Judges 3 4

Judges 3:4 kjv

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.

Judges 3:4 nkjv

And they were left, that He might test Israel by them, to know whether they would obey the commandments of the LORD, which He had commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.

Judges 3:4 niv

They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD's commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses.

Judges 3:4 esv

They were for the testing of Israel, to know whether Israel would obey the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.

Judges 3:4 nlt

These people were left to test the Israelites ? to see whether they would obey the commands the LORD had given to their ancestors through Moses.

Judges 3 verses

Judges 3 4 Meaning

Judges 3:4 states God's express purpose for allowing certain nations to remain in Canaan: to serve as a divine test for the people of Israel. The aim of this test was to ascertain whether Israel would faithfully adhere to the commandments of the LORD, specifically those given to their ancestors through Moses. It reveals that the continued presence of these pagan groups was not an oversight, but a deliberate divine strategy to expose and prove Israel's commitment to their covenant with God, particularly regarding their exclusive worship and separation from idolatry.

Judges 3 4 Context

This verse appears at the beginning of the Book of Judges, immediately after the prologue detailing Israel's initial failures (Judges 1-2). Judges 2:20-23 sets the stage: because Israel failed to completely dispossess the inhabitants of the land as commanded by the LORD, and instead intermarried and served their gods, God declared that He would no longer drive out the remaining nations. Judges 3:4 elaborates on the specific reason for this divine decision: these nations would remain to test Israel. This decision is directly linked to Israel's previous disobedience and sets up the recurring cycle of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the entire book. Historically, Israel was meant to establish a distinct, holy nation separated from the pagan practices of the Canaanites. The presence of these nations thus constantly tempted Israel towards syncretism and idolatry, in direct opposition to the core tenets of their covenant with the LORD established through Moses.

Judges 3 4 Word analysis

• And they were to be left: Implies divine permission and sovereign design, even amidst human failure. God did not cease to drive them out due to His inability, but as a deliberate consequence and pedagogical tool.
• that by them: Points to the instrument of the test; the unremoved nations themselves became the means through which Israel's fidelity was proved. This was a direct result of Israel's initial disobedience in not fully dispossessing them (Judg 2:20-23).
• He might test: Hebrew: לְנַסּוֹת (lenassōt). This verb denotes putting someone to the test, trying, proving, or scrutinizing their character and allegiance. It's not about tempting to sin in the sense of enticing to evil (which God does not do, Jas 1:13), but rather revealing what is already present in the heart (Deut 8:2), or providing an opportunity for faithfulness. God tests to validate and strengthen faith, or to expose unfaithfulness.
• Israel: Refers to the collective body of God's covenant people. The test was for the entire nation, revealing their corporate spiritual condition.
• to know: Hebrew: לָדַעַת (lada'at). In this context, it doesn't imply that God lacked foreknowledge (for He is omniscient), but rather to make known, reveal, demonstrate, or bring to light. The test was for Israel to "know" their own hearts and for the demonstration of their obedience or disobedience to themselves, to subsequent generations, and to all creation.
• whether they would obey: Hebrew: הַיִּשְׁמְעוּ (hayishm‘u), from the root שָׁמַע (shama') meaning "to hear" but deeply implying "to hear and obey," or "to listen attentively and respond accordingly." This is a key covenant term, indicating the active compliance of the will to divine instruction.
• the commandments of the LORD: Refers specifically to the divine statutes and precepts revealed to Israel, particularly those in the Mosaic Law. These included laws regarding exclusive worship of YHVH, avoidance of idolatry, and separation from pagan practices and peoples.
• which He had commanded their fathers: Emphasizes the continuity of the covenant and the transmission of divine law through generations. The responsibility to obey was inherited and perpetual.
• by the hand of Moses: Highlights the authoritative means by which the commandments were transmitted. Moses was God's chosen mediator for the Law, lending divine authority to all the instructions.

Judges 3 4 Bonus section

• Divine Pedagogy: This verse illustrates God's method of instruction and discipline. He permits and even utilizes challenging circumstances—often resulting from human shortcomings—to educate, refine, and reveal the character of His people.
• Incomplete Obedience's Peril: The ongoing presence of these nations was a direct result of Israel's partial obedience in the conquest. This highlights that "almost" obeying can lead to lasting difficulties and traps, illustrating that true obedience is wholehearted and complete.
• Purpose of Trials: While God tests, He never tempts to evil (Jas 1:13). The "test" here is to prove faith and commitment, akin to assaying metal to show its purity, rather than inducing sin. The test served to differentiate those genuinely devoted to God from those whose allegiance was superficial or divided.

Judges 3 4 Commentary

Judges 3:4 presents a profound theological truth regarding God's dealings with His people. It reveals that God sovereignly integrates Israel's previous failures into His ongoing redemptive plan, turning a consequence into a crucible for testing their loyalty. The presence of hostile, idolatrous nations became a constant crucible, not designed to cause them to stumble, but to expose the depth of their commitment to the Mosaic Covenant. This test was fundamental: would they maintain fidelity to the LORD alone, or succumb to the allure of polytheism and assimilation? This verse underscores that divine trials, often permitted because of our incomplete obedience, serve to illuminate our true spiritual state, proving whether our allegiance to God is merely superficial or truly heartfelt. God uses such circumstances not because He is unaware of our future choices, but to provide a context where our true character, commitment, and spiritual identity are undeniably revealed, both to ourselves and to His grand narrative of redemption.