Judges 3:1
Judges 3:1 in Multiple Translations
These are the nations that the LORD left to test all the Israelites who had not known any of the wars in Canaan,
Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
Now these are the nations which Jehovah left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
Now these are the nations which the Lord kept in the land for the purpose of testing Israel by them, all those who had had no experience of all the wars of Canaan;
The following are the nations the Lord left and used to test all those Israelites who had not known what it was like to be part of any of the wars in Canaan.
These nowe are the nations which the Lord left, that he might proue Israel by them (euen as many of Israel as had not knowen all the warres of Canaan,
And these [are] the nations which Jehovah left, to try Israel by them, all who have not known all the wars of Canaan;
Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to test Israel by them, even as many as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, (even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
These are the nations which the Lord left, that by them he might instruct Israel, and all that had not known the wars of the Chanaanites:
At that time there were still many people-groups in Canaan. Yahweh left them there to test the Israeli people. But many of the Israelis in Canaan were ones who had not fought in any of the wars in Canaan. So Yahweh also left those people-groups in Canaan so that the descendants of those who had not fought in any of the wars might learn how to fight.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 3:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 3:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵ֤לֶּה
הַ/גּוֹיִם֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
הִנִּ֣יחַ
יְהוָ֔ה
לְ/נַסּ֥וֹת
בָּ֖/ם
אֶת
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
אֵ֚ת
כָּל
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
לֹֽא
יָדְע֔וּ
אֵ֖ת
כָּל
מִלְחֲמ֥וֹת
כְּנָֽעַן
וְ/אֵ֤לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Conj | Pron
הַ/גּוֹיִם֙
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הִנִּ֣יחַ
yânach
H3240
to rest
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לְ/נַסּ֥וֹת
nâçâh
H5254
to test
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
בָּ֖/ם
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָדְע֔וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מִלְחֲמ֥וֹת
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fp
כְּנָֽעַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
Canaan
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 3:1
וְ/אֵ֤לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
הַ/גּוֹיִם֙
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הִנִּ֣יחַ
yânach
H3240
"to rest"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To rest or settle down, implying a sense of calmness or stillness, as described in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: bestow, cast down, lay (down, up), leave (off), let alone (remain), pacify, place, put, set (down), suffer, withdraw, withhold. (The Hiphil forms with the dagesh are here referred to, in accordance with the older grammarians; but if any distinction of the kind is to be made, these should rather be referred to H5117 (נוּחַ), and the others here.) See also: Genesis 2:15; 1 Kings 13:30; Psalms 17:14.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לְ/נַסּ֥וֹת
nâçâh
H5254
"to test"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to test or try something, often to prove its worth or character. It is used in stories like Job, where God allows Satan to test Job's faith. The idea of testing is also seen in the wilderness, where the Israelites were tested by God.
Definition: : test 1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to test, try 1a2) to attempt, assay, try 1a3) to test, try, prove, tempt
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. See also: Genesis 22:1; Judges 6:39; Psalms 26:2.
בָּ֖/ם
""
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדְע֔וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מִלְחֲמ֥וֹת
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fp
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
כְּנָֽעַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
"Canaan"
N-proper
Canaan was a son of Ham and the name of the country where he lived, which is now modern-day Israel. The Canaanites were known for being merchants and traders, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.9.18; son of: Ham (H2526); brother of: Cush (H3568), Egypt (H4714) and Put (H6316); father of: Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: Canaan, merchant, traffick. See also: Genesis 9:18; Exodus 6:4; Psalms 105:11.
Study Notes — Judges 3:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 3:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 3:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 3:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 3:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 3:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 3:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 3:1
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 3:1
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 3:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 3:1
- Sermons on Judges 3:1
Context — Nations Left to Test Israel
1These are the nations that the LORD left to test all the Israelites who had not known any of the wars in Canaan,
2if only to teach warfare to the subsequent generations of Israel, especially to those who had not known it formerly: 3the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 2:21–22 | I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died. In this way I will test whether Israel will keep the way of the LORD by walking in it as their fathers did.” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 7:22 | The LORD your God will drive out these nations before you little by little. You will not be enabled to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals would multiply around you. |
| 3 | Proverbs 17:3 | A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts. |
| 4 | 1 Peter 4:12 | Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 8:16 | He fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers had not known, in order to humble you and test you, so that in the end He might cause you to prosper. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 6:27 | “I have appointed you to examine My people like ore, so you may know and try their ways. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Judges 2:10 | After that whole generation had also been gathered to their fathers, another generation rose up who did not know the LORD or the works that He had done for Israel. |
| 9 | Job 23:10 | Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. |
| 10 | 1 Peter 1:7 | so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
Judges 3:1 Summary
This verse tells us that God left some nations in the land of Canaan to test the Israelites who had not experienced war before. This was to teach them how to fight and to see if they would obey God, just like He had commanded in Deuteronomy 8:2. God wants us to trust and obey Him, even when things are hard, and He uses challenges to help us grow stronger in our faith, as we see in James 1:2-4. By trusting God and following His commands, we can overcome any obstacle and become more like Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God leave these nations to test the Israelites?
God left these nations to test the Israelites who had not known any of the wars in Canaan, to teach them warfare and to see if they would obey Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2 and Deuteronomy 13:3.
What was the purpose of testing the Israelites?
The purpose of testing the Israelites was to teach them warfare and to see if they would obey God, as stated in Judges 3:1-2, and to prepare them for the challenges they would face in the future, as mentioned in Joshua 23:1-5.
Which nations were left to test the Israelites?
The nations left to test the Israelites included the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites, as listed in Judges 3:3, and other nations mentioned in Joshua 12:8 and Joshua 13:1-7.
How does this relate to our own lives as believers?
Just as God tested the Israelites, He also tests our faith and obedience, as seen in James 1:2-4 and 1 Peter 1:6-7, to refine and strengthen us, and to prepare us for the challenges of following Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God tests my faith and obedience, and how can I respond to these tests in a way that honors Him?
- How can I learn from the example of the Israelites and apply the lessons of their experiences to my own life and spiritual journey?
- What are some areas of my life where I may be unprepared or lacking in spiritual strength, and how can I seek God's help and guidance to overcome these weaknesses?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty and goodness, even when faced with challenges or trials, and how can I express my trust and faith in practical ways?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 3:1
Now these [are] the nations which the Lord left to prove Israel by them,.... Which are later mentioned, Jude 3:3; [even] as many [of Israel] as had not known all the wars of Canaan; those that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 3:1
Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; These are the nations which the Lord left, to prove Israel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 3:1
JUDGES CHAPTER 3 The nations left to prove Israel mentioned, . The Israelites marrying their daughters, and serving their gods, they are delivered up to the king of Mesopotamia; are rescued by Othniel, . Continuing to do evil, they are again punished and oppressed by the king of the Moabites; are rescued by Ehud: ten thousand Moabites are slain, . They are afterwards delivered from the Philistines by Shamgar, . i.e. Such who had no experience of those wars, nor of God’ s extraordinary power and providence manifested in them.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 3:1
Judges 3:1 Now these [are] the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, [even] as many [of Israel] as had not known all the wars of Canaan;Ver. 1. Which the Lord left, to prove.] God proveth us by afflictions, Non ut ipse sciat, sed ut scire nos faciat, not to better his own knowledge, but ours, saith Augustine. See Judges 2:22.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 3:1
(1) To prove Israel.—The verb here used is the same as in Judges 2:22 and Judges 3:4, but, as R. Tanchum observes, it is used in a slightly different sense, meaning “to train them.” Symmachus renders it askçsai.As many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan.—This expression clearly implies the generation after that of Joshua. “The wars of Canaan” are equivalent to “the wars of the Lord,” and refer to the struggles of the actual conquest.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 3:1
CHAPTER III An account of the nations that we left to prove Israel, 1-4. How the people provoked the Lord, 5-7. They are delivered into the power of the king of Mesopotamia, by whom they are enslaved eight years, 8. Othniel is raised up as their deliverer; he discomfits the king of Mesopotamia, delivers Israel, and the land enjoys peace for forty years, 9-11. They again rebel, and are delivered into the hand of the king of Moab, by whom they are enslaved eighteen years, 12-14. They are delivered by Ehud, who kills Eglon, king of Moab, and slays ten thousand Moabites, and the land rests fourscore years, 15-40. NOTES ON CHAP. III Verse 1. Now these are the nations] The nations left to prove the Israelites were the five lordships or satrapies of the Philistines, viz., Gath, Askelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gaza; the Sidonians, the Hivites of Lebanon, Baal-hermon, c. with the remains of the Canaanites, viz., the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, and Jebusites. Those who were left to be proved were those Israelites that had not seen all the wars of Canaan.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 3:1
Judges 3:1-3 explain why Jehovah left these nations (Judges 2:23); it was merely to teach succeeding generations of Israelites the practice of war (Judges 3:2 in the main). The idea is obviously an ancient one, and belongs to the same historical stand-point as ch. 1. This nucleus has been adapted (Judges 3:1) and commented on (Judges 3:2 in part, Judges 3:3) by later hands, which it is difficult to specify more exactly. The editorial process has left the text of Jdg 3:2 confused and overloaded. these are the nations] i.e. those mentioned in Judges 3:3. Instead of the Lord left the LXX. cod. A has Joshua left, as in Judges 2:21, but the verb here is different. to prove Israel] goes back to the thought of Jdg 2:22. The proof was necessary for the generations after Joshua who ‘had not known’ all the great work of Jehovah, Judges 2:7 note.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 3:1
Even as many of Israel ... - These words show that the writer has especially in view the generation which came to man’s estate immediately after the close of the wars with the Canaanites Joshua 23:1. Compare Judges 2:10.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 3:1
LIST OF THE NATIONS LEFT, Judges 3:1-6. 1. Which the Lord left — In Hebrew usage, God is often said to do what men alone are responsible for; as in the case of Pharaoh hardening his heart, which God
Sermons on Judges 3:1
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The Glory of Israel Fades Away by George Warnock | George Warnock discusses the decline of Israel's glory after they settled in Canaan, emphasizing their failure to fully obey God's command to destroy the idolatrous nations. This c |
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Bible Survey - Judges by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Judges, highlighting the themes of the faithfulness of the Covenant-keeping God and the unfaithfulness of the Covenant-breaking people. The bo |
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The Eternal God the Refuge of His Saints by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the eternal God being our refuge and the everlasting arms underneath us, promising to thrust out the enemy before us and charging us to destroy them. He ex |
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(Through the Bible) Joshua 9-16 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a popular but false story about NASA scientists discovering a missing day in time. He emphasizes that this story is not factual and has no bas |
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Jesus' First Temptation by David Servant | This sermon delves into the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, highlighting the purpose behind Jesus being led by the Spirit to face temptation by the devil. It emphasizes the |
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Purgatory Needful for Christians by Ralph Erskine | Ralph Erskine preaches about the Christian purgatory that Christ designed to bring His disciples through, which includes the purifying blood of Christ, the refining fire of the Spi |
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Tried by Fire by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink's sermon 'Tried by Fire' explores Job's journey through suffering and his ultimate faith in God's omniscience and purpose. Job initially expresses bitterness over his tri |