“And when he showed 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.”
Context:The Book of Judges records the history of Israel during the period between the death of Joshua and the establishment of the monarchy under Saul. It focuses on a series of judges whom God raised up to deliver Israel from their oppressors and to govern the people.
Verse Analysis:
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“And when he showed them the entrance into the city”: In this verse, an unidentified individual (referred to as “he”) shows the Israelites the entrance into a particular city. The identity of this person is not specified, but it implies that the Israelites were seeking to conquer this city. “They smote the city with the edge of the sword”: The Israelites, upon receiving the information about the entrance, attack and conquer the city. They engage in battle and use their swords to defeat the inhabitants of the city. “But they let go the man and all his family”: Interestingly, while the city was conquered, the Israelites spare a particular man and his family. The reason for sparing them is not explicitly mentioned in this verse.
Key Themes and Lessons:
Obedience to God’s Command:The conquest of the city described in this verse reveals the Israelites’ obedience to God’s command to possess the Promised Land. In the book of Joshua, God instructed the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan, and the Israelites were carrying out this command.
Judgment and Mercy:Although the Israelites conquered the city, they showed mercy to a man and his family. This act demonstrates a balance of judgment and mercy. It is possible that this man and his family may have separated themselves from the wickedness of the city or were somehow considered innocent. The Israelites’ decision to spare them reflects God’s compassion and willingness to show mercy in the midst of judgment.
Incomplete Obedience:While the Israelites were successful in conquering the city, the verse does not explicitly state whether they fully carried out God’s command to drive out all the inhabitants. Later in the book of Judges, we see the consequences of their incomplete obedience, as the remaining Canaanite inhabitants became a snare for Israel, leading them into idolatry and disobedience.
Foreshadowing the Failure of the Israelites:This verse foreshadows a pattern of incomplete obedience and compromise that is repeated throughout the book of Judges. The Israelites’ failure to completely drive out the Canaanites ultimately leads to spiritual and moral decline, as they intermingle with the Canaanite culture and adopt their idolatrous practices.
Application:This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of wholehearted obedience to God’s commands. It highlights the need to fully surrender our lives to Him and not compromise with the sinful influences around us. Furthermore, it prompts us to consider the balance between judgment and mercy in our own lives, showing compassion to those who may be deserving of grace. As believers, we should learn from the Israelites’ mistakes and strive for complete obedience to God’s Word. We should diligently seek to remove any sinful influences or compromise from our lives, relying on God’s strength to do so. In addition, we should cultivate a heart of mercy and compassion, following the example of Jesus Christ, who showed grace and forgiveness even to those who were undeserving. Remember, a comprehensive understanding of the entire book of Judges and the broader context of God’s redemptive plan is crucial for a more profound appreciation of the significance of this verse.
