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. These nationsThe phrase "These nations" refers to the Canaanite peoples that were left in the land of Israel. Historically, these nations included the Philistines, Canaanites, Sidonians, and Hivites, among others. From an archaeological perspective, these groups were known for their polytheistic practices and idol worship, which were in direct opposition to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. Theologically, their presence served as a constant test and reminder for Israel to remain faithful to God amidst surrounding pagan influences. were left
The phrase "were left" indicates a deliberate action by God. In the Hebrew context, this suggests that God, in His sovereignty, allowed these nations to remain in the land. This was not due to Israel's inability to drive them out but rather as part of God's divine plan to test and refine His people. It underscores the concept of divine providence, where God uses circumstances to fulfill His purposes. to test Israel
"To test Israel" highlights the purpose behind leaving these nations. The Hebrew word for "test" (nasah) implies a trial or proving ground. This was a spiritual test to see if Israel would remain faithful to God's commandments. It reflects a recurring biblical theme where God tests His people to strengthen their faith and commitment. This testing was not for God's knowledge, as He is omniscient, but for Israel to recognize their own faithfulness or lack thereof. to find out whether
The phrase "to find out whether" suggests an examination or assessment. In the context of a covenant relationship, it was crucial for Israel to demonstrate their loyalty and obedience to God. This phrase emphasizes human responsibility and the importance of free will in choosing to follow God's ways. they would keep
"Keep" in this context is derived from the Hebrew word "shamar," which means to guard, observe, or give heed. It implies a diligent and careful observance of God's commandments. This is not a passive action but an active, ongoing commitment to live according to God's laws. It reflects the covenantal relationship where obedience is a sign of faithfulness and love towards God. the commandments of the LORD
"The commandments of the LORD" refers to the laws given by God to Israel, primarily through Moses. These commandments were not merely rules but were meant to guide Israel in living a life that was holy and set apart for God. They were a reflection of God's character and His desire for His people to be a light to the nations. which He had given their fathers through Moses
This phrase connects the present generation of Israelites to their ancestors, emphasizing continuity in God's covenantal promises. Moses, as the mediator of the covenant, delivered God's laws to the people. This historical context underscores the importance of tradition and the passing down of faith from one generation to the next. It serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's word and the responsibility of each generation to uphold it. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were given the Promised Land. 2. The NationsRefers to the Canaanite nations left in the land to test Israel's faithfulness to God's commandments. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who delivered the commandments through Moses. 4. MosesThe prophet and leader who received the Law from God and delivered it to the Israelites. 5. The CommandmentsThe laws and decrees given by God to guide Israel in righteousness and holiness. Teaching Points Purpose of TestingGod allows tests to reveal the true nature of our faith and commitment to His commandments. Faithfulness to God's WordThe presence of challenges and temptations should drive us to cling more closely to God's Word and His promises. Learning from the PastReflect on the history of Israel to understand the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. Spiritual VigilanceBe aware of the spiritual "nations" or influences in our lives that test our faithfulness to God. Dependence on GodTrials remind us of our need for God's strength and guidance to remain faithful. Bible Study Questions 1. What were the specific commandments given to Israel through Moses that they were being tested on? 2. How can we identify the "nations" or influences in our lives today that test our faithfulness to God? 3. In what ways does the testing of our faith produce spiritual growth, according to James 1:2-4? 4. How can we apply the lessons from Israel's history of obedience and disobedience to our own spiritual journey? 5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we remain faithful to God's commandments in the face of trials and temptations? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 8:2This verse speaks about God testing Israel in the wilderness to know what was in their hearts, similar to the testing mentioned in Judges 3:4. Exodus 20:20Moses tells the people that God has come to test them, so that the fear of Him will keep them from sinning. James 1:2-4The New Testament speaks about trials testing faith, producing perseverance, and leading to maturity, paralleling the testing of Israel. 1 Peter 1:6-7Peter discusses the testing of faith through trials, which refines and proves the genuineness of faith. People Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Amorites, Anath, Aram, Canaanites, Chushanrishathaim, Chushan-rishathaim, Eglon, Ehud, Gera, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Kenaz, Moabites, Othniel, Perizzites, Shamgar, Sidonians, ZidoniansPlaces Canaan, Gilgal, Jordan River, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Mesopotamia, Moab, Mount Baal-hermon, SeirahTopics Commanded, Commandments, Commands, Ear, Fathers, Forefathers, Hearken, Israelites, Listen, Lord's, Obey, Orders, Prove, Purpose, Testing, WhetherDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 3:1-4 5473 proof, through testing Library Use what You Have
Few people really are and do their best. Nature has blessed a few with great talents and abilities. These persons often become proud, self-centered, and feel themselves to be superior, and for that reason many times they fail to make the proper use of their abilities. How often are they used in a bad or foolish way, so that what might be a blessing to the world fails to be such! There are many others who realize they do not possess these natural gifts. They look upon those who have them, and envy …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart TalksGifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Whether Baptism Should Take Away the Penalties of Sin that Belong to this Life?
Objection 1: It seems that Baptism should take away the penalties of sin that belong to this life. For as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:15), the gift of Christ is farther-reaching than the sin of Adam. But through Adam's sin, as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:12), "death entered into this world," and, consequently, all the other penalties of the present life. Much more, therefore, should man be freed from the penalties of the present life, by the gift of Christ which is received in Baptism. Objection 2: Further, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica "This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare unto You, that God is Light,"
1 John i. 5.--"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light," &c. The great design of the gospel is to make up the breach of man's joy, and open up the way to the fulness of it, and therefore it is the good news and glad tidings of great joy, the only best message that ever came to the world. Now it shows unto us the channel that this river of gladness and joy runs into, it discovers what is the way of the conveyance of it to the soul, and what are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Whether the Old Law Enjoined Fitting Precepts Concerning Rulers?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law made unfitting precepts concerning rulers. Because, as the Philosopher says (Polit. iii, 4), "the ordering of the people depends mostly on the chief ruler." But the Law contains no precept relating to the institution of the chief ruler; and yet we find therein prescriptions concerning the inferior rulers: firstly (Ex. 18:21): "Provide out of all the people wise [Vulg.: 'able'] men," etc.; again (Num. 11:16): "Gather unto Me seventy men of the ancients of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament 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 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 Links Judges 3:4 NIVJudges 3:4 NLTJudges 3:4 ESVJudges 3:4 NASBJudges 3:4 KJV
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