Judges 1:22

And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD [was] with them.

And the house {H1004} of Joseph {H3130}, they also went up {H5927} against Bethel {H1008}: and the LORD {H3068} was with them.

The house of Yosef likewise attacked Beit-El; and ADONAI was with them.

The house of Joseph also attacked Bethel, and the LORD was with them.

And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Beth-el; and Jehovah was with them.

Commentary

Context

Judges 1:22 is situated in the opening chapter of the Book of Judges, which describes the early period of Israel's settlement in Canaan after the death of Joshua. This chapter details the individual tribal efforts to conquer and possess their allotted territories, often with mixed results. Following the initial successes and failures of Judah and Simeon, this verse focuses specifically on the military campaign undertaken by the house of Joseph—representing the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh—against the strategically important city of Bethel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Empowerment: The central message of this verse is encapsulated in the phrase, "and the LORD [was] with them." This signifies God's active approval, presence, and enablement for the conquest of Bethel. It underscores the biblical principle that true success in Israel's endeavors, especially military ones, depended entirely on God's favor and assistance. This echoes promises given to leaders like Joshua in Joshua 1:5.
  • Tribal Responsibility and Action: While God's presence is paramount, the verse also highlights the initiative taken by the house of Joseph. They "went up against Bethel," demonstrating their commitment to fulfilling the mandate to occupy the land, even after Joshua's direct leadership had ended.
  • Continued Conquest of Canaan: This verse illustrates the ongoing process of dispossessing the Canaanites and securing the promised land, a task that continued into the period of the Judges. Bethel, a significant city, was a key target in this effort.

Linguistic Insights

The city of Bethel (Hebrew: בֵּית־אֵל, Bet-El) literally means "House of God." It was originally known as Luz (Judges 1:23) and held deep historical and spiritual significance for Israel, being the place where Jacob had his dream of a ladder reaching to heaven and dedicated an altar to God. The renaming of the city to Bethel reflects its divine association, which is fitting given that the Lord was with the house of Joseph in their conquest of it.

Practical Application

Judges 1:22 offers a timeless truth: God's presence is the ultimate factor for success in any endeavor, especially those aligned with His will. For believers today, this means that:

  • Reliance on God: Our spiritual battles and daily challenges are best faced with a conscious awareness of and reliance on God's presence. Just as He was with the house of Joseph in their physical conquest, He is with us in our spiritual walk.
  • Divine Partnership: While God's presence is crucial, it doesn't negate our responsibility to act. The house of Joseph "went up against Bethel" – they took initiative. We are called to be obedient and active participants in our faith, trusting that God will empower our efforts.
  • Encouragement in Difficult Tasks: When faced with daunting tasks or opposition, remembering that "the LORD is with them" can provide immense courage and assurance. His presence guarantees our ultimate victory when we walk in His ways.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 1:19 (3 votes)

    And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out [the inhabitants of] the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.

  • Revelation 7:8 (2 votes)

    Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.

  • Joshua 16:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel,

  • Joshua 16:4 (2 votes)

    So the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance.

  • 1 Chronicles 7:29 (2 votes)

    And by the borders of the children of Manasseh, Bethshean and her towns, Taanach and her towns, Megiddo and her towns, Dor and her towns. In these dwelt the children of Joseph the son of Israel.

  • Numbers 1:32 (2 votes)

    Of the children of Joseph, [namely], of the children of Ephraim, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

  • Numbers 1:10 (2 votes)

    Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.