Judges 2:5

So they called that place Bochim and offered sacrifices there to the LORD.

Study Bible

So they called
The act of naming in the Hebrew culture is significant, often reflecting the character or the events associated with a place or person. The Hebrew root for "called" is קָרָא (qara), which means to call out, proclaim, or name. This act of naming signifies a recognition and acknowledgment of the events that transpired, marking the place as one of importance and memory.

that place
The phrase "that place" indicates a specific location that holds historical and spiritual significance. In the context of Judges, this place becomes a memorial of the Israelites' encounter with God and their subsequent emotional response. It serves as a geographical marker for future generations to remember the lessons learned and the covenant relationship with God.

Bochim
The name "Bochim" comes from the Hebrew בֹּכִים, meaning "weepers." This name reflects the emotional state of the Israelites as they wept in response to the angel of the LORD's rebuke for their disobedience. It is a poignant reminder of the consequences of straying from God's commands and the deep sorrow that accompanies repentance and realization of sin.

and offered sacrifices
Offering sacrifices was a central aspect of worship in ancient Israel, symbolizing atonement, thanksgiving, and dedication to God. The Hebrew word for "sacrifices" is זֶבַח (zevach), which often refers to peace offerings or fellowship offerings. This act of sacrifice at Bochim signifies the Israelites' desire to restore their relationship with God, seeking His forgiveness and favor.

there
The word "there" emphasizes the specific location where the Israelites chose to worship and seek reconciliation with God. It highlights the importance of setting aside sacred spaces for encountering God, where His presence is acknowledged, and His will is sought.

to the LORD
The use of "the LORD" refers to Yahweh, the covenantal name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with the people of Israel. This phrase underscores the Israelites' recognition of their covenant obligations and their need to return to the LORD in faithfulness and obedience. It is a call to remember the unique relationship they have with God, who is both just and merciful.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Bochim
This is the place where the Israelites wept and offered sacrifices to the LORD. The name "Bochim" means "weepers" in Hebrew, signifying the Israelites' sorrow and repentance.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who were in the Promised Land but had failed to fully obey God's commands to drive out the inhabitants, leading to their weeping and sacrifices at Bochim.

3. The Angel of the LORD
Prior to verse 5, the Angel of the LORD rebukes the Israelites for their disobedience, which leads to their weeping and repentance at Bochim.

4. Sacrifices to the LORD
The Israelites' response to their conviction was to offer sacrifices, an act of worship and repentance, seeking to restore their relationship with God.

5. Covenant Disobedience
The event at Bochim is a direct result of the Israelites' failure to uphold their covenant with God, leading to divine rebuke and their subsequent repentance.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' failure to fully obey God's commands led to their sorrow and need for repentance. Obedience to God is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with Him.

Repentance and Restoration
The act of offering sacrifices at Bochim demonstrates the importance of repentance in restoring our relationship with God. True repentance involves both sorrow for sin and a commitment to change.

God's Faithfulness in Discipline
God's rebuke through the Angel of the LORD shows His faithfulness in disciplining His people, not to punish them, but to bring them back to Himself.

The Consequences of Compromise
The Israelites' compromise in not fully driving out the inhabitants of the land led to spiritual and moral decline. Compromise in our spiritual lives can lead to similar consequences.

The Role of Community in Repentance
The collective weeping and sacrifice at Bochim highlight the importance of community in the process of repentance and spiritual renewal.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the name "Bochim" reveal about the Israelites' emotional and spiritual state, and how can we apply this understanding to our own times of repentance?

2. How does the Israelites' failure to fully obey God's commands in Judges 2:5 relate to areas in our lives where we might be compromising God's standards?

3. In what ways does the concept of divine discipline, as seen in Judges 2:5 and Hebrews 12:5-11, encourage us to view challenges and corrections in our lives?

4. How can the community of believers support one another in repentance and spiritual renewal, as demonstrated by the Israelites' collective response at Bochim?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's discipline. How did it lead to a deeper understanding of His love and faithfulness, similar to the Israelites' experience at Bochim?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 23:20-33
This passage outlines God's command to the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the land, which they failed to do, leading to the events at Bochim.

Psalm 78:40-42
This psalm reflects on Israel's repeated disobedience and God's mercy, similar to the cycle of sin and repentance seen in Judges.

Hebrews 12:5-11
This New Testament passage discusses God's discipline, which is relevant to the Israelites' experience of divine rebuke and correction at Bochim.