The people of Israel are setting out on a new journey in this passage from Judges about the Bokim Angel – one that will take them away from Gods blessing.
They knew the covenant made during the time of Joshua was no longer in effect because they did not keep their part of the bargain.
So begins a long line of judges to lead them.
But, how does this affect us today?
Let’s look at the story of the Bokim Angel (AKA Bochim) and see what happens in this lesson from Scripture.
Bokim Angel – Why the Angel Scolded Israel at Bokim
Angel of the Lord Scolds Israel at Bokim (Bochim) – Bible Study Lesson from Judges 2
Now the angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim.
And he said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land which I have sworn to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you, and as for you, you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.’
But you have not obeyed Me; what is this you have done?
Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; but they will become as thorns in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you.’”
When the angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the sons of Israel, the people lifted up their voices and wept.
So they named that place Bochim; and there they sacrificed to the Lord. – Judges 2:1-5 NASB
Did God Abandon Israel?
From the words of the Bokim angel it would seem so. But, if we look at the covenant as a whole God expected Israel to do some of the work too.
In fact, the nation moved into disobedience and fell in line with the idol worshipers of the land.
What type of work?
Well, put simply God asked Israel to obey his wishes and not make covenants with the pagan nations who resided in their land.
But, what did Israel do? Well, they acted as they had countless times in the past.
Israel Disobeyed God
The covenant mentioned here is from Exodus 19:5-8 and clearly states what each party was to do. This covenant is simple. It says:
“Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’
These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.”
So Moses came and called the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which the Lord had commanded him.
Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do!” And Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord.” – Exodus 19:5-8
One Nation — Protected by God
In this covenant God promised to protect Israel and make them into a nation — a nation who would make the name of God known all over the world (fulfilled by the coming of Christ).
All he asked in return was obedience.
The people broke their promise to God and drifted into spiritual decadence thinking they could overcome any outside temptation on their own.
They were wrong!
Can We Overcome Obstacles on Our Own?
This is a question for us today. Are we able to resist the temptations coming to us from every direction without Gods strength?
The answer is a resounding “No”!
So, what can we do when sin creeps into our lives?
Let’s Get Back to Basics – Warning from the Angel at Bokim
When we fall to sin (we will), the only answer is to turn to God for help.
Admit that sin to Him, ask forgiveness and then let God help us to turn away from it.
The angel at Bokim gave a warning to Israel.
But, we can heed this warning too.
Just as God expected faithfulness from Israel, Christ wants us to come to him with the everyday challenges in our lives.
Israel didn’t do their part.
Are we doing ours?
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, I’ve put up a page explaining what you need to do.
Go here to find how you can accept Christ as Savior ..
Thank you for taking time to learn about the angel at Bokim. This message from the Bible presents a warning. But, it also gives us a glimmer of hope.
We know we will fail in obedience just as Israel fell. The big difference is; we have Christ to take our place when we face God.
This Bokim angel gave a scary message and we need to take obedience into account when we follow Jesus. I hope to see you again for more study of Scripture from Judges soon! – Bob