Paragraph 7:15–16

7:15a–b

Although I trained and strengthened their arms, they plot evil against Me: In this sentence, the LORD contrasts the good he has done for the people with the evil that the people do against him. The Berean Standard Bible and a number of other versions express this contrast by using a concessive clause in 7:15a. For example:

Though I trained them and gave them strength, they have made evil plans against me. (New Century Version)

I…they: The sentence that the Berean Standard Bible translates as shown above is literally “And I, I instructed…but against me, they plot evil.” The Hebrew text emphasizes the contrast between the LORD and the people of Israel. If possible, translate in a way that expresses this strong contrast. For example:

It was I who trained and strengthened their arms, yet they plot evil against me. (New Revised Standard Version)

7:15a

I trained and strengthened their arms: In Hebrew, the word trained can refer to moral instruction, rebuke, or punishment. In 7:12d, the same word referred primarily to punishment. Here, in combination with strengthened, it refers primarily to teaching or training. For example:

I taught them what they know (Contemporary English Version)

The phrase strengthened their arms is a figure of speech that most often means to encourage someone. It is frequently used in the context of battle. Here it may indicate that God gave the people of Israel encouragement or strength to fight and overcome their enemies. It does not mean that God literally strengthened their arms.

Some versions translate their arms as the object of both verbs. For example:

I trained and strengthened their arms (New Revised Standard Version)

If a literal translation of these figures of speech is not correctly understood, it is recommended that you use the nonfigurative meaning, as in the New International Version or the New Century Version.

7:15b

they plot evil against Me: This clause means that the people make evil plans that are offensive and disloyal to God. Some suggest it may refer specifically to the worship of false gods or to making alliances with other nations instead of relying on God. However, the verse itself gives only a general statement. It leaves implicit the details of the people’s evil plans.

Here are some other ways to translate this statement:

they have made evil plans against me (New Century Version)

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