1. The Messenger of the Lord went from Gilgal to Bochim. He said, “I brought you out of Egypt into the land that I swore to give to your ancestors. I said, ‘I will never break my promise to you.
2. You must never make a treaty with the people who live in this land. You must tear down their altars.’ But you didn’t obey me. What do you think you’re doing?
3. So I have this to say, ‘I will not force them out of your way. They will be like thorns in your sides, and their gods will become a trap for you.’ ”
4. While the Messenger of the Lord was saying this to all the people of Israel, they began to cry loudly.
5. So they called that place Bochim [Those Who Cry]. They offered sacrifices there to the Lord.