Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When the angel of the LORD had spoken these things to all the Israelites, the people wept aloud, New Living Translation When the angel of the LORD finished speaking to all the Israelites, the people wept loudly. English Standard Version As soon as the angel of the LORD spoke these words to all the people of Israel, the people lifted up their voices and wept. Berean Standard Bible When the angel of the LORD had spoken these words to all the Israelites, the people lifted up their voices and wept. Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass, when the angel of YHWH spoke these words to all the sons of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice and they wept. King James Bible 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. New King James Version So it was, when the Angel of the LORD spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voices and wept. New American Standard Bible Now when the angel of the LORD spoke these words to all the sons of Israel, the people raised their voices and wept. NASB 1995 When the angel of the LORD spoke these words to all the sons of Israel, the people lifted up their voices and wept. NASB 1977 And it came about when the angel of the LORD spoke these words to all the sons of Israel, that the people lifted up their voices and wept. Legacy Standard Bible So it happened that when the angel of Yahweh spoke these words to all the sons of Israel, the people lifted up their voices and wept. Amplified Bible When the Angel of the LORD had spoken these words to all the Israelites, the people raised their voices and wept. Berean Annotated Bible When the angel of the LORD {YHWH} had spoken these words to all the Israelites (God prevails), the people lifted up their voices and wept. Christian Standard Bible When the angel of the LORD had spoken these words to all the Israelites, the people wept loudly. Holman Christian Standard Bible When the Angel of the LORD had spoken these words to all the Israelites, the people wept loudly. American Standard Version And it came to pass, when the angel of Jehovah spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. Contemporary English Version The Israelites started crying loudly, English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation While the Messenger of the LORD was saying this to all the people of Israel, they began to cry loudly. Good News Translation When the angel had said this, all the people of Israel began to cry, International Standard Version Because the angel of the LORD said these things to all of the Israelis, the people wept out loud, NET Bible When the LORD's messenger finished speaking these words to all the Israelites, the people wept loudly. New Heart English Bible It happened, when the angel of the LORD spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. Webster's Bible Translation And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the angel of the LORD had spoken these words to all the Israelites, the people lifted up their voices and wept. World English Bible When Yahweh’s angel spoke these words to all the children of Israel, the people lifted up their voice and wept. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it comes to pass, when the Messenger of YHWH speaks these words to all the sons of Israel, that the people lift up their voice and weep, Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass, when the angel of YHWH spoke these words to all the sons of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice and they wept. Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass, when the messenger of Jehovah speaketh these words unto all the sons of Israel, that the people lift up their voice and weep, Smith's Literal Translation And it will be when the messenger of Jehovah spake these words to all the sons of Israel, and the people will lift up their voice and weep. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the children of Israel, they lifted up their voice, and wept. Catholic Public Domain Version And when the Angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the sons of Israel, they lifted up their voice, and they wept. New American Bible When the messenger of the LORD had spoken these things to all the Israelites, the people wept aloud. New Revised Standard Version When the angel of the LORD spoke these words to all the Israelites, the people lifted up their voices and wept. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when the angel of the LORD spoke these words to the children of Israel, all the people lifted up their voices and wept. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when The Angel of LORD JEHOVAH said all these words to Israel, all the people lifted up their voice and wept OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spoke these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. Brenton Septuagint Translation And it came to pass when the angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Israel Rebuked at Bochim…3So now I tell you that I will not drive out these people before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.” 4 When the angel of the LORD had spoken these words to all the Israelites, the people lifted up their voices and wept. 5So they called that place Bochim and offered sacrifices there to the LORD.… Cross References When the angel of the LORD had spoken these words Genesis 22:11-18 Just then the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. / “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him,” said the angel, “for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” / Then Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram in a thicket, caught by its horns. So he went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. … Numbers 22:31-35 Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown. / The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you, because your way is perverse before me. / The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, then by now I would surely have killed you and let her live.” … Genesis 16:7-13 Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the desert—the spring along the road to Shur. / “Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied. / So the angel of the LORD told her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.” … to all the Israelites, Deuteronomy 31:30 Then Moses recited aloud to the whole assembly of Israel the words of this song from beginning to end: Joshua 24:1-2 Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. / And Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your fathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates and worshiped other gods. 1 Samuel 12:16-18 Now, therefore, present yourselves and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes. / Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king.” / So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. the people lifted up their voices Numbers 14:1 Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept. Job 2:12 When they lifted up their eyes from afar, they could barely recognize Job. They began to weep aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust in the air over his head. Ruth 1:9-10 May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud / and said, “Surely we will return with you to your people.” and wept. Nehemiah 8:9 Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law. 2 Chronicles 34:27 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its people, and because you have humbled yourself before Me and have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares the LORD. 1 Samuel 30:4 So David and the troops with him lifted up their voices and wept until they had no strength left to weep. Exodus 33:4-6 When the people heard this bad news, they went into mourning, and no one put on any of his jewelry. / For the LORD had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I should go with you for a single moment, I would destroy you. Now take off your jewelry, and I will decide what to do with you.’” / So the Israelites stripped themselves of their jewelry from Mount Horeb onward. 1 Samuel 7:6 When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah. 2 Chronicles 34:27 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its people, and because you have humbled yourself before Me and have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares the LORD. Nehemiah 9:1-3 On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth, with dust on their heads. / Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all the foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. / While they stood in their places, they read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and they spent another quarter of the day in confession and worship of the LORD their God. Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. the people 1 Samuel 7:6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. Ezra 10:1 Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore. Proverbs 17:10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. Jump to Previous Aloud Angel Children Crying Hearing Israel Israelites Lifted Messenger Speaketh Themselves Voice Voices Weep Weeping Wept WordsJump to Next Aloud Angel Children Crying Hearing Israel Israelites Lifted Messenger Speaketh Themselves Voice Voices Weep Weeping Wept WordsJudges 2 1. An angel rebukes the people at Bochim6. The wickedness of the new generation after Joshua 14. God's anger and pity toward them 20. The Canaanites left to prove Israel When the angel of the LORD had spoken these words The "angel of the LORD" is often understood as a theophany, a manifestation of God Himself. This figure appears at critical moments in Israel's history, such as with Hagar (Genesis 16:7-13) and Moses (Exodus 3:2). The words spoken by the angel in Judges 2:1-3 are a reminder of God's covenant and a rebuke for Israel's disobedience. This highlights the seriousness of Israel's failure to fully drive out the Canaanites, as commanded in Deuteronomy 7:1-5. to all the Israelites the people lifted up their voices and wept Persons / Places / Events 1. The Angel of the LORDA divine messenger who often appears in the Old Testament, representing God's presence and authority. In this context, the Angel delivers a message of rebuke and warning to the Israelites. 2. The Israelites The chosen people of God, who are in the Promised Land but have failed to fully obey God's commands regarding the inhabitants of the land. 3. Bochim The place where the Israelites wept after hearing the Angel's message. The name means "weepers," reflecting the people's emotional response to the divine rebuke. 4. Covenant Disobedience The event of the Israelites failing to drive out the inhabitants of the land as God commanded, leading to their spiritual and moral decline. 5. Weeping The emotional response of the Israelites, indicating their sorrow and realization of their disobedience. Teaching Points The Seriousness of DisobedienceGod's commands are not suggestions; they are directives meant for our good and His glory. The Israelites' failure to obey led to spiritual and societal consequences. The Role of Divine Messengers God often uses messengers to communicate His will and warnings. We must be attentive to God's voice, whether through Scripture, spiritual leaders, or the Holy Spirit. The Importance of Repentance The Israelites' weeping signifies a recognition of their sin. True repentance involves acknowledging our failures and turning back to God with a contrite heart. God's Faithfulness Despite Human Failure Even when we fail, God remains faithful. His discipline is a sign of His love and desire to restore us to a right relationship with Him. Emotional Responses to God's Word Our emotional reactions to God's Word can be indicators of our spiritual state. We should allow God's Word to penetrate our hearts and lead us to genuine transformation. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 2:4?2. How can we respond to God's rebuke as Israel did in Judges 2:4? 3. What does Israel's weeping in Judges 2:4 reveal about genuine repentance? 4. How does Judges 2:4 connect to God's covenant promises in Deuteronomy? 5. What actions can we take to avoid Israel's mistakes in Judges 2:4? 6. How does Judges 2:4 encourage us to seek God's forgiveness and mercy today? 7. Why did the Israelites weep after hearing the angel's message in Judges 2:4? 8. How does Judges 2:4 reflect God's covenant relationship with Israel? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Judges 2:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 2? 11. Why do you doubt despite witnessing miracles? 12. Judges 2:1 mentions an angel of the LORD appearing; is there any historical or archaeological evidence for such an event or being? 13. How can a 'divine council' (Psalm 82:1) fit with passages claiming there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4)? 14. (Exodus 34:14) How do we reconcile the commandment against worshiping other gods with archaeological finds suggesting Israel's early polytheistic practices? What Does Judges 2:4 Mean When the angel of the LORDThe “angel of the LORD” is no ordinary messenger; throughout Scripture this figure speaks with divine authority and receives worship (Genesis 16:7-13; Exodus 3:2-6; Judges 6:11-24). His appearance in Judges 2 links back to Joshua’s closing exhortations and underscores that God Himself confronts Israel about their covenant breach. This divine, personal visitation heightens the seriousness of what follows and reminds us that obedience is never merely a human contract but a relationship overseen by the living God. had spoken these words The words just delivered (Judges 2:1-3) rehearse three truths: • God’s faithfulness—“I will never break My covenant with you.” • Israel’s responsibility—“You shall not make a covenant with the people of this land.” • Consequence of disobedience—“They will become thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.” These themes echo earlier warnings (Deuteronomy 7:2-4; Joshua 23:6-13). The Lord’s speech is both reminder and indictment: He kept His promise; they did not keep theirs. to all the Israelites The audience is national, not merely tribal. Covenant infidelity is communal (Exodus 24:3; Joshua 24:1). Everyone hears, therefore everyone is accountable. The text underscores that spiritual compromise is never private; it touches families, tribes, and future generations (Judges 2:10). the people lifted up their voices A unified, audible response follows divine confrontation. Scripture often connects “lifting up the voice” with earnest lament or repentance (1 Samuel 7:6; Ezra 10:1; Joel 2:12-13). Their cry signals: • Recognition of guilt • Alarm at coming discipline • Desire for restored fellowship It is the proper first response when God’s Word exposes sin. and wept Tears flow from hearts pierced by truth (Psalm 51:17; 2 Corinthians 7:10). Yet the book of Judges shows that emotion alone is not enough; lasting change demands ongoing obedience. Subsequent cycles of rebellion reveal that their weeping, though sincere, was short-lived (Judges 2:11-19). Genuine repentance requires turning from disobedience, not merely sorrowing over its consequences. summary Judges 2:4 captures the pivotal moment when God’s covenant people hear a divine rebuke and break down in unified grief. The angel of the LORD, speaking with God’s full authority, reminds them of His faithfulness and their failure. Their loud cries and tears show that His Word pierced their hearts, yet the surrounding narrative warns that feelings must mature into faithful action. The verse calls every generation to listen when God speaks, to grieve over sin, and—above all—to walk in lasting obedience to the covenant-keeping Lord. Hebrew When the Angelמַלְאַ֤ךְ (mal·’aḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel of the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel had spoken כְּדַבֵּ֞ר (kə·ḏab·bêr) Preposition-k | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue these הָאֵ֔לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those words הַדְּבָרִ֣ים (had·də·ḇā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause to אֶֽל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the Israelites, בְּנֵ֖י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son the people הָעָ֛ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock lifted up וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ (way·yiś·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take their voices קוֹלָ֖ם (qō·w·lām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6963: A voice, sound and wept. וַיִּבְכּֽוּ׃ (way·yiḇ·kū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan Links Judges 2:4 NIVJudges 2:4 NLT Judges 2:4 ESV Judges 2:4 NASB Judges 2:4 KJV Judges 2:4 BibleApps.com Judges 2:4 Biblia Paralela Judges 2:4 Chinese Bible Judges 2:4 French Bible Judges 2:4 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 2:4 It happened when the angel of Yahweh (Jd Judg. Jdg) |



