Judges 2:17

KJV

And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; [but] they did not so.

KJV (with Strong's)

And yet they would not hearken {H8085} unto their judges {H8199}, but they went a whoring {H2181} after {H310} other {H312} gods {H430}, and bowed {H7812} themselves unto them: they turned {H5493} quickly {H4118} out of the way {H1870} which their fathers {H1} walked in {H1980}, obeying {H8085} the commandments {H4687} of the LORD {H3068}; but they did {H6213} not so.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yet they did not pay attention to their judges, but made whores of themselves to other gods and worshipped them; they quickly turned away from the path on which their ancestors had walked, the way of obeying ADONAI's mitzvot - they failed to do this.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And yet they hearkened not unto their judges; for they played the harlot after other gods, and bowed themselves down unto them: they turned aside quickly out of the way wherein their fathers walked, obeying the commandments of Jehovah; but they did not so.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 2:17 profoundly articulates the persistent and tragic cycle of Israel's spiritual rebellion during the era of the Judges. Despite the LORD's compassionate provision of divinely appointed deliverers, the people repeatedly rejected the authority and guidance of these judges. This rejection manifested as a swift and profound abandonment of the covenant path established by their faithful ancestors, leading them into blatant idolatry, metaphorically described as "whoring after other gods." The verse underscores a deep-seated spiritual amnesia and a quick propensity for apostasy that characterized a generation prone to betraying its exclusive relationship with the One True God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 2:17 is a crucial component of the theological introduction to the book of Judges (Judges 2:6-3:6), which establishes the recurring pattern of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance that defines the entire period. Following the death of Joshua and his generation (Judges 2:6-10), a new generation arose "who did not know the LORD or the works that he had done for Israel" ([Judges 2:10](/judges/2-10 "Judges 2:10 - A New Generation Who Did Not Know the Lord")). Verses 11-13 describe their immediate turn to Baal and Ashtaroth, provoking God's anger and leading to their subjugation by enemies (Judges 2:14-15). In response to their cries, God mercifully raised up judges (Judges 2:16). However, verse 17 immediately reveals the people's persistent failure to heed these deliverers, thus explaining why the cycle of oppression and divine intervention continued relentlessly throughout the book. This verse serves as a theological anchor, demonstrating that Israel's internal spiritual decay, rather than merely external threats, was the root cause of their suffering and the perpetuation of the cycle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (approximately 1375-1050 BC) was a turbulent time for Israel, marked by a decentralized tribal confederacy and constant interaction with surrounding Canaanite cultures. The land of Canaan was saturated with polytheistic worship, primarily centered on the fertility cults of Baal (the storm god, associated with rain and agricultural prosperity) and Asherah (his consort). These religions often involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and other practices anathema to Yahweh's covenant commands. Israel, having been delivered from Egyptian bondage and given the Mosaic Law at Mount Sinai, was called to be a distinct, holy nation, devoted exclusively to Yahweh. The covenant explicitly forbade idolatry and commanded the eradication of Canaanite religious practices. However, as Israel settled among the indigenous peoples, they succumbed to the allure of local customs and deities, particularly those promising agricultural abundance. Judges 2:17 vividly portrays this cultural assimilation and spiritual compromise, a direct violation of the covenant stipulations detailed in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1-6 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy Idolatry and Avoid Intermarriage").
* **Key Themes:** Judges 2:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **covenant unfaithfulness** and **persistent disobedience**, portraying Israel's repeated failure to uphold their end of the covenant with Yahweh. Their "whoring after other gods" is not merely a lapse but a profound act of spiritual adultery against their divine Husband, a theme extensively developed in prophetic books such as [Hosea 1-3](/hosea/1-3 "Hosea 1-3 - Hosea's Marriage and Israel's Unfaithfulness"). Secondly, **idolatry** emerges as a central destructive force, illustrating the seductive power of pagan worship and its devastating consequences for a nation called to exclusive monotheism. Thirdly, the phrase "turned quickly out of the way" emphasizes the **swiftness of apostasy** and the **failure to transmit faith** to the next generation, a concern explicitly raised in [Judges 2:10](/judges/2-10 "Judges 2:10 - A New Generation Who Did Not Know the Lord"). Finally, despite Israel's egregious rebellion, the verse implicitly points to the overarching theme of **God's unwavering patience and steadfast love** (Hebrew: חֶסֶד, _hesed_), as He continues to raise up judges even in the face of their repeated rejection, foreshadowing His ultimate redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** The verb שָׁמַע (_shâmaʻ_) means "to hear," but in a covenantal and relational context, it signifies much more than mere auditory perception; it implies "to hear intelligently," "to listen attentively," and crucially, "to obey." When the text states "they would not hearken unto their judges," it denotes a deliberate and stubborn refusal to submit to the authority and divine guidance represented by these leaders. This was not simply a failure to listen to their words, but a profound rejection of God's appointed means of deliverance and instruction, demonstrating a deep-seated spiritual insubordination.
* **Whoring (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** The verb זָנָה (_zânâh_) literally means "to commit fornication" or "to be a harlot." In the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic and historical books, it is consistently employed as a powerful metaphor for Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to Yahweh. Their covenant relationship with God is often depicted as a sacred marriage, with Yahweh as the faithful Husband and Israel as His bride. Thus, "whoring after other gods" is a severe indictment, portraying idolatry as spiritual adultery—a profound betrayal of the exclusive, intimate, and sacred bond between God and His people. It implies a willful, illicit pursuit of other gods, driven by desire and resulting in spiritual defilement.
* **Quickly (Hebrew, _mahêr'_):** The adverb מַהֵר (_mahêr_) means "hurrying," "hastily," "at once," or "soon." Its inclusion in the description of Israel's apostasy emphasizes the alarming speed and ease with which they abandoned the righteous path. This rapid deviation suggests a lack of deep conviction or a superficial commitment to the LORD, easily swayed by the seductive allure of Canaanite practices. This swift turning stands in stark contrast to the sustained obedience expected by the covenant and highlights a generation that rapidly forgot the lessons of their history and the commands of their God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And yet they would not hearken unto their judges,"**: This clause immediately establishes the core problem: Israel's stubborn resistance to divinely appointed authority. Despite God's compassionate act of raising up judges to deliver them from the very oppression they brought upon themselves, the Israelites consistently refused to listen to or obey these leaders. This indicates a profound rebellion, not merely against human authority, but against the God who appointed them, demonstrating a lack of gratitude and spiritual discernment that prolonged their suffering.
* **"but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them:"**: This segment vividly explains the nature of their disobedience: spiritual apostasy and idolatry. The potent metaphor of "whoring" underscores the profound betrayal of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, likening it to marital infidelity. They actively pursued and worshipped foreign deities, prostrating themselves in homage before idols, directly violating the first two commandments given at Sinai ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Two Commandments")). This was not merely passive neglect but an active, passionate pursuit of false gods, driven by a desire for perceived benefits or cultural assimilation.
* **"they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; [but] they did not so."**: This final clause highlights the rapid and complete abandonment of their spiritual heritage. "The way which their fathers walked in" refers to the generation that entered Canaan under Joshua, who largely remained faithful to the LORD and obeyed His commandments ([Joshua 24:31](/joshua/24-31 "Joshua 24:31 - Israel Served the Lord All the Days of Joshua")). The present generation, however, swiftly departed from this legacy of obedience. The concluding phrase, "but they did not so," serves as a stark, emphatic summary of their failure, contrasting their behavior sharply with the faithfulness of their predecessors and underscoring their profound spiritual decline.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 2:17 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the use of "whoring" (Hebrew: _zânâh_) to describe Israel's idolatry. This powerful imagery transforms spiritual unfaithfulness into a vivid, tangible act of sexual betrayal, emphasizing the intimacy and exclusivity of the covenant relationship God desired with His people, and the heinous nature of their violation. It evokes strong emotions of disgust, betrayal, and defilement, underscoring the severity of their sin. Another device is **Contrast**, as the actions of this disobedient generation are explicitly contrasted with "the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD." This stark juxtaposition highlights the dramatic decline in faithfulness and serves as a lament for the lost spiritual heritage. Furthermore, the phrase "turned quickly" employs **Emphasis** through the adverb _mahêr_, highlighting the alarming speed and ease with which Israel abandoned their covenant obligations. Finally, the verse functions as a key component in establishing the overarching **Cyclical Narrative** structure of Judges, where the people's failure to "hearken" and their swift turn to idolatry are presented as the recurring catalysts for divine judgment and subsequent oppression, setting the stage for the endless repetition of the sin-suffering-supplication-salvation cycle throughout the book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 2:17 serves as a profound theological statement on the enduring human propensity for depravity, the sacred nature of covenant, and the steadfast character of God. It reveals the deep-seated human tendency toward spiritual forgetfulness and rebellion, even in the face of divine grace and miraculous deliverance. Israel's "whoring after other gods" is not merely a historical anomaly but a timeless illustration of humanity's inclination to worship the created rather than the Creator, to seek security, identity, and fulfillment in idols of our own making. This verse underscores the critical importance of covenant fidelity and the devastating consequences of spiritual adultery against the one true God. Yet, even in this indictment, it implicitly highlights God's unwavering patience and persistent pursuit of His people, demonstrating His enduring commitment to His covenant promises despite their repeated unfaithfulness.

* [Deuteronomy 31:16](/deuteronomy/31-16 "Deuteronomy 31:16 - Prophecy of Israel's Apostasy")
* [Jeremiah 3:6-9](/jeremiah/3-6-9 "Jeremiah 3:6-9 - Israel's Spiritual Adultery and Treachery")
* [Psalm 106:34-40](/psalm/106-34-40 "Psalm 106:34-40 - Israel's Disobedience and Idolatry in Canaan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 2:17 stands as a stark mirror for every generation, revealing the enduring human propensity for spiritual complacency, forgetfulness, and idolatry. It compels us to examine our own hearts: do we truly "hearken" to God's Word, listening with an obedient heart to His commands and the counsel of His Spirit, or do we selectively hear, prioritizing our own desires and comforts? While "whoring after other gods" may not manifest as bowing to physical statues in contemporary society, it can subtly emerge as placing ultimate trust, affection, or security in anything other than God—be it career success, financial prosperity, social approval, personal comfort, self-image, or even the pursuit of good causes apart from His will. The swiftness of Israel's departure from God's way is a sobering reminder that spiritual decline can be rapid and insidious if we neglect consistent engagement with Scripture, fervent prayer, and genuine fellowship within a godly community. This verse calls us to vigilant self-examination, sincere repentance for any form of idolatry, and a renewed, wholehearted commitment to unwavering faithfulness to the LORD, ensuring that our lives are characterized by deep-seated obedience and an exclusive love for the One who delivers us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be "whoring after other gods," placing my ultimate trust, affection, or security in something other than God?**
* **How quickly do I "turn out of the way" when faced with temptation, cultural pressures, or personal desires that conflict with God's commands?**
* **Am I truly "hearkening" to God's voice through His Word and the wisdom of godly counsel, or am I resistant to correction and guidance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my faith is not merely superficial but deeply rooted in consistent obedience and a vibrant, exclusive relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible use such a strong metaphor as "whoring" to describe idolatry?**

Answer: The use of "whoring" (Hebrew _zânâh_) is a powerful and intentional metaphor designed to convey the profound depth of Israel's betrayal against God. In the Old Testament, the covenant between Yahweh and Israel is frequently depicted as a sacred marriage, with God as the faithful Husband and Israel as His chosen bride. This imagery emphasizes the intimate, exclusive, and sacred nature of their relationship, demanding singular devotion. Therefore, worshipping other gods was seen as spiritual adultery—a profound act of infidelity that broke the most sacred bond. This metaphor underscores the emotional pain, betrayal, and defilement associated with idolatry, making it clear that it was not merely a minor transgression but a heinous act of unfaithfulness against the One who had chosen, delivered, and sustained them. Prophets like [Hosea](/hosea/1 "Hosea - Israel's Unfaithful Wife") and [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem as an Unfaithful Wife") extensively use this imagery to highlight the severity of Israel's sin and God's righteous grief.

**What is "the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the generation of Israelites who experienced the Exodus, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and the conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. [Joshua 24:31](/joshua/24-31 "Joshua 24:31 - Israel Served the Lord All the Days of Joshua") explicitly states, "And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and who had known all the works of the LORD that he had done for Israel." This generation, having witnessed God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, His faithful provision in the wilderness, and His power in the conquest of Canaan, largely remained committed to Him and His commandments. Their "way" was characterized by obedience, devotion to the LORD, and a general avoidance of idolatry, setting a precedent of faithfulness. Judges 2:17 highlights the tragic contrast between this largely obedient generation and their descendants, who quickly abandoned that righteous path.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 2:17, with its poignant portrayal of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and their swift departure from God's way, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Where Israel repeatedly failed to "hearken unto their judges" and continually "went a whoring after other gods," Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law and perfectly obeyed His Father in every respect. He is the true and faithful Israel, the Son who never strayed from the "way" of righteousness. His life was one of complete and unwavering submission to God's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, the "other gods" that continually enticed Israel represent the myriad idols of the human heart—sin, self-reliance, worldly desires, and false securities—which Jesus came to dismantle. He is the ultimate Judge and Deliverer, not merely rescuing from external oppressors but from the bondage of sin itself, taking away the "whoring" of the world through His atoning sacrifice ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through faith in Him, believers are brought into a new covenant, where the law is written on their hearts by the Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")), enabling them to walk in the Spirit and truly "hearken" to God, no longer turning quickly from His way but finding their ultimate satisfaction, faithfulness, and eternal life in Him alone ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")).

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

Galatians 1:6

¶ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Deuteronomy 9:12

And the LORD said unto me, Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted [themselves]; they are quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image.

Judges 2:7

And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel.

Revelation 17:1

¶ And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

Revelation 17:5

And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Hosea 2:2

Plead with your mother, plead: for she [is] not my wife, neither [am] I her husband: let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts;

Psalms 106:43

Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked [him] with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.