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 serves as a tragic and pivotal declaration of Israel's profound spiritual decline following the generation of Joshua. It concisely states that the "children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD" by abandoning their covenant God, Yahweh, and instead devoted themselves to the worship of "Baalim." This verse is foundational, establishing the pattern of apostasy, divine judgment, and subsequent oppression that characterizes the entire Book of Judges, revealing the deep-seated spiritual instability and unfaithfulness of God's chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 2:11 acts as the stark theological introduction to the recurring cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance that defines the Book of Judges. It immediately follows the somber account of the death of Joshua and the elders who had personally witnessed God's mighty acts of deliverance and conquest, as detailed in [Judges 2:6-10](/judges/2-6-10 "Judges 2:6-10 - The Passing of Joshua's 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")). Thus, this verse is not an isolated incident but the direct, inevitable consequence of that spiritual amnesia and covenant neglect, setting the stage for the subsequent divine discipline and the need for God to raise up judges.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges, roughly spanning from 1200 to 1000 BC, was a tumultuous and transitional era for Israel, situated between the unified conquest under Joshua and the establishment of the monarchy. Having settled in the land of Canaan, the Israelites found themselves living amidst the indigenous Canaanite populations, who practiced a polytheistic religion centered on fertility cults. While El was a chief deity, the most active and popular god was Baal, a storm and fertility god believed to control rain, crops, and livestock. Worship of Baal often involved morally reprehensible practices such as ritual prostitution, the erection of sacred poles (Asherah), and even child sacrifice, all of which were explicitly forbidden by Yahweh's law (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 immense, as they promised immediate agricultural prosperity, a stark contrast to Yahweh's covenant blessings which were contingent upon their faithful obedience.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse immediately introduces and establishes the central themes that will reverberate throughout the Book of Judges: apostasy, idolatry, and covenant disobedience. The phrase "did evil in the sight of the LORD" becomes a recurring theological judgment that underscores Israel's persistent failure to uphold their covenant obligations to Yahweh, particularly the foundational first commandment to have no other gods before Him ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Their act of "serving Baalim" represents a profound spiritual rebellion and a deliberate turning away from the one true God who had miraculously delivered them from Egyptian bondage ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")). This act of idolatry is the direct catalyst for the "cycle of Judges"—Israel's sin leads to divine judgment (oppression by foreign nations), which prompts their desperate cry for deliverance, followed by God raising a judge to save them, leading to a period of peace, only for the cycle of unfaithfulness to inevitably repeat.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This term signifies not merely a general moral wrongdoing but that which is inherently displeasing, offensive, or abhorrent in God's eyes. It encompasses actions that are directly contrary to God's revealed will, His holy character, and the terms of His covenant. In the context of Judges, its primary reference is to idolatry and the abandonment of exclusive devotion to Yahweh.
* **served (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to work" in any sense; by implication, "to serve," "till," or "enslave." In this context, it denotes active worship, devotion, and allegiance, indicating a full and committed submission to these pagan deities. It implies a transfer of loyalty from Yahweh to the Baalim.
* **Baalim (Hebrew, _Baʻal'_):** The plural form of "Baal," meaning "lord" or "master." While "Baal" could refer to any local deity or even a human master, here it specifically denotes the various manifestations of the Canaanite storm and fertility god. The use of the plural "Baalim" indicates the widespread nature of this idolatry, embracing multiple local Baals worshipped across different regions and cultic sites, rather than a single, unified cult.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD":** This opening clause establishes the central theological conflict and the primary indictment against Israel. "Did evil" (Hebrew, *ʻâsâh raʻ*) signifies a deliberate action that is morally and spiritually wrong, a violation of God's covenant. "In the sight of the LORD" emphasizes that this is a divine judgment, not a human assessment, underscoring God's perfect knowledge and righteous indignation at their transgression. 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. The verb "served" (Hebrew, *ʻâbad*) implies active 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 (syncretism) but were actively replacing Him as the object of their trust and devotion, seeking prosperity and security from false gods rather than relying on the covenant promises of the one true God.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 2:11 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological impact. 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 that will dominate the narrative. This repetition emphasizes the persistent and cyclical 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, the rejection of exclusive devotion to Yahweh, and the breaking of the covenant. The verse also utilizes **foreshadowing**, as it succinctly sets the stage for the entire narrative arc of the book, predicting the cycles of oppression and deliverance that will inevitably 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 entire Book of Judges, powerfully illustrating the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It highlights the absolute necessity of exclusive worship of Yahweh and the profound dangers of spiritual syncretism, where the worship of the true God is mixed with pagan practices. The Israelites' turning to Baalim underscores humanity's inherent tendency towards idolatry, seeking security, prosperity, and identity from created things rather than from the Creator. This verse also introduces the theme of divine discipline, where God, in His faithfulness to His covenant, allows external oppression as a painful but necessary means of bringing His people to repentance and restoring their relationship with Him, 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 and potent warning against spiritual compromise and the insidious nature of cultural assimilation that can gradually erode genuine faith. Just as the Israelites were tempted by the seemingly pragmatic appeal of Canaanite gods for agricultural prosperity and social integration, 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 and security apart from God. This verse compels us to humbly examine our own hearts and lives, asking what or whom we truly serve with our time, resources, and affections. It underscores the critical importance of cultivating a deep, personal, and experiential knowledge of God and His works, lest we, like the generation after Joshua, drift into spiritual apathy, compromise, and ultimately, idolatry. Our exclusive devotion to God is not merely a legalistic commandment but the very path to true life, lasting blessing, and authentic freedom.

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

### 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, intentional, and often rebellious violation of God's covenant commands and His holy character. It is not merely a moral failing but an act of spiritual rebellion and defiance against the divine will. In [Judges 2:11](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11 - Israel's Apostasy"), and consistently throughout the Book of Judges, this phrase primarily refers to Israel's abandonment of Yahweh worship and their turning to idolatry, specifically the worship of Canaanite deities like Baalim. This act was a fundamental 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, leading to the cycles of oppression described in the book.

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

Answer: Serving Baalim was profoundly problematic for several critical reasons, striking at the heart of Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God. First, it was a direct violation of their exclusive covenant with Yahweh, who had delivered them from slavery in Egypt and established a unique, intimate relationship with them, demanding their singular devotion ([Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the LORD Your God")). Second, the worship of Baalim involved practices that were morally abhorrent and detestable to God, including ritual prostitution, cultic orgies, and even 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, led to moral decay, and ultimately resulted in divine judgment and oppression.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 2:11, with its stark depiction of Israel's persistent spiritual failure and descent into idolatry, powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for a perfect deliverer and a new, unbreakable covenant. The recurring cycle of sin, divine judgment, and temporary deliverance by flawed judges throughout the Book of Judges vividly 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 definitive fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Unlike the judges who could only offer temporary respite from external oppression, Jesus is the perfect and eternal Judge and Deliverer, who not only rescues His people from external enemies 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 and perfect 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 not on stone tablets but on their 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/8-2-4 "Romans 8:2-4 - Life Through the Spirit")). He is the true King, unlike the flawed and temporary 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.

Cross-References

Judges 4:1

¶ And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead.

Judges 6:1

¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

Judges 10:6

¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him.

Judges 3:7

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.

Judges 8:33

And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god.

1 Kings 18:18

And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.

Judges 13:1

¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.