Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the LORD and walk in it as their ancestors did.” New Living Translation I did this to test Israel—to see whether or not they would follow the ways of the LORD as their ancestors did.” English Standard Version in order to test Israel by them, whether they will take care to walk in the way of the LORD as their fathers did, or not.” Berean Standard Bible In this way I will test whether Israel will keep the way of the LORD by walking in it as their fathers did.” Berean Literal Bible in order to test by them Israel, whether they are going to keep the ways of YHWH, to walk in them as their fathers kept them, or not.” King James Bible That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not. New King James Version so that through them I may test Israel, whether they will keep the ways of the LORD, to walk in them as their fathers kept them, or not.” New American Standard Bible in order to test Israel by them, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk in it as their fathers did, or not.” NASB 1995 in order to test Israel by them, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk in it as their fathers did, or not.” NASB 1977 in order to test Israel by them, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk in it as their fathers did, or not.” Legacy Standard Bible in order to test Israel by them, whether they will keep the way of Yahweh to walk in it as their fathers did, or not.” Amplified Bible in order to test [the loyalty of] Israel by them, whether Israel will keep the way of the LORD to walk in it, as their fathers did, or not.” Berean Annotated Bible In this way I will test whether Israel (he wrestles with God) will keep the way of the LORD {YHWH} by walking in it as their fathers did. Christian Standard Bible I did this to test Israel and to see whether or not they would keep the LORD’s way by walking in it, as their ancestors had.” Holman Christian Standard Bible I did this to test Israel and to see whether they would keep the LORD’s way by walking in it, as their fathers had.” American Standard Version that by them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of Jehovah to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not. Contemporary English Version and I'm going to let those enemies stay. I'll use them to test Israel, because then I can find out if Israel will worship and obey me as their ancestors did. English Revised Version that by them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not. GOD'S WORD® Translation I will test the people of Israel with these nations to see whether or not they will carefully follow the LORD's ways as their ancestors did." Good News Translation I will use them to find out whether or not these Israelites will follow my ways, as their ancestors did." International Standard Version That way, I'll use them to demonstrate whether or not Israel will keep the LORD's lifestyle by walking on that road like their ancestors did." NET Bible Joshua left those nations to test Israel. I wanted to see whether or not the people would carefully walk in the path marked out by the LORD, as their ancestors were careful to do." New Heart English Bible that by them I may test Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk in it, as their fathers kept it, or not." Webster's Bible Translation That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk in it, as their fathers kept it, or not. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn this way I will test whether Israel will keep the way of the LORD by walking in it as their fathers did.” World English Bible that by them I may test Israel, to see if they will keep Yahweh’s way to walk therein, as their fathers kept it, or not.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionin order to try Israel by them, whether they are keeping the way of YHWH, to go in it, as their fathers kept [it], or not.” Berean Literal Bible in order to test by them Israel, whether they are going to keep the ways of YHWH, to walk in them as their fathers kept them, or not.” Young's Literal Translation in order to try Israel by them, whether they are keeping the way of Jehovah, to go in it, as their fathers kept it or not.' Smith's Literal Translation So as to try Israel by them, whether they are watching the way of Jehovah to go in them, as their fathers watched, or not. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThat through them I may try Israel, whether they will keep the way of the Lord, and walk in it, as their fathers kept it, or not. Catholic Public Domain Version so that, by them, I may test Israel, as to whether or not they will keep the way of the Lord, and walk in it, just as their fathers kept it.” New American Bible They will be made to test Israel, to see whether or not they will keep to the way of the LORD and continue in it as their ancestors did. New Revised Standard Version In order to test Israel, whether or not they would take care to walk in the way of the LORD as their ancestors did, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThat through them I may prove Israel whether they will keep the way of the LORD, and whether they will walk in it, as their fathers did keep it, or not. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because LORD JEHOVAH would test Israel by them, if they would keep the way of LORD JEHOVAH and if they would walk in it, as their fathers kept it, or not OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917that by them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.' Brenton Septuagint Translation to prove Israel with them, whether they would keep the way of the Lord, to walk in it, as their fathers kept it, or no. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Judges Raised Up…21I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died. 22In this way I will test whether Israel will keep the way of the LORD by walking in it as their fathers did.” 23That is why the LORD had left those nations in place and had not driven them out immediately by delivering them into the hand of Joshua.… Cross References In this way 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. Deuteronomy 13:3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Exodus 20:20 “Do not be afraid,” Moses replied. “For God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you, to keep you from sinning.” I will test Exodus 16:4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions. 2 Chronicles 32:31 And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah’s heart. Genesis 22:1 Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. whether Israel will keep Exodus 19:5 Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. Deuteronomy 5:29 If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commandments always, so that it might be well with them and with their children forever. Deuteronomy 11:1 You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments. the way of the LORD Genesis 18:19 For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.” 2 Kings 21:22 He abandoned the LORD, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the LORD. Jeremiah 5:4 Then I said, “They are only the poor; they have played the fool, for they do not know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God. by walking in it Deuteronomy 5:33 You must walk in all the ways that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, Deuteronomy 11:22 For if you carefully keep all these commandments I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him— as their fathers did.” Joshua 24:31 Israel had served the LORD throughout the days of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced all the works that the LORD had done for Israel. Treasury of Scripture That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not. through Judges 3:1-4 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; … prove Genesis 22:1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. Deuteronomy 8:2,16 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no… Deuteronomy 13:3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Jump to Previous Care Israel Keeping Kept Order Prove Test Therein Try Use Walk Way WhetherJump to Next Care Israel Keeping Kept Order Prove Test Therein Try Use Walk Way WhetherJudges 2 1. An angel rebukes the people at Bochim6. The wickedness of the new generation after Joshua 14. God's anger and pity toward them 20. The Canaanites left to prove Israel In this way This phrase refers to the method God uses to test Israel, which involves leaving certain nations in the land. The context is the period after Joshua's death when Israel failed to fully drive out the Canaanites. This divine testing serves as a means to reveal Israel's faithfulness or lack thereof. I will test whether Israel will keep the way of the LORD by walking in it as their fathers did Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelThe 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 TestingGod 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 and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 2:22?2. How does Judges 2:22 illustrate God's purpose in testing Israel's obedience? 3. What lessons can we learn about faithfulness from Judges 2:22? 4. How does Judges 2:22 connect with God's covenant promises in Deuteronomy? 5. How can we apply the concept of divine testing in our daily lives? 6. What role does obedience play in maintaining a relationship with God, as seen here? 7. What does Judges 2:22 reveal about God's purpose for testing Israel? 8. How does Judges 2:22 challenge the concept of divine justice? 9. Why did God choose to test Israel according to Judges 2:22? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 2? 11. What does the Bible say about human sacrifice? 12. In Judges 2:3, God says He will no longer drive out the remaining nations; how does this align with earlier promises of total conquest in Joshua? 13. How can a 'divine council' (Psalm 82:1) fit with passages claiming there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4)? 14. Why does Judges 7 seemingly contradict other biblical passages that emphasize the need for adequate numbers in battle (e.g., 1 Chronicles 21:1-5)? What Does Judges 2:22 Mean In this way• The phrase points back to God’s decision in Judges 2:21 to leave certain Canaanite nations in the land, rather than driving them out swiftly. • He is acting purposefully; every circumstance Israel will face is intentionally arranged by Him (Romans 8:28). • Similar divine setups for growth appear in Exodus 13:17–18, where God leads Israel the long way around to train them. I will test • God openly declares His right to examine His people, just as He tested them with manna in Exodus 16:4 and through wilderness pressures in Deuteronomy 8:2. • The goal of divine tests is always revelation and refinement, never God’s curiosity—He already knows all things (Psalm 139:1–4). • Testing demonstrates genuine faith, paralleling 1 Peter 1:6–7, which likens tried faith to purified gold. whether Israel • The focus shifts from individuals to the covenant nation; collective obedience or disobedience brings communal consequences (Leviticus 26:3–39). • Yet each generation must choose; they cannot rely on past victories (Ezekiel 18:19–20). will keep the way of the LORD • “The way of the LORD” is God’s revealed path of covenant obedience, summarized in Deuteronomy 5:33: “Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you so that you may live and prosper.” • Keeping that way implies wholehearted loyalty (Deuteronomy 6:5) and rejection of idolatry (Joshua 24:14). by walking in it • Walking pictures steady, daily conduct, not occasional religious moments (Psalm 1:1–3). • Consistency is key; Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together without agreeing where to go?”—agreement with God’s way is shown in lifestyle choices, moral decisions, and worship patterns. as their fathers did • The standard is historically anchored. Earlier generations—Moses (Numbers 12:7), Joshua (Joshua 24:31), and obedient elders—had modeled covenant faithfulness. • God’s appeal echoes Genesis 18:19, where He commends Abraham for instructing his household “to keep the way of the LORD.” • Remembering faithful ancestors is meant to inspire imitation (Hebrews 13:7). summary Judges 2:22 reveals God’s purposeful strategy: by leaving adversaries in the land, He tests Israel’s present generation to see if they will live the same obedient, covenant-anchored life their faithful forefathers did. The verse underscores divine sovereignty in life’s circumstances, the refining nature of God’s tests, and the call for every generation to prove its love for the Lord through consistent, practical obedience. (22) That through them I may prove Israel.--Yet in this as in all God's punishments there was an element of mercy mingled with the judgment, as we see from Exodus 23:29-30; Deuteronomy 7:22; and infr. Judges 3:1-2. If in one point of view the non-extermination of Canaan at first led the Israelites into temptation and brought down retributive punishments upon them, yet out of these evils God raised the two-fold good, that they meanwhile increased sufficiently in numbers to be able effectually to till the soil and keep down the wild beasts, and were also being trained in bravery and warlike skill, while the aborigines were being driven out "by little and by little." Further, we see that a real growth was going on during this period of suffering and anarchy. The peril of internal discord was partly averted by the noble life, and inspiring memories, and treasures of infinite truth which they had acquired in the free air of the desert. "They learned by perpetual struggle to defend their new home, and the free exercise of their religion, and so they prepared for coming generations a sacred place where that religion and national culture might develop. During the long pause of apparent inaction a hidden movement was going on, and the principles and truths so marvellously brought to light were taking firm root." (Ewald.)Verse 22. - To walk therein. The Hebrew has in them. Probably for way we should read ways, as Deuteronomy 8:6; Deuteronomy 10:12, etc. This verse does not seem to be part of what the Lord said, but to be the comment of the writer. The A.V. - that through them I may prove - inserts an I which is not in the original. Ver. 22 depends upon ver. 23. The literal rendering is, For the sake of proving Israel, etc.... the Lord left those nations. The writer, after rehearsing the Lord's reason for not completing the extirpation of the nations after the death of Joshua, adds the further information why they had not been delivered into Joshua's hand in his lifetime (cf. Joshua 3:1, 4). In Exodus 23:29, 30; Deuteronomy 7:22, an additional reason is given for the gradual extirpation of the Canaanites - "lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee."
Hebrew In this wayלְמַ֛עַן (lə·ma·‘an) Conjunction Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent I will test נַסּ֥וֹת (nas·sō·wṯ) Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 5254: To test, to attempt whether אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc will keep הֲשֹׁמְרִ֣ים (hă·šō·mə·rîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to the way דֶּ֨רֶךְ (de·reḵ) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action of the LORD יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel by walking in it לָלֶ֣כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk as כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that their fathers did.” אֲבוֹתָ֖ם (’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father Links Judges 2:22 NIVJudges 2:22 NLT Judges 2:22 ESV Judges 2:22 NASB Judges 2:22 KJV Judges 2:22 BibleApps.com Judges 2:22 Biblia Paralela Judges 2:22 Chinese Bible Judges 2:22 French Bible Judges 2:22 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 2:22 That by them I may prove Israel (Jd Judg. Jdg) |
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