Judges 3:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they were to prove {H5254} Israel {H3478} by them, to know {H3045} whether they would hearken {H8085} unto the commandments {H4687} of the LORD {H3068}, which he commanded {H6680} their fathers {H1} by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They stayed there to test whether Isra'el would pay attention to the mitzvot of ADONAI, which, through Moshe, he had ordered their ancestors to obey.

Berean Standard Bible

These nations were left to test the Israelites, to find out whether they would keep the commandments of the LORD, which He had given their fathers through Moses.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 3:4 serves as a pivotal theological statement, articulating God's deliberate purpose behind allowing certain Canaanite nations to remain in the Promised Land after the initial conquest. This was not an oversight but a sovereign act of divine probation, intended to test the faithfulness of the new generation of Israelites. The verse reveals God's intent to ascertain whether they would genuinely heed and obey the commandments of the LORD, which He had delivered to their forefathers through Moses, thereby exposing their true spiritual allegiance and commitment to the covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 3:4 functions as a crucial interpretive lens for the entire book of Judges. It immediately follows the somber assessment in [Judges 2:10-13](/judges/2-10-13 "Judges 2:10-13 - Israel's Apostasy") that a generation arose who "did not know the LORD or the works that he had done for Israel," leading to their turning away to Baal and Ashtaroth. Chapters 1 and 2 detail Israel's progressive failure to fully dispossess the Canaanite inhabitants, a direct violation of God's earlier commands. Judges 3:1-6 then explicitly states God's rationale for allowing these nations to remain, serving as a direct preamble to the cyclical narrative of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the rest of the book. Verse 4 specifically clarifies that this was a purposeful act of divine probation, setting the stage for the recurring cycles of judgment and mercy that would follow as Israel repeatedly failed this divine test.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 14th-11th centuries BC) was a turbulent transitional era for Israel, moving from a nomadic, tribal confederation to a settled agricultural society in the Promised Land. God's original command was for Israel to utterly dispossess the Canaanites ([Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1-5 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Destroy Nations")), primarily to prevent spiritual contamination from their idolatrous and immoral practices (e.g., child sacrifice, cultic prostitution, cultic sex). However, Israel's partial obedience, often driven by a desire for tribute or an inability to fully conquer fortified cities, left pockets of these peoples. Culturally, the Canaanites worshipped a pantheon of gods, notably Baal and Asherah, associated with fertility and nature. Their religious practices were deeply intertwined with their daily lives, posing a constant temptation for the Israelites to adopt syncretistic worship, especially in an agricultural society dependent on rain and fertile land. The presence of these nations, therefore, represented not just a military challenge but a profound spiritual and cultural test for Israel's distinct identity as God's covenant people, called to be holy and set apart.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 3:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Judges and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **Divine Testing and Probation**, revealing that God's allowance of adverse circumstances is often a means to refine and reveal the true spiritual condition of His people, not because He is ignorant, but to expose their hearts to themselves and others, as seen in [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Testing in the Wilderness"). This verse also highlights the paramount importance of **Obedience to God's Commandments**, emphasizing that the core of Israel's covenant relationship with the LORD was predicated on their faithful adherence to the Mosaic Law, particularly the prohibition against idolatry and the command to dispossess. Furthermore, it subtly points to the **Consequences of Disobedience**, as the very presence of these "thorns in their sides" ([Numbers 33:55](/numbers/33-55 "Numbers 33:55 - Thorns in Your Sides")) was a direct result of Israel's earlier failure to fully obey God's commands. Yet, even within these consequences, the verse affirms **God's Sovereignty**, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate even Israel's failures into His larger redemptive purposes, using challenges as instruments for their spiritual growth and a means to call them back to Himself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prove (Hebrew, _nāsāh'_):** The Hebrew verb נָסָה (_nāsāh'_) means "to test, to try, to prove, to tempt." In this context, it signifies a divine examination or probation, not with the intent to cause failure, but to ascertain the true character, loyalty, and obedience of Israel. It is a revealing test, designed to show whether their faith was genuine and active, much like refining metal to remove impurities. This testing is for the benefit of the tested, to reveal their true spiritual state and provide an opportunity for growth and demonstration of faithfulness. God's "knowing" here is not an acquisition of new information for an omniscient God, but a demonstration or revelation of Israel's internal disposition.
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shāma'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (_shāma'_) is a rich term meaning "to hear, to listen, to obey." It implies more than just auditory perception; it denotes an attentive hearing that leads to action and compliance. For Israel, "hearkening" to the commandments of the LORD was synonymous with covenant faithfulness. It was the fundamental response required of a people in covenant with a sovereign God, signifying not merely intellectual assent but active, obedient living. This concept is foundational to the covenant relationship, where hearing God's voice leads to a life of obedience.
* **Commandments (Hebrew, _mitsvōt'_):** The Hebrew term מִצְוֹת (_mitsvōt_), the plural of _mitsvâh_, refers to the divine precepts, statutes, and ordinances given by God, particularly through Moses at Mount Sinai. These were the terms of the covenant, outlining Israel's responsibilities and the path to life and blessing. The "commandments of the LORD" encompass the entire body of the Mosaic Law, which served as the blueprint for Israel's moral, social, and religious life, distinguishing them from the surrounding pagan nations. Adherence to these _mitsvōt_ was the tangible expression of their covenant loyalty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they were to prove Israel by them":** This clause establishes the divine intention behind the continued presence of the remaining nations. "They" refers to the Philistines, Canaanites, Sidonians, and Hivites mentioned in the preceding verses ([Judges 3:3](/judges/3-3 "Judges 3:3 - Nations Left to Test Israel")). God's purpose was to use these nations as instruments of probation, a crucible through which Israel's faithfulness would be tested and revealed. It underscores God's active involvement in the historical unfolding of Israel's story, even in their challenges, demonstrating His sovereign control over circumstances.
* **"to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD":** This phrase clarifies the specific nature and objective of the test. The "knowing" here, as previously noted, is not an acquisition of new information for an omniscient God, but a revelation or demonstration of Israel's internal disposition and commitment. The core of the test was their obedience to God's revealed will. Would they listen attentively and actively obey the divine precepts, or would they succumb to the temptations of idolatry and syncretism presented by their neighbors, thereby breaking covenant?
* **"which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses":** This concluding clause roots the commandments firmly in the foundational covenant given at Sinai. It emphasizes the continuity of God's expectations across generations and highlights the enduring authority and divine origin of the Mosaic Law. The reference to "their fathers" reminds the current generation of their heritage and the covenant obligations passed down, making their potential disobedience all the more culpable, as they were fully aware of the divine mandate. The phrase "by the hand of Moses" signifies Moses as the divinely appointed mediator of the Law.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Judges 3:4 is **Divine Providence**. This verse explicitly states that God is not merely reacting to Israel's failures but is actively orchestrating circumstances—even those arising from human disobedience—to fulfill His overarching purposes. The presence of the Canaanite nations, which Israel failed to fully dispossess, is recast from a consequence of human failure into a deliberate divine instrument for testing. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over history and His ability to use all situations, good or bad, to achieve His will and refine His people. The verse also employs **Covenantal Language**, using terms like "commandments of the LORD" and referencing "Moses" and "their fathers," which immediately evokes the Sinai covenant and its stipulations, reminding the audience of the foundational relationship between God and Israel and the enduring nature of their obligations. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in that the very nations Israel failed to conquer become the means by which God tests their obedience to the commands they had initially neglected.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 3:4 profoundly illustrates God's pedagogical approach to His covenant people. Rather than simply punishing Israel for their initial disobedience in failing to dispossess the Canaanites, God repurposes the consequences of their sin into a means of spiritual instruction and testing. This reveals a God who is both just and merciful, using challenges to call His people back to Himself and to deepen their reliance on His word. The verse underscores that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but demonstrated obedience, particularly in the face of temptation and adversity. This divine testing serves to reveal the true condition of the heart, exposing areas of weakness and providing opportunities for growth and a return to faithful living, ultimately for God's glory and Israel's sanctification.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "God's Testing in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 66:10](/psalms/66-10 "God Refines Through Testing")
* [1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "Faith Tested by Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 3:4 offers timeless wisdom for believers today. We often encounter "remaining nations" in our lives—persistent temptations, challenging circumstances, or difficult relationships—that seem to hinder our spiritual progress. This verse reminds us that God, in His sovereign wisdom, may allow these very challenges to remain as divine tests, not to trip us up, but to prove the genuineness of our faith and commitment. Our response to these trials reveals the true measure of our devotion: do we "hearken unto the commandments of the LORD" even when it's difficult, or do we compromise and succumb to the pressures of the world? This passage calls us to view adversity not as an anomaly, but as a potential crucible for spiritual growth, an opportunity to demonstrate our trust in God's Word and to deepen our obedience. It encourages a proactive and vigilant walk, recognizing that faithfulness is forged in the fires of testing, leading us to greater reliance on God's grace and a more profound understanding of His purposes for our lives, ultimately shaping us into the image of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "remaining nations" or persistent challenges in your life might God be using to test your obedience and reveal the true state of your heart?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you being called to "hearken unto the commandments of the LORD" more fully, even when it's uncomfortable or counter-cultural?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereign purpose in allowing trials change your perspective on difficult circumstances you are currently facing, leading you to greater trust and dependence?**

### FAQ
**Why did God not completely drive out the nations if He commanded it? Was this a failure on His part?**

Answer: Judges 3:4 makes it clear that the continued presence of these nations was not a failure or oversight on God's part, but a deliberate act of divine providence. While God had commanded Israel to utterly dispossess the inhabitants of Canaan (e.g., [Numbers 33:55](/numbers/33-55 "Numbers 33:55 - Thorns in Your Sides")), Israel's partial obedience and lack of faith led to their failure to complete the task. God, in His sovereignty, then repurposed this consequence of Israel's disobedience for His own redemptive and pedagogical purposes. He allowed these nations to remain "to prove Israel," to test their faithfulness and obedience to His commandments. This demonstrates God's ability to work His will even through human failure, turning a negative outcome into an instrument for spiritual growth and revelation for His people. It was a test for Israel, not a deficiency in God's power or plan. God's ultimate purpose was always Israel's sanctification and their faithful worship of Him alone.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 3:4, with its emphasis on divine testing and the call to obedience, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament pattern of Israel's repeated failures under divine probation highlights humanity's inability to perfectly "hearken unto the commandments of the LORD." Israel, as God's chosen nation, consistently failed the test, demonstrating the need for a perfect obedient one. Jesus, the true Israel, perfectly fulfilled the Law and passed every test, including the wilderness temptation ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Temptation of Jesus")) where He resisted Satan by perfectly obeying the Father's word and refusing to succumb to the "remaining nations" of sin and temptation. Furthermore, the "commandments of the LORD" that Israel struggled to obey are now, in the New Covenant, written on the hearts of believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Christ's obedience on the cross provides the perfect righteousness that covers our failures ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of One")), and His Spirit empowers us to live lives of increasing obedience, transforming us from within. Thus, while Israel's test revealed their sin, Christ's perfect life and atoning death provide the means for our salvation and the power for our sanctification, enabling us to truly "hearken" to God's voice in a way Israel never fully could. Our trials as believers are now not to determine our salvation, but to refine our faith in the One who has already secured it ([1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "Faith Tested by Fire")), conforming us to His image.

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

1 Corinthians 11:19

For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

Judges 2:22

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.

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;

Deuteronomy 33:8

¶ And of Levi he said, [Let] thy Thummim and thy Urim [be] with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, [and with] whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;

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.

Exodus 15:25

And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, [which] when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

2 Thessalonians 2:9

[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,