Judges 2:3

KJV

Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be [as thorns] in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore I also said {H559}, I will not drive them out {H1644} from before {H6440} you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides {H6654}, and their gods {H430} shall be a snare {H4170} unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why I also said, 'I will not drive them out before you; but they will be on your flanks, and their gods will become a snare for you.'"

Berean Standard Bible

So now I tell you that I will not drive out these people before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.”

American Standard Version

Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 2:3 presents a solemn divine declaration of judgment against the Israelites, pronounced by the Angel of the Lord. It reveals God's consequence for Israel's failure to fully obey His command to dispossess the Canaanite inhabitants of the Promised Land. This pivotal verse decrees that the remaining peoples would become a perpetual source of affliction, and their idolatrous practices a spiritual trap, thereby explaining the recurring cycles of sin, oppression, and partial deliverance that characterize the entire Book of Judges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 2:3 immediately follows a profound rebuke delivered by the Angel of the Lord at Bochim, a place aptly named "weepers" due to the Israelites' response to the divine message. The preceding verses, specifically [Judges 2:1-2](/judges/2-1-2 "Judges 2:1-2 - The Angel of the Lord's Rebuke at Bochim"), recount the Angel's reminder of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness in bringing Israel into Canaan and His explicit, non-negotiable command to make no covenant with the land's inhabitants and to dismantle their altars. Israel's documented failure to adhere to this command, vividly detailed in the preceding chapter [Judges 1](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - Incomplete Conquest of Canaan"), directly precipitates the severe divine judgment articulated in verse 3. This verse functions as the theological linchpin for the entire book, establishing the narrative framework that explains Israel's subsequent cycles of apostasy, divine punishment, and eventual, though often temporary, deliverance through judges.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges represents a tumultuous transitional era for Israel, following the unified conquest under Joshua. Rather than a cohesive nation, Israel existed as a loose confederation of tribes, each struggling to secure and settle its allotted territory. The Canaanites, deeply rooted in the land, practiced a polytheistic religion centered on fertility cults, particularly the worship of Baal and Asherah, which often involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and other abhorrent practices. God's repeated command to utterly dispossess these peoples, as found in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:2-5](/deuteronomy/7-2-5 "Deuteronomy 7:2-5 - Command to Destroy the Canaanites"), was not arbitrary but essential for Israel's spiritual purity, covenant fidelity, and distinct identity as Yahweh's chosen people. Israel's failure to complete the conquest was a profound act of disobedience, driven by a lack of faith, complacency, or even a pragmatic desire to exploit Canaanite labor or resources, rather than trusting in God's power and provision.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 2:3 is rich with foundational themes that reverberate throughout biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, demonstrating that God's covenant blessings are contingent upon obedience, and that disobedience inevitably invites divine discipline. What was initially a command for Israel's protection and purity now becomes a punitive measure. The verse also underscores the **Danger of Compromise**, highlighting that partial obedience is, in God's sight, a form of rebellion. Israel's failure to fully eradicate the Canaanites led to a spiritual erosion, a direct violation of covenant stipulations outlined in texts such as [Exodus 23:32-33](/exodus/23-32-33 "Exodus 23:32-33 - Prohibition Against Covenants with Inhabitants"). Furthermore, the warning that "their gods shall be a snare unto you" emphasizes the pervasive theme of the **Spiritual Snare of Idolatry**. This foreshadows the repeated cycles of Israel abandoning Yahweh to worship foreign deities, as explicitly detailed later in the chapter, for instance, in [Judges 2:11-13](/judges/2-11-13 "Judges 2:11-13 - Israel's Turn to Idolatry"). Finally, the vivid metaphor of "thorns in your sides" portrays the theme of **Persistent Trouble and Opposition**, signifying the ongoing irritation, conflict, and harassment Israel would endure from these unconquered peoples.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **drive out (Hebrew, _gârash'_ H1644):** This primitive root signifies to expel, cast out, or divorce someone from a possession. In this context, it refers to God's command for Israel to completely dispossess the Canaanite inhabitants from the land. The divine declaration "I will not drive them out" signifies God's withdrawal of His active assistance in this task, directly linking Israel's failure to obey with the cessation of divine aid in the conquest.
* **sides (Hebrew, _tsad'_ H6654):** This word literally means "side" or "flank." In the KJV, the phrase "as thorns in your sides" is an interpretive rendering that captures the metaphorical meaning. The literal "sides" here are used to convey a constant, irritating, and painful presence, much like a thorn continually pricking the body. It denotes a persistent source of annoyance, affliction, and obstruction, preventing peace or progress.
* **snare (Hebrew, _môwqêsh'_ H4170):** This term refers to a noose or trap used for catching animals. Figuratively, it denotes something that leads one into ruin, moral entanglement, or spiritual captivity. In Judges 2:3, the "snare" specifically refers to the idolatrous practices and false worship of the Canaanite gods, which would prove an irresistible temptation, leading Israel into spiritual apostasy and its devastating consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you;":** This clause marks a pivotal moment of divine judgment. The phrase "I also said" emphasizes that this is a direct, authoritative pronouncement from God, a fixed decree. Because Israel failed to fulfill their covenant obligation to dispossess the Canaanites, God declares that He will no longer provide the supernatural assistance necessary for their expulsion. This is not a change in God's character but a just and righteous consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness, demonstrating that divine blessing and aid are conditional upon human obedience and trust.
* **"but they shall be [as thorns] in your sides,":** This is the first, immediate consequence of God's withdrawal of assistance. The unconquered Canaanites, whom Israel tolerated, would become a perpetual source of trouble and affliction. The metaphor of "thorns in your sides" vividly communicates a constant, irritating, and painful presence that would hinder Israel's peace and prosperity. These remaining peoples would harass, oppress, and serve as a constant reminder of Israel's failure to fully obey, preventing them from fully enjoying their promised inheritance.
* **"and their gods shall be a snare unto you.":** This is the second and arguably more severe consequence, highlighting the spiritual danger. The physical presence of the Canaanites directly leads to the spiritual threat of their deities. Their idolatrous practices, initially tolerated, would become a "snare"—a deceptive trap that would ensnare Israel in spiritual apostasy. This underscores the insidious nature of compromise: tolerating paganism inevitably leads to participating in it, drawing Israel away from the exclusive worship of the one true God and into cycles of sin, judgment, and oppression.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 2:3 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message of divine judgment and its consequences. The most striking is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "thorns in your sides." This vivid image transforms the abstract concept of persistent trouble and affliction into a tangible, painful reality, making the consequences of disobedience immediately relatable and impactful for the audience. The term "snare" functions as powerful **Symbolism**, where a physical trap represents the insidious spiritual danger of idolatry and the moral entanglement it brings. This is a recurring biblical motif, highlighting the deceptive and destructive nature of sin when one deviates from God's path. Furthermore, the entire verse is presented as a **Divine Pronouncement** or **Prophecy**, delivered with absolute authority by the Angel of the Lord. The direct, declarative nature of God's statement ("I also said, I will not drive them out...") emphasizes the certainty and irrevocability of the consequences, setting the stage for the recurring narrative cycles of the Book of Judges.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 2:3 serves as a profound theological statement on the gravity of covenant disobedience and the principle that God's blessings are contingent upon faithfulness. It powerfully illustrates God's unyielding justice and His commitment to holding His people accountable for their choices. While God had faithfully promised Israel the land, their failure to fulfill their part of the covenant—namely, to utterly dispossess the inhabitants—meant that the full realization of that promise would be hindered and marred by persistent conflict and spiritual corruption. This verse highlights the insidious nature of spiritual compromise: what begins as a tolerated presence quickly escalates into a corrupting influence and a spiritual trap. It teaches that half-hearted or partial obedience is, in essence, a form of rebellion against God's perfect will, and that the consequences of such rebellion often involve the very things we refuse to deal with becoming our greatest adversaries. It is a timeless lesson in the necessity of radical, uncompromising obedience and the grave dangers of syncretism, where the worship of God is mixed with worldly or pagan practices.

* [Deuteronomy 7:2-5](/deuteronomy/7-2-5 "Command to Utterly Destroy the Canaanites")
* [Numbers 33:55](/numbers/33-55 "Thorns in Your Eyes and Pricks in Your Sides")
* [Joshua 23:12-13](/joshua/23-12-13 "Warnings Against Intermarriage and Alliance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 2:3 stands as a timeless and sobering warning for believers today, underscoring the critical importance of wholehearted obedience and the insidious dangers of spiritual compromise. Just as ancient Israel was called to decisively dispossess the Canaanites to secure their inheritance and maintain spiritual purity, so too are Christians called to decisively deal with sin, worldly influences, and spiritual apathy in their lives. Lingering areas of disobedience, unaddressed sinful habits, or unmortified flesh can become "thorns in our sides," causing persistent spiritual struggles, hindering our growth in grace, and robbing us of the peace, joy, and abundant life found in a full and unhindered relationship with Christ. Furthermore, worldly attitudes, cultural temptations, or false teachings can subtly become a "snare," drawing us away from singular devotion to God and entangling us in destructive patterns that compromise our witness and diminish our spiritual vitality. This verse profoundly challenges us to examine our lives for any areas where we have made "covenants" with the world, tolerating what God explicitly calls us to eradicate or renounce. True freedom, spiritual vitality, and the fullness of God's blessings come not from partial or convenient obedience, but from a radical, uncompromising commitment to follow Him in every area of our lives, trusting that His commands are always for our ultimate good and protection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Canaanites" or "thorns"—such as unconfessed sins, unaddressed habits, or worldly attachments—might I be tolerating in my own life that God is calling me to decisively remove?**
* **In what subtle ways might worldly influences, cultural norms, or deceptive ideologies be acting as a "snare," drawing me away from wholehearted devotion to Christ and His truth?**
* **How does my understanding of God's unwavering justice and His covenant faithfulness inform and motivate my commitment to radical obedience, especially when it is difficult or counter-cultural?**
* **What specific, practical steps can I take today to cultivate a spirit of uncompromising obedience and actively resist spiritual complacency in my walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't God simply drive out the Canaanites later if Israel failed?**

Answer: God's actions in [Judges 2:3](/judges/2-3 "Judges 2:3 - Consequences of Disobedience") are not a sign of His inability or a change in His power, but rather a profound demonstration of His justice, His commitment to human responsibility, and the nature of His covenant with Israel. God had already provided Israel with the power and opportunity to drive out the Canaanites, as evidenced by their initial successes under Joshua's leadership and the clear commands given in the Torah (e.g., [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4-5 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - God Dispossesses Nations for Their Wickedness")). Their failure was a direct act of disobedience and a profound lack of faith in God's provision and command. By declaring, "I will not drive them out from before you," God holds Israel accountable for their choices and demonstrates that His blessings and active assistance are often conditional upon human faithfulness to His commands. The ongoing presence of the Canaanites served as a constant reminder of Israel's failure and the painful consequences of compromising with sin, ultimately teaching them through suffering the lessons of their apostasy and the insidious nature of idolatry. This divine withdrawal of assistance highlights a crucial biblical principle: while God is sovereign, He also works through human obedience and holds His people responsible for their actions within the covenant relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 2:3, with its stark portrayal of Israel's failure to fully obey and the resulting "thorns" and "snares," powerfully underscores humanity's deep need for a perfect deliverer and a new, more enduring covenant. Israel's repeated inability to fully dispossess their spiritual enemies and their subsequent entanglement in idolatry vividly illustrate the futility of human effort to achieve spiritual purity or lasting victory apart from divine grace. This verse highlights humanity's inherent weakness, our propensity to compromise, and our desperate need for a radical transformation that only Christ can provide. Jesus, the true and greater Israel, perfectly fulfilled the obedience that the nation of Israel failed to render. He did not compromise with the "thorns" of temptation or the "snares" of sin; rather, He perfectly resisted them, even to the point of death on the cross. Through His atoning work, Christ disarmed the spiritual powers that would ensnare us [Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Christ Disarms the Powers and Triumphs"), freeing us from the "snare" of sin and death [John 8:34-36](/john/8-34-36 "John 8:34-36 - Jesus Sets Free from Sin"). The "thorns" in our sides, representing the lingering effects of the flesh and the world's temptations, are now battled not in our own strength, but by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers us to walk in newness of life and overcome sin [Galatians 5:16-17](/galatians/5-16-17 "Galatians 5:16-17 - Walk by the Spirit"). In Christ, believers receive a complete spiritual inheritance, not one hindered by unconquered enemies, for He has conquered all things, enabling us to run the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith [Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Running the Race with Perseverance").

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

Joshua 23:13

Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out [any of] these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

Numbers 33:55

But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them [shall be] pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

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.

Psalms 106:36

And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.

Judges 2:21

I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:

Exodus 34:12

Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:

Exodus 23:33

They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.