Judges 1:26

KJV

And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz: which [is] the name thereof unto this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the man {H376} went {H3212} into the land {H776} of the Hittites {H2850}, and built {H1129} a city {H5892}, and called {H7121} the name {H8034} thereof Luz {H3870}: which is the name {H8034} thereof unto this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He went into the land of the Hittim, built a city and called it Luz, which is its name to this day.

Berean Standard Bible

And the man went to the land of the Hittites, built a city, and called it Luz, which is its name to this day.

American Standard Version

And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz, which is the name thereof unto this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 1:26 concludes the brief narrative of an unnamed man from Bethel who betrayed his city to the "house of Joseph" (the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh). Having been spared, he departed into the land of the Hittites, where he established a new city. He named this city "Luz," which was the original, pre-Israelite name of Bethel, and this name persisted "unto this day," indicating its continued recognition at the time of the book's composition. This verse highlights themes of individual destiny, the partial and incomplete nature of Israel's conquest of Canaan, and the enduring presence of foreign peoples and ancient place names within the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding resolution to a specific subplot within the broader introductory chapter of Judges. Judges 1 details the initial, often fragmented and incomplete, efforts of various Israelite tribes to dispossess the Canaanite inhabitants of the promised land after Joshua's death. Verses [Judges 1:24-25](/judges/1-24 "Judges 1:24-25 - Capture of Bethel") describe how the "house of Joseph" (primarily Ephraim and Manasseh) besieged Bethel. An unnamed man from the city showed them a secret entrance in exchange for his life and the lives of his family. Judges 1:26 then recounts the fate of this man, who, instead of integrating into Israelite society, chose to establish a new life among a foreign people. This individual narrative subtly reinforces the overarching theme of the chapter: the partial success and significant failures of the conquest, setting the stage for the recurring cycles of apostasy and oppression that characterize the Book of Judges.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of the "land of the Hittites" is significant. While the great Hittite Empire of Anatolia had collapsed by the time of the Israelite conquest, various Neo-Hittite city-states and smaller groups continued to exist in northern Syria and parts of Canaan. Their presence in this verse underscores the reality that Canaan was not a vacant land but a region populated by diverse ethnic groups, including those listed in the Abrahamic covenant (e.g., [Genesis 15:19-21](/genesis/15-19 "Genesis 15:19-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). The practice of naming cities was a common ancient Near Eastern custom, often reflecting historical events, geographical features, or continuity with older traditions. The phrase "unto this day" is a common editorial gloss found throughout historical books of the Old Testament, indicating that the named place or custom persisted from the time of the event until the time of the narrator/compiler of the text, lending historical weight to the account.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 1:26 contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book. Foremost is the theme of **incomplete conquest** and **tribal failure**, as the presence of the Hittites and the man's ability to establish a city among them highlights Israel's failure to fully drive out the inhabitants as commanded by God (e.g., [Judges 1:21](/judges/1-21 "Judges 1:21 - Benjamin's Failure"), [Judges 1:27-36](/judges/1-27 "Judges 1:27-36 - Tribal Failures to Dispossess Canaanites")). This failure leads to the recurring cycles of idolatry and oppression detailed in [Judges 2:1-3](/judges/2-1 "Judges 2:1-3 - The Angel's Rebuke"). Another theme is **identity and new beginnings**. The man, a betrayer, finds a new life and establishes a new community, but his choice to name his city "Luz" (the original name of Bethel) subtly speaks to the enduring power of heritage and the complexities of identity in displacement. The verse also touches on **God's sovereignty** which, though not explicitly stated, is implicitly at work even amidst human choices and failures, as the narrative unfolds according to His broader plan for Israel and the nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Luz (Hebrew, _lûz_):** This word literally means "almond tree" or "nut tree." Its significance here is not botanical, but historical and geographical. "Luz" was the original, pre-Israelite name for the city that Jacob renamed "Bethel" (meaning "House of God") after his profound dream and encounter with God (see [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Genesis 28:19 - Jacob Renames Luz to Bethel")). By naming his new city Luz, the man from Bethel deliberately invoked this ancient, pre-Israelite identity, perhaps signifying a rejection of the Israelite, covenantal name of his former home, or simply a deep connection to its original heritage.
* **Hittites (Hebrew, _ḥittî_):** One of the prominent ethnic groups inhabiting Canaan and the broader ancient Near East. They are frequently listed among the peoples whose land was promised to Abraham's descendants (e.g., [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - God's Promise to Deliver Israel")). Their mention here signifies the continued presence of unconquered foreign peoples within the promised land, highlighting the incomplete nature of Israel's settlement and foreshadowing future conflicts and cultural intermingling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the man went into the land of the Hittites":** This clause describes the immediate consequence of the unnamed man's betrayal of Bethel. Having secured his life and family's safety from the Israelites, he chooses to leave the territory being conquered by Israel and seeks refuge among a foreign people. This indicates his complete separation from Israelite society and highlights the reality that significant portions of the land remained under non-Israelite control.
* **"and built a city":** This demonstrates the man's resourcefulness and resilience. Despite being displaced, he successfully establishes a new settlement, indicating not just survival but the capacity to thrive and create a new community outside his original context. This act of building a city implies a degree of permanence and a new beginning.
* **"and called the name thereof Luz":** This is a highly symbolic act. By naming his new city "Luz," the man intentionally connects it to the ancient, pre-Israelite name of his former home, Bethel. This choice could reflect a desire to retain a piece of his heritage, a subtle rejection of the Israelite identity of "Bethel" (House of God), or simply a pragmatic nod to an older, more universally recognized name in the region. It underscores the deep historical layers of place names in Canaan.
* **"which [is] the name thereof unto this day":** This common editorial note, frequently found in the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings), serves to affirm the historical veracity and enduring nature of the new city's name. It indicates that at the time the Book of Judges was compiled or written, this new settlement was still known by the name "Luz," lending credibility and historical depth to the narrative.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. There is a subtle **Irony** in the man, who aided Israel in conquering a city named "Bethel" (House of God), then going to establish a new city named "Luz," the pre-Israelite name of that very city. This choice suggests a detachment from the Israelite, covenantal significance of "Bethel." The narrative also uses **Toponymy**, the study of place names, to convey deeper meaning; the persistence of "Luz" as a name highlights the enduring non-Israelite presence and the incomplete nature of the conquest. Furthermore, the final phrase, "unto this day," functions as a **Historical Marker** or **Aetiological Note**, grounding the narrative in a contemporary reality for the original audience and affirming the historical continuity of the named place. This brief account also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the ongoing challenges Israel would face throughout the period of the Judges due to their failure to fully dispossess the inhabitants of the land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 1:26, though a seemingly minor detail, contributes significantly to the theological landscape of the Book of Judges. It illustrates the pervasive reality of Israel's incomplete obedience to God's command to dispossess the Canaanites. The man's ability to not only find refuge but also establish a thriving city among the Hittites underscores that foreign peoples continued to inhabit and even flourish within the promised land. This failure sets the stage for the subsequent cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance that define the period of the Judges, as these remaining nations would become "thorns in your sides" and their gods "a snare to you" ([Judges 2:3](/judges/2-3 "Judges 2:3 - Consequences of Disobedience")). Theologically, it highlights God's sovereignty even amidst human choices and failures; His overarching plan for Israel's testing and discipline unfolds through these complex interactions. It also subtly questions the nature of true belonging and identity, as the man, though spared by Israel, chooses to forge a new life outside the covenant community, yet still carrying a piece of his former identity in the name "Luz."

* [Joshua 17:12-13](/joshua/17-12 "Joshua 17:12-13 - Manasseh's Failure to Drive Out Canaanites")
* [Judges 2:1-3](/judges/2-1 "Judges 2:1-3 - The Angel of the Lord Rebukes Israel")
* [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Genesis 28:19 - Jacob Renames Luz to Bethel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the unnamed man from Bethel, though morally ambiguous in his initial betrayal, offers a compelling glimpse into human resilience and the capacity for new beginnings. In moments of profound upheaval, whether brought on by personal choices, external forces, or societal shifts, this verse reminds us that life can continue, and new foundations can be laid. The man's act of building a city and naming it "Luz" speaks to the enduring human desire for continuity and identity, even when physically separated from one's origins. It challenges us to consider how we carry our heritage and past experiences into new circumstances, and what aspects of our identity we choose to preserve or redefine. Spiritually, this passage, set within the broader context of Judges, serves as a poignant reminder that God's sovereign plan often unfolds through unexpected avenues, sometimes even through the actions of individuals operating outside the direct covenant community. It compels us to reflect on the complexities of human agency within divine providence and the opportunities for growth and re-establishment that can arise from displacement or change.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the man's decision to name his new city "Luz" (the old name of Bethel) speak to the enduring power of heritage and identity in times of significant life change?**
* **What spiritual lessons can be drawn from the concept of "new beginnings" and resilience, even when circumstances arise from morally questionable choices?**
* **In what ways does the persistence of the "Hittites" and the city of "Luz" challenge or confirm our understanding of God's promises regarding the complete possession of the land of Canaan?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Hittites mentioned in this verse, and why is their presence significant?**

Answer: The Hittites were a major ancient Near Eastern people, known for their powerful empire in Anatolia (modern Turkey) during the Late Bronze Age. By the time of the Israelite conquest, their empire had collapsed, but various Neo-Hittite city-states and smaller groups continued to exist in northern Syria and parts of Canaan. In the biblical context, they are listed as one of the groups inhabiting the land promised to Israel (e.g., [Genesis 15:20](/genesis/15-20 "Genesis 15:20 - God's Covenant with Abraham, Listing Peoples of the Land")). Their presence here in Judges 1:26 is significant because it highlights the incomplete nature of the Israelite conquest. Despite God's command to drive out all the inhabitants, these foreign groups, including the Hittites, continued to occupy significant territories. This failure to fully dispossess the land's inhabitants would become a recurring problem for Israel, leading to future conflicts, cultural assimilation, and idolatry, as described in [Judges 2:1-3](/judges/2-1 "Judges 2:1-3 - The Angel's Rebuke to Israel").

**Why is the name "Luz" significant in this context?**

Answer: "Luz" was the original name of the city that Jacob later renamed "Bethel" (meaning "House of God") after his profound dream and encounter with God there (see [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Genesis 28:19 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel and Renaming of Luz")). The man in Judges 1:26 naming his new city "Luz" is highly significant because it deliberately harks back to this older, pre-Israelite name. This choice can be interpreted in several ways: it might signify a desire to maintain a connection to his heritage and the original identity of his former home; it could be a subtle rejection of the Israelite, covenantal name "Bethel," choosing instead a more neutral or ancient identity for his new settlement; or it could simply reflect the common practice of carrying familiar names to new locations. Regardless of the precise motivation, it underscores the deep historical layers of place names in the region and the complex interplay of old and new identities in the land of Canaan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Judges 1:26 describes an individual's pragmatic choice to establish a new life outside the direct covenant community, it subtly points to the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan unfolding amidst human failure and displacement. The man's search for a new home and identity, though imperfect and born of compromise, echoes humanity's deeper longing for true rest and belonging, a longing ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Jesus is the ultimate "new beginning" for all who are displaced by sin, offering a new identity not based on earthly lineage or geographical location, but on spiritual adoption into God's family (as seen in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ") and [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). He builds a new city, the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends"), a spiritual dwelling place where all peoples, not just a select few, find their true home and rest. This stands in stark contrast to the partial and often failed earthly conquests of Judges, which left foreign peoples like the Hittites still occupying the land. In Christ, the scattering of peoples and the incomplete conquest find their ultimate resolution, as He gathers all nations into His eternal kingdom, fulfilling the promise of a land that is not just physical but spiritual and everlasting ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham's Hope for a Heavenly City")). The man's new "Luz" was a temporary, earthly dwelling, but Christ offers an eternal, heavenly city for all who believe.

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

2 Kings 7:6

For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, [even] the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

2 Chronicles 1:17

And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred [shekels] of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out [horses] for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means.