Judges 2:4

4 While the Messenger of the LORD was saying this to all the people of Israel, they began to cry loudly.

Judges 2:4 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 2:4

And it came to pass, when the angel of the Lord spake these
words unto all the children of Israel
This being either one of the three solemn feasts, when all the males appeared at the tabernacle of the Lord; or else here was now a solemn convention of all the tribes to inquire of the Lord the reason why they were not able to drive out the Canaanites in some places, and why they prevailed over them in many:

that the people lift up their voice, and wept;
being affected with what the angel said, and convicted in their consciences of their sins, and so fearing the bad consequences thereof, they wept because of the sins they had been guilty of, and because of the evils that were like to befall them on account of them.

Judges 2:4 In-Context

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.

6 Now, Joshua sent the people of Israel home. So each family went to take possession of the territory they had inherited.