Judges 1:22-25 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

The house of Joseph That is, the tribe of Ephraim. Show us the entrance into the city That is, where it may be most easily entered. For they did not inquire the way to the gate, which, no doubt, was common and plain enough; but for the weakest part, where the walls were lowest, or most out of repair, or had the least guard. Or they desired him, perhaps, to show them some private way to get into it, which none knew but the inhabitants. He showed them the entrance Upon which, we may suppose, notice was immediately sent to the army, which lay near. They smote the city Came upon them suddenly, and attacked them where they least expected it; so that the assailants met with little resistance.

Judges 1:22-25

22 And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD was with them.

23 And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)

24 And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will shew thee mercy.

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.