Judges 1:23

KJV

And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel. (Now the name of the city before [was] Luz.)

KJV (with Strong's)

And the house {H1004} of Joseph {H3130} sent to descry {H8446} Bethel {H1008}.(Now the name {H8034} of the city {H5892} before {H6440} was Luz {H3870}.)

Complete Jewish Bible

The house of Yosef sent spies to Beit-El (the city was formerly called Luz).

Berean Standard Bible

They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz),

American Standard Version

And the house of Joseph sent to spy out Beth-el. (Now the name of the city beforetime was Luz.)

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 1:23 details a strategic initiative undertaken by the "house of Joseph"—representing the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh—as they continue the post-Joshua conquest of the Promised Land. The verse specifically highlights their decision to send a reconnaissance team to "descry" or spy out the city of Bethel, a location of profound historical and spiritual significance, noting parenthetically that its former name was Luz. This action underscores the methodical approach to warfare adopted by the Israelite tribes and sets the stage for their subsequent engagement with the Canaanite inhabitants of this pivotal city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 1 opens with a crucial transition following the death of Joshua, marking the beginning of a new phase in Israel's occupation of Canaan. Unlike the unified campaigns under Joshua, this chapter presents a fragmented picture, with individual tribes or tribal alliances undertaking their own efforts to dispossess the Canaanites. The narrative initially focuses on the successes of Judah and Simeon in the south (Judges 1:1-20), setting a precedent for tribal initiative. Judges 1:21 then introduces the partial failure of the Benjaminites to drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem. Judges 1:22 shifts the focus northward, explicitly stating, "And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel," immediately followed by our verse, which elaborates on their initial strategic move to "descry" the city. This placement highlights the Josephite tribes' methodical approach in contrast to some of the more direct, perhaps less prepared, engagements of other tribes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (c. 1375-1050 BC) was characterized by a decentralized tribal confederacy in Canaan, following the initial conquest under Joshua. While significant victories had been achieved, many strongholds and pockets of Canaanite resistance remained. Warfare in this era often involved intelligence gathering, as seen in Joshua's sending of spies to Jericho [Joshua 2:1](/joshua/2-1 "Joshua 2:1 - Spies Sent to Jericho"), before direct confrontation. The city of Bethel (modern Beitin) was strategically important, situated on a major north-south ridge road, about 12 miles north of Jerusalem. Its control was vital for securing central Canaan. Culturally, the Canaanites practiced polytheistic religions, often involving fertility cults and child sacrifice, which stood in stark contrast to Israelite monotheism. The renaming of places was a common practice in the ancient Near East, signifying a change in ownership, allegiance, or spiritual dedication, often following conquest or a significant event.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **continued conquest** and the **partial fulfillment of the land promise**. Despite God's promise of the land, its full possession required ongoing human effort and obedience, a theme that recurs throughout Judges as tribes struggle with incomplete obedience. Secondly, the act of "descrying" highlights the theme of **strategic warfare and human responsibility**. While divine promises are foundational, the Israelites were expected to employ wisdom, planning, and military tactics, demonstrating that divine sovereignty does not negate human agency. This echoes earlier instances of strategic planning in the book of Joshua, such as the detailed instructions for the conquest of Jericho [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"). Lastly, the parenthetical note about Luz and Bethel reinforces the theme of **sacred space and transformation**. Bethel, meaning "House of God," was a site of profound significance in Israel's patriarchal history, associated with Jacob's vision and covenant renewal [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Ladder at Bethel"). The mention of its former name, Luz, emphasizes the transformation of a pagan or common place into a site dedicated to Yahweh, reflecting the broader spiritual conquest and sanctification of the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House of Joseph (Hebrew, בֵּית יוֹסֵף, _bêṯ yôsēp̄_):** This phrase refers collectively to the powerful tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph's two sons. In the tribal allotments, Ephraim and Manasseh received significant territories in central Canaan, making them a formidable force. The mention of "house of Joseph" here emphasizes tribal identity and responsibility in the ongoing conquest, highlighting that the task was distributed among the various Israelite clans, not solely reliant on a centralized leadership after Joshua. Their strategic initiative concerning Bethel underscores their prominence and military capability in this period.
* **Descry (Hebrew, לָתוּר, _lāṯūr_):** The verb _tūr_ means "to spy out," "to explore," "to scout," or "to search out." It implies a careful, deliberate reconnaissance mission undertaken to gather intelligence about the terrain, defenses, and inhabitants of a target city before launching a full-scale attack. This term was famously used when Moses sent twelve spies to explore Canaan in Numbers 13 [Numbers 13:17](/numbers/13-17 "Numbers 13:17 - Moses Sends Spies to Canaan") and when Joshua sent two men to spy out Jericho in Joshua 2 [Joshua 2:1](/joshua/2-1 "Joshua 2:1 - Joshua Sends Spies to Jericho"). The use of _tūr_ in Judges 1:23 indicates a methodical and prudent approach to military operations, demonstrating that even with divine promise, human strategy and diligence were expected.
* **Bethel (Hebrew, בֵּית־אֵל, _bêṯ-ʾēl_) / Luz (Hebrew, לוּז, _lūz_):** "Bethel" literally means "House of God," a name famously given by Jacob after his profound encounter with God there, where he dreamed of a ladder to heaven and received renewed covenant promises [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Genesis 28:19 - Jacob Renames Luz to Bethel"). Before this, its Canaanite name was "Luz," which possibly means "almond tree" (referencing the local flora) or "deviation/turning away" (perhaps hinting at its pagan associations). The explicit mention of the name change from Luz to Bethel serves as a crucial historical and theological anchor, connecting the present military action to Israel's foundational patriarchal history and reinforcing the idea of the land's spiritual significance and transformation under Yahweh's dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel."**: This clause identifies the active agents in this specific military endeavor: the "house of Joseph," encompassing the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Their action, "sent to descry," signifies a deliberate and strategic reconnaissance mission. They did not rush into battle but first sought to gather intelligence about Bethel, a major Canaanite stronghold. This demonstrates a calculated approach to warfare, prioritizing information gathering to maximize their chances of success in dispossessing the inhabitants and securing the city.
* **"(Now the name of the city before [was] Luz.)"**: This parenthetical statement provides vital historical and theological context. It clarifies that Bethel, the "House of God," was previously known by its Canaanite name, Luz. This seemingly simple detail serves as a powerful reminder of the city's pre-Israelite identity and its subsequent transformation through divine encounter and Israelite occupation. It links the present military action to the deep spiritual heritage of Israel, emphasizing that the conquest was not merely about territorial gain but also about the sanctification of the land and the establishment of Yahweh's presence in places formerly associated with paganism.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 1:23 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is the **Parenthetical Note**, "(Now the name of the city before [was] Luz.)" This immediate clarification provides crucial background information without interrupting the flow of the main action. It serves to enrich the reader's understanding by connecting the current event to a significant historical and theological past, specifically Jacob's encounter at Bethel in Genesis. This creates a powerful **Historical Allusion**, reminding the reader of the city's sacred significance to Israel. Furthermore, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** by placing the former pagan name "Luz" alongside the sacred name "Bethel." This contrast highlights the theme of transformation and the spiritual re-dedication of the land. The strategic action of "descrying" also subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, as it hints at the ongoing challenges and the need for persistent, often difficult, effort that will characterize the period of the Judges, where complete conquest remains elusive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 1:23 is more than a mere historical record of military tactics; it is pregnant with theological meaning. It underscores the divine mandate for Israel to possess the land, yet it simultaneously highlights the human responsibility required for its fulfillment. The act of "descrying" Bethel, a place already sanctified by God's presence in Jacob's time, signifies that even in divinely ordained tasks, diligence, wisdom, and strategic planning are essential. It teaches that God's promises do not negate human effort but rather empower and direct it. The transformation from Luz to Bethel serves as a powerful metaphor for the sanctification of space and, by extension, the sanctification of lives and cultures as they come under the dominion of God. It reminds us that places, like people, can be redeemed from common or pagan origins and dedicated to the worship and purposes of the Almighty. This verse, therefore, speaks to the ongoing tension between divine sovereignty and human agency in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

* [Genesis 28:16-19](/genesis/28-16 "Jacob's Vow at Bethel")
* [Joshua 2:1](/joshua/2-1 "Joshua Sends Spies to Jericho")
* [Ephesians 6:10-12](/ephesians/6-10 "The Armor of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 1:23 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as the house of Joseph diligently "descried" Bethel, we are called to be strategic and intentional in our spiritual lives. Possessing the spiritual blessings and promises God has given us (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) often requires careful discernment, prayerful planning, and persistent effort, not merely passive expectation. We must "spy out" the challenges, understand the spiritual landscape, and prepare for the battles ahead. Furthermore, the transformation of Luz to Bethel serves as a powerful metaphor for the sanctification of our own lives and spheres of influence. Are there "Luz" areas in our lives—places of commonness, past sin, or unredeemed habits—that God desires to transform into "Bethels," "Houses of God," where His presence is acknowledged, His will is honored, and His glory is manifested? This verse encourages us to actively participate with God in the ongoing work of redemption, both personally and communally, diligently seeking to bring every aspect of our lives under His Lordship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "descry" or strategically plan, rather than acting impulsively, to align with God's will?**
* **What "Luz" areas in your personal life or community is God calling you to allow Him to transform into a "Bethel," a place where His presence is honored?**
* **How does the balance between divine promise and human effort in this verse inform your approach to spiritual growth and ministry?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "house of Joseph" specifically mentioned, rather than just "Israelites"?**

Answer: The mention of the "house of Joseph" (representing the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh) is significant because it highlights the decentralized nature of the conquest after Joshua's death. The book of Judges emphasizes that individual tribes were responsible for dispossessing the Canaanites in their allotted territories. The house of Joseph was a powerful and prominent tribal group, often taking a leading role in the central and northern regions. Their specific mention here underscores their initiative and strategic importance in securing the central highlands, particularly a key city like Bethel, which was central to their tribal inheritance. This tribal focus sets the stage for the fragmented and often incomplete conquest narrative that characterizes the book of Judges.

**What is the significance of the city's name change from Luz to Bethel?**

Answer: The name change from Luz to Bethel is deeply significant, carrying both historical and theological weight. "Luz" was the city's original Canaanite name, possibly meaning "almond tree" or "deviation." "Bethel" means "House of God." This renaming occurred during Jacob's encounter with God, where he had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven and received divine promises [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Ladder at Bethel"). The parenthetical note in Judges 1:23 serves as a crucial historical allusion, connecting the present military action to this foundational moment in Israel's patriarchal history. Theologically, it signifies the transformation and sanctification of a pagan or common place into a site dedicated to Yahweh. It emphasizes that the conquest was not just about territorial acquisition but about establishing God's presence and dominion in the land, transforming its identity from one of paganism to one of divine encounter.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 1:23, with its focus on the strategic conquest of Bethel, a "House of God," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. While the Israelites sought to establish a physical "House of God" in the land, Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate and true "House of God" among humanity. As the Word made flesh, He "dwelt among us" [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), embodying the very presence of God. He declared Himself to be the new temple, the dwelling place of God, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" [John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"), referring to His body. Furthermore, the transformation of Luz (a place of commonness or paganism) into Bethel (a "House of God") through Israelite conquest foreshadows the spiritual transformation wrought by Christ. Through His redemptive work, He conquers the "territory" of sin and death in human hearts, transforming individuals and communities from places of spiritual "Luz" into living "Bethels"—temples of the Holy Spirit [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies Are Temples of the Holy Spirit"). The "descrying" or strategic reconnaissance of Bethel also points to Christ, who perfectly understood the spiritual landscape and strategically executed God's plan for salvation, ultimately leading to the establishment of the church as God's spiritual house, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - God's Household"). Just as Jacob saw a ladder connecting heaven and earth at Bethel [Genesis 28:12](/genesis/28-12 "Genesis 28:12 - Jacob's Dream of a Ladder"), Jesus is the ultimate ladder, the sole mediator through whom humanity can access the Father [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life").

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

Genesis 28:19

And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city [was called] Luz at the first.

Genesis 35:6

¶ So Jacob came to Luz, which [is] in the land of Canaan, that [is], Bethel, he and all the people that [were] with him.

Genesis 48:3

And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,

Judges 18:2

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.

Joshua 2:1

¶ 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.

Joshua 7:2

And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which [is] 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.