Judges 3:1

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֵ֤לֶּה

H428

these or those

הַגּוֹיִם֙

H1471

Now these are the nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

הִנִּ֣יחַ

H3240

left

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

which the LORD

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

לְנַסּ֥וֹת

H5254

to 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

#10

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#13

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#14

יָדְע֔וּ

H3045

by them even as many of Israel as had not known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#15

אֵ֖ת

H853

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

#16

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#17

מִלְחֲמ֥וֹת

H4421

all the wars

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#18

כְּנָֽעַן׃

H3667

of Canaan

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources

Biblical Maps