From Gilgal to Bochim

Judges 2 starts off with the Angel of the Lord coming “from Gilgal to Bochim”. What significance do Gilgal and Bochim have? 

We recall Joshua setting up the twelve stones in Gilgal, to “let your children know…the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever”. These twelve stones were to serve as a reminder of the almighty God and His works for the future generations. 

Gilgal was also where God “rolled away the reproach of Egypt from [the Israelites].” Gilgal means “rolling”. [Joshua 5:9]

In contrast, Bochim means “weepers”. Bochim was where the people “lifted up their voices and wept” because they had sinned against God, and where the Angel of the LORD proclaimed judgement. Because the people did not fully obey God’s commandment to destroy all the Canaanites, they would be “thorns in [their] side”, “a snare to [them]” [Judges 2:3].

From Gilgal, a place of victory, where the people first camped upon crossing the Jordan river, to Bochim, a place of weeping because of their disobedience to God. 

We see clearly in Judges 2 the far-reaching implications of disobedience to God. As we read of the people’s compromise in Judges 1, we see how these seemingly small compromises impacted not only themselves, but also their descendants (Judges 2:10, 12). 

God’s faithfulness VS Israelites’ unfaithfulness

While the people and their descendants soon forgot about God once their spiritual leaders had passed on, God remained faithful. God warned that the Canaanites would be “thorns in your side” and “a snare”. Yet, God was also faithful to keep His covenant with the Israelites, raising up judges to deliver them. 

Like the Israelites, we find ourselves repenting and resolving to change. However, in our weaknesses, we are unfaithful to our faithful God. God is merciful [Judges 2:18], yet we know “how much worse punishment” it will be if we “trampled the Son of God underfoot, [counting] the blood of the covenant by which He was sanctified a common thing”. [Hebrews 10:29]

May we learn from the Israelites, to be fully obedient, not compromising even on what seems to be small and insignificant. Let us remain steadfast and faithful, seeking Him with sincere repentance, lest we provoke the LORD to anger [Judges 2:12]. 

Questions for reflection: 

1. Are there areas we have repented for yet fallen short time and time again? 

2. What can I do to make sure I am sincere and true in my repentance?