Old Testament
Judges 2:17
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But they refused to listen even to their judges. They prostituted themselves to other gods and bowed down to them. They quickly abandoned the path their ancestors had walked — the path of obeying the LORD's commandments. They refused to follow it.
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And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.
What Judges 2:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 2:17, the Israelites are depicted as stubborn and unfaithful. Despite having judges appointed to guide them, they chose to ignore their counsel. Instead, they turned to worship other gods, abandoning the faith and practices of their ancestors who had followed the Lord's commandments. This verse highlights a cycle of disobedience and infidelity, showing how quickly they strayed from the righteous path. The term 'went a whoring' emphasizes their betrayal of God, likening their unfaithfulness to infidelity in a marriage. The Israelites' actions reflect a deeper spiritual issue: a lack of commitment to their covenant with God. This abandonment of their heritage and divine instructions led to dire consequences, illustrating the importance of faithfulness and obedience in maintaining a relationship with God.
How to apply Judges 2:17 to your life
This verse serves as a reminder to remain faithful to our commitments and values. Just as the Israelites strayed from their path, we too can be tempted to abandon our principles. Regular reflection on our beliefs and practices can help us stay aligned with our faith and avoid distractions that lead us away from God.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 2:17 mean?
Judges 2:17 describes how the Israelites ignored their judges and turned to worship other gods, abandoning the commandments of the Lord. This verse illustrates their disobedience and spiritual infidelity, showing how quickly they strayed from their ancestors' faith.
What is the meaning of 'went a whoring' in Judges 2:17?
The phrase 'went a whoring' in Judges 2:17 symbolizes the Israelites' betrayal of God by worshiping other gods. It likens their unfaithfulness to infidelity in a marriage, emphasizing the seriousness of their spiritual abandonment.
How does Judges 2:17 relate to faithfulness?
Judges 2:17 emphasizes the importance of faithfulness by showing how the Israelites' unfaithfulness led them away from God's commandments. It serves as a warning about the dangers of straying from one's commitments and values.
What lessons can we learn from Judges 2:17?
From Judges 2:17, we learn the importance of staying true to our beliefs and avoiding distractions that lead us away from our values. It reminds us to regularly reflect on our commitments to maintain a strong relationship with God.
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