Judges 3:4

Translations

Modern

These nations were left to test the Israelites, to find out whether they would keep the commandments of the LORD, which He had given their fathers through Moses.

Traditional

And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the Lord, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.

Literal

And they were to test by them Israel, to know whether they would heed the commandments of YHWH, which He had commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.

Latin

Dimisitque eos, ut in ipsis experiretur Israëlem, utrum audiret mandata Domini quæ præceperat patribus eorum per manum Moysi, an non.

Original

Hebrew

English

These nations were left to test the Israelites, to find out whether they would keep the commandments of the LORD, which He had given their fathers through Moses.

Notes

Judges 3:1–4

The Philistines and Canaanites stayed in the land to teach important lessons. People needed warfare skills to survive in ancient times. God let these enemies stay to train and help Israel.

Judges 2:6–3:6

The second prologue continues from the events of Joshua 23–24 (see study note on Judges 1:1–3:6). It introduces a third generation (Judges 2:10) who did not personally witness the Lord’s mighty acts.

Theme notes and profiles

Intermarriage and Divorce Oppression of God’s People

Related verses

Judges 2:22
In this way I will test whether Israel will keep the way of the LORD by walking in it as their fathers did.”
Judges 3:1
These are the nations that the LORD left to test all the Israelites who had not known any of the wars in Canaan,
1 Corinthians 11:19
And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved.
Deuteronomy 33:8
Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah.
Exodus 15:25
And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,
Deuteronomy 8:2
Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.
2 Thessalonians 2:9–12
The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder,

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Baal-Hermon Hivites Judah, Tribe of Judges, Book of Numbers, Book of

Topics

Israel: Under the Judges: The Original Inhabitants not Fully Expelled Lebanon: Great Part of, not Conquered by the Israelites Philistines: Allowed to Remain in Canaan The Canaanites: Part of Left: To Try Israel

Judges 3:4

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