Judges 2:22

KJV

That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep [it], or not.

KJV (with Strong's)

That through them I may prove {H5254} Israel {H3478}, whether they will keep {H8104} the way {H1870} of the LORD {H3068} to walk {H3212} therein, as their fathers {H1} did keep {H8104} it, or not.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is how I will test Isra'el, to see whether or not they will keep the way of ADONAI, living according to it, as their ancestors did."

Berean Standard Bible

In this way I will test whether Israel will keep the way of the LORD by walking in it as their fathers did.”

American Standard Version

that by them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of Jehovah to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 2:22 serves as a profound divine explanation for the continued presence of unconquered Canaanite nations within the land of Israel after the death of Joshua's generation. This verse reveals that God, in His sovereign wisdom and as a direct consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness and failure to fully dispossess these nations, purposed to use them as a crucible. This divine allowance was not arbitrary but a deliberate test to prove Israel's loyalty and commitment to His covenant, discerning whether they would truly "keep the way of the LORD" and walk in obedience, unlike their apostate predecessors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 2:22 is a pivotal explanatory verse within a deeply theological and somber section of the Book of Judges, immediately following the Angel of the LORD's significant pronouncement at Bochim ([Judges 2:1-5](/judges/2-1-5 "The Angel of the LORD at Bochim")). This pronouncement rebukes Israel for their covenant breach in failing to dispossess the Canaanites and warns of the consequences. The verses preceding Judges 2:22 ([Judges 2:6-19](/judges/2-6-19 "Israel's Spiritual Decline After Joshua")) detail the tragic spiritual decline of the generation that arose after Joshua, a generation that "knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel" ([Judges 2:10](/judges/2-10 "Judges 2:10 - A Generation That Knew Not the LORD")). This new generation rapidly abandoned the LORD, serving foreign gods like Baal and Ashtaroth, and intermarrying with the very nations God had commanded them to utterly dispossess. As a direct result of this profound covenant breach and spiritual apostasy, God declares in [Judges 2:20-21](/judges/2-20-21 "God's Judgment on Disobedient Israel") that He would no longer drive out the remaining nations before them. Judges 2:22 then clarifies God's specific, redemptive purpose for this judgment: to test Israel's faithfulness, thereby setting the theological stage for the cyclical narrative of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the entire book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Judges chronicles the tumultuous period between the unified conquest under Joshua and the establishment of the monarchy, a time marked by decentralized tribal rule in ancient Israel. Culturally, Israel was surrounded by Canaanite city-states deeply entrenched in polytheistic worship, particularly the pervasive fertility cults of Baal and Asherah, which often involved ritual prostitution and even child sacrifice. God's command to utterly destroy these nations (known as *herem*, or "devotion to destruction") was not merely a military strategy but a theological imperative to preserve Israel's covenant purity and prevent syncretism with these corrupting influences, as explicitly detailed in [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1-6 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy Nations"). The Israelites' failure to fully obey this command, opting instead for coexistence and assimilation, led directly to their spiritual compromise. The "way of the LORD" refers to the comprehensive covenant stipulations given at Mount Sinai, encompassing the moral, ethical, and cultic laws designed to set Israel apart as God's holy people, especially the foundational command to have no other gods before Him, as articulated in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the Book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Testing and Proving**, where God, in His sovereignty, allows challenging circumstances (the remaining nations) not to tempt Israel into sin, but to reveal the true state of their hearts and their commitment to His covenant. This testing serves to expose their latent idolatry and call them back to faithfulness, a principle seen throughout Israel's history, such as in the wilderness wanderings where God tested them to know what was in their hearts ([Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Testing in the Wilderness")). Secondly, it underscores the critical importance of **Covenant Obedience versus Disobedience**. The entire Judges period is a stark testament to the consequences of Israel's failure to "keep the way of the LORD," demonstrating that God's blessings were contingent upon their fidelity to the covenant, while disobedience inevitably led to judgment and oppression, a pattern clearly laid out in the blessings and curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, the phrase "as their fathers did keep [it], or not" introduces the poignant theme of **Generational Faithfulness and Apostasy**. It draws a stark contrast between the generation that experienced God's mighty acts in the wilderness and the conquest, and the subsequent generation that quickly abandoned Him. This emphasizes the vital need for each generation to personally embrace and transmit the covenant faith, a theme echoed throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., [Psalm 78:1-8](/psalm/78-1-8 "Psalm 78:1-8 - God's Law to be Taught to Generations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prove (Hebrew, _nâçâh'_):** The Hebrew verb נָסָה (_nâçâh_, H5254) means "to test," "to try," "to assay," or "to prove." It signifies a process of examination designed to reveal the true character, quality, or loyalty of a person or thing. In this context, God's "proving" of Israel is not an attempt to tempt them into sin (which is contrary to God's nature, cf. [James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt")), but rather to demonstrate or reveal their inner disposition and whether their external actions align with their covenant obligations. It's a test of their spiritual integrity and faithfulness, much like refining gold in a furnace to remove impurities.
* **Keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁמַר (_shâmar_, H8104) means "to hedge about (as with thorns)," "to guard," "to protect," "to attend to," or "to observe." In the context of "keeping the way of the LORD," it signifies a diligent, protective adherence to God's commands and covenant. It implies not just passive knowledge, but active obedience, watchful preservation of the divine statutes, and a careful guarding against anything that would compromise one's fidelity to God.
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** The Hebrew noun דֶּרֶךְ (_derek_, H1870) literally refers to a "road" or "path," but metaphorically, as used here in "the way of the LORD," it signifies a course of life, a manner of conduct, or a set of principles. Thus, "the way of the LORD" signifies God's commandments, statutes, and the entire covenant lifestyle He ordained for Israel. It encompasses their moral, ethical, and religious practices, demanding a comprehensive commitment to His will and His unique identity as their God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That through them I may prove Israel,"**: This opening clause reveals God's active, sovereign purpose behind allowing the remaining nations to persist. They are not merely an accidental leftover from an incomplete conquest but are divinely purposed as instruments of testing. God is not passive in Israel's history; He uses even the consequences of their disobedience to further His purposes of refining and revealing the true state of His people's hearts.
* **"whether they will keep the way of the LORD"**: This specifies the precise nature of the test. It is a test of obedience and fidelity to the covenant. The "way of the LORD" refers to the totality of His commands and the lifestyle He prescribed, particularly the exclusive worship of Him and the rejection of idolatry. The test is designed to determine if Israel will uphold their end of the covenant relationship, demonstrating genuine devotion.
* **"to walk therein,"**: This phrase emphasizes the practical, lived dimension of their obedience. "Walking" (הָלַךְ, _halakh_) is a common biblical metaphor for one's conduct, lifestyle, or manner of living. It implies that "keeping the way of the LORD" is not merely a theoretical assent or an intellectual understanding, but a daily, active commitment expressed through their choices, actions, and overall behavior.
* **"as their fathers did keep [it], or not."**: This concluding phrase draws a direct and poignant comparison to the preceding generation, specifically those who entered Canaan under Joshua and were largely faithful to the LORD (referring to H1, _ʼâb_, father, forefather). It highlights the tragic generational decline and sets up the central question for the Book of Judges: Will this new generation learn from the past and return to God's ways, or will they continue in their apostasy, experiencing the painful consequences of divine judgment and oppression?

#### Literary Devices
Judges 2:22 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Irony** is prominently featured, as the very nations Israel failed to dispossess, due to their disobedience, become the divinely appointed instruments of God's testing, ironically exposing their further disobedience. This creates a cyclical pattern where the consequence of their sin becomes the crucible for their spiritual integrity. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, sharply juxtaposing the faithfulness of the "fathers" (the Joshua generation) with the unfaithfulness of the current generation, thereby highlighting the tragic spiritual decline and the breaking of the covenant chain. Furthermore, the concept of God "proving" Israel can be seen as a form of **Divine Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (testing or trying) to God to convey His active involvement, pedagogical intent, and sovereign control over Israel's history. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **Foreshadowing**, setting the theological stage for the entire Book of Judges by explaining the divine rationale behind the recurring cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance that characterize the period, demonstrating God's consistent method of revealing and refining His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 2:22 reveals a profound aspect of God's character and His interaction with His people: His use of testing as a means of revelation and refinement. This is not a punitive act in the sense of tempting to evil, but a pedagogical one, designed to expose the true condition of the heart and to call for genuine faithfulness. God's desire is for a people who will truly "keep the way of the LORD" not out of compulsion, but out of a deep-seated commitment. The presence of the unconquered nations serves as a constant spiritual challenge, a "thorn in their side" that forces Israel to choose between complete devotion to Yahweh and compromise with the surrounding idolatry. This divine testing is a recurring theme throughout biblical history, demonstrating God's consistent method of proving His people's loyalty and strengthening their faith, ultimately for their good and His glory, and for the demonstration of His righteous character.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Testing in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 17:3](/psalm/17-3 "Psalm 17:3 - God Tests the Heart")
* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - The Testing of Faith Produces Steadfastness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 2:22 offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's purposes often unfold through challenging circumstances. Just as Israel faced "unconquered nations" in their land, we too encounter persistent temptations, worldly influences, and areas of spiritual compromise that remain in our lives. These are not always removed instantly, and sometimes, God permits them to remain as tests of our faithfulness. Our response to these challenges reveals the true depth of our devotion to Christ and our commitment to "walk in the way of the LORD." This verse calls us to a rigorous self-examination: are we diligently rooting out the idols and ungodly patterns in our lives, or are we allowing them to linger, risking spiritual compromise and the erosion of our faith? Furthermore, it underscores our generational responsibility. The spiritual decline in Judges occurred because the new generation did not know the LORD. We are called not only to personal obedience but also to intentionally disciple and model a vibrant, obedient faith for those who come after us, ensuring that the "way of the LORD" is passed on effectively to future generations, lest they too fall into apostasy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "unconquered nations" or persistent areas of compromise might God be allowing in my life to test my faithfulness and reveal the true state of my heart?**
* **How do I typically respond when God allows challenges or difficulties to "prove" my faith? Do I seek to learn and grow, or do I become resentful or fall away?**
* **In what practical ways can I ensure I am actively "walking in the way of the LORD" daily, rather than merely having theoretical knowledge of His commands?**
* **Considering the generational failure in Judges, what is my responsibility in modeling and teaching a vibrant, obedient faith to the next generation, whether in my family, church, or community?**

### FAQ
**Why did God not completely destroy the nations if He commanded it?**

Answer: It is crucial to understand that God's command to utterly dispossess the Canaanite nations was absolute and given long before the events of Judges, as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1-6 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Drive Out Nations"). Israel's failure to obey this command (e.g., [Judges 1:21](/judges/1-21 "Judges 1:21 - Judah Fails to Drive Out Jebusites"), [Judges 1:27-36](/judges/1-27-36 "Judges 1:27-36 - Tribal Failures to Dispossess")) was an act of profound disobedience and a breach of their covenant with God. As a direct consequence of this unfaithfulness, the Angel of the LORD declared that He would no longer drive out these nations before them ([Judges 2:20-21](/judges/2-20-21 "Judges 2:20-21 - God's Judgment Declared")). Judges 2:22 then clarifies that God, in His sovereignty, repurposed the *consequence* of their disobedience (the remaining nations) into a *means of testing*. So, God did not *choose* to leave them as a test instead of destroying them; rather, because Israel failed to destroy them, God then used their continued presence as a pedagogical tool to reveal Israel's heart and to call them back to faithfulness. It was a judgment that also served a redemptive purpose, revealing the depth of their apostasy and the need for genuine repentance.

**Is God's testing the same as temptation?**

Answer: No, God's testing is fundamentally different from temptation. The Hebrew word _nâçâh_ (נָסָה) in Judges 2:22 refers to a test or trial designed to prove, refine, or reveal character. God's purpose in testing is always to strengthen faith, expose hidden sin, or demonstrate faithfulness, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and maturity. He allows circumstances that challenge us, revealing what is truly in our hearts (cf. [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Testing in the Wilderness")). In contrast, temptation, particularly as described in the New Testament (Greek _peirasmos_), is an enticement to sin, designed to lead one away from God. The Bible explicitly states that "God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he himself tempt anyone" ([James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt")). Therefore, while both involve a challenging situation, God's testing is for our good and spiritual development, whereas temptation aims to draw us into disobedience and destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 2:22, with its emphasis on Israel's chronic failure to "keep the way of the LORD" and the subsequent divine testing, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect Israelite who would fully obey and pass every test. Ancient Israel, as a corporate body, continually failed the divine examination, demonstrating their inherent inability to walk perfectly in God's way under the Old Covenant. This persistent failure points to the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the true and faithful Israelite. Unlike ancient Israel, Jesus perfectly "kept the way of the LORD" in every respect, fulfilling all righteousness (cf. [Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). He faced and triumphed over every temptation and test, most notably in the wilderness (cf. [Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")), where He perfectly obeyed God's Word, unlike Israel who often grumbled and disobeyed in their wilderness wanderings. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus established a New Covenant, enabling those who believe in Him to truly "walk in the way of the LORD" by the power of the Holy Spirit (cf. [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ by the Spirit")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the ultimate solution to Israel's chronic disobedience and making a way for all humanity to be reconciled to God and live lives of genuine faithfulness, not by our own strength, but by His grace and empowering Spirit.

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

Deuteronomy 8:2

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

Deuteronomy 8:16

Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;

Deuteronomy 13:3

Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Proverbs 17:3

¶ The fining pot [is] for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

Genesis 22:1

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am].

Judges 3:1

¶ Now these [are] the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, [even] as many [of Israel] as had not known all the wars of Canaan;

Judges 3:4

And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.