What is the context?
The opening chapter described the tribes’ mixed progress. Now the angel of the LORD explains the covenant issue. Speaking in God’s first person, the messenger recalls the rescue from Egypt, the gift of the land, and the promise not to break His covenant. Israel, however, has not obeyed the command against covenants with the inhabitants or the command to tear down their altars.
The announced consequence fits that failure: God will no longer drive the people out before Israel, and their gods will become a snare. This brings the surrounding worship practices into the center of the problem. The people have left a danger in place that will draw them away from the LORD.
The people weep and offer sacrifices. The place name Bochim recalls their weeping. This response is serious, but the rest of the chapter will show that grief over consequences and lasting obedience are not automatically the same thing.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Readers differ over the messenger’s identity. The Jewish commentator Rashi identifies him as Phinehas, recalling an earlier Jewish teaching. Wesley, Henry, and Gill instead understand him as the divine Son appearing before His birth as Jesus. They see the first-person claims about delivering Israel and making the covenant as pointing to God Himself.
Wesley also reads the people’s tears as having different possible motives: some mourn their sin, while others fear the trouble ahead. The passage records weeping and sacrifice; the continuing story supplies the test of whether their response becomes faithfulness.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
God’s faithfulness remains central as the Bible’s story unfolds. Second Timothy 2:11–13 joins promises of life and reigning with Christ to a warning about denying Him, then declares that He remains faithful. Both the assurance and the warning belong to Paul’s teaching.
Hebrews 12:5–11 describes the Father’s discipline as part of His loving purpose: His children are to share His holiness and learn a life of righteousness and peace. God’s purpose includes restoring and forming His people, while taking their unfaithfulness seriously.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.