שופטים, פרק ו׳, פסוק ו׳

The severe distress caused by the Midianites pushed the Israelites to a breaking point. The primary approach among commentators is that the nation was reduced to a state of deep poverty and total destitution. Stripped of their resources, the Israelites lost all their wealth and assets to the invaders.

This extreme impoverishment is what finally awakened the people. Left with nothing and facing complete ruin, they realized their desperate need for rescue. From this place of absolute vulnerability, the Israelites turned to God and cried out to Him for help.