and when the spies saw a man coming out of the city, they said to him, "Please show us how to get into the city, and we will treat you kindly." the spiesThe term "spies" refers to individuals sent to gather intelligence. In the Hebrew context, the word used is "רָגַל" (ragal), which means to explore or scout. This reflects a strategic approach by the Israelites, reminiscent of the earlier spying mission in Numbers 13. The role of spies in biblical narratives often underscores the importance of wisdom and discernment in fulfilling God's promises. saw a man
The act of seeing here is not merely physical but implies recognition and understanding. The Hebrew root "רָאָה" (ra'ah) suggests perceiving with insight. This encounter is divinely orchestrated, as God often uses seemingly ordinary events to fulfill His purposes. The man becomes a pivotal figure in the unfolding of God's plan for Israel's conquest. coming out of the city
The city, likely Bethel, represents a stronghold of Canaanite culture and religion. The phrase indicates a moment of vulnerability and opportunity. Historically, cities were centers of power and influence, and their capture was crucial for establishing control over a region. This moment signifies a turning point, where God's people are poised to reclaim territory. they said to him
Communication is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the power of words. The Hebrew verb "אָמַר" (amar) denotes speaking with intention. The spies' approach is diplomatic, reflecting Jesus' teaching in Matthew 10:16 to be "shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves." Their words are carefully chosen to achieve their mission. Please show us
The use of "please" indicates a request rather than a demand, showing humility and respect. The Hebrew "נָא" (na) is a particle of entreaty, often used in prayers and supplications. This approach aligns with the biblical principle of seeking guidance and wisdom, acknowledging that success comes from God. how to get into the city
This request for guidance highlights the need for strategic insight. The Hebrew "בּוֹא" (bo) means to enter or come in. Spiritually, it reflects the believer's journey into the promises of God, requiring faith and obedience. The city represents both a physical and spiritual challenge, necessitating divine intervention. and we will treat you kindly
The promise of kindness, or "חֶסֶד" (chesed) in Hebrew, is a covenantal term denoting loyalty and faithfulness. It reflects God's character and His covenant with Israel. By offering kindness, the spies mirror God's grace, which is extended to all who align themselves with His purposes. This act of kindness foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who offers salvation to those who seek Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. SpiesThese are the men sent by the tribe of Joseph to scout the city of Bethel. Their role is crucial in the strategic conquest of the land. 2. Man from the CityAn unnamed individual who becomes pivotal in the capture of Bethel by providing the necessary information to the spies. 3. City of BethelA significant location in the tribal allotment of the Israelites, originally known as Luz. It holds historical and spiritual importance in Israel's history. 4. Tribe of JosephRefers to the descendants of Joseph, specifically the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, who are responsible for capturing Bethel. 5. Event of NegotiationThe interaction between the spies and the man from the city, which leads to the successful capture of Bethel. Teaching Points Divine Strategy and Human AgencyGod often uses human actions and decisions to fulfill His divine purposes. The spies' negotiation with the man from Bethel demonstrates the interplay between divine providence and human initiative. The Role of Faith in ConquestJust as the spies acted on faith to secure Bethel, believers are called to step out in faith in their spiritual battles, trusting in God's guidance and provision. The Importance of DiscernmentThe spies' ability to discern and negotiate with the man from the city underscores the need for wisdom and discernment in our interactions and decisions. Kindness as a Strategic ToolThe promise to treat the man kindly reflects the biblical principle of kindness, which can open doors and create opportunities for God's purposes to be fulfilled. God's Use of the UnlikelyThe unnamed man from Bethel, like Rahab, shows that God can use unexpected individuals to accomplish His plans, reminding us not to underestimate anyone's potential role in God's work. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the interaction between the spies and the man from Bethel illustrate the balance between divine guidance and human initiative? 2. In what ways does the account of the spies in Bethel parallel the account of Rahab and the spies in Jericho, and what can we learn from these parallels? 3. How can we apply the principle of discernment in our daily lives, especially when faced with important decisions? 4. What role does kindness play in our interactions with others, and how can it be used to further God's kingdom? 5. Reflect on a time when God used an unlikely person or situation in your life to accomplish His purposes. How did this experience shape your understanding of God's sovereignty? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 2The account of Rahab and the spies in Jericho parallels this event, highlighting themes of espionage, negotiation, and divine providence. Genesis 28Bethel is first mentioned as the place where Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven, establishing its spiritual significance. Hebrews 11The faith of the patriarchs, including those who acted in faith to conquer lands, is celebrated, connecting to the faith-driven actions of the spies. People Abednego, Achsah, Adonibezek, Ahiman, Amalekites, Amorites, Anak, Anath, Arad, Arba, Asher, Asherites, Benjamin, Benjamites, Caleb, Canaanites, Dan, Danites, Debir, Edomites, Hittites, Hobab, Israelites, Jebusites, Joseph, Joshua, Kenaz, Manasseh, Naphtali, Naphtalites, Othniel, Perizzites, Rehob, Sheshai, Simeon, Simeonites, Talmai, Zebulun, ZidonPlaces Acco, Achzib, Ahlab, Aijalon, Akrabbim, Aphik, Arad, Ashkelon, Beth-anath, Bethel, Beth-shan, Beth-shemesh, Bezek, Debir, Dor, Ekron, Gaza, Gezer, Gibeah, Hebron, Helbah, Hormah, Ibleam, Jerusalem, Kiriath-arba, Kiriath-sepher, Kitron, Luz, Megiddo, Mount Heres, Nahalol, Negeb, Rehob, Sela, Shaalbim, Sidon, Taanach, ZephathTopics Clear, Deal, Entrance, Forth, Kind, Kindly, Kindness, Mercy, Please, Shew, Spies, Town, Treat, Treated, WatchersDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 1:23-24 5552 spies Library The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the BibleThe Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Tsippor
"Tsippor is the greatest city of Galilee, and built in a very strong place." "Kitron (Judg 1:29,30) is Tsippor: and why is it called Tsippor? Because it is seated upon a mountain as Tsippor, a bird." "Sixteen miles on all sides from Tsippor was a land flowing with milk and honey." This city is noted in Josephus for its warlike affairs; but most noted in the Talmudists for the university fixed there, and for the learning, which Rabbi Judah the Holy brought hither, as we have said before. He sat in …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
ISRAEL'S VICTORIES OVER THE CANAANITES.--Josh. 2-9; Judg. 1, 4, 5. Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible II,1-4.1. Prin. of Politics X. That the leaders took the lead in Israel, That the people volunteered readily, Bless Jehovah! Zebulun was a people who exposed themselves to deadly peril, And Naphtali on the heights of the open field. Kings came, they fought; They fought, the kings of Canaan, At Taanach by the Waters of Megiddo, They took no booty of silver. Prom heaven fought the stars, From their …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation The Place of the Old Testament in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: Advent of the Hebrews] Modern discovery and research have demonstrated that the truth revealed through the Babylonians and with less definiteness through the people of the Nile was never entirely lost. Such a sad waste was out of accord with the obvious principles of divine economy. As the icy chill of ceremonialism seized decadent Babylonia and Egypt, there emerged from the steppes south and east of Palestine a virile, ambitious group of nomads, who not only fell heir to that which …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Scythopolis. Beth-Shean, the Beginning of Galilee.
The bonds of Galilee were, "on the south, Samaris and Scythopolis, unto the flood of Jordan." Scythopolis is the same with Beth-shean, of which is no seldom mention in the Holy Scriptures, Joshua 17:11; Judges 1:27; 1 Samuel 31:10. "Bethsaine (saith Josephus), called by the Greeks Scythopolis." It was distant but a little way from Jordan, seated in the entrance to a great valley: for so the same author writes, "Having passed Jordan, they came to a great plain, where lies before you the city Bethsane," …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
Coming down from Syria, it would have been difficult to fix the exact spot where, in the view of the Rabbis, "the land" itself began. The boundary lines, though mentioned in four different documents, are not marked in anything like geographical order, but as ritual questions connected with them came up for theological discussion. For, to the Rabbis the precise limits of Palestine were chiefly interesting so far as they affected the religious obligations or privileges of a district. And in this respect …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 1:24 NIVJudges 1:24 NLTJudges 1:24 ESVJudges 1:24 NASBJudges 1:24 KJV
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