“And they were in terrible distress” (v15). God had warned the Israelites that their well-being in the Promised Land depended on their trust and obedience to Him. Yet a generation arose that took their blessings – the land - for granted, and they abandoned the Lord and followed idols (v12-13). Therefore, they lost His favor and protection (v14-15), and their enemies became stronger. God sent them “judges,” warrior-leaders who called them back to God’s ways and led them to battle, but they always fell back into rebellion (v19).
“They could no longer withstand their enemies” (v14). When we allow idols into our lives, life becomes a battle we cannot win. God calls us to obey Him because He loves us.