Judges 2

1 an angel. “The angel.”

5. Bochim. “Weepers.”

6. And when Joshua, etc. Vers. 6-9 are repeated with slight variations from Josh. xxiv. 28-31.

11 did evil. This phrase (which seems like the key-note of the whole narrative) is applied to each of the seven great apostasies of the people; and it recurs in the later history of the kings of Judah and Israel, always with reference to idolatry.

Baalim. The word “Baalim” (lords), being plural, intimates that the Israelites worshipped no one false god in particular, but the idols of the several tribes of Canaanites among them, who were regarded by their worshippers as tutelary deities of particular districts, from which, or from some other peculiarities, they derived their varied names; as Baal-zephon, Baal-peor, Baal-zebub, etc.

13. Ashtaroth. “Ashtoreth,” Astarte, Venus.

14 spoilers. The predatory inroads of the Midianites and others.

16 judges. The “judges,” here first named, were extraordinary officers, having temporary and sometimes only local authority, acting under Divine impulse, and often expressly called by God, in some manifest and signal way, to their office and work.

18 it repented the Lord. “The Lord was grieved.”