King James Version
What Does Judges 2:5 Mean?
“And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD. Bochim: that is, Weepers”
Context
3
Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.
4
And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.
5
And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD. Bochim: that is, Weepers
6
And when Joshua had let the people go, the children of Israel went every man unto his inheritance to possess the land.
7
And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel. outlived: Heb. prolonged days after Ioshua
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **Bochim.**—(Comp. Genesis 35:8; Genesis 1:11.) It was like “the Jews’ wailing-place” in modern Jerusalem.
**They sacrificed there unto the Lord.**—It is not *necessary *to infer from this that Bochim must have been near the sanctuary at Bethel, Shechem, or Shiloh. Not only did kings and prophets seem to be tacitly excepted from the general rule against offering sacrifice at any place except the chosen sanctuary, but also sacrifice was always freely offered at places where there had been any manifestation of the Divine Presence—Judges 6:20 (Gideon); Jdg. 22:19 (Manoah); 2Samuel 24:25 (David), &c. On the other hand, it is improbable that all Israel would have been assembled at some unknown place, or that the memory of such a spot should not have been preserved.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Judges 2:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Judges 2:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge