ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Judges 2

Judg 2:1 The angel of the Lord was God’s representative, speaking authoritatively to the people about their unfaithfulness (see note on Gen. 16:7). This angel may be the same one promised to Moses in Ex. 23:20–23, or it may have been an appearance of the Lord himself. I will never break my covenant. See Lev. 26:44; Ps. 89:34.

Judg 2:2–3 Israel had disobeyed God’s commands. See Ex. 23:32; 34:12–13; Deut. 12:3. So these nations would be a snare to them (e.g., by pagan rituals; Judg. 8:27), just as God had warned (Ex. 23:33; Num. 33:55; Josh. 23:13).

Judg 2:5 they sacrificed there. The Israelites were apparently upset by God’s threats (v. 4), and they responded by offering a sacrifice. If they were truly repenting of their sin, their repentance did not last long (see vv. 11–15).

Judg 2:6–3:6 The recurring downward cycle of history presented in 2:16–23 is such that “whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers” (2:19).

Judg 2:6–10 Joshua had already died (1:1), but the repetition of information about Joshua introduces the rebellion to follow.

Judg 2:11 the people of Israel did . . . evil. This clear statement about Israel’s wickedness recurs throughout the book (e.g., 3:7; 6:1; 13:1). It is also repeated many times in 1–2 Kings, regarding the kings of Israel and Judah (e.g., 1 Kings 15:26, 34; 2 Kings 21:2). Israel’s tendency throughout its history was to turn away from the Lord. Only God’s grace and the leadership of a few godly individuals kept Israel from complete paganism. served the Baals. See note on Judg. 3:7.

Judg 2:13 Ashtaroth is the plural of Ashtoreth, a goddess of fertility, love, and war closely associated with Baal (10:6; 1 Sam. 12:10). Ashtoreth is also known by her Greek name Astarte and in Mesopotamian texts as Ishtar. She should not be confused with Asherah (plural Asheroth; see notes on Judg. 3:7; 6:25–26).

Judg 2:15 as the Lord had sworn. See Deut. 28:25; Josh. 23:13.

Judg 2:16 the Lord raised up judges. The judges’ primary (though temporary) function was military. They were provided by the grace of God.

Judg 2:17 whored. Israel is described as committing adultery against God by following other gods (compare Ezekiel 16; 23; Hosea 1–3).

Judg 2:18 moved to pity. Compare 1 Sam. 15:29, “have regret”; Jonah 3:10, “relented.” God graciously changed his course concerning the Israelites because of his compassion for their suffering (see Judg. 10:16).

Judg 2:20 The term this people is normally reserved for pagans (e.g., vv. 21; 23; 3:1). Its use here shows the disgust God feels toward his people, whom he now regards as being just like the other nations.