Discovery BoxJudges 2:2-3 
Context2:2 but you must not make an agreement with the people who live in this land. You should tear down the altars where they worship.’ 1 But you have disobeyed me. 2 Why would you do such a thing? 3 2:3 At that time I also warned you, 4 ‘If you disobey, 5 I will not drive out the Canaanites 6 before you. They will ensnare you 7 and their gods will lure you away.’” 8
1 tn Heb “their altars.”
2 tn Heb “you have not listened to my voice.”
3 tn Heb “What is this you have done?”
4 tn Heb “And I also said.” The use of the perfect tense here suggests that the messenger is recalling an earlier statement (see Josh 23:12-13). However, some translate, “And I also say,” understanding the following words as an announcement of judgment upon those gathered at Bokim.
5 tn The words “If you disobey” are supplied in the translation for clarity. See Josh 23:12-13.
6 tn Heb “them”; the referent (the Canaanites) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
7 tn The meaning of the Hebrew word צִדִּים (tsiddim) is uncertain in this context. It may be related to an Akkadian cognate meaning “snare.” If so, a more literal translation would be “they will become snares to you.” Normally the term in question means “sides,” but this makes no sense here. On the basis of Num 33:55 some suggest the word for “thorns” has been accidentally omitted. If this word is added, the text would read, “they will become [thorns] in your sides” (cf. NASB, NIV, NLT).
8 tn Heb “their gods will become a snare to you.”
