Clarke's Bible Commentary - Judges 2:5
Verse 5. They called the name of that place Bochim] The word µykb bochim signifies weepings or lamentations; and is translated by the Septuagint klauquwn or klauquwnev, bewailings; and it is supposed that the place derived its name from these lamentations of the people. Some think the place itself, where the people were now assembled, was Shiloh, now named Bochim because of the above circumstance. It should be observed, that the angel speaks here in the person of God, by whom he was sent; as the prophets frequently do.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 5. And they called the name of that place Bochim , etc.] Which signifies “weepers”, from the general lamentation of the people, which before had another name; very probably it was Shiloh itself since all Israel was gathered together, the tabernacle being now at Shiloh, and also because sacrifices were offered up, as follows: and they sacrificed there unto the Lord ; to atone for the sins they had committed; and if they did this in the faith of the great sacrifice of the Messiah, they did well; however, so far there was an acknowledgment of their, guilt, and a compliance with the appointments of God directed to in such cases.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - It was the great Angel of the covenant, the Word, the Son of God, wh spake with Divine authority as Jehovah, and now called them to accoun for their disobedience. God sets forth what he had done for Israel, an what he had promised. Those who throw off communion with God, and have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, know not what they d now, and will have nothing to say for themselves in the day of accoun shortly. They must expect to suffer for this their folly. Those deceiv themselves who expect advantages from friendship with God's enemies God often makes men's sin their punishment; and thorns and snares ar in the way of the froward, who will walk contrary to God. The people wept, crying out against their own folly and ingratitude. They tremble at the word, and not without cause. It is a wonder sinners can eve read the Bible with dry eyes. Had they kept close to God and their duty, no voice but that of singing had been heard in their congregation; but by their sin and folly they made other work for themselves, and nothing is to be heard but the voice of weeping. The worship of God, in its own nature, is joy, praise, and thanksgiving our sins alone render weeping needful. It is pleasing to see men wee for their sins; but our tears, prayers, and even amendment, cannot atone for sin.
Original Hebrew
ויקראו 7121 שׁם 8034 המקום 4725 ההוא 1931 בכים 1066 ויזבחו 2076 שׁם 8033 ליהוה׃ 3068
