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Judges 2:17

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Judges 2:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And yet they hearkened not unto their judges; for they played the harlot after other gods, and bowed themselves down unto them: they turned aside quickly out of the way wherein their fathers walked, obeying the commandments of Jehovah; [but] they did not so.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And yet they hearkened not unto their judges; for they played the harlot after other gods, and bowed themselves down unto them: they turned aside quickly out of the way wherein their fathers walked, obeying the commandments of Jehovah; [but] they did not so.
Judges 2:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Judges 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14And the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that despoiled them; and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.
15Whithersoever they went out, the hand of Jehovah was against them for evil, as Jehovah had spoken, and as Jehovah had sworn unto them: and they were sore distressed.
16And Jehovah raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those that despoiled them.
17And yet they hearkened not unto their judges; for they played the harlot after other gods, and bowed themselves down unto them: they turned aside quickly out of the way wherein their fathers walked, obeying the commandments of Jehovah; [but] they did not so.
18And when Jehovah raised them up judges, then Jehovah was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented Jehovah because of their groaning by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.
19But it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they turned back, and dealt more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their doings, nor from their stubborn way.
20And the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel; and he said, Because this nation have transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;
← Judges 2:16Judges 2:18 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, etc.] Afterwards, or not always; but when they admonished them of their sins, and advised them to walk in the good ways of God, and serve him only; they turned a deaf ear to them, and went on in their own ways, which is a sad aggravation of their iniquities: but they went a whoring after their gods, and bowed themselves unto them; committing spiritual adultery, for such idolatry is, and is often so represented in Scripture; for by it they broke the covenant God made with them, which had the nature of a matrimonial contract, and in which God was an husband to them; and therefore serving other gods was rejecting him as such, and committing…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Their judges - Who admonished them of their sin and folly, and of the danger and misery which would certainly befall them. Judges 2:18”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they would: Sa1 8:5-8, Sa1 12:12, Sa1 12:17, Sa1 12:19; Ch2 36:15, Ch2 36:16; Psa 106:43 whoring: Exo 34:15, Exo 34:16; Lev 17:7; Psa 73:27, Psa 106:39; Hos 2:2; Rev 17:1-5 quickly: Exo 32:8; Deu 9:12, Deu 9:16; Gal 1:6 which their: Jdg 2:7; Jos 24:24, Jos 24:31 Judges 2:18”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification