Judges 2:20

KJV

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the anger {H639} of the LORD {H3068} was hot {H2734} against Israel {H3478}; and he said {H559}, Because that this people {H1471} hath transgressed {H5674} my covenant {H1285} which I commanded {H6680} their fathers {H1}, and have not hearkened {H8085} unto my voice {H6963};

Complete Jewish Bible

So the anger of ADONAI blazed against Isra'el; he said, "Because this nation violates my covenant, which I ordered their fathers to obey; and they don't pay attention to what I say;

Berean Standard Bible

So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He said, “Because this nation has transgressed the covenant I laid down for their fathers and has not heeded My voice,

American Standard Version

And the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel; and he said, Because this nation have transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 2:20 powerfully articulates the LORD's righteous indignation against Israel, stemming from their profound and persistent disobedience. This verse reveals the divine rationale behind the impending judgments and cycles of oppression that would characterize the period of the Judges, directly attributing God's "hot anger" to Israel's deliberate transgression of the Mosaic Covenant and their willful refusal to heed His divine commands. It underscores the gravity of covenant infidelity and sets the theological stage for the entire book.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the theological framework of Judges. It immediately follows the "angel of the LORD's" rebuke at Bochim ([Judges 2:1-5](/judges/2-1 "Judges 2:1-5 - The Angel of the LORD at Bochim")), where Israel's failure to dispossess the Canaanites and their subsequent idolatry were highlighted. The narrative then shifts to the death of Joshua and his generation ([Judges 2:6-10](/judges/2-6 "Judges 2:6-10 - Death of Joshua and a New Generation")), leading to a new generation that "did not know the LORD or the work that he had done for Israel" ([Judges 2:10](/judges/2-10 "Judges 2:10 - A Generation That Did Not Know the LORD")). This ignorance quickly devolved into widespread apostasy, serving Baal and Ashtaroth ([Judges 2:11-13](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-13 - Israel's Apostasy")). The LORD's anger is explicitly stated in [Judges 2:14](/judges/2-14 "Judges 2:14 - The LORD Gives Israel into the Hands of Plunderers"), leading to their subjugation. Judges 2:20, therefore, serves as the divine pronouncement, explaining *why* God's anger burns and *why* the cycle of oppression and deliverance (described in [Judges 2:16-19](/judges/2-16 "Judges 2:16-19 - The Cycle of Judges")) is necessary, setting the stage for the subsequent narratives of the judges.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following their miraculous entry into the Promised Land under Joshua, Israel was meant to fully dispossess the Canaanite inhabitants, thereby preventing the adoption of their idolatrous practices. However, as documented in [Judges 1](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - Israel's Incomplete Conquest"), the conquest was incomplete, and Israel began to dwell among the very peoples they were commanded to expel. This proximity led to syncretism, where Israel began to worship the local Canaanite deities, particularly Baal (the storm god) and Ashtaroth (the fertility goddess), in exchange for perceived agricultural prosperity. This was a direct violation of the foundational covenant established at Mount Sinai, which demanded exclusive worship of Yahweh and adherence to His laws. The period of the Judges (roughly 14th-11th centuries BC) was characterized by a decentralized tribal system, lacking a central monarchy, which further contributed to spiritual and moral decay, as "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes")).
* **Key Themes:** Judges 2:20 encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Judges and the broader Old Testament. The most prominent is the theme of **covenant fidelity and infidelity**. Israel's prosperity and security in the land were directly contingent upon their obedience to the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the command to worship Yahweh alone. Their "transgression" of this covenant, specifically through idolatry and disobedience, directly provokes **divine wrath and judgment**. This is not an arbitrary anger but a just response to a broken covenant relationship. The verse also highlights the theme of **consequences for sin**, demonstrating that God's righteous character demands a response to rebellion. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's long-suffering and patience**, as His anger, though "hot," is followed by the institution of judges to deliver His people, even in their persistent rebellion. This verse perfectly sets up the cyclical pattern of sin, subjugation, crying out, deliverance, and subsequent return to sin that defines the entire book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hot (Hebrew, _charah_'):** This verb, often paired with "anger" (`aph`), literally means "to burn" or "to be kindled." When applied to God's anger, it conveys an intense, fiery, and active displeasure. It is not a passive emotion but an indignation that leads to decisive action, indicating the severity of Israel's offense and the certainty of divine response.
* **Transgressed (Hebrew, _avar_'):** Meaning "to pass over," "to cross," or "to violate," this verb implies a deliberate crossing of a boundary or a breach of an agreement. In the context of the covenant, it signifies a willful and conscious act of stepping outside the parameters set by God, highlighting Israel's culpability and the intentionality of their rebellion against the divine stipulations.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _berith_'):** This term denotes a solemn, binding agreement or treaty, often established by an oath and accompanied by specific stipulations and consequences for breach. Here, it refers primarily to the Mosaic Covenant, which defined Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh and their responsibilities as His chosen people. The "transgression" of this _berith_ was not merely breaking a rule, but severing a sacred, foundational relationship.
* **Hearkened (Hebrew, _shama_'):** This crucial verb means "to hear," "to listen," and, most importantly in a covenantal context, "to obey." It implies not just auditory reception but also attentive understanding and responsive action. Israel's failure to "hearken unto my voice" indicates a volitional refusal to listen to God's commands and prophetic warnings, signifying a deep-seated spiritual deafness and rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine perspective on Israel's condition. "The anger of the LORD" (אף יהוה, _aph Yahweh_) is a common biblical idiom for God's righteous indignation, indicating His holy opposition to sin. The verb "was hot" emphasizes the intensity and active nature of this divine displeasure, signaling that a just response to Israel's behavior is imminent and unavoidable. This is not a capricious outburst but a holy reaction to covenant infidelity.
* **"and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers,":** This phrase transitions from the description of God's anger to His direct pronouncement, explaining the *reason* for His wrath. The causal "Because that" links Israel's actions directly to God's judgment. The core accusation is that "this people" – Israel, God's chosen nation – "hath transgressed my covenant." This refers specifically to the Mosaic Covenant, given at Sinai, which established the terms of their relationship with God and their occupation of the Promised Land. Their transgression was a fundamental breach of this sacred agreement, particularly through idolatry and disobedience to the laws given to "their fathers."
* **"and have not hearkened unto my voice;":** This final clause elaborates on the nature of their covenant transgression, emphasizing their active and willful disobedience. To "hearken" (שמע, _shama_) implies not just hearing but also understanding and obeying. Israel's failure was not one of ignorance but of volitional refusal to listen to and act upon God's commands, warnings, and instructions. This highlights the depth of their rebellion and their conscious rejection of God's authority and guidance, which was a direct affront to the very relationship God had initiated with them.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 2:20 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "the anger of the LORD was hot," attributing human emotion (anger) and physical sensation (hotness) to God to make His righteous indignation comprehensible and impactful to a human audience. This device emphasizes the intensity and personal nature of God's displeasure. The verse also functions as a clear example of **cause-and-effect**, explicitly stating that Israel's transgression and disobedience are the direct cause of God's "hot anger" and the subsequent judgments. This establishes a theological principle that actions have divine consequences. Furthermore, there is an element of **repetition** of themes already introduced in [Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-19 - Israel's Apostasy and Oppression"), where Israel's turning from God and the resulting divine anger are described. Here, God Himself articulates the reason, adding divine authority and weight to the previously observed pattern, solidifying the theological rationale for the entire book's cyclical narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 2:20 is a foundational theological statement for understanding God's character and His relationship with His covenant people. It underscores that God is not merely a benevolent deity but also a righteous judge whose holiness demands a response to sin, particularly when it involves a direct breach of a solemn covenant. His anger is not capricious but a just and holy reaction to deliberate rebellion and unfaithfulness. This verse establishes the principle that disobedience to God's revealed will, especially within a covenant framework, inevitably leads to divine judgment and severe consequences. It highlights the seriousness of idolatry and the profound implications of rejecting God's voice, setting the stage for the cycles of oppression and deliverance that define the book of Judges, all rooted in Israel's failure to uphold their end of the Mosaic Covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Psalm 78:56-62](/psalms/78-56 "Psalm 78:56-62 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Anger")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 2:20 serves as a stark reminder that God takes His covenant seriously and that disobedience carries profound consequences. For believers today, while we live under the New Covenant in Christ, the principles of faithfulness, obedience, and the seriousness of sin remain eternally relevant. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly "hearkening" to God's voice as revealed in His Word, or are we allowing spiritual apathy, worldly desires, or subtle forms of idolatry to lead us astray? God's anger against sin is a testament to His holiness and justice, reminding us that He is not indifferent to our choices. This should not lead to fear of an arbitrary God, but to a healthy reverence for His character and a renewed commitment to living in faithful obedience, understanding that true flourishing comes from walking in alignment with His will. The cycles of Judges serve as a powerful historical warning against spiritual complacency and the deceptive allure of compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "transgressing" God's covenant principles, even subtly?**
* **How consistently do I "hearken unto God's voice" through His Word and prayer, truly seeking to obey rather than just hear?**
* **What "idols" (anything that takes God's rightful place in my heart) might be provoking spiritual distance or hindering my relationship with God?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Israel's cycle of disobedience and judgment that apply to my own walk with Christ today?**

### FAQ
**What is the "covenant" referred to in Judges 2:20?**

Answer: The "covenant" primarily refers to the Mosaic Covenant, which God established with Israel at Mount Sinai after their exodus from Egypt. This covenant, detailed in books like [Exodus](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/5 "Deuteronomy 5 - The Ten Commandments and Covenant Renewal"), was a foundational agreement that defined Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh. It included the Ten Commandments and numerous other laws (civil, ceremonial, and moral) that governed their life as God's chosen people. Adherence to this covenant promised blessings and prosperity in the land, while disobedience, particularly idolatry, would lead to curses and judgment, as explicitly warned in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Israel's "transgression" of this covenant meant they had broken their sacred agreement with God, leading to His righteous anger.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 2:20, with its depiction of God's hot anger against Israel's covenant transgression and disobedience, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect covenant-keeper and a mediator who can truly satisfy divine justice. Israel's repeated failure to "hearken unto my voice" and their constant breaking of the Mosaic Covenant revealed the inherent inability of humanity to perfectly obey God's law and live up to His holy standards. This perpetual cycle of sin and judgment in Judges underscores the desperate need for a new and better covenant, one not dependent on human performance but on divine grace. This is precisely what is found in Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly "hearkened" to the Father's voice, fulfilling every jot and tittle of the law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). On the cross, Christ bore the "hot anger of the LORD" that was due to humanity's transgressions, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant") and [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")). Through His atoning work, He inaugurated the New Covenant, a covenant of grace established by His blood, which offers true forgiveness and enables genuine obedience by the power of the Holy Spirit, writing God's laws on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A Superior Covenant")). Thus, Judges 2:20, while detailing Israel's failure, ultimately points to the glorious triumph of Christ, who perfectly fulfills the covenant and redeems those who could not.

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 2:14

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

Joshua 23:16

When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.

Deuteronomy 29:10

¶ Ye stand this day all of you before the LORD your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, [with] all the men of Israel,

Deuteronomy 29:13

That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and [that] he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Judges 3:8

¶ Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years.

Judges 10:7

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.

Joshua 24:21

And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.