◄ 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."
Study Bible
in order to test
The phrase "in order to test" suggests a deliberate divine purpose. The Hebrew root word here is "nasah," which means to test, try, or prove. This testing is not for God to learn something new, as He is omniscient, but rather for the Israelites to reveal their own hearts and faithfulness. In a broader biblical context, testing is often used by God to refine and strengthen His people, as seen in the trials of Abraham and Job. It serves as a means to develop perseverance and character, aligning with James 1:2-4, which speaks of trials producing steadfastness.

whether Israel
The focus on "whether Israel" highlights the collective responsibility of the nation. Israel, as God's chosen people, had a covenant relationship with Him, which required obedience and faithfulness. The historical context here is crucial; Israel had just entered the Promised Land, a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. However, their continued blessing in the land was contingent upon their adherence to God's commandments. This phrase underscores the conditional nature of their covenant, reminding us of the importance of communal faithfulness in the body of Christ today.

will keep
The phrase "will keep" is derived from the Hebrew word "shamar," meaning to guard, observe, or give heed. It implies an active, vigilant effort to maintain God's commandments. This is not a passive or occasional observance but a diligent, ongoing commitment. In the scriptural context, keeping God's commandments was central to Israel's identity and success. For Christians, this echoes Jesus' words in John 14:15, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments," emphasizing that love for God is demonstrated through obedience.

the way of the LORD
"The way of the LORD" refers to the path or manner of life that God has prescribed. In Hebrew, "derek" means way, road, or journey, symbolizing a lifestyle aligned with God's will. This phrase is rich with covenantal language, reminding Israel of the Torah, the law given to guide them in righteousness. Historically, the "way of the LORD" was a distinctive mark of Israel's identity among the nations. For believers today, it points to the call to walk in the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:16, living a life that reflects God's holiness and love.

as their fathers did
The reference to "as their fathers did" serves as both a reminder and a warning. It calls to mind the faithfulness of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who walked with God and trusted in His promises. However, it also alludes to the failures of the previous generation, who perished in the wilderness due to unbelief and disobedience. This dual reminder serves to inspire faithfulness by recalling the positive examples of the past while cautioning against repeating the mistakes of their forebears. It underscores the importance of learning from history and the legacy of faith passed down through generations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel
The nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In this context, Israel is being tested by God to see if they will remain faithful to His commandments.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who delivered them from Egypt and gave them the Law through Moses. He is testing Israel's faithfulness to His ways.

3. The Fathers
Refers to the ancestors of the Israelites, particularly those who followed God during the time of Moses and Joshua. They are the benchmark for faithfulness to God's commandments.

4. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites, where they are now living among other nations. The presence of these nations serves as a test for Israel's obedience to God.

5. Testing
The process by which God examines Israel's faithfulness. This is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where God tests His people to refine and strengthen their faith.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Testing
God allows tests to reveal the true nature of our faith. Just as Israel was tested, believers today are called to remain faithful amidst trials.

Learning from the Past
The faithfulness of the "fathers" serves as an example. We should learn from the past and strive to emulate the obedience of those who walked closely with God.

Walking in God’s Ways
Obedience to God’s commandments is a daily walk. It requires intentionality and commitment, just as Israel was called to walk in the ways of the LORD.

The Purpose of Trials
Trials are not merely punitive but are designed to refine and strengthen our faith. Understanding this can help us endure with hope and perseverance.

Community Accountability
Just as Israel was tested as a community, believers are part of a faith community that can support and hold each other accountable in walking with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of testing in Judges 2:22 relate to the trials we face in our own lives today?

2. In what ways can we learn from the faithfulness of the "fathers" mentioned in this passage? How can their example guide us in our spiritual journey?

3. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are "walking in the way of the LORD" in our daily lives?

4. How can understanding the purpose of trials change our perspective on the challenges we face?

5. In what ways can we, as a faith community, support each other in remaining faithful to God’s commandments?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 8:2
This verse speaks about God leading Israel through the wilderness to test them, similar to the testing mentioned in Judges 2:22.

Psalm 26:2
David asks God to test and try him, reflecting a personal desire for God’s examination, akin to the national testing of Israel.

James 1:2-4
The New Testament speaks about trials testing faith, producing perseverance, and maturity, which parallels the testing of Israel to strengthen their commitment to God.
Sermons
The Judges, Their Choice, Function, and AdministrationL. H. Wiseman, M. A.Judges 2:16-23
Tested by TemptationW.F. Adeney Judges 2:21, 22
People
Israelites, Joshua, Nun
Places
Bochim, Egypt, Gaash, Gilgal, Timnath-heres
Topics
Care, Fathers, Forefathers, Keeping, Kept, Order, Prove, Test, Therein, Try, Walk, Walking, Whether
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 2:22

     5473   proof, through testing

Judges 2:6-23

     8705   apostasy, in OT

Judges 2:10-23

     8728   enemies, of Israel and Judah

Judges 2:20-23

     1305   God, activity of

Judges 2:21-22

     4019   life, believers' experience

Library
A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience
'And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. 2. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? 3. Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience
'And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim; 12. And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to anger. 13. And they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. 14. And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Whether the Female Sex is an Impediment to Receiving Orders?
Objection 1: It would seem that the female sex is no impediment to receiving Orders. For the office of prophet is greater than the office of priest, since a prophet stands midway between God and priests, just as the priest does between God and people. Now the office of prophet was sometimes granted to women, as may be gathered from 4 Kings 22:14. Therefore the office of priest also may be competent to them. Objection 2: Further, just as Order pertains to a kind of pre-eminence, so does a position …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Judges.
Judges 1; 1 Sam. 7. The Characteristics of the Times. This is a period of transition for Israel Nothing was quite certain, and "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (17:6). In consequence of this there was lack of organization, cooperation or leadership. While we do not have all the history covered by the period and while we do not easily understand or explain its events, it is clear that things did not run smoothly. In Judges 2:16-19 the author gives a vivid picture of the conditions …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

The Unmistakable Honesty of the Writers of the Bible Attests to Its Heavenly Origin
The title of this chapter suggests a wide field of study the limits of which we can now only skirt here and there. To begin with the writers of the Old Testament. Had the historical parts of the Old Testament been a forgery, or the production of uninspired men, their contents would have been very different to what they are. Each of its Books was written by a descendant of Abraham, yet nowhere do we find the bravery of the Israelites extolled and never once are their victories regarded as the outcome …
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

The Death of Abraham
'Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.'--GENESIS xxv. 8. 'Full of years' does not seem to me to be a mere synonym for longevity. That would be an intolerable tautology, for we should then have the same thing said three times over--'an old man,' 'in a good old age,' 'full of years.' There must be some other idea than that in the words. If you notice that the expression is by no means a usual one, that it is only …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Doctrine of Angels.
I. THEIR EXISTENCE. 1. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. 2. THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES. II. THEIR NATURE. 1. CREATED BEINGS. 2. SPIRITUAL BEINGS. 3. GREAT POWER AND MIGHT. 4. VARIOUS GRADES. 5. THE NUMBER OF ANGELS. III. THE FALL OF ANGELS. 1. TIME AND CAUSE. 2. THE WORK OF FALLEN ANGELS. 3. THE JUDGMENT OF FALLEN ANGELS. IV. THE WORK OF ANGELS. 1. THEIR HEAVENLY MINISTRY. 2. THEIR EARTHLY MINISTRY. a) In Relation to the Believer. b) In Relation to Christ's Second Coming. THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS. We are not …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

A Case of Conscience Resolved
WHETHER, WHERE A CHURCH OF CHRIST IS SITUATE, IT IS THE DUTY OF THE WOMEN OF THAT CONGREGATION, ORDINARILY, AND BY APPOINTMENT, TO SEPARATE THEMSELVES FROM THEIR BRETHREN, AND SO TO ASSEMBLE TOGETHER, TO PERFORM SOME PARTS OF DIVINE WORSHIP, AS PRAYER, ETC., WITHOUT THEIR MEN? AND THE ARGUMENTS MADE USE OF FOR THAT PRACTICE, EXAMINED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This exceedingly rare tract was first published in 1683, and was not reprinted, either separately, or in any edition of Bunyan's …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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