Judges 3:4
Judges 3:4 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
And they were left, to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of Jehovah, which he commanded their fathers by Moses.
For the purpose of testing Israel by them, to see if they would give ear to the orders of the Lord, which he had given to their fathers by the hand of Moses.
They were left there be to a test for the Israelites, to find out whether the Israelites would keep the Lord's commandments which he had given their forefathers through Moses.
And these remayned to proue Israel by them, to wit, whether they would obey the commandements of the Lord, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.
and they are to prove Israel by them, to know whether they obey the commands of Jehovah that He commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.
They were left to test Israel by them, to know whether they would listen to the LORD’s commandments, which he commanded their fathers by Moses.
And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken to the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.
And he left them, that he might try Israel by them, whether they would hear the commandments of the Lord, which he had commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses, or not.
Yahweh left these people-groups there to test the Israelis, to see if they would obey his commands which he had told Moses to give them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 3:4
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Judges 3:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 3:4
Study Notes — Judges 3:4
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 3:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 3:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 3:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 3:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 3:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 3:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 3:4
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 3:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 3:4
- Sermons on Judges 3:4
Context — Nations Left to Test Israel
4These 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.
5Thus the Israelites continued to live among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 6And they took the daughters of these people in marriage, gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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, |
| 2 | 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.” |
| 3 | 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, |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 11:19 | And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | 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, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness. |
Judges 3:4 Summary
This verse tells us that God left some nations among the Israelites to test their obedience to His commandments. It's like when a teacher gives a student a test to see if they have learned the material. God wanted to see if the Israelites would follow His rules, which He had given them through Moses, as mentioned in Exodus 20:1-17. By leaving these nations among them, God was giving the Israelites a chance to choose whether they would follow Him or the pagan nations around them, and this is still a challenge for believers today, as seen in Romans 12:2, where we are called to not conform to the pattern of this world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God leave these nations among the Israelites?
God left these nations to test the Israelites' obedience to His commandments, which He had given their fathers through Moses, as stated in Judges 3:4, and to teach them warfare, as mentioned in Judges 3:2.
What is the significance of the nations mentioned in this verse?
The nations mentioned, such as the Philistines, Canaanites, and Hivites, were pagan nations that worshiped false gods, and their presence among the Israelites posed a spiritual threat, as seen in Judges 3:6, where the Israelites served their gods.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual testing?
This verse illustrates the concept of spiritual testing, where God allows challenges and temptations to come into our lives to test our faith and obedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2, where God tested the Israelites in the wilderness to know what was in their hearts.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience in this verse?
We can learn the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the dangers of compromise with the world, as warned in 2 Corinthians 6:14, where believers are cautioned not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God is testing my obedience to His commandments in my life today?
- How can I avoid compromising my faith and values in a world that often opposes them?
- What are some spiritual threats that I need to be aware of in my own life, and how can I protect myself against them?
- How can I use the example of the Israelites in this verse to encourage myself to stay faithful to God's commandments?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 3:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 3:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 3:4
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 3:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 3:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 3:4
Cambridge Bible on Judges 3:4
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 3:4
Sermons on Judges 3:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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Why Gods Children Have Adversity by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God allows adversity in our lives for a purpose. He references several Bible verses, including Colossians 1:13-21, Hebrews 12:5-11, Heb |
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Enduring the Test by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites as they were led by God out of Egypt towards the land of Canaan. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusti |
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Call to Repentance by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that Israel failed to learn from their experiences in the wilderness, despite God's tender leading and the manifestation of His glory. The sp |
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The Presence of the Lord With His People, and Its Effect by J.B. Stoney | J.B. Stoney preaches about the presence of the Lord with His people, emphasizing that His presence is often revealed through the exposure of hidden sins and the purification of His |






