Israel, however, did not listen to their judges. Instead, they prostituted themselves with other gods and bowed down to them. They quickly turned from the way of their fathers, who had walked in obedience to the LORD's commandments; they did not do as their fathers had done. Yet they would not listen to their judgesThis phrase highlights the Israelites' persistent disobedience and rebellion against the leaders God appointed to guide them. The Hebrew root for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but obeying and heeding. The judges were divinely appointed leaders meant to deliver Israel from oppression and guide them back to covenant faithfulness. Historically, this period was marked by a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The Israelites' refusal to listen signifies a deeper spiritual malaise, a heart hardened against God's commands and His chosen instruments of leadership. but prostituted themselves to other gods
The term "prostituted" is translated from the Hebrew "זָנָה" (zanah), which conveys the idea of unfaithfulness and idolatry. In the ancient Near Eastern context, idolatry was often associated with literal acts of prostitution in pagan worship. This metaphor of spiritual adultery underscores the gravity of Israel's sin, as they abandoned their covenant relationship with Yahweh to pursue false gods. The historical context reveals that the surrounding Canaanite culture was steeped in idolatry, which constantly tempted Israel away from exclusive devotion to the Lord. and worshiped them
"Worshiped" comes from the Hebrew "שָׁחָה" (shachah), meaning to bow down or prostrate oneself. This act of worship indicates a complete submission and reverence that should have been reserved for Yahweh alone. The Israelites' worship of other gods was not merely a cultural assimilation but a profound betrayal of their identity as God's chosen people. Scripturally, this act of worshiping other gods is repeatedly condemned as it violates the first commandment and disrupts the covenant relationship established at Sinai. They quickly turned from the way of their fathers
The phrase "quickly turned" suggests a rapid and deliberate departure from the established path. The "way of their fathers" refers to the faith and practices handed down from the patriarchs and the generation that entered the Promised Land under Joshua. This turning away indicates a generational failure to uphold the covenant and a neglect of the spiritual heritage that was meant to guide them. Historically, this reflects the failure of the Israelites to fully drive out the Canaanites, leading to the adoption of their corrupt practices. who had walked in obedience to the LORD’s commandments
"Walked" is a metaphor for living one's life, derived from the Hebrew "הָלַךְ" (halak). It implies a continuous, habitual lifestyle of obedience. The "LORD’s commandments" refer to the Torah, the divine instructions given to Israel. The fathers' obedience is set as a standard, contrasting sharply with the current generation's disobedience. This highlights the importance of faithful transmission of God's laws and the consequences of neglecting such a duty. They did not do as their fathers had done
This final phrase serves as a lament and a warning. The failure to emulate the faithfulness of their ancestors resulted in spiritual and moral decline. It underscores the importance of generational faithfulness and the impact of one generation's actions on the next. The historical and scriptural context reveals a pattern of apostasy that would continue throughout Israel's history, emphasizing the need for repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. Persons / Places / Events 1. JudgesLeaders raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression and guide them back to faithfulness. 2. IsraelitesThe people of God who repeatedly turned away from Him to worship other gods. 3. Other godsThe false deities of the surrounding nations that the Israelites pursued, contrary to God's commandments. 4. FathersThe ancestors of the Israelites who had walked in obedience to God, such as those who followed Joshua. 5. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who commanded exclusive worship and obedience from His people. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but anything that takes the place of God in our lives. We must guard our hearts against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism, power, or relationships. The Importance of ObedienceThe Israelites' failure to obey God led to their downfall. Obedience to God's Word is crucial for maintaining a faithful relationship with Him. Generational FaithfulnessThe passage highlights the importance of passing down faithfulness to God from one generation to the next. Parents and leaders should model and teach obedience to God's commandments. Listening to God-appointed LeadersJust as the Israelites were called to listen to their judges, we are called to heed the guidance of godly leaders and mentors in our lives. Repentance and ReturnDespite Israel's repeated failures, God continually offered opportunities for repentance. We should be quick to repent and return to God when we stray. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern "gods" or idols that can distract us from our relationship with the LORD, and how can we guard against them? 2. How can we ensure that we are walking in obedience to God's commandments in our daily lives? 3. In what ways can we pass down a legacy of faithfulness to the next generation? 4. How can we discern and follow the guidance of godly leaders in our community? 5. Reflect on a time when you turned away from God. What steps did you take to repent and return to Him, and how can this passage encourage you in that process? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5The commandment against idolatry, which the Israelites violated by worshiping other gods. Deuteronomy 6:14-15A warning against following other gods, emphasizing God's jealousy and the consequences of disobedience. 1 Samuel 8:7-8The Israelites' rejection of God as their king, similar to their rejection of the judges. 2 Kings 17:13-15A recounting of Israel's persistent disobedience and idolatry, leading to their eventual exile. Hebrews 3:12-13An exhortation to remain faithful and not turn away from the living God, paralleling the call to avoid the Israelites' mistakes. People Israelites, Joshua, NunPlaces Bochim, Egypt, Gaash, Gilgal, Timnath-heresTopics Aside, Astray, A-whoring, Bow, Bowed, Commandments, Commands, Didn't, Ear, Fathers, Gods, Harlot, Haste, Hearken, Hearkened, Judges, Keeping, Listen, Lord's, Obedience, Obey, Obeyed, Obeying, Orders, Played, Prostitute, Prostituted, Quickly, Themselves, Turning, Unlike, Walked, Wherein, Whoring, Worship, Worshiped, Worshipped, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 2:17 1445 revelation, responses
4020 life, of faith
6239 prostitution
8241 ethics, basis of Judges 2:6-23 8705 apostasy, in OT Judges 2:10-19 8151 revival, corporate Judges 2:10-23 8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah Judges 2:16-17 6243 adultery, spiritual
8840 unfaithfulness, to God Judges 2:16-19 5358 judges Library A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience
'And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. 2. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? 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 …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureIsrael's Obstinacy and God's Patience
'And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim; 12. And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to anger. 13. And they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. 14. And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Whether the Female Sex is an Impediment to Receiving Orders?
Objection 1: It would seem that the female sex is no impediment to receiving Orders. For the office of prophet is greater than the office of priest, since a prophet stands midway between God and priests, just as the priest does between God and people. Now the office of prophet was sometimes granted to women, as may be gathered from 4 Kings 22:14. Therefore the office of priest also may be competent to them. Objection 2: Further, just as Order pertains to a kind of pre-eminence, so does a position …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Judges.
Judges 1; 1 Sam. 7. The Characteristics of the Times. This is a period of transition for Israel Nothing was quite certain, and "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (17:6). In consequence of this there was lack of organization, cooperation or leadership. While we do not have all the history covered by the period and while we do not easily understand or explain its events, it is clear that things did not run smoothly. In Judges 2:16-19 the author gives a vivid picture of the conditions …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period The Unmistakable Honesty of the Writers of the Bible Attests to Its Heavenly Origin
The title of this chapter suggests a wide field of study the limits of which we can now only skirt here and there. To begin with the writers of the Old Testament. Had the historical parts of the Old Testament been a forgery, or the production of uninspired men, their contents would have been very different to what they are. Each of its Books was written by a descendant of Abraham, yet nowhere do we find the bravery of the Israelites extolled and never once are their victories regarded as the outcome …
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible The Death of Abraham
'Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.'--GENESIS xxv. 8. 'Full of years' does not seem to me to be a mere synonym for longevity. That would be an intolerable tautology, for we should then have the same thing said three times over--'an old man,' 'in a good old age,' 'full of years.' There must be some other idea than that in the words. If you notice that the expression is by no means a usual one, that it is only …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Doctrine of Angels.
I. THEIR EXISTENCE. 1. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. 2. THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES. II. THEIR NATURE. 1. CREATED BEINGS. 2. SPIRITUAL BEINGS. 3. GREAT POWER AND MIGHT. 4. VARIOUS GRADES. 5. THE NUMBER OF ANGELS. III. THE FALL OF ANGELS. 1. TIME AND CAUSE. 2. THE WORK OF FALLEN ANGELS. 3. THE JUDGMENT OF FALLEN ANGELS. IV. THE WORK OF ANGELS. 1. THEIR HEAVENLY MINISTRY. 2. THEIR EARTHLY MINISTRY. a) In Relation to the Believer. b) In Relation to Christ's Second Coming. THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS. We are not …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible A Case of Conscience Resolved
WHETHER, WHERE A CHURCH OF CHRIST IS SITUATE, IT IS THE DUTY OF THE WOMEN OF THAT CONGREGATION, ORDINARILY, AND BY APPOINTMENT, TO SEPARATE THEMSELVES FROM THEIR BRETHREN, AND SO TO ASSEMBLE TOGETHER, TO PERFORM SOME PARTS OF DIVINE WORSHIP, AS PRAYER, ETC., WITHOUT THEIR MEN? AND THE ARGUMENTS MADE USE OF FOR THAT PRACTICE, EXAMINED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This exceedingly rare tract was first published in 1683, and was not reprinted, either separately, or in any edition of Bunyan's …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 2:17 NIVJudges 2:17 NLTJudges 2:17 ESVJudges 2:17 NASBJudges 2:17 KJV
Judges 2:17 Commentaries
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