CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 3:4 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/3-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/07_Jdg_03_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 3:4 - Nations Left to Test Israel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/3-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/3-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/3-3.htm" title="Judges 3:3">◄</a> Judges 3:4 <a href="/judges/3-5.htm" title="Judges 3:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD&#8217s commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And they were <i>left, that He might</i> 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They were <i>left</i> to test Israel by them, to find out if they would obey the commandments of the LORD, which He had commanded their fathers through Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They were for testing Israel, to find out if they would obey the commandments of the LORD, which He had commanded their fathers through Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they were for testing Israel, to find out if they would obey the commandments of the LORD, which He had commanded their fathers through Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And they were for testing Israel, to know if they would obey the commandments of Yahweh, which He had commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They were [allowed to remain] for the testing of Israel, to determine whether Israel would listen to <i>and</i> obey the commandments of the LORD, which He had commanded their fathers (ancestors) through Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD left them to test Israel, to determine if they would keep the LORD’s commands he had given their ancestors through Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD left them to test Israel, to determine if they would keep the LORD&#8217s commands He had given their fathers through Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they were left, to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of Jehovah, which he commanded their fathers by Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Moses had told the Israelites what the LORD had commanded them to do, and now the LORD was using these nations to find out if Israel would obey. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they were for 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />These nations were left to test the Israelites, to find out if they would obey the commands the LORD had given their ancestors through Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They were to be a test for Israel, to find out whether or not the Israelites would obey the commands that the LORD had given their ancestors through Moses. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They remained there to test Israel, to reveal if they would obey the commands of the LORD that he issued to their ancestors through Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They were left to test Israel, so the LORD would know if his people would obey the commands he gave their ancestors through Moses. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They were left, to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would listen to the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken to the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They were left to test Israel by them, to know whether they would listen to Yahweh’s commandments, which he commanded their fathers by Moses. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they are to prove Israel by them, to know whether they obey the commands of YHWH that He commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they are to prove Israel by them, to know whether they obey the commands of Jehovah that He commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will be to try Israel by them to know whether they will hear the commands of Jehovah which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he left them, that he might try Israel by them, whether they would hear the commandments of the Lord, which he had commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses, or not. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he left them, so that by them he might test Israel, as to whether or not they would listen to the commandments of the Lord, which he instructed to their fathers by the hand of Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />These served as a test for Israel, to know whether they would obey the commandments the LORD had enjoined on their ancestors through Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They were for the testing of Israel, to know whether Israel would obey the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their ancestors by Moses.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would obey the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />They were to tempt Israel by them to know if they listen to the commandments of LORD JEHOVAH that he had commanded their fathers by the hand of Moshe<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they were there, 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And <i>this</i> was done in order to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would obey the commands of the Lord, which he charged their fathers by the hand of Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/3-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=629" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/3.htm">Nations Left to Test Israel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·yih·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">These nations were left</a> <a href="/hebrew/5254.htm" title="5254: lə·nas·sō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To test, try. A primitive root; to test; by implication, to attempt.">to test</a> <a href="/hebrew/bām (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">the Israelites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: lā·ḏa·‘aṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">to find out</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: hă·yiš·mə·‘ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">whether they would keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4687.htm" title="4687: miṣ·wōṯ (N-fpc) -- Commandment. From tsavah; a command, whether human or divine.">the commandments</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">which</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: ṣiw·wāh (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">He had given</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">their fathers</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yaḏ- (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">through</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Thus the Israelites continued to live among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/8-2.htm">Deuteronomy 8:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/15-25.htm">Exodus 15:25</a></span><br />And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/13-3.htm">Deuteronomy 13:3</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-39.htm">1 Kings 8:39</a></span><br />be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-10.htm">Psalm 66:10</a></span><br />For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/32-31.htm">2 Chronicles 32:31</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-3.htm">James 1:3</a></span><br />because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">1 Peter 1:7</a></span><br />so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Hebrews 12:5-6</a></span><br />And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. / For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">1 Corinthians 10:13</a></span><br />No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/5-3.htm">Romans 5:3-4</a></span><br />Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/13-5.htm">2 Corinthians 13:5</a></span><br />Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you fail the test?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Revelation 2:10</a></span><br />Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1</a></span><br />Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Matthew 4:1</a></span><br />Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would listen to the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.</p><p class="hdg">to prove</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/3-1.htm">Judges 3:1</a></b></br> Now these <i>are</i> the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, <i>even</i> as many <i>of Israel</i> as had not known all the wars of Canaan;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/2-22.htm">Judges 2:22</a></b></br> That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep <i>it</i>, or not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/15-25.htm">Exodus 15:25</a></b></br> And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, <i>which</i> when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/2-20.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/judges/2-17.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-21.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/judges/2-2.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/judges/2-23.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/judges/2-17.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/judges/3-2.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/3-2.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/joshua/22-2.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/judges/1-20.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/joshua/24-24.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/joshua/22-2.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/judges/3-1.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/judges/3-2.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/judges/3-1.htm">Test</a> <a href="/judges/3-1.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/judges/2-22.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/3-19.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-11.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-14.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/judges/5-3.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/judges/3-8.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/judges/3-5.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/3-5.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/judges/5-13.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/judges/4-11.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-19.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/judges/13-14.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/judges/6-39.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/judges/3-24.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/judges/6-39.htm">Test</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-31.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/judges/9-2.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/3-1.htm">The nations which were left to prove Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/3-5.htm">By communion with them they commit idolatry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/3-8.htm">Othniel delivered them from Chushan-Rishathaim</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/3-12.htm">Ehud from Eglon</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/3-31.htm">and Shamgar from the Philistines</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>These nations were left to test the Israelites</b><br>The presence of these nations refers to the Canaanite tribes that remained in the land after Israel's incomplete conquest. This situation serves as a divine test for Israel, examining their faithfulness and obedience to God. The concept of testing is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen in passages like <a href="/deuteronomy/8-2.htm">Deuteronomy 8:2</a>, where God tests His people to know what is in their hearts. Theologically, this reflects God's sovereignty and His use of circumstances to refine and purify His people.<p><b>to find out whether they would keep the commandments of the LORD</b><br>The commandments of the LORD refer to the laws given to Israel, encompassing moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects. This phrase underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience is a sign of faithfulness. The testing by these nations is a means to reveal Israel's commitment to God's covenant. This mirrors the broader biblical narrative where obedience to God's commandments is a measure of one's love and devotion to Him, as seen in <a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a>.<p><b>which He had given their fathers through Moses</b><br>This phrase highlights the continuity of God's covenantal promises and laws from generation to generation. Moses, as the mediator of the Old Covenant, delivered God's laws to Israel, which are foundational to their identity and relationship with God. The reference to "their fathers" emphasizes the historical and communal aspect of the covenant, reminding Israel of their heritage and the faithfulness required of them. This continuity is fulfilled in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, who is seen as the greater Moses, bringing a new law written on the hearts of believers (<a href="/hebrews/3-3.htm">Hebrews 3:3-6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were given the Promised Land.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_nations.htm">The Nations</a></b><br>Refers to the Canaanite nations left in the land to test Israel's faithfulness to God's commandments.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who delivered the commandments through Moses.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The prophet and leader who received the Law from God and delivered it to the Israelites.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_commandments.htm">The Commandments</a></b><br>The laws and decrees given by God to guide Israel in righteousness and holiness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/purpose_of_testing.htm">Purpose of Testing</a></b><br>God allows tests to reveal the true nature of our faith and commitment to His commandments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_to_god's_word.htm">Faithfulness to God's Word</a></b><br>The presence of challenges and temptations should drive us to cling more closely to God's Word and His promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/learning_from_the_past.htm">Learning from the Past</a></b><br>Reflect on the history of Israel to understand the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vigilance.htm">Spiritual Vigilance</a></b><br>Be aware of the spiritual "nations" or influences in our lives that test our faithfulness to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>Trials remind us of our need for God's strength and guidance to remain faithful.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/main_themes_of_bible's_books.htm">What are the main themes of the Bible's books?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_moses_praise_god's_deliverance.htm">How does Moses praise God for His deliverance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_an_asherah_pole_represent.htm">What does an Asherah pole represent?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_speak_audibly_in_exodus_3_4.htm">In Exodus 3:4, why does God speak audibly only here, and not in a consistent manner throughout the Old Testament?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">To prove Israel.</span>--See <a href="/judges/2-22.htm" title="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.">Judges 2:22</a>.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/3-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">[These nations] were [left]</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיִּהְי֕וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yih·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to test</span><br /><span class="heb">לְנַסּ֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lə·nas·sō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5254.htm">Strong's 5254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To test, to attempt</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Israelites,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to find out</span><br /><span class="heb">לָדַ֗עַת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḏa·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whether they would keep</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲיִשְׁמְעוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(hă·yiš·mə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the commandments</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצְוֺ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·wōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4687.htm">Strong's 4687: </a> </span><span class="str2">Commandment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">which</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He had given</span><br /><span class="heb">צִוָּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṣiw·wāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their fathers</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבוֹתָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">through</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיַד־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yaḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Moses.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶֽׁה׃</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/3-4.htm">Judges 3:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/3-4.htm">Judges 3:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/3-4.htm">Judges 3:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/3-4.htm">Judges 3:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/3-4.htm">Judges 3:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/3-4.htm">Judges 3:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/3-4.htm">Judges 3:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/3-4.htm">Judges 3:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/3-4.htm">Judges 3:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/3-4.htm">Judges 3:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/3-4.htm">OT History: Judges 3:4 They were left to prove Israel (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/3-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 3:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 3:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/3-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 3:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 3:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>