5. Bochim. See on 1. The stern rebuke administered by the messenger caused the people to break into weeping. It was a weeping of shame, and only partially of repentance. The name served thenceforth to recall the tears of disappointment and disgrace. The place and the incidents connected with it remind us of the modern wailing wall in Jerusalem. Like the Hebrews in this experience at Bochim, many today melt under the preaching of repentance, only to harden again before they can be cast into a new mold.
It is noteworthy how quickly these erring people were touched by the preaching of this messenger. The Word of God has the power to move and convert men, and one who is thus moved may properly weep over his past failures and mistakes. “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matt. 5:4). However, it would be much better if, instead of naming the place in such a way as to lay the principal stress on the feelings and demonstrations of sorrow, it might be called “Repentance.” It is this latter experience that God is looking for. This expectation is well expressed in the words of Paul: “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of” (2 Cor. 7:10). Too often religion is an experience of sentiment and emotion rather than of faith and obedience.