The Hebrew word Bôkîym, represented by H1066, literally means "the weepers." It is derived from the plural active participle of the verb for weeping. In the biblical text, it is used exclusively as a place name, Bochim, in Palestine. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses, marking a specific location of great emotional and spiritual significance for Israel.
The context for H1066 is a pivotal moment in the book of Judges. An angel of the LORD comes to the people of Israel and delivers a message of rebuke, reminding them that God brought them out of Egypt and into the land He swore to their fathers Judges 2:1. In response to this message, the people weep. The place is then named Bochim to commemorate this event, and they sacrificed there to the LORD Judges 2:5. The name itself captures the people's sorrowful reaction to being confronted with their disobedience.
Several related words provide a deeper understanding of the events at Bochim:
- H4397 mălʼâk (angel, messenger): This word describes the divine agent who delivered God's message. The term can refer to an angel of God, a prophet, or a priest Exodus 23:20. In this case, the angel of the LORD Judges 2:1 acts as a direct envoy from God.
- H7650 shâbaʻ (swear): This root word is central to the angel's message, which recalls the covenant God sware to the patriarchs Judges 2:1. It signifies a solemn oath or promise, like the one God made to Abraham Genesis 26:3.
- H2076 zâbach (to sacrifice): This term describes the people's response after weeping. To sacrifice is to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering Judges 2:5. This action often signifies repentance, worship, or an attempt to restore fellowship with God Psalms 4:5.
The theological weight of H1066 is tied to the concepts of divine faithfulness, human failure, and repentance.
- Divine Confrontation: The event at Bochim begins with a direct confrontation initiated by God through His angel H4397. The message highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to the covenant He swore H7650 to their fathers Judges 2:1.
- Repentant Sorrow: The name Bochim, "the weepers," permanently marks the site as a place of national mourning and sorrow over sin. The act of calling H7121 the place by this name serves as a memorial of their emotional response to God's rebuke Judges 2:5.
- Worship as a Response: The narrative concludes with the people offering sacrifices to the LORD H3068 Judges 2:5. This act demonstrates that true repentance is not just sorrow, but is followed by a turning back to God in worship.
In summary, H1066 is not merely a geographical location but a symbol of a crucial interaction between God and Israel. The name Bochim, "the weepers," encapsulates a moment where divine rebuke led to communal sorrow and a subsequent act of worship. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's covenant fidelity and the appropriate human response of repentance when confronted with disobedience.
TRV