Judges 3:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The author notes that during Joshua's time, God chose not to utterly annihilate all the inhabitants of the land so that future generations would witness and experience His provision. These descendants, when faced with adversaries, would learn to cry out to the Lord for aid. Symmachus interprets it as a desire to prepare them and instruct them in the art of warfare, rather than merely tempting them. The phrasing used by the Septuagint, ‘Let him tempt,’ does not imply ignorance on God’s part. Just as God did not test Abraham to discern his character—since it is clear that ‘Abraham commanded his son and his house to keep all the judgments of the Lord God’ (Gen. 18:19)—God tests not to gain insight into His creation but to instruct those lacking understanding. He commanded Adam for the purpose of mental discipline. Likewise, He allowed certain nations to remain, demonstrating the righteousness of some and exposing the wickedness of others. The text states, ‘that Israel may be tempted by them, that they may be led away, if they will obey the commandments... which I commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.’ The actions of the Hebrews themselves reveal their partial failure to rid the land of the wicked. Joshua defeated twenty-nine kings, excluding the leaders of Jericho and Ai, with an army that had no fortified cities or veterans in battle. Yet those who came after Joshua, equipped with fortified cities and abundant treasures earned through warfare, as well as a full arsenal of weapons, were unable to conquer the remaining nations due to their own wrongdoing.

This was designed for subsequent generations of Israel's children to learn warfare. Further on, it states: They were left to tempt the Israelites to determine if they would keep the commandments of the Lord, which He gave to their forefathers through Moses. It is clear that God did not envy Israel's tranquility nor sought their harm, but recognized that these challenges would ultimately benefit them. By being consistently confronted by the Gentiles, they would remain aware of their need for the Lord's assistance. They would keep Him in their thoughts and invoke His name, thus avoiding stagnation and nurturing their ability to engage in battle and grow in virtue. For often, security and prosperity can lead to the downfall of those who are untested by hardship.

The book of Judges states, “The Lord forsake,” saying that He did not quickly remove these nations nor deliver them into the hands of Israel, so that they might tempt Israel and lead them astray from obeying the commandments of the Lord (Judges 2:23-3:4). What is the implication of this? Experience reveals the truth. When the Israelites remained faithful to God and His commands, He granted them triumphs over their enemies, thereby affirming their faith. Conversely, when they succumbed to the allure of the Gentiles, adopting their arrogance, indulgence, vices, and ultimately idolatry, the power of God was veiled from them. Consequently, the Gentiles gained strength, and the people of God, through trials and suffering, were led back to repentance and renewal in their relationship with God, regaining His grace and assistance, along with victory, peace, and prosperity.