And that year they vexed, &c.— Houbigant renders this, therefore at that time the children of Ammon afflicted and oppressed the children of Israel eighteen years, namely, all those who dwelt on the other side.
REFLECTIONS.—One tumultuous reign we have had, which needed two peaceable ones to repair its desolations.
1. Tola, of the tribe of Issachar, succeeded Abimelech; not an usurping king, but raised up of God to be a righteous judge, to reform their abuses, decide their controversies, heal their intestine divisions, and protect them from foreign invasions. For the greater convenience of administering justice, he resided in mount Ephraim, and judged Israel twenty-three years. Note; Though a warlike king shines more splendidly in the annals of history, a peaceable and mild government is more for the prosperity and comfort of every nation.
2. Jair, of the half tribe of Manasseh, beyond Jordan, followed; for God now divided the honour, sometimes calling men of one tribe, sometimes of another, to the office of judge and captain. During his administration, the peace of Israel was maintained; his thirty sons, a numerous family, as his assistants, for the people's convenience, rode their circuits to administer justice, each of them possessed of a noble patrimony, having a lordship to themselves, which bore their names in after-times. Twenty-two years this government lasted. Note; The impartial administration of justice, is, next to the Gospel, the greatest blessing of any land.
3. No sooner were these good men gone, than the people, as before, returned to their abominations. Their idolatry grew worse and worse; their idols were multiplied; God was forgotten, and his service neglected; and, as the consequence, when they leave him he leaves them. The Philistines on one side, and the Ammonites on the other, oppressed and crushed them, as the corn between the upper and nether mill-stone. Eighteen years this servitude continued extremely rigorous, and yet the people returned not to God. At last the Ammonites, having thoroughly plundered those on one side of Jordan, seek to increase their spoil, by attacking Ephraim, Judah, and Benjamin; while these disheartened tribes, having lost the presence of God, lose all courage, and are unable to make head against their invaders. Note; (1.) Reformation, without conversion of heart, will be of no long continuance. (2.) God never leaves us till we forsake him. (3.) They fall an easy prey to Satan who are left destitute of divine grace and protection.