Judges 2:22

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְמַ֛עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

נַסּ֥וֹת

H5254

That through them I may prove

to test; by implication, to attempt

בָּ֖ם

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

שָֽׁמְר֥וּ

H8104

did keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

הֵם֩

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דֶּ֨רֶךְ

H1870

the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#10

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#11

לָלֶ֣כֶת

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#12

בָּ֗ם

#13

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

שָֽׁמְר֥וּ

H8104

did keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#15

אֲבוֹתָ֖ם

therein as their fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#16

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#17

לֹֽא׃

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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