Judges 2:2

KJV

And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall make {H3772} no league {H1285} with the inhabitants {H3427} of this land {H776}; ye shall throw down {H5422} their altars {H4196}: but ye have not obeyed {H8085} my voice {H6963}: why have ye done {H6213} this?

Complete Jewish Bible

you, for your part, are not to make any covenant with the inhabitants of this land but must tear down their altars.' However, you have paid no attention to what I said. What is this you have done?

Berean Standard Bible

and you are not to make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall tear down their altars.’ Yet you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done?

American Standard Version

and ye shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall break down their altars. But ye have not hearkened unto my voice: why have ye done this?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 2:2 records a profound divine confrontation at Bochim, where the Angel of the Lord delivers a severe rebuke to the Israelites for their blatant disregard of God's explicit commands. Despite being instructed to forge no alliances with the indigenous inhabitants and to utterly dismantle their pagan altars, Israel had demonstrably failed to obey. This pivotal verse encapsulates their covenant infidelity, revealing God's deep disappointment and setting the stage for the recurring cycles of spiritual compromise, divine judgment, and subsequent oppression that characterize the unfolding narrative of the Book of Judges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 2:2 serves as a crucial theological and narrative pivot within the Book of Judges. It immediately follows the appearance of the Angel of the Lord at Bochim in [Judges 2:1](/judges/2-1 "Judges 2:1 - Angel of the Lord's Rebuke at Bochim"), marking a transition from the initial, albeit incomplete, conquest narratives of [Judges 1](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - Incomplete Conquest of Canaan") to the subsequent, tragic cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance that define the remainder of the book. This verse articulates the precise nature of Israel's failure—their disobedience to foundational covenant stipulations—which directly precipitates the divine judgment announced in [Judges 2:3](/judges/2-3 "Judges 2:3 - Consequences of Disobedience"). By identifying the specific breaches of covenant, it provides the theological rationale for God's decision to no longer drive out the remaining Canaanites, thereby establishing the narrative framework for Israel's recurring struggles and the necessity of the judges who would arise in response to their cries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The commands reiterated in Judges 2:2 are not new but echo explicit instructions given to Israel prior to and during their entry into the Promised Land. These prohibitions are found in key covenant texts such as [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Prohibition against Covenants and Intermarriage") and [Deuteronomy 7:2-5](/deuteronomy/7-2-5 "Deuteronomy 7:2-5 - Commands to Destroy and Not Intermarry"). These were not merely political directives but fundamentally theological, designed to preserve Israel's unique identity as a people consecrated exclusively to Yahweh. Canaanite culture was saturated with polytheism, fertility cults, and abhorrent practices, including ritual prostitution and child sacrifice. Entering into "league" (covenant) with these peoples or failing to destroy their "altars" inevitably led to spiritual syncretism, intermarriage, and the adoption of pagan worship, directly corrupting Israel's covenant relationship with God. The setting at Bochim, meaning "weepers," underscores the profound emotional and spiritual weight of this divine confrontation, as the people's lament acknowledges their grave failure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is a rich repository of several profound theological themes. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Command and Covenant Fidelity**. God's instructions were unequivocally clear and non-negotiable, forming the very bedrock of His covenant with Israel. Their failure to obey constituted a direct and grievous breach of this sacred agreement. Secondly, **Disobedience and Its Consequences** is a central motif, explicitly stated in "but ye have not obeyed my voice," and immediately followed by God's rhetorical question, which implicitly points to the severe repercussions that would unfold throughout the book. Thirdly, the theme of **Idolatry and Spiritual Purity** is paramount; the command to destroy altars highlights God's absolute intolerance for anything that competes with His exclusive worship. Israel's failure to dismantle these centers of pagan worship left them vulnerable to spiritual contamination, leading to the very syncretism God sought to prevent, as tragically evidenced in [Judges 3:5-6](/judges/3-5-6 "Judges 3:5-6 - Israel's Intermarriage and Idolatry"). Finally, the rhetorical question, "why have ye done this?", conveys God's profound **Disappointment and Grief** over His people's actions, demonstrating His emotional involvement in their faithfulness and His righteous indignation at their rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **League (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to cut," signifies a solemn compact, covenant, or treaty, often made by cutting pieces of flesh and passing between them. In the context of [Judges 2:2](/judges/2-2 "Judges 2:2 - Israel's Disobedience at Bochim"), it refers to political, social, and religious alliances with the Canaanite inhabitants. God's prohibition against such "leagues" was not merely about maintaining geographical separation but fundamentally about preventing spiritual compromise, intermarriage, and the inevitable adoption of pagan worship practices that would follow from close association. It represented a direct violation of Israel's exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh, who demanded their undivided loyalty.
* **Altars (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** From the root meaning "to sacrifice," this term refers to structures, typically of stone or earth, used for sacrificial worship. In the context of the Canaanites, their altars were dedicated to false gods like Baal and Asherah, often associated with immoral, debased, and idolatrous rituals, including child sacrifice. The command to "throw down their altars" was a direct assault on the very heart of pagan worship, signifying the complete eradication of rival spiritual loyalties and the purification of the land for the exclusive worship of Yahweh. It was a command for a thorough spiritual cleansing.
* **Obeyed (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This verb means "to hear," "to listen," and by extension, "to obey" or "to heed." In the phrase "ye have not obeyed my voice," it signifies Israel's failure not only to listen to God's explicit commands but also to act upon them with full compliance. This was a deliberate and active choice of disobedience, a failure to heed the divine will, which carried profound spiritual and practical consequences for their relationship with God and their future in the Promised Land. It implies a willful disregard rather than mere ignorance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land;":** This initial clause reiterates God's specific negative command, forbidding any formal or informal alliances, treaties, or close associations with the indigenous peoples of Canaan. This prohibition was crucial for maintaining Israel's distinct identity as God's holy nation, set apart from the idolatrous and immoral practices of the surrounding cultures. Such "leagues" would inevitably lead to spiritual syncretism and compromise, eroding their unique covenant relationship.
* **"ye shall throw down their altars:":** This is a direct, positive command to actively dismantle and destroy the physical symbols and centers of pagan worship. The altars represented the heart of Canaanite religion, and their destruction was essential for purifying the land and preventing the Israelites from being drawn into idolatry, ensuring their exclusive devotion to Yahweh. This command highlights God's demand for absolute spiritual purity.
* **"but ye have not obeyed my voice:":** This stark declaration reveals Israel's profound and active failure to comply with God's clear instructions. The adversative conjunction "but" highlights the sharp contrast between divine command and human disobedience, emphasizing that Israel's actions were a direct contradiction of God's expressed will. This statement is the core of the divine accusation, laying bare their covenant infidelity and willful rebellion.
* **"why have ye done this?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, expressing God's deep disappointment, grief, and perhaps even righteous indignation or bewilderment at Israel's actions. It implies that there was no justifiable or logical reason for their disobedience, challenging them to account for their rebellion. It underscores the gravity of their sin and sets the tone for the subsequent pronouncement of judgment, highlighting the relational brokenness caused by their unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 2:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("why have ye done this?"), which serves not to elicit an answer but to emphasize the inexcusability of Israel's actions and God's profound disappointment and sorrow. This question functions as a powerful **Reproach**, directly confronting Israel with their egregious failure to uphold their covenant obligations. The initial commands ("ye shall make no league," "ye shall throw down") are presented in the **Imperative Mood**, highlighting their nature as direct, non-negotiable divine decrees that demand immediate and complete obedience. The entire passage is steeped in **Covenant Language**, recalling the terms of the Mosaic Covenant and underscoring Israel's breach of their obligations. The stark contrast between God's clear commands and Israel's explicit disobedience ("but ye have not obeyed") creates a powerful **Antithesis**, emphasizing the gravity of their sin and the resulting divine judgment that is about to be pronounced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 2:2 powerfully illustrates the critical importance of absolute obedience to God's commands, especially concerning spiritual purity and separation from the world's corrupting influences. Israel's failure to fully dispossess the Canaanites and destroy their altars was not a minor oversight but a direct act of covenant infidelity, demonstrating a profound lack of faith in God's power and a willingness to compromise His holiness for perceived convenience or fear. This disobedience led directly to spiritual syncretism, moral decay, and ultimately, divine judgment in the form of oppression by the very nations they failed to eradicate. The verse reveals God's character as a holy and jealous God who demands exclusive worship, but also as a God who grieves over His people's rebellion and holds them accountable for their choices. It serves as a perennial warning against spiritual compromise and the insidious nature of incremental disobedience, underscoring that partial obedience is, in fact, disobedience.

* [Deuteronomy 7:2-5](/deuteronomy/7-2-5 "Deuteronomy 7:2-5 - Commands to Destroy and Not Intermarry")
* [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Prohibition against Making Covenants with Inhabitants")
* [Psalm 106:34-36](/psalm/106-34-36 "Psalm 106:34-36 - Israel's Failure to Destroy Nations and Learning Their Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine rebuke in Judges 2:2 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a potent reminder of the ongoing call to spiritual vigilance and uncompromising obedience. Just as ancient Israel was commanded to be distinct from the pagan cultures around them, followers of Christ are called to be "in the world but not of the world" ([John 17:16](/john/17-16 "John 17:16 - Believers Not of the World")). This means actively identifying and dismantling the "altars" of modern idolatry in our lives—anything that competes for God's supreme place, such as materialism, self-worship, the relentless pursuit of worldly approval, or reliance on human wisdom over divine truth. We must critically examine our "leagues" or compromises with worldly values, thought patterns, or practices that subtly contradict God's Word and dilute our commitment to Christ. True spiritual vitality and freedom from the cycles of defeat come through wholehearted obedience, recognizing that God's commands are always for our ultimate good and His greater glory. Our own "why have ye done this?" moment may come when we face the natural and spiritual consequences of our spiritual compromises, leading us to a necessary season of repentance and renewed, unwavering commitment to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "leagues" or subtle compromises with worldly values might I be making in my life that contradict God's clear commands for holiness?**
* **What "altars" of modern idolatry (e.g., career, comfort, social media, self-image, entertainment) do I need to "throw down" in my own heart and life to ensure God's supreme place?**
* **In what specific areas have I "not obeyed God's voice," and what are the potential spiritual or practical consequences of that disobedience?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent commitment to uncompromising obedience to Christ in my daily walk, trusting fully in His wisdom and power?**

### FAQ

**What does "make no league" mean in this context, and why was it so important?**

Answer: To "make no league" (Hebrew: *bᵉrîyth*) means to enter into no covenant, treaty, or formal agreement with the Canaanite inhabitants of the land. This prohibition was critically important because such alliances would inevitably lead to spiritual compromise and assimilation. God's ultimate purpose for Israel was to be a holy nation, set apart for His exclusive worship, a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel as a Kingdom of Priests")). Covenants with pagan nations would lead to intermarriage, the adoption of their idolatrous practices, and the erosion of Israel's unique identity and mission. God knew that close association would corrupt His people, as tragically seen later in [Judges 3:5-6](/judges/3-5-6 "Judges 3:5-6 - Israel's Intermarriage and Idolatry"), where they married into these nations and served their gods.

**Why did God command them to "throw down their altars"?**

Answer: The command to "throw down their altars" was a direct assault on the very heart of Canaanite religion. These altars were centers of worship for false gods like Baal and Asherah, often involving abhorrent practices, including ritual prostitution and child sacrifice. God's command underscored His absolute intolerance for idolatry and His demand for exclusive worship. By failing to destroy these altars, Israel left open a gateway for spiritual contamination and syncretism, allowing the worship of Yahweh to become mixed with pagan practices, thereby defiling their covenant with Him. This was a necessary act to purify the land and ensure Israel's spiritual integrity, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 12:2-3](/deuteronomy/12-2-3 "Deuteronomy 12:2-3 - Destroying Pagan Worship Sites").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 2:2, with its stark portrayal of Israel's covenant failure and the devastating consequences of their disobedience, profoundly points to the necessity of Christ. The Israelites repeatedly failed to maintain their distinct identity and purity, entering into "leagues" with the world and embracing its "altars" of idolatry. This tragic pattern highlights humanity's pervasive inability to perfectly obey God's commands and uphold the terms of the Old Covenant. However, in Jesus Christ, we find the perfectly obedient Israelite, the one who fully honored God's voice without deviation. He made no "league" with the world's systems of sin and idolatry, but rather perfectly fulfilled the Father'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, Christ Himself became the ultimate "altar" and the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, through whom all other altars and their associated rituals are rendered obsolete ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")). Through His atoning work, He takes away the sin of the world, including the sin of idolatry and spiritual compromise, offering a New Covenant in His blood that writes God's law on our hearts and empowers us to live in true obedience ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Thus, the failure at Bochim underscores our desperate need for a Savior who perfectly fulfills the covenant and enables us, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to truly "obey His voice" and "throw down" the idols in our own lives, living as a people set apart for Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

Deuteronomy 7:2

And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

Deuteronomy 7:4

For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

Jeremiah 2:36

Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.

Jeremiah 2:5

Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?

Ezra 9:1

¶ Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, [doing] according to their abominations, [even] of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

Ezra 9:3

And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.

Deuteronomy 7:16

And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that [will be] a snare unto thee.