In the previous verses, we saw that the Midianites annually came against Israel, along with the Amalekites. They, like the Midianites, were a brother nation, descendants of Esau (Gen. 36:12). In addition, there were also “the sons of the east,” who are not further specified. These enemies devastated the land and plundered the crops, leaving nothing behind. Thus, Israel remained small and powerless, unable to stand up to their rulers.
Judges 6
6 And so Israel became very impoverished because of the Midianites. Then the sons of Israel cried out to YAHWEH.
Israel served the gods of the land where they lived, and God had foretold what would happen if they forsook Him and followed other gods. The blessing would be taken from them and a curse would fall upon them. In Judges, what had been foretold is literally fulfilled.
Leviticus 26
16 (…) and you will sow your seed in vain, for your enemies will eat it.
17 And I will set my face against you, and you will be defeated before your enemies; and those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee, with no one pursuing you.
And so it happened again and again: when they followed other gods, the LORD made their enemies rule over them, until they cried out to him in their distress.
Judges 1
7 And it came to pass that the children of Israel cried out to the LORD because of Midian.
The seventh day: the great Sabbath
For seven years Israel was delivered into the hand of Midian. Then the people called on the name of the LORD. This was the beginning of their redemption. In the future, the remnant of the Jewish people will also call upon the name of YAHWEH (Zech. 13:9; Joel 2:32), and then God will send the Redeemer to save His people (Zech. 14:3-4). Then will dawn the seventh day of a thousand years: the Messianic Kingdom, the great Sabbath rest for Israel (Heb. 4:9).