Discovery BoxJudges 2:2-3
Context2:2 but you must not make an agreement with the people who live in this land. You should tear down the altars where they worship.’ 1 But you have disobeyed me. 2 Why would you do such a thing? 3 2:3 At that time I also warned you, 4 ‘If you disobey, 5 I will not drive out the Canaanites 6 before you. They will ensnare you 7 and their gods will lure you away.’” 8
Judges 2:20
Context2:20 The Lord was furious with Israel. 9 He said, “This nation 10 has violated the terms of the agreement I made with their ancestors 11 by disobeying me. 12
[2:2] 1 tn Heb “their altars.”
[2:2] 2 tn Heb “you have not listened to my voice.”
[2:2] 3 tn Heb “What is this you have done?”
[2:3] 4 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] 5 tn The words “If you disobey” are supplied in the translation for clarity. See Josh 23:12-13.
[2:3] 6 tn Heb “them”; the referent (the Canaanites) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
[2:3] 7 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).
[2:3] 8 tn Heb “their gods will become a snare to you.”
[2:20] 9 tn Or “The
[2:20] 10 tn Heb “Because this nation.”
[2:20] 11 tn Heb “my covenant which I commanded their fathers.”
[2:20] 12 tn Heb “and has not listened to my voice.” The expression “to not listen to [God’s] voice” is idiomatic here for disobeying him.
