New International VersionSo he showed them, and they put the city to the sword but spared the man and his whole family.
New Living TranslationSo he showed them a way in, and they killed everyone in the town except that man and his family.
English Standard VersionAnd he showed them the way into the city. And they struck the city with the edge of the sword, but they let the man and all his family go.
Berean Standard BibleSo the man showed them the entrance to the city, and they put the city to the sword but released that man and all his family.
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionSo he showed them the entrance to the city, and they struck the city with the edge of the sword; but they let the man and all his family go.
New American Standard BibleSo he showed them the entrance to the city, and they struck the city with the edge of the sword, but they let the man and all his family go free.
NASB 1995So he showed them the entrance to the city, and they struck the city with the edge of the sword, but they let the man and all his family go free.
NASB 1977So he showed them the entrance to the city, and they struck the city with the edge of the sword, but they let the man and all his family go free.
Legacy Standard BibleSo he showed them the entrance to the city, and they struck the city with the edge of the sword, but they let the man and all his family go free.
Amplified BibleSo he showed them the entrance to the city, and they struck the city with the edge of the sword, but they let the man and all his family go free.
Christian Standard BibleWhen he showed them the way into the town, they put the town to the sword but released the man and his entire family.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen he showed them the way into the town, they put the town to the sword but released the man and his entire family.
American Standard VersionAnd he showed them the entrance into the city; and they smote the city with the edge of the sword; but they let the man go and all his family.
Contemporary English VersionThe man showed them, and the two Israelite tribes attacked Bethel, killing everyone except the man and his family. The two tribes made the man and his family leave,
English Revised VersionAnd he shewed them the entrance into the city, and they smote the city with the edge of the sword; but they let the man go and all his family.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe showed them. So they got into the city and killed everyone there. But they let that man and his whole family go free.
Good News TranslationSo he showed them, and the people of Ephraim and Manasseh killed everyone in the city, except this man and his family.
International Standard VersionSo he showed them the entrance to the city, and they attacked the city with swords, but they let the man and his entire family escape.
NET BibleHe showed them a secret entrance into the city, and they put the city to the sword. But they let the man and his extended family leave safely.
New Heart English BibleHe showed them the entrance into the city; and they struck the city with the edge of the sword; but they let the man go and all his family.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the man showed them the entrance to the city, and they put the city to the sword but released that man and all his family.
World English BibleHe showed them the entrance into the city, and they struck the city with the edge of the sword; but they let the man and all his family go. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he shows them the entrance of the city, and they strike the city by the mouth of the sword, and they have sent the man and all his family away;
Young's Literal Translation And he sheweth them the entrance of the city, and they smite the city by the mouth of the sword, and the man and all his family they have sent away;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will show them the entrance of the city, and they will smite the city with the mouth of the sword: and that man and all his family they sent away. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when he had shewn them, they smote the city with the edge of the sword: but that man and all his kindred they let go:
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd when he had revealed it to them, they struck the city with the edge of the sword. But that man, and all his relatives, they released.
New American BibleHe showed them the way into the city, and they put the city to the sword; but they let the man and his whole clan go free.
New Revised Standard VersionSo he showed them the way into the city; and they put the city to the sword, but they let the man and all his family go. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when he had shown them the entrance into the city, they smote the city with the edge of the sword; but they spared the man and all his family.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd he showed them the entrance of the city, and they struck the city with the mouth of the sword, and that man and all his family they let go OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he showed them the entrance into the city, and they smote the city with the edge of the sword; but they let the man go and all his family.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd he shewed them the way into the city; and they smote the city with the edge of the sword; but they let go the man and his family.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jerusalem and Hebron Captured… 24and 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.” 25So the man showed themthe entranceto the city,and they putthe cityto the swordbut releasedthat manand allhis family.26And the man went to the land of the Hittites, built a city, and called it Luz, which is its name to this day.…
Cross References Joshua 2:12-14Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign / that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will deliver us from death.” / “Our lives for your lives!” the men agreed. “If you do not report our mission, we will show you kindness and faithfulness when the LORD gives us the land.”
Joshua 6:22-25Meanwhile, Joshua told the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the house of the prostitute and bring out the woman and all who are with her, just as you promised her.” / So the young spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother and brothers, and all who belonged to her. They brought out her whole family and settled them outside the camp of Israel. / Then the Israelites burned up the city and everything in it. However, they put the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the LORD’s house. ...
1 Samuel 30:15“Will you lead me to these raiders?” David asked. And the man replied, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me or deliver me into the hand of my master, and I will lead you to them.”
2 Samuel 17:19-20Then the man’s wife took a covering, spread it over the mouth of the well, and scattered grain over it so nobody would know a thing. / When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem.
2 Kings 6:19-23And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria. / When they had entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open the eyes of these men that they may see.” Then the LORD opened their eyes, and they looked around and discovered that they were in Samaria. / And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” ...
Matthew 10:11-14Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his house until you move on. / As you enter the home, greet its occupants. / If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it, but if it is not, let your peace return to you. ...
Matthew 25:35-40For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...
Luke 10:5-9Whatever house you enter, begin by saying, ‘Peace to this house.’ / If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. / Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house. ...
Luke 19:5-9When Jesus came to that place, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down, for I must stay at your house today.” / So Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed Him joyfully. / And all who saw this began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinful man!” ...
Acts 9:11-18“Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. / In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” / But Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. ...
Acts 16:14-15Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. / And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
Acts 16:30-34Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” / They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” / Then Paul and Silas spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house. ...
Romans 12:20On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Hebrews 11:31By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.
James 2:25In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route?
Treasury of Scripture 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. they smote Joshua 6:22-25 But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her… Jump to Previous CityClearEdgeEntranceMouthSafeShewethShowedSmiteSmoteSparedStruckSwordWayWholeJump to Next CityClearEdgeEntranceMouthSafeShewethShowedSmiteSmoteSparedStruckSwordWayWholeJudges 1 1.The acts of Judah and Simeon4.Adonibezek justly requited8.Jerusalem taken10.Hebron taken11.Othniel has Achsah to wife for taking of Debir16.The Kenites dwell in Judah17.Hormah, Gaza, Askelon, and Ekron taken21.The acts of Benjamin22.Of the house of Joseph, who take Bethel30.Of Zebulun31.Of Asher33.Of Naphtali34.Of DanSo the man showed them the entrance to the cityThis phrase indicates a strategic military action. The man, likely a local inhabitant, provided crucial intelligence to the Israelites, revealing the city's vulnerabilities. This act of showing the entrance suggests a breach in the city's defenses, which was common in ancient warfare. The city in question is Bethel, previously known as Luz, a significant location in Israel's history. The act of showing the entrance can be seen as a parallel to Rahab's assistance to the Israelite spies in Jericho (Joshua 2), where local knowledge was pivotal for Israel's success. This cooperation with the Israelites may reflect a recognition of God's power or a pragmatic choice for survival. and they put the city to the sword
This phrase describes the complete destruction of the city, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare, often referred to as herem or the ban. This involved the total destruction of a city and its inhabitants as an offering to God, signifying the removal of pagan influences and the establishment of Israelite control. The phrase echoes the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6), where the city was similarly devoted to destruction. This act was part of God's command to the Israelites to take possession of the Promised Land and eliminate idolatry and corruption. but released that man and all his family
The release of the man and his family highlights a theme of mercy and covenant faithfulness. This act mirrors the sparing of Rahab and her family in Jericho (Joshua 6:25) due to her assistance to the Israelite spies. It demonstrates the principle of reward for those who align themselves with God's people, even amidst judgment. This sparing of the man and his family can be seen as a type of salvation, prefiguring the deliverance offered through Jesus Christ to those who believe and align themselves with Him. It underscores the biblical theme of God's mercy and the possibility of redemption for individuals within a context of judgment. Persons / Places / Events 1. The SpiesThese are the men from the tribe of Joseph who were sent to scout the city of Bethel (formerly Luz) to determine how to conquer it. 2. The ManAn unnamed inhabitant of Bethel who provided the spies with crucial information about the city's entrance, leading to its capture. 3. The City of BethelOriginally known as Luz, this city was strategically important and was conquered by the Israelites with the help of the insider information. 4. The Tribe of JosephThis tribe, representing the descendants of Joseph, was responsible for the conquest of Bethel. 5. The Event of ConquestThe capture of Bethel was a significant event in the Israelites' campaign to take possession of the Promised Land. Teaching Points Divine Strategy and Human CooperationGod often uses human cooperation to fulfill His divine plans. The man’s assistance to the spies was crucial for the Israelites' victory. Mercy and JusticeThe Israelites showed mercy to the man and his family, highlighting the balance between justice (the conquest) and mercy (sparing the informant). Faith and ActionLike Rahab, the man acted in faith by assisting God's people, which led to his and his family's salvation. The Importance of ObedienceThe tribe of Joseph's obedience to God's command to take the land demonstrates the importance of following divine instructions. God's Sovereignty in ConquestThe successful capture of Bethel underscores God's sovereignty and His role in guiding the Israelites to victory. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Judges 1:25?
2.How does Judges 1:25 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?
3.What can we learn about God's justice from Judges 1:25?
4.How does this verse connect with God's instructions in Deuteronomy 7:2?
5.How can we apply the lessons from Judges 1:25 in our daily lives?
6.What does Judges 1:25 teach about the importance of faithfulness to God's word?
7.Why did the spies spare the man and his family in Judges 1:25?
8.How does Judges 1:25 reflect God's justice and mercy?
9.What historical evidence supports the events in Judges 1:25?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 1?
11.How do the accounts of cities captured by different tribes in Judges 1 align (or conflict) with archaeological evidence regarding the settlement patterns in Canaan?
12.In Judges 1:8 versus 1:21, why does it say Judah captured Jerusalem but Benjamin couldn't drive out the Jebusites, leading to conflicting accounts about Jerusalem's conquest?
13.In Ezekiel 25:12-14, is there verifiable evidence that Edom suffered the precise judgment described, or might this be an unfulfilled prophecy?
14.Does archaeological evidence support the total destruction of Hazor mentioned in Joshua 11:10-13?What Does Judges 1:25 Mean So the man showed them the entrance to the city• A single resident becomes the key to victory, just as Rahab did in Jericho (Joshua 2:1–21). • God often uses unexpected people to advance His purposes—think of the young servant girl in2 Kings 5:2–3 who set Naaman on the path to healing. • The man’s action highlights the wisdom commended inProverbs 15:22, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed”. Here, the “adviser” is an insider whose knowledge opens the way for God’s people to advance.
and they put the city to the sword• The warriors follow the divine mandate already given inDeuteronomy 7:2, “When the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, you must devote them to complete destruction”. • This act mirrors earlier obedience at Jericho (Joshua 6:21) and later obedience under Samuel (1 Samuel 15:3), underscoring that Israel’s victories depend on fidelity to God’s clear instructions. • Difficult as it sounds, the judgment executed here reinforces the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, echoingRomans 11:22, “Consider therefore the kindness and severity of God”.
but released that man and all his family• Mercy shines through judgment, much like Rahab’s deliverance (Joshua 6:25) and the sparing of the Kenites during Saul’s campaign (1 Samuel 15:6). • His entire household enjoys safety, illustrating the biblical principle that covenant blessing often extends to one’s family, as seen with Noah (Genesis 7:1) and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:31). • By honoring their promise, the Israelites modelPsalm 15:4, describing the righteous as those “who keep their oath even when it hurts”. Integrity matters to God.
summaryJudges 1:25 portrays a blend of strategic wisdom, uncompromising obedience, and covenant mercy. God uses one man’s insider knowledge to grant victory, the Israelites faithfully carry out His judgment on Canaanite wickedness, and yet they keep their word by sparing the informer and his family. The verse reminds us that God’s holiness and mercy always operate together, urging us to walk in both steadfast obedience and faithful compassion.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew So [the man] showed themוַיַּרְאֵם֙(way·yar·’êm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7200:To seethe entranceמְב֣וֹא(mə·ḇō·w)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3996:An entrance, sunset, the west, towardsto the city,הָעִ֔יר(hā·‘îr)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892:Excitementand they putוַיַּכּ֥וּ(way·yak·kū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5221:To strikethe cityהָעִ֖יר(hā·‘îr)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892:Excitementto the swordחָ֑רֶב(ḥā·reḇ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719:Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, swordbut releasedשִׁלֵּֽחוּ׃(šil·lê·ḥū)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outthat manהָאִ֥ישׁ(hā·’îš)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personand allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyhis family.מִשְׁפַּחְתּ֖וֹ(miš·paḥ·tōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4940:A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people
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OT History: Judges 1:25 He showed them the entrance into (Jd Judg. Jdg) |
