Judges 2:5 (KJV)

What does Judges 2:5 mean?

Judges 2:5 describes how the Israelites named a place "Bochim," which means "weepers," and offered sacrifices to the LORD there. This happened after they were confronted and deeply moved by a message from God about their disobedience.

The verse comes right after an angel of the LORD rebukes the Israelites for not fully obeying God's commands regarding the peoples and altars in the land. The people respond with sorrow and worship, gathering at this location to express their grief and seek forgiveness. The naming of the place highlights the emotional impact of the encounter and marks it as a significant moment in Israel's history.

The Hebrew behind Judges 2:5

• בֹּכִים (Bochim, H1066): This name means "weepers" or "those who weep." The choice of this name underlines the depth of the people's sorrow and repentance at this spot.
• זָבַח (zavach, H2076): This word means "sacrificed." The act of sacrificing here shows the people's desire to return to right relationship with the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH, H3068) after being confronted with their failings.

Why Judges 2:5 matters

• Judges 2:5 clarifies that the people's response to God's rebuke was not just emotional but also involved a concrete act of worship, showing both sorrow and a desire to make things right.
• The naming of the place as "Bochim" creates a lasting reminder of this turning point, connecting the physical location with the spiritual lesson learned.
• This verse ties into the broader theme of the book of Judges, where cycles of disobedience, repentance, and deliverance are central to Israel's story.