2:3 thorns . . . a snare. Intermarriage and all other relationships with the Canaanites had been forbidden because such contact would lead to idolatry (Ex. 34:12; Num. 33:55; Deut. 7:16; Josh. 23:12–13). For disobeying the terms of the covenant, Israel would suffer what Canaan suffered, removal from the land (Num. 33:56; Josh. 23:13; 2 Kin. 17:5–8; 25:1–11).