Bible Dictionary
Bochim
Bochim, meaning “the weepers,” was the place where Israel wept after the angel of the Lord rebuked the nation for compromising with the inhabitants of the land.
Definition
Bochim means “the weepers.” It was a place where Israel wept after the angel of the Lord rebuked the people for making a league with the inhabitants of the land.
Biblical Usage
At Bochim, the angel’s remonstrance over Israel’s disobedience led the people to weep and sacrifice. The name reflects this response of national mourning and repentance.
Historical Background
The place was probably on a mountain west of Gilgal, perhaps at the head of a valley between Gilgal and Shiloh. Its exact site is uncertain; some identified it with Bethel, and no similar name has been discovered.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Weepers, a place where the angel of the Lord reproved the Israelites for entering into a league with the people of the land. This caused them bitterly to weep, and hence the name of the place (Judg. 2:1, 5). It lay probably at the head of one of the valleys between Gilgal and Shiloh.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(the weepers) a place on the west of Jordan, above Gilgal; so named from the weeping of Israel. (Judges 2:1,6)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bo'-kim (ha-bokhim): A place on the mountain West of Gilgal said to have been so named (literally "the weepers") because Israel wept there at the remonstrance of the angel (Jud 2:1,5). No name resembling this has been discovered. Given on the occasion mentioned, it may not have endured. Many, following Septuagint, identify it with Bethel.</p>