulness to God?
9.How does Judges 2:13 reflect the recurring theme of idolatry in the Old Testament?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 2?
11.What were fertility cults in the Bible?
12.Who are Baal and Asherah in mythology?
13.Who is Ashtoreth?
14.Who are Baal and Asherah in mythology?What Does Judges 2:13 Mean
They forsook HimJudges 2:13 opens with the tragic statement, “for they forsook Him.”
•After Joshua’s generation passed (Jud 2:10-12), Israel deliberately abandoned the LORD who had delivered them (Exodus 20:2).
•“Forsook” signals a covenant breach—like a spouse walking away (Jeremiah 2:13;Deuteronomy 31:16).
•The action is willful, not accidental. Israel knew God’s commands (Deuteronomy 6:4-15) yet chose to ignore them.
•This sets the stage for the entire book: every cycle of oppression begins with Israel stepping out from under God’s protection (Jud 3:7; 10:6).
and served BaalThe next phrase shifts from what they left to whom they embraced.
•“Served” shows devotion, sacrifice, and obedience (1 Samuel 12:10;1 Kings 18:18). Idolatry isn’t just belief—it’s service.
•Baal, the Canaanite storm-fertility god, promised rain, crops, and prosperity—appealing in an agrarian culture (Hosea 2:5-8).
•Israel’s compromise begins with adopting surrounding culture (Jud 3:5-6). Instead of influencing Canaan, they were influenced by it.
•Service to Baal always brings bondage, a theme repeated in later history (2 Kings 17:15-18).
and the AshtorethsThe verse ends by adding “the Ashtoreths,” the female counterparts to Baal.
•“Ashtoreths” (plural) points to numerous local manifestations of the goddess of love and fertility (Jude 10:6;1 Samuel 7:3-4).
•The plural also signals widespread, systematic idolatry—Israel wasn’t dabbling; they were immersed.
•Such worship often involved immoral rituals (1 Kings 14:24), showing how quickly spiritual compromise leads to moral decay.
•God had warned against exactly this syncretism (Exodus 34:12-16), yet Israel embraced it, provoking His righteous discipline (Jud 2:14-15).
summaryJudges 2:13 reveals a deliberate exchange: Israel turned away from their covenant LORD and offered service to Baal and Ashtoreth. The verse explains why the cycles of oppression follow—when God’s people abandon Him for idols, they lose His protection and forfeit His blessings. It stands as a timeless warning: wholehearted devotion to the true God is not optional but essential for life and blessing.
(13)
Baal and Ashtaroth.--Literally, "the Baals and the Ashtareths."
Ashtaroth.--The plural of the feminine word Ash-tareth, or Astarte, "the goddess of the Sidonians" (1Kings 11:5), the Ph?nician Venus--identified sometimes with the moon (e.g.,in the name Ashtaroth Karnaim, "the city of the two-horned moon," the name of Og's capital,Deuteronomy 1:4), and sometimes with the planet Venus (2Kings 23:4; Cic.De Nat. Deor.3:23; Euseb.Praep. Evang.i. 10). She is called the "queen of heaven," inJeremiah 7:10;Jeremiah 44:17, and was called Baalti ("my lady") by the Ph?nicians. The plural form may be, as Ewald thinks, the plural of excellence, or like Baalim an allusion to the different forms and attributes under which the goddess was worshipped. The worship of Baalim and Ashtaroth naturally went hand in hand. (SeeJudges 10:6;1Samuel 7:4;1Samuel 12:10.) Ashtaroth is not to be confused with the Asheroth (rendered "groves" in the E. V.) mentioned inJudges 3:7. The words resemble each other less in Hebrew, as Ashtaroth begins with, not with. Mil. ton's allusions to these deities are not only exquisitely beautiful but also very correct, as he derived his information from Selden's learnedSyntagma de Dis Syrs: . . .
Verse 13. -
Baal and Ashtaroth.
Ashtaroth is the plural of
Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Zidonians (
1 Kings 11:5, 33), just as
Baalim (ver. 11) is the plural of Baal. The many images of Baal and Ashtoreth are, in the opinion of some, indicated by the plural; but others think that different modifications or impersonations of the god and goddess are indicated. Thus we read of
Baal-berith, the god who presides over covenants;
Baal-zebul, or
Zebub, the god who presides over flies, who could either send or remove a plague of flies, and so on. "Baal (lord or master) was the supreme male divinity of the Phoenician and Canaanitish nations, as Ashtoreth (perhaps
the star, the planet Venus) was their supreme female divinity. Baal and Ashtoreth are frequently coupled together. Many Phoenician names - Hannibal, Asdrubal, Adherbal, Belus, etc. - are derived from Baal."
CHAPTER 2:14-23
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
for they forsookוַיַּעַזְב֖וּ(way·ya·‘az·ḇū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5800:To loosen, relinquish, permitHimיְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israeland servedוַיַּעַבְד֥וּ(way·ya·‘aḇ·ḏū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5647:To work, to serve, till, enslaveBaalלַבַּ֖עַל(lab·ba·‘al)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1168:Baal -- a heathen godand the Ashtoreths.וְלָעַשְׁתָּרֽוֹת׃(wə·lā·‘aš·tā·rō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine plural
Strong's 6252:A place East of the Jordan
Links
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OT History: Judges 2:13 They forsook Yahweh and served Baal (Jd Judg. Jdg) 
