house of Josephבֵּית יוֹסֵף
bet Yoseph · Hebrew Noun phrase
Referring to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh; it represents the descendants of Joseph who demonstrated faith and obedience in their military endeavors.
Bethelבֵּית אֵל
Bethel · Hebrew Noun
A city significant in patriarchal history (the site of Jacob's dream); the name signifies 'House of God' (Bethel), contrasting with its original name, Luz.
LORDיְהוָה
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal name of the God of the covenant, who reveals Himself to Israel; the phrase "the LORD was with them" signifies His presence, protection, and divine support in battle.
scouted outתּוּר
thur · Hebrew Verb
To explore, investigate, or perform reconnaissance to gain tactical intelligence; in a biblical context, it often precedes a military campaign.
spiesרַגָּלִים
ragalim · Hebrew Noun
Individuals sent to gather information or observe enemy positions; their reports were essential for military strategy and often tested the faith of the people of Israel.
kindlyחֶסֶד
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term (hesed) denoting covenantal loyalty, steadfast love, kindness, or mercy; it often implies an act of favor that goes beyond mere obligation.
edge of the swordלְפִי חָרֶב
lephi chareb · Hebrew Noun phrase
A phrase describing total military victory or conquest through warfare; it represents the judgment and power exerted by the Israelites against their enemies.
Hittitesחִתִּים
Chittiym · Hebrew Proper Noun
A group of people descended from Heth, a son of Canaan, residing primarily in the region of Asia Minor (Anatolia) and parts of the Levant. Throughout the Old Testament, they are often identified as one of the nations Israel was instructed to dispossess from the Promised Land.
Luzלוּז
Luwz · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'almond tree,' often associated with places of significance in Israel's history, most notably the site where Jacob had his vision of the ladder to heaven, later renamed Bethel. Its usage here marks the relocation of the unnamed man to form a new settlement.
Manassehמְנַשֶּׁה
Menashsheh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The tribe descended from Joseph's elder son; it was one of the largest tribes and held territory on both sides of the Jordan River. Their failure to purge their assigned territory of pagan influence is a recurring theme in the book of Judges.
Canaanitesכְּנַעֲנִי
Kena'aniy · Hebrew Proper Noun
The indigenous people of the land of Canaan, descendants of Noah’s grandson Canaan. In the Bible, they represent the idolatrous, pagan cultures that Israel was commanded by God to drive out to maintain holiness and prevent spiritual apostasy.
dwellingיָשַׁב
yashab · Hebrew Verb
A reference to physical inhabitants who have settled or remained in a location. In a theological sense, the refusal of these peoples to leave or of Israel to drive them out symbolizes spiritual compromise and failure to fully obey God's mandate for the land.
forced laborמַס
mac · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the labor imposed on conquered or subject peoples, often involving heavy, involuntary work. In Israel's history, it represented a failure to fully occupy the land according to God’s covenantal instruction, resulting in a compromised coexistence.
Ephraimאֶפְרַיִם
Ephrayim · Hebrew Proper Noun
The tribe descended from Joseph’s younger son, inheriting a major portion of the central hill country. Their failure to remove the Canaanites from Gezer highlights the widespread pattern of tribal disobedience and incomplete conquest throughout the early history of the judges.
