Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJudges 2

Judges 2:1−5: An Angel Rebukes the IsraelitesIn this passage, an angel of the LORD delivers a strong message to all the Israelites, rebuking them for their disobedience. The message serves as both a warning and a reminder of God′s faithfulness. Although God had brought them out of Egypt and fulfilled His promises, the Israelites failed to follow His commands by making peace with the Canaanites and allowing idolatry to remain in the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices in response to the rebuke, showing some repentance, but their future actions reveal that their sorrow was not followed by true reform.v.1: The angel of the LORD came from Gilgal to deliver this message. Some believe this was not a created angel but the Angel of the Covenant—Christ Himself—because the angel speaks as God, saying, "I made you to go up out of Egypt." Gilgal was a significant place where the Israelites had experienced God's blessings and renewed their covenant through circumcision (v.1; Micah 6:5 ; Revelation 3:2,3 ).

v. 2: The angel reminded the people of God's covenant and His expectation that they destroy the altars and idols of the Canaanites. Instead, they made compromises, forming alliances with the Canaanites and allowing idolatry to remain. God rebuked their disobedience, asking, "Why have you done this?" This question highlights their failure to follow His clear and reasonable commands (v.2 ).

v. 3: Because of their disobedience, God declared that He would no longer drive out the Canaanites. Instead, the Canaanites would remain as a source of trouble, becoming "thorns in your sides" and leading the Israelites into sin through their false gods. This punishment made their sin its own consequence, as they would face constant temptation and suffering (v.3 ).

v. 4: Hearing this rebuke, the Israelites lifted their voices and wept. They confessed their sins and expressed sorrow for their actions. They seemed to regret their disobedience and feared the consequences of God's judgment (v.4 ).

v. 5: The place where this rebuke occurred was named Bochim, meaning "Weepers," to mark the sorrow of the people. There, they offered sacrifices to the LORD, seeking His forgiveness and favor. However, while their weeping showed that they were affected by the message, the later story reveals that their repentance was not deep enough to result in lasting change (v.5 ).Reflection: This passage reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, but He also expects obedience from His people. The Israelites' failure to fully follow God's commands led to ongoing struggles and temptations. Their weeping shows that they felt convicted, but true repentance involves both sorrow for sin and a commitment to change. This story challenges us to trust God's instructions completely and avoid compromises that lead to sin.

The Faithfulness and Apostasy of Israel This section describes what happened after Joshua dismissed the Israelites. It explains how the people served the Lord

v. 7: The Israelites served the Lord

v. 8: Then Joshua, the servant of the Lord

v. 9: Joshua was buried in the territory of his inheritance at Timnath-heres in the hill country of Ephraim. This was a special place given to him by God (Joshua 24:30 ).

v. 10: After that whole generation died, another generation grew up who did not know the Lord

v. 11: The Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord

v. 12: They abandoned the Lord

v. 13: They forsook the Lord

v. 14: The anger of the Lord

v. 15: Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the Lord

v. 16: Even so, the Lord

v. 17: Instead, they quickly turned aside from the way their ancestors had walked, disobeying the commandments of the Lord

v. 18: When the Lord

v. 19: But after the judge died, they returned to their evil ways, becoming even more corrupt than before. They did not stop their stubborn and sinful actions.

v. 20: The anger of the Lord

v. 21: Therefore, the Lord

v. 22: Through these nations, the Lord

v. 23: The Lord