Tyndale Open Study NotesJudges 2

The first prologue talks about how the tribes did not follow Joshua's farewell instructions (Joshua 23).

The sanctuary was established at Gilgal (Joshua 4:19û20; 5:10). Bokim is an unknown location where an angel of the Lord made an announcement. This announcement caused weeping and an attempt to reverse the judgment by offering a sacrifice.

Even when Israel was unfaithful, God's promise to Abraham stayed unconditional (Genesis 12:1–3; 17:1–22; compare 2 Timothy 2:13).

The gods of other nations were not neutral. Destroying pagan altars was essential for following the covenant. Failing to do so would lead to social and religious compromise, and the people of the land would oppress Israel (see Deuteronomy 20:17–18).

The second prologue continues from the events of Joshua 23–24 (see study note on Judges 1:1–3:6). It introduces a third generation (Judges 2:10) who did not personally witness the Lord’s mighty acts.

Compare Judges 1:1; Joshua 24:29–31.

Joshua had died, and the new generation had not seen God's saving power. The Canaanites still lived in the land. This led to a cycle of rebellion and partial restoration. This section introduces that cycle, which the main part of the book shows.

• Israel turned away from the Lord and started worshiping the gods of nearby nations, especially the Canaanite gods Baal and Asherah.

• Baal means “lord”; Ashtoreth may be a Hebrew version of the Canaanite goddess “Astarte,” who had different forms. See also Judges 6:25–32 and Judges 6:25–32.

When Israel worshipped other gods, God withdrew his support. Their rebellion led to military defeat and great distress from their enemies.

God was not just absent; he played an active role in Israel's defeat. The Lord determined the battle's outcome (see 2 Chronicles 20:15).

The Lord appointed judges who led to some temporary recovery. People later described them as "judging" Israel (for example, Judges 3:10; 4:4; 10:2–3), but they were mainly famous for their military successes.

The remaining Canaanites and their religion tempted the Israelites, offering an alternative to following the Lord and his covenant. God knew and even planned this outcome (compare Judges 3:4), but he does not set his people up to sin (James 1:12–15). Temptations are everywhere, but the choice to obey God or give in to temptation is up to those who claim to know him. Israel had a duty to fully possess the land, but God, not humans, decides victory or failure.