Judges 2:11

KJV

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} did {H6213} evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, and served {H5647} Baalim {H1168}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the people of Isra'el did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective and served the ba'alim.

Berean Standard Bible

And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals.

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, and served the Baalim;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 2:11 marks a pivotal and tragic turning point in the narrative of Israel, immediately following the death of Joshua and his generation. It succinctly describes the nation's profound spiritual decline, characterizing their actions as "evil in the sight of the LORD" and highlighting their abandonment of Yahweh, the God of their covenant, for the worship of "Baalim." This verse sets the stage for the cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that defines the entire Book of Judges, revealing the deep-seated spiritual instability and covenant unfaithfulness of the people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 2:11 serves as the grim introduction to the recurring cycle of sin and judgment that dominates the Book of Judges. It immediately follows the death of Joshua and the elders who had witnessed God's mighty acts, as detailed in [Judges 2:6-10](/judges/2-6 "Judges 2:6-10 - The Death of Joshua and the Rise of a New Generation"). The preceding verses lament the rise of a new generation that "knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel" ([Judges 2:10](/judges/2-10 "Judges 2:10 - A Generation That Did Not Know the Lord")). This verse, therefore, is not an isolated incident but the direct consequence of the spiritual amnesia and unfaithfulness described, setting the stage for the subsequent oppression and the need for judges.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1000 BC) was a transitional era for Israel, sandwiched between the conquest under Joshua and the establishment of the monarchy. Having settled in Canaan, the Israelites found themselves surrounded by indigenous Canaanite populations who practiced a polytheistic religion centered on fertility cults. The primary deity was El, but the most active and popular god was Baal, a storm god believed to control rain, crops, and livestock. Worship of Baal often involved ritual prostitution, sacred poles (Asherah), and even child sacrifice, practices explicitly forbidden by Yahweh (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:31](/deuteronomy/12-31 "Deuteronomy 12:31 - Abominable Practices of the Nations")). The temptation for Israel to adopt these practices was strong, as they promised immediate agricultural prosperity, a stark contrast to Yahweh's covenant blessings which were contingent on obedience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse initiates the central themes of the Book of Judges: apostasy, idolatry, and covenant disobedience. The phrase "did evil in the sight of the LORD" becomes a recurring motif throughout the book, underscoring Israel's repeated failure to uphold their covenant obligations to Yahweh, particularly the first commandment to have no other gods before Him ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Their "serving Baalim" represents a profound spiritual rebellion and a turning away from the one true God who delivered them from Egypt ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")). This act of idolatry directly triggers the "cycle of Judges" – Israel's sin leads to divine judgment (oppression), which prompts their cry for deliverance, followed by God raising a judge, leading to a period of peace, only for the cycle to inevitably repeat.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** This term signifies not merely moral wrongdoing but that which is displeasing or abhorrent in God's eyes. It encompasses actions that are contrary to God's revealed will and covenant commands. In the context of Judges, it almost exclusively refers to idolatry and the abandonment of Yahweh.
* **Baalim (Hebrew, _bə‘ālîm'_):** The plural form of "Baal," meaning "lord" or "master." While "Baal" could refer to any local deity, here it specifically denotes the various manifestations of the Canaanite storm and fertility god, worshipped across different regions with slight variations. The plural indicates the widespread nature of this idolatry, embracing multiple local Baals rather than a single, unified cult.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD":** This clause establishes the central conflict of the book: Israel's repeated and deliberate disobedience to God. "Evil in the sight of the LORD" is a theological judgment, not merely a human assessment, indicating a violation of the divine covenant and God's holiness. It signals a departure from the righteous path laid out in the Torah.
* **"and served Baalim":** This second clause specifies the nature of their evil: idolatry. "Served" (Hebrew, _‘ābad_) implies worship, devotion, and allegiance, indicating a full commitment to these pagan deities. By serving Baalim, the Israelites were not merely adding other gods to their worship of Yahweh but were actively replacing Him, seeking prosperity and security from false gods rather than trusting in the covenant promises of the one true God.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 2:11 employs several significant literary devices. The phrase "did evil in the sight of the LORD" functions as a **leitmotif** or recurring phrase throughout the Book of Judges, signaling the initiation of the cyclical pattern of sin and judgment. This repetition emphasizes the persistent nature of Israel's unfaithfulness. The mention of "Baalim" serves as a powerful **symbol** of Israel's spiritual adultery; it is not just a reference to pagan gods but represents the allure of worldly systems and the rejection of exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The verse also utilizes **foreshadowing**, as it sets the stage for the entire narrative arc of the book, predicting the cycles of oppression and deliverance that will follow as a direct consequence of this initial act of apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 2:11 is foundational for understanding the theological message of the Book of Judges, powerfully illustrating the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It highlights the absolute necessity of exclusive worship of Yahweh and the dangers of syncretism. The Israelites' turning to Baalim underscores humanity's inherent tendency towards idolatry, seeking security and blessing from created things rather than the Creator. This verse also introduces the theme of divine discipline, where God allows external oppression as a means of bringing His people to repentance, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful.

* [Deuteronomy 6:14](/deuteronomy/6-14 "Deuteronomy 6:14 - Do Not Go After Other Gods")
* [1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turned to Other Gods")
* [Romans 1:25](/romans/1-25 "Romans 1:25 - Exchanging the Truth for a Lie")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 2:11 stands as a timeless warning against spiritual compromise and the insidious nature of cultural assimilation that erodes faith. Just as the Israelites were tempted by the seemingly pragmatic appeal of Canaanite gods for agricultural prosperity, believers today face constant pressure to conform to worldly values and pursue "modern idols" such as wealth, status, worldly pleasures, or even political ideologies, which promise fulfillment apart from God. This verse compels us to examine our own hearts and lives, asking what or whom we truly serve. It underscores the critical importance of cultivating a deep, personal knowledge of God and His works, lest we, like the generation after Joshua, drift into spiritual apathy and compromise. Our exclusive devotion to God is not merely a commandment but the path to true life and blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Baalim" or modern idols might be subtly vying for my allegiance in today's culture?**
* **How can I ensure that my knowledge of God is not merely intellectual but deeply experiential, leading to steadfast obedience?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my faith for perceived worldly benefits or acceptance?**

### FAQ
**What does "did evil in the sight of the LORD" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In the biblical narrative, "doing evil in the sight of the LORD" is a profound theological statement indicating a direct and intentional violation of God's covenant commands and His holy character. It is not merely a moral failing but an act of spiritual rebellion. In Judges 2:11, and throughout the book, this phrase primarily refers to Israel's abandonment of Yahweh worship and their turning to idolatry, particularly the worship of Canaanite deities like Baalim. This act was a breach of the very first commandment given at Sinai, "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")), and it provoked God's righteous anger and judgment.

**Why was serving "Baalim" so problematic for the Israelites?**

Answer: Serving Baalim was problematic for several critical reasons. First, it was a direct violation of their covenant with Yahweh, who had delivered them from slavery in Egypt and established an exclusive relationship with them ([Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the LORD Your God")). Second, the worship of Baalim involved practices that were morally abhorrent to God, including ritual prostitution and child sacrifice ([Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Do Not Offer Your Children to Molech") and [Deuteronomy 12:31](/deuteronomy/12-31 "Deuteronomy 12:31 - Abominations of the Nations")). Third, it represented a fundamental distrust in God's provision and sovereignty; the Israelites turned to fertility gods for rain and crops instead of trusting the Lord who promised to bless their land if they obeyed Him ([Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Deuteronomy 28:12 - Blessings for Obedience")). This spiritual syncretism undermined their identity as God's chosen people and led to their oppression.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 2:11, with its stark depiction of Israel's spiritual failure and idolatry, powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for a perfect deliverer and a new covenant. The recurring cycle of sin, judgment, and temporary deliverance by judges in the Book of Judges reveals the inadequacy of human leadership and the persistent unfaithfulness of God's people under the Old Covenant. This broken cycle finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Unlike the judges who could only offer temporary respite, Jesus is the perfect and eternal Judge and Deliverer, who not only rescues His people from oppression but from the very power and penalty of sin itself. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a definitive sacrifice that permanently deals with the "evil in the sight of the LORD" that plagued Israel. Through His atoning work, believers are brought into a New Covenant, where the law is written on hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")), and the Holy Spirit empowers them to live in true devotion to God, freeing them from the bondage of idolatry and the endless cycle of sin and judgment that marked the era of the judges ([Romans 8:2-4](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2-4 - Life Through the Spirit")). He is the true King, unlike the flawed judges, who establishes an eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.