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 1:23 They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz),</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/1-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/07_Jdg_01_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 1:23 - Jerusalem and Hebron Captured" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz)," /><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/1-23.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/1-23.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/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 23</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="/ad3.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/1-22.htm" title="Judges 1:22">◄</a> Judges 1:23 <a href="/judges/1-24.htm" title="Judges 1:24">►</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/1.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/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When they sent men to spy out Bethel (formerly called Luz),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They sent men to scout out Bethel (formerly known as Luz).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the house of Joseph scouted out Bethel. (Now the name of the city was formerly Luz.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel. (Now the name of the city before <i>was</i> Luz.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the house of Joseph sent men to spy out Bethel. (The name of the city <i>was</i> formerly Luz.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The house of Joseph had <i>men</i> spy out Bethel (the name of the city previously was Luz).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The house of Joseph spied out Bethel (now the name of the city was formerly Luz).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the house of Joseph spied out Bethel (now the name of the city was formerly Luz).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the house of Joseph spied out Bethel (now the name of the city was formerly Luz).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The house of Joseph spied out Bethel (now the name of the city was formerly Luz).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They sent spies to Bethel (the town was formerly named Luz ).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They sent spies to Bethel (the town was formerly named Luz).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the house of Joseph sent to spy out Beth-el. (Now the name of the city beforetime was Luz.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the house of Joseph sent to spy out Beth-el. (Now the name of the city beforetime was Luz.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They sent men to spy on Bethel. (In the past the city was called Luz.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The army of the tribe of Joseph scouted out Bethel, which had been formerly named Luz. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the men of Joseph spied out Bethel (it used to be called Luz),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And the house of Joseph sent out spies to Bethel. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the house of Joseph sent to explore Beth-el. Now the name of the city before was Luz.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The house of Joseph sent to spy out Bethel. (The name of the city before that was Luz.) <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the house of Joseph causes [men] to spy out Beth-El (and the name of the city [was] formerly Luz),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the house of Joseph cause men to spy about Beth-El (and the name of the city formerly is Luz),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the house of Joseph will examine in the house of God. And the name of the city before, was Almond tree.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For when they were besieging the city, which before was called Luza, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For when they were besieging the city, which was previously called Luz,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The house of Joseph reconnoitered Bethel, which formerly was called Luz.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The house of Joseph sent out spies to Bethel (the name of the city was formerly Luz).<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the house of Joseph spied on Beth-el. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they of the house of Yoseph stayed in Bayth Eil, and the name of the city from former time was Luz<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the house of Joseph sent to spy out Beth-el--now the name of the city beforetime was Luz.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they encamped and surveyed Baethel: and the name of the city before was Luza.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/1-23.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=221" 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/1.htm">Jerusalem and Hebron Captured</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>The house of Joseph also attacked Bethel, and the LORD was with them. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: ḇêṯ- (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">They</a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: bə·ḇêṯ- (Prep) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8446.htm" title="8446: way·yā·ṯî·rū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To seek out, spy out, explore. A primitive root; to meander about, especially for trade or reconnoitring.">sent spies</a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: ’êl (Prep:: N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine.">to Bethel</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">(</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nîm (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">formerly</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: wə·šêm- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">known as</a> <a href="/hebrew/3870.htm" title="3870: lūz (N-proper-fs) -- Earlier name of Bethel, also a Hittite city. Probably from luwz; Luz, the name of two places in Palestine.">Luz),</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>and when the spies saw a man coming out of the city, they said to him, “Please show us how to get into the city, and we will treat you kindly.”…<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="/joshua/2-1.htm">Joshua 2:1</a></span><br />Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/13-17.htm">Numbers 13:17-20</a></span><br />When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, he told them, “Go up through the Negev and into the hill country. / See what the land is like and whether its people are strong or weak, few or many. / Is the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/6-22.htm">Joshua 6:22-25</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the house of the prostitute and bring out the woman and all who are with her, just as you promised her.” / So the young spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother and brothers, and all who belonged to her. They brought out her whole family and settled them outside the camp of Israel. / Then the Israelites burned up the city and everything in it. However, they put the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the LORD’s house. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/7-2.htm">Joshua 7:2</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-3.htm">2 Samuel 10:3</a></span><br />the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm">1 Samuel 26:4</a></span><br />David sent out spies to verify that Saul had arrived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-13.htm">2 Kings 6:13-14</a></span><br />So the king said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send men to capture him.” On receiving the report, “Elisha is in Dothan,” / the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/19-3.htm">1 Chronicles 19:3</a></span><br />the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Have not his servants come to you to explore the land, spy it out, and overthrow it?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-3.htm">Luke 10:3</a></span><br />Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-52.htm">John 7:52</a></span><br />“Aren’t you also from Galilee?” they replied. “Look into it, and you will see that no prophet comes out of Galilee.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-25.htm">Acts 9:25</a></span><br />One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-10.htm">Acts 17:10</a></span><br />As soon as night had fallen, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went into the Jewish synagogue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Acts 23:21</a></span><br />Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Romans 16:19</a></span><br />Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)</p><p class="hdg">sent</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/18-2.htm">Judges 18:2</a></b></br> And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their coasts, men of valour, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the land: who when they came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they lodged there.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/2-1.htm">Joshua 2:1</a></b></br> And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/7-2.htm">Joshua 7:2</a></b></br> And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which <i>is</i> beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.</p><p class="hdg">Luz</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/28-19.htm">Genesis 28:19</a></b></br> And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city <i>was called</i> Luz at the first.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/35-6.htm">Genesis 35:6</a></b></br> So Jacob came to Luz, which <i>is</i> in the land of Canaan, that <i>is</i>, Bethel, he and all the people that <i>were</i> with him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/48-3.htm">Genesis 48:3</a></b></br> And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/1-11.htm">Beforetime</a> <a href="/judges/1-22.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/judges/1-22.htm">Beth-El</a> <a href="/joshua/24-3.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/judges/1-18.htm">City</a> <a href="/judges/1-11.htm">Earlier</a> <a href="/joshua/14-7.htm">Explore</a> <a href="/judges/1-22.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/1-22.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/joshua/18-13.htm">Luz</a> <a href="/joshua/23-1.htm">Round</a> <a href="/joshua/14-7.htm">Search</a> <a href="/joshua/7-2.htm">Spied</a> <a href="/joshua/14-7.htm">Spy</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/3-2.htm">Beforetime</a> <a href="/judges/4-5.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/judges/4-5.htm">Beth-El</a> <a href="/judges/2-2.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/judges/1-24.htm">City</a> <a href="/ruth/3-10.htm">Earlier</a> <a href="/judges/18-2.htm">Explore</a> <a href="/judges/1-35.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/1-35.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/judges/1-26.htm">Luz</a> <a href="/judges/2-12.htm">Round</a> <a href="/judges/6-29.htm">Search</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-17.htm">Spied</a> <a href="/judges/18-2.htm">Spy</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/1-1.htm">The acts of Judah and Simeon</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/1-4.htm">Adonibezek justly requited</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/1-8.htm">Jerusalem taken</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/1-10.htm">Hebron taken</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/1-11.htm">Othniel has Achsah to wife for taking of Debir</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/1-16.htm">The Kenites dwell in Judah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/1-17.htm">Hormah, Gaza, Askelon, and Ekron taken</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/1-21.htm">The acts of Benjamin</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/1-22.htm">Of the house of Joseph, who take Bethel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/1-30.htm">Of Zebulun</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/1-31.htm">Of Asher</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/1-33.htm">Of Naphtali</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/1-34.htm">Of Dan</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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They sent spies to Bethel</b><br>In the context of the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites often used espionage to gather intelligence about the cities they intended to capture. This strategy was previously employed by Moses when he sent spies into the Promised Land (<a href="/numbers/13.htm">Numbers 13:1-2</a>) and by Joshua at Jericho (<a href="/joshua/2.htm">Joshua 2:1</a>). Bethel, meaning "House of God," was a significant location in Israel's history, first mentioned in <a href="/genesis/12-8.htm">Genesis 12:8</a> when Abram built an altar to the Lord. It later became a central place of worship and a site of divine encounters, such as Jacob's dream of the ladder (<a href="/genesis/28-10.htm">Genesis 28:10-19</a>). The sending of spies indicates a strategic and cautious approach to warfare, relying on human intelligence while ultimately depending on divine guidance.<p><b>(formerly known as Luz)</b><br>Luz was the original name of the city before it was renamed Bethel by Jacob (<a href="/genesis/28-19.htm">Genesis 28:19</a>). The renaming signifies a transformation from a Canaanite city to a place of divine significance for the Israelites. Luz is mentioned in <a href="/genesis/35-6.htm">Genesis 35:6 and 48</a>:3, highlighting its importance in the patriarchal narratives. The change from Luz to Bethel reflects the broader theme of God’s promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the transformation of the land from Canaanite to Israelite control. The renaming also prefigures the spiritual transformation that occurs when God claims a place or person for His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/h/house_of_joseph.htm">House of Joseph</a></b><br>Refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, descendants of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. They were tasked with conquering the land allotted to them in Canaan.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/bethel.htm">Bethel</a></b><br>A significant city in the history of Israel, originally called Luz. It later became a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence and promises.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/luz.htm">Luz</a></b><br>The original name of the city before it was renamed Bethel. It was a Canaanite city that the Israelites were commanded to conquer.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/spying_out.htm">Spying Out</a></b><br>The act of sending scouts to gather information about the land and its inhabitants, a common military strategy in ancient times.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faithful_obedience.htm">Faithful Obedience</a></b><br>The house of Joseph's mission to spy out Bethel demonstrates the importance of following God's commands with diligence and faith. As believers, we are called to act in obedience to God's guidance in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strategic_preparation.htm">Strategic Preparation</a></b><br>The act of spying out the land underscores the need for preparation and wisdom in our spiritual battles. We should seek God's wisdom and guidance in all our endeavors.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_and_renewal.htm">Transformation and Renewal</a></b><br>The renaming of Luz to Bethel symbolizes transformation and renewal. In our spiritual journey, God calls us to leave behind our old ways and embrace a new identity in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_promises.htm">God's Promises</a></b><br>Bethel serves as a reminder of God's promises and faithfulness. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives, just as He did for the Israelites.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_unity.htm">Community and Unity</a></b><br>The collaboration of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people. We are stronger when we work together in fulfilling God's purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_judges_1_cities_match_canaan_archaeology.htm">How do the accounts of cities captured by different tribes in Judges 1 align (or conflict) with archaeological evidence regarding the settlement patterns in Canaan?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_blame_them_for_judah's_sins.htm">Hosea 4:15: How can God hold the people responsible for following Judah's sins if their fates are ultimately under His control?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_josh._23_5_align_with_later_battles.htm">How does Joshua 23:5's promise of complete conquest align with later biblical texts showing ongoing battles and incomplete occupation of Canaan?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_verify_bethel's_historical_existence.htm">(Genesis 35:1) How can we verify historically or archeologically that Bethel existed as described here?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">To descry Beth-el.</span>--The word perhaps implies a regular siege, and it is so understood by the LXX. (Cod. Alex.) and the Vulgate.<p><span class= "bld">Luz.</span>--We are also told that this was the original name of the city in <a href="/genesis/28-19.htm" title="And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.">Genesis 28:19</a>; but there seems to be in that verse a distinction between the <span class= "ital">city </span>and the <span class= "ital">place </span>of Jacob's dream. (Comp. <a href="/joshua/16-2.htm" title="And goes out from Bethel to Luz, and passes along to the borders of Archi to Ataroth,">Joshua 16:2</a>.) The name means either "hazel," or "sinking," i.e., a valley depression.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Bethel</span>, now Beitin. The name (house of God) had been given by Jacob (<a href="/genesis/28-19.htm">Genesis 28:19</a>), but obviously would not be likely to be adopted by the Canaanitish inhabitants, by whom it was called Luz. As soon, however, as the Ephraimites conquered it, they reimposed the name, in memory of their father Jacob. The Saxon charters exhibit an analogous change in such transitions of name, as that from <span class="accented">Bedericksworth</span> to <span class="accented">Bury St. Edmunds</span>, which took place after the transfer of St. Edmund's body to the church there, the old name continuing for a time along with the new one, but at last disappearing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/1-23.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">They</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵית־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇêṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sent spies</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּתִ֥ירוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ṯî·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8446.htm">Strong's 8446: </a> </span><span class="str2">To meander, about, for, trade, reconnoitring</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Bethel</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1008.htm">Strong's 1008: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">(</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעִ֥יר</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">formerly</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">known as</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשֵׁם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šêm-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Luz),</span><br /><span class="heb">לֽוּז׃</span> <span class="translit">(lūz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3870.htm">Strong's 3870: </a> </span><span class="str2">Luz -- earlier name of Bethel, also a Hittite city</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/1-23.htm">Judges 1:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/1-23.htm">Judges 1:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/1-23.htm">Judges 1:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/1-23.htm">Judges 1:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/1-23.htm">Judges 1:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/1-23.htm">Judges 1:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/1-23.htm">Judges 1:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/1-23.htm">Judges 1:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/1-23.htm">Judges 1:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/1-23.htm">Judges 1:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/1-23.htm">OT History: Judges 1:23 The house of Joseph sent to spy (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/1-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 1:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 1:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/1-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 1:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 1:24" /></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>