Judges 1:23

The Capture of Jerusalem and Hebron · Judges 1:8–26
Read Judges 1

Translations

Modern
They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz),
Traditional
And the house of Joseph sent to descry Beth–el. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)
Literal
And the house of Joseph they sent to spy out in Bethel (and the name of the city was formerly Luz),
Latin
Nam cum obsiderent urbem, quæ prius Luza vocabatur,

Original

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

Notes

Mentions of Joseph's descendants (Judges 1:22, 35) highlight the northern tribes' failures to remove their enemies.

The tribes of Israel did not keep the covenant. Their complacency was rebellion against the Lord, as shown in the rest of the book of Judges.

The first prologue talks about how the tribes did not follow Joshua's farewell instructions (Joshua 23).

Theme notes and profiles

Oppression of God’s People

Parallels

Joshua 15:13–19

People

Joseph: Son of Jacob, ruler in Egypt

Places

Bethel: Important city in Israel, associated with Abraham and Jacob

Glossary

Bethel (Place), Bethelite Joshua, Book of Judges, Book of Land Luz Tribe of Dan Warfare

Topics

Armies: March in Ranks of Beth-El Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: Conquered by the Household of Joseph Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: The Ancient City Adjacent To, and Finally Embraced In, Was Called Luz Canaanites: Not Expelled Ephraim: A Tribe of Israel: Captured Beth-El in Battle Mercy: The Israelites to the Man of Beth-El Reconnoissance: Beth-El The Canaanites: Partially Subdued by Israel Tribe of Ephraim: Assisted: Manasseh in Taking Bethel