Discovery BoxJudges 2:1-4
Context2:1 The Lord’s angelic messenger 1 went up from Gilgal to Bokim. He said, “I brought you up from Egypt and led you into the land I had solemnly promised to give to your ancestors. 2 I said, ‘I will never break my agreement 3 with you, 2:2 but you must not make an agreement with the people who live in this land. You should tear down the altars where they worship.’ 4 But you have disobeyed me. 5 Why would you do such a thing? 6 2:3 At that time I also warned you, 7 ‘If you disobey, 8 I will not drive out the Canaanites 9 before you. They will ensnare you 10 and their gods will lure you away.’” 11
2:4 When the Lord’s messenger finished speaking these words to all the Israelites, the people wept loudly. 12
[2:1] 1 sn See Exod 14:19; 23:20.
[2:1] 2 tn Heb “the land that I had sworn to your fathers.”
[2:1] 3 tn Or “covenant” (also in the following verse).
[2:2] 4 tn Heb “their altars.”
[2:2] 5 tn Heb “you have not listened to my voice.”
[2:2] 6 tn Heb “What is this you have done?”
[2:3] 7 tn Heb “And I also said.” The use of the perfect tense here suggests that the messenger is recalling an earlier statement (see Josh 23:12-13). However, some translate, “And I also say,” understanding the following words as an announcement of judgment upon those gathered at Bokim.
[2:3] 8 tn The words “If you disobey” are supplied in the translation for clarity. See Josh 23:12-13.
[2:3] 9 tn Heb “them”; the referent (the Canaanites) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
[2:3] 10 tn The meaning of the Hebrew word צִדִּים (tsiddim) is uncertain in this context. It may be related to an Akkadian cognate meaning “snare.” If so, a more literal translation would be “they will become snares to you.” Normally the term in question means “sides,” but this makes no sense here. On the basis of Num 33:55 some suggest the word for “thorns” has been accidentally omitted. If this word is added, the text would read, “they will become [thorns] in your sides” (cf. NASB, NIV, NLT).
