Judges 2:2-3

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.’ 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 

[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.”