Judges 1:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 1:22 succinctly narrates the successful military campaign undertaken by the house of Joseph, encompassing the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, against the strategically and historically significant city of Bethel. This verse highlights their proactive engagement in the ongoing task of possessing the promised land, but it critically attributes their triumph not to their inherent strength or tactical prowess alone, but to the explicit and active presence of the LORD, thereby underscoring a fundamental biblical principle that divine favor and partnership are the ultimate determinants of Israel's success in fulfilling their covenantal mandate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 1:22 is embedded within the introductory chapter of the Book of Judges, which serves as a crucial bridge between the unified conquest under Joshua and the fragmented, often tumultuous, period of the Judges. Following Joshua's death, Israel lacks a single, unifying leader, and this chapter details the individual tribal efforts to complete the conquest and possession of their allotted territories. The narrative begins with the relative success of Judah and Simeon in the south, followed by their subsequent failures to fully dispossess the inhabitants of certain areas, setting a mixed tone. Judges 1:22 then shifts focus to the central tribes, specifically the "house of Joseph," presenting a positive outcome that contrasts with some of the earlier, less complete victories. This specific account demonstrates that while the overall conquest was incomplete, individual tribes could still achieve significant success when acting with divine favor, setting a precedent for understanding the fluctuating fortunes of Israel throughout the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following Joshua's death marked a complex transition for the nascent Israelite nation. While Joshua had secured major victories and broken the backbone of Canaanite resistance, many fortified strongholds and pockets of indigenous populations remained unconquered. Canaanite cities, typically fortified and often situated on elevated terrain for defense, were inhabited by various peoples with distinct religious practices and military capabilities. Bethel, originally known as Luz, was not merely a strategic military objective but also held profound historical and religious significance for Israel. It was the very site where [Jacob experienced his transformative dream of a ladder to heaven](/genesis/28-12 "Genesis 28:12 - Jacob's Ladder Dream") and subsequently named the place "House of God" ([Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Genesis 28:19 - Jacob Names Bethel")). Its conquest was thus a symbolic reclaiming of a sacred ancestral space. The "house of Joseph" refers to the powerful and populous tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, descendants of Joseph, who were allotted substantial territory in the central highlands of Canaan, making their success in securing this region vital for the broader Israelite presence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the Book of Judges and the broader Deuteronomistic history. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Presence and Empowerment**, as the explicit declaration "and the LORD [was] with them" directly attributes the success to God's active involvement and enabling favor. This echoes foundational promises made to leaders like [Joshua](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua") and reinforces the consistent biblical teaching that Israel's true strength derived from their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Secondly, it underscores **Tribal Responsibility and Initiative**, demonstrating that divine presence, while crucial, does not negate human effort. The "house of Joseph" actively "went up against Bethel," illustrating their commitment to fulfilling the divine mandate to dispossess the Canaanites and occupy the land, a task that remained ongoing throughout the period described in [Judges](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - The Conquest Continues"). Finally, it exemplifies the **Ongoing Conquest of Canaan**, a central narrative thread from the Book of Joshua into Judges, showing that the process of securing the promised land was incremental, required sustained effort from each tribe, and was ultimately dependent on God's faithfulness to His promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith_):** From H1004, this term denotes more than just a physical dwelling; it extends to encompass a family, household, or even a lineage. In the context of "the house of Joseph," it refers to the collective entity of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, emphasizing their unity and shared identity as descendants of Joseph. This highlights their corporate action and strength in undertaking the military campaign.
* **Bethel (Hebrew, _Bêyth-ʼÊl_):** From H1008, meaning "house of God," this city was originally named Luz before Jacob renamed it after his profound encounter with God (cf. [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Genesis 28:19 - Jacob Names Bethel")). Its name itself carries immense spiritual significance for Israel, marking it as a place of divine revelation and covenant. The conquest of a city bearing such a name underscores the theological dimension of Israel's mission to reclaim the land for Yahweh.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, Yahweh, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." The presence of this divine name is pivotal, indicating that the success of the house of Joseph was not merely a matter of human military might but was directly attributable to the active, enabling presence and sovereign power of the covenant-keeping God. It is a theological statement affirming divine agency in Israel's history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the house of Joseph,"**: This opening phrase identifies the specific Israelite group responsible for the action. It refers to the powerful and numerous tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, acting in a unified and concerted effort, demonstrating tribal initiative in the post-Joshua period.
* **"they also went up against Bethel:"**: This clause describes the military objective and action. The verb "went up" (from H5927, _ʻâlâh_) often implies an ascent, typical for attacking a fortified city situated on elevated ground. The inclusion of "also" connects their campaign to the preceding tribal efforts detailed in Judges 1, indicating a continuation of the broader conquest mandate. Bethel is named as the specific, strategic target.
* **"and the LORD [was] with them."**: This concluding clause is the theological climax of the verse. It provides the divine explanation for the success of the house of Joseph. The phrase "the LORD was with them" signifies God's active, enabling presence, approval, and empowerment. It asserts that their victory was not solely due to their own strength or strategy, but primarily to Yahweh's favor and direct involvement, making this a profound declaration of divine sovereignty and partnership in Israel's endeavors.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 1:22 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Divine Endorsement**, explicitly stated in the phrase "the LORD [was] with them." This functions as a theological commentary, shifting the focus from human military action to divine agency as the ultimate source of success. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the conquest of "Bethel," meaning "House of God." While the name signifies a sacred site for Israel, its former inhabitants were Canaanites, making its capture a reclamation of a holy place from pagan control, thus reinforcing its divine association in a new, redemptive context. The verse demonstrates **Conciseness**, delivering a powerful message efficiently by juxtaposing human initiative with divine presence as the decisive factor. The narrative structure, moving from the human agent ("house of Joseph") to the action ("went up against Bethel") and finally to the divine cause ("the LORD [was] with them"), creates a clear and impactful declaration of divinely empowered conquest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 1:22 powerfully articulates a foundational theological truth that resonates throughout the biblical narrative: the success of God's people in fulfilling His purposes is ultimately dependent on His active presence and favor. This verse, like many others in the Old Testament, teaches that while human initiative, obedience, and effort are required, it is God who empowers, enables, and ultimately ensures victory. The recurring motif "the LORD was with them" is a profound theological statement, signifying divine covenant faithfulness and serving as the true source of Israel's strength against formidable odds. It underscores the principle that God works through His people, but His presence is the non-negotiable element for true, lasting success in both spiritual and physical endeavors, transforming human limitations into opportunities for divine display.

* [Genesis 39:2](/genesis/39-2 "Genesis 39:2 - The LORD Was With Joseph")
* [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua")
* [Psalm 46:7](/psalms/46-7 "Psalm 46:7 - The Lord of Hosts is With Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 1:22 offers a timeless and profoundly encouraging message for believers today. It reminds us that while we are indeed called to be active and obedient in our faith, taking initiative in the tasks God sets before us, our ultimate success and effectiveness hinge entirely on His active presence and empowering grace. Just as the house of Joseph "went up against Bethel" but found their victory in the fact that "the LORD [was] with them," so too must we engage in our spiritual battles, daily callings, and missional endeavors with a deep and abiding reliance on God's active presence. This verse challenges us to examine whether we are operating in our own strength, relying on our own wisdom and resources, or truly leaning into the divine partnership that guarantees ultimate victory. It provides immense courage, knowing that when we walk in alignment with God's will, His presence not only ensures our ultimate triumph but also provides His sustaining power through every challenge, transforming daunting tasks into profound opportunities for Him to display His faithfulness and glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you currently "going up against a Bethel"—facing a challenge that feels overwhelming and requires divine intervention?**
* **How does the truth that "the LORD [was] with them" impact your perspective on difficult situations or seemingly insurmountable obstacles you encounter?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater awareness of and reliance on God's active, enabling presence in your daily life and spiritual walk?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "the house of Joseph" in this verse?**

Answer: "The house of Joseph" refers to the combined, powerful, and numerous tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the two sons of Joseph whom Jacob adopted as his own, granting them tribal status equal to his direct sons (cf. [Genesis 48:5](/genesis/48-5 "Genesis 48:5 - Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh")). Their unity and initiative in conquering Bethel highlight their commitment to fulfilling the mandate to possess the land. Their success, explicitly attributed to God's presence, sets them apart as an example of effective tribal action in the fragmented period of the Judges, demonstrating what could be achieved when God's people acted in faith with His enabling power.

**Why was Bethel an important city to conquer for Israel?**

Answer: Bethel was important for both strategic and profound spiritual reasons. Strategically, it was a key fortified city located on a major north-south ridge route in the central highlands of Canaan, making its control vital for regional security, communication, and the consolidation of Israelite territory. Spiritually, it held immense historical and religious significance for Israel. It was the place where [Jacob had his famous dream of a ladder to heaven and encountered God](/genesis/28-12 "Genesis 28:12 - Jacob's Ladder Dream"), subsequently naming the place "House of God" (cf. [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Genesis 28:19 - Jacob Names Bethel")). Its conquest was thus not merely a military victory but also a symbolic reclamation of a sacred ancestral site, reinforcing Israel's claim to the land as a divine inheritance and re-establishing a place of worship for Yahweh.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 1:22, with its pivotal declaration that "the LORD [was] with them," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's recurring motif of God's active presence with His people, enabling their conquests and ensuring their success, points forward to the reality of Immanuel—"God with us"—in Jesus (cf. [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus is Immanuel")). While the house of Joseph conquered a physical city, Christ's presence empowers His new covenant community, the Church, for a far greater spiritual conquest against the forces of sin, death, and darkness (cf. [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Just as God's presence guaranteed victory for the tribes in their earthly battles, so too does the indwelling Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, empower believers to overcome the world (cf. [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and fulfill the Great Commission, making disciples of all nations (cf. [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Christ Himself is the ultimate "House of God," the true temple where God dwells among humanity (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and through Him, we are made partakers of the divine nature, equipped by His abiding presence to live victorious lives for God's glory, transforming spiritual landscapes rather than merely physical ones.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 1:19

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

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

¶ 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

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

1 Chronicles 7:29

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

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

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