Bokim, a term meaning "weepers" in Hebrew, is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. It is a place where the Israelites experienced deep sorrow and repentance due to their disobedience to God. The account of Bokim is found in Judges 2:1-5.

Biblical Context

In the narrative of Judges, Bokim is introduced after the Israelites have settled in the Promised Land. Despite God's clear instructions to drive out the inhabitants of the land and destroy their altars, the Israelites failed to fully obey. Instead, they made covenants with the Canaanites and allowed their altars to remain, which led to spiritual compromise and idolatry.

Angel of the LORD at Bokim

The significance of Bokim is highlighted by the appearance of the Angel of the LORD. Judges 2:1-3 states: "The Angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said, 'I brought you out of Egypt and led you into the land I had promised your fathers. I said, "I will never break My covenant with you, and you are not to make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall tear down their altars." Yet you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done? So now I say, I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.'"

This divine messenger reminded the Israelites of God's faithfulness and their own failure to uphold their part of the covenant. The Angel's message was a rebuke and a warning of the consequences of their disobedience.

Response of the Israelites

The response of the Israelites at Bokim was one of profound sorrow and repentance. Judges 2:4-5 records: "When the Angel of the LORD had spoken these words to all the Israelites, the people lifted up their voices and wept. So they called that place Bokim and offered sacrifices there to the LORD."

The weeping at Bokim signifies a moment of collective realization and remorse among the Israelites. Their tears and sacrifices indicate a desire to return to the LORD and seek His forgiveness, although the subsequent narrative in Judges reveals that this repentance was short-lived.

Theological Significance

Bokim serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the dangers of compromise with the surrounding culture. It underscores the theme of covenant faithfulness that runs throughout the Scriptures, highlighting both God's unwavering commitment to His people and the expectation of their loyalty to Him.

The episode at Bokim also foreshadows the cyclical pattern of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the period of the Judges. It illustrates the need for genuine and lasting repentance, as well as the consequences of failing to fully trust and obey God.

Location

The exact geographical location of Bokim is not specified in the biblical text, and it is not identified with any known archaeological site. It is described as being near Gilgal, a significant site in Israel's early history, but its precise location remains uncertain.

In summary, Bokim is a place of weeping and repentance, marking a critical moment in Israel's history where the consequences of disobedience to God's covenant were starkly realized.1066. Bokim -- "weepers," a place in Palestine
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Bokim Phonetic Spelling: (bo-keem') Short Definition: Bochim. ... Bokim. 1067 . ...
/hebrew/1066.htm - 6kBokim (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bokim (1 Occurrence). Judges 2:1 The angel of
Yahweh came up from Gilgal to Bochim. He said, "I made you ...
/b/bokim.htm - 6k

Bold (21 Occurrences)

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Bokeru (2 Occurrences)

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