Judges 2:2-4

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Judges 2:2 tn Heb “their altars.”
2. Judges 2:2 tn Heb “you have not listened to my voice.”
3. Judges 2:2 tn Heb “What is this you have done?”
4. Judges 2:3 tn Heb “And I also said.” The use of the perfect tense here suggests that the messenger is recalling an earlier statement (see Josh 23:12-13). However, some translate, “And I also say,” understanding the following words as an announcement of judgment upon those gathered at Bokim.
5. Judges 2:3 tn The words “If you disobey” are supplied in the translation for clarity. See Josh 23:12-13.
6. Judges 2:3 tn Heb “them”; the referent (the Canaanites) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
7. Judges 2:3 tn The meaning of the Hebrew word צִדִּים (tsiddim) is uncertain in this context. It may be related to an Akkadian cognate meaning “snare.” If so, a more literal translation would be “they will become snares to you.” Normally the term in question means “sides,” but this makes no sense here. On the basis of Num 33:55 some suggest the word for “thorns” has been accidentally omitted. If this word is added, the text would read, “they will become [thorns] in your sides” (cf. NASB, NIV, NLT).
8. Judges 2:3 tn Heb “their gods will become a snare to you.”
9. Judges 2:4 tn Heb “lifted their voices and wept.”