Judges 1:25

And when he shewed them the entrance into the city, they smote the city with the edge of the sword; but they let go the man and all his family.

Judges 1:25 (KJV)

Context

The Book of Judges records Israel’s history between Joshua’s death and the beginning of the monarchy. During this time, God raised up judges to deliver His people from oppressors. This verse belongs to the opening chapter, where the tribes of Judah and Simeon continue the conquest of Canaan. The surrounding passage (Judges 1:22-26) identifies the city as Bethel and explains that the Israelites had earlier sent spies to scout it. Those spies met a man who came out of the city, and they asked him to show them the entrance. This verse records the fulfillment of that request.

Meaning

The unnamed man showed the Israelites the way into the city. In return, they spared him and his family when they attacked. The phrase “they smote the city with the edge of the sword” describes a complete destruction of the inhabitants, a common expression in the Old Testament for total conquest. Yet the man and his household were allowed to go free. The verse does not name the man or explain his motives, but his cooperation with Israel brought deliverance for his whole family.

The act of sparing the man and his family shows that mercy can accompany judgment. The Israelites had promised to deal kindly with him (Judges 1:24), and they kept their word. This teaches that God’s people should honor their promises, even in the midst of warfare. It also reveals that God’s judgment on a wicked city did not prevent individual mercy toward one who helped His people.

Biblical connections

The conquest of Canaan was commanded by God, who told Israel to drive out the inhabitants (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). This command aimed to prevent Israel from being led into idolatry. The sparing of the man and his family, however, shows that God’s judgment was not without exceptions. A similar pattern appears in Joshua 2, where Rahab the harlot helped the spies at Jericho and was spared with her family. Both accounts demonstrate that those who align themselves with God’s people can receive mercy.

The man’s deliverance also points to a larger truth: God often uses unexpected people to accomplish His purposes. He used a Canaanite man to guide Israel into the city. This reminds us that God is sovereign and can work through anyone, regardless of their background.

Application

This verse challenges believers to be faithful to their commitments. The Israelites promised to spare the man, and they did. Keeping our word, especially when it costs us, reflects God’s own faithfulness. It also calls us to show mercy even when judgment seems deserved. As Christians, we are to balance justice with compassion, following the example of Jesus Christ, who showed grace to the undeserving.

The verse also warns against incomplete obedience. While Israel conquered Bethel, they did not fully drive out all the Canaanites from the land. Later in Judges, we see the consequences of this compromise, as the remaining inhabitants led Israel into idolatry. This serves as a caution to examine our own lives for areas where we may be tolerating sin or failing to fully obey God’s commands.

Reflection

Consider the man who showed the entrance. He was an enemy of Israel, yet his small act of assistance brought salvation to his whole household. In the same way, our simple acts of obedience or kindness can have far-reaching effects. God sees our cooperation with His purposes, even when it seems small. The deliverance of this man and his family reminds us that God’s grace can reach anyone who turns to Him, and that He delights to show mercy in the midst of judgment.