◄ Judges 2:20 ►
So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He said, "Because this nation has transgressed the covenant I laid down for their fathers and has not heeded My voice,
Study Bible
So the anger of the LORD burned
The phrase "anger of the LORD" is a powerful expression of divine displeasure. In Hebrew, the word for anger is "אַף" (aph), which can also mean "nose" or "nostrils," suggesting a flaring of nostrils in anger. This anthropomorphic description emphasizes the intensity of God's righteous indignation. The burning aspect signifies a consuming, purifying fire, reflecting God's holiness and justice. Historically, God's anger is not capricious but a response to covenant unfaithfulness, underscoring His commitment to righteousness and the moral order He established.

against Israel
"Israel" refers to the descendants of Jacob, the chosen people of God, who were delivered from Egypt and given the Promised Land. This phrase highlights the collective responsibility of the nation. Despite their unique relationship with God, Israel's repeated disobedience provoked divine anger. The historical context reveals a cycle of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance, illustrating the consequences of forsaking God's covenant.

and He said
This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, indicating that God is about to communicate His judgment. In the biblical narrative, God's words are authoritative and carry the weight of divine decree. The use of direct speech emphasizes the personal nature of God's relationship with Israel, as He directly addresses their transgressions.

Because this nation has transgressed
The term "transgressed" comes from the Hebrew "עָבַר" (avar), meaning to cross over or pass by, implying a deliberate violation of boundaries. This highlights the seriousness of Israel's actions as they knowingly breached the covenant. The phrase "this nation" reflects a tone of disappointment, as God refers to Israel not as "My people" but in a more detached manner, indicating a breach in their relationship.

My covenant
The "covenant" refers to the solemn agreement between God and Israel, established at Sinai, where God promised to be their God and they His people. The Hebrew word "בְּרִית" (berit) signifies a binding contract, often sealed with a sacrifice. This covenant was foundational to Israel's identity and mission. Their transgression was not merely a legal infraction but a betrayal of a sacred relationship.

that I commanded their fathers
This phrase underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises and commands from one generation to the next. "Their fathers" refers to the patriarchs and the generation that received the Law at Sinai. The historical context reminds Israel of their heritage and the faithfulness required to maintain the blessings of the covenant. It also highlights the responsibility of each generation to uphold God's commands.

and has not listened to My voice
Listening, in Hebrew "שָׁמַע" (shama), implies not just hearing but obeying. The failure to "listen to My voice" indicates a willful disregard for God's guidance and commands. This phrase reflects the relational aspect of the covenant, where God speaks to His people, expecting a response of obedience. The historical pattern of Israel's disobedience serves as a warning of the consequences of ignoring God's voice, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience in the life of believers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is just and righteous, and whose anger is kindled by Israel's disobedience.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, who repeatedly falls into cycles of sin, idolatry, and disobedience, despite being recipients of God's covenant promises.

3. The Covenant
The solemn agreement between God and Israel, established with their forefathers, which includes blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

4. The Fathers
Refers to the patriarchs and leaders like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, with whom God established His covenant.

5. The Voice of God
Represents God's commandments and instructions given to Israel through the Law and the prophets.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Sin
God's anger is a response to sin, emphasizing the seriousness of transgressing His covenant. Believers should recognize the gravity of sin and its consequences.

The Importance of Obedience
Listening to God's voice is crucial. Just as Israel was called to obey, Christians are called to heed God's Word and live according to His commands.

God's Faithfulness and Justice
While God is faithful to His promises, He is also just in His judgments. Understanding both aspects of God's character helps believers maintain a balanced view of His nature.

The Role of Covenant
The covenant relationship between God and His people is foundational. Christians are part of the New Covenant through Christ, which calls for a life of faithfulness and obedience.

Learning from History
The history of Israel serves as a warning and a lesson. Believers should learn from past mistakes to avoid repeating them in their spiritual journey.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of covenant in Judges 2:20 relate to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are listening to God's voice in our daily lives?

3. What are some modern-day "idols" that might lead us away from obedience to God, similar to Israel's experience?

4. How can understanding God's anger towards sin help us develop a healthy fear of the Lord and a desire for holiness?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's justice and mercy?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a backdrop for understanding the consequences Israel faces in Judges 2:20.

Exodus 24
Describes the ratification of the covenant at Mount Sinai, where Israel agreed to obey God's commands, highlighting the seriousness of their transgression.

Psalm 78
A historical psalm that recounts Israel's repeated failures and God's faithfulness, offering a broader context for the events in Judges.

Hebrews 3
Warns believers against hardening their hearts as Israel did, drawing a parallel between Israel's disobedience and the potential for disobedience in the Christian life.
Sermons
The Judges, Their Choice, Function, and AdministrationL. H. Wiseman, M. A.Judges 2:16-23
People
Israelites, Joshua, Nun
Places
Bochim, Egypt, Gaash, Gilgal, Timnath-heres
Topics
TRUE, Anger, Burn, Burned, Burning, Commanded, Covenant, Ear, Fathers, Forefathers, Hearkened, Hot, Kindled, Laid, Listened, Nation, Obeyed, Transgressed, Violated, Voice, Wrath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 2:6-23

     8705   apostasy, in OT

Judges 2:10-23

     8728   enemies, of Israel and Judah

Judges 2:19-20

     5790   anger, divine

Judges 2:20-3:4

     5367   kingdoms
     8832   testing

Judges 2:20-23

     1305   God, activity of

Library
A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience
'And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. 2. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? 3. Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience
'And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim; 12. And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to anger. 13. And they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. 14. And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Whether the Female Sex is an Impediment to Receiving Orders?
Objection 1: It would seem that the female sex is no impediment to receiving Orders. For the office of prophet is greater than the office of priest, since a prophet stands midway between God and priests, just as the priest does between God and people. Now the office of prophet was sometimes granted to women, as may be gathered from 4 Kings 22:14. Therefore the office of priest also may be competent to them. Objection 2: Further, just as Order pertains to a kind of pre-eminence, so does a position …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Judges.
Judges 1; 1 Sam. 7. The Characteristics of the Times. This is a period of transition for Israel Nothing was quite certain, and "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (17:6). In consequence of this there was lack of organization, cooperation or leadership. While we do not have all the history covered by the period and while we do not easily understand or explain its events, it is clear that things did not run smoothly. In Judges 2:16-19 the author gives a vivid picture of the conditions …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

The Unmistakable Honesty of the Writers of the Bible Attests to Its Heavenly Origin
The title of this chapter suggests a wide field of study the limits of which we can now only skirt here and there. To begin with the writers of the Old Testament. Had the historical parts of the Old Testament been a forgery, or the production of uninspired men, their contents would have been very different to what they are. Each of its Books was written by a descendant of Abraham, yet nowhere do we find the bravery of the Israelites extolled and never once are their victories regarded as the outcome …
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

The Death of Abraham
'Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.'--GENESIS xxv. 8. 'Full of years' does not seem to me to be a mere synonym for longevity. That would be an intolerable tautology, for we should then have the same thing said three times over--'an old man,' 'in a good old age,' 'full of years.' There must be some other idea than that in the words. If you notice that the expression is by no means a usual one, that it is only …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Doctrine of Angels.
I. THEIR EXISTENCE. 1. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. 2. THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES. II. THEIR NATURE. 1. CREATED BEINGS. 2. SPIRITUAL BEINGS. 3. GREAT POWER AND MIGHT. 4. VARIOUS GRADES. 5. THE NUMBER OF ANGELS. III. THE FALL OF ANGELS. 1. TIME AND CAUSE. 2. THE WORK OF FALLEN ANGELS. 3. THE JUDGMENT OF FALLEN ANGELS. IV. THE WORK OF ANGELS. 1. THEIR HEAVENLY MINISTRY. 2. THEIR EARTHLY MINISTRY. a) In Relation to the Believer. b) In Relation to Christ's Second Coming. THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS. We are not …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

A Case of Conscience Resolved
WHETHER, WHERE A CHURCH OF CHRIST IS SITUATE, IT IS THE DUTY OF THE WOMEN OF THAT CONGREGATION, ORDINARILY, AND BY APPOINTMENT, TO SEPARATE THEMSELVES FROM THEIR BRETHREN, AND SO TO ASSEMBLE TOGETHER, TO PERFORM SOME PARTS OF DIVINE WORSHIP, AS PRAYER, ETC., WITHOUT THEIR MEN? AND THE ARGUMENTS MADE USE OF FOR THAT PRACTICE, EXAMINED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This exceedingly rare tract was first published in 1683, and was not reprinted, either separately, or in any edition of Bunyan's …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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