Judges 1:24 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The spies meet a man leaving the city and promise him mercy in exchange for showing them the way in.
What Does Judges 1:24 Mean?
The scouts encounter a man emerging from Bethel and strike a bargain: show us the way into the city, and we will deal kindly with you. The exchange recalls the earlier story of Rahab at Jericho, where a single person's cooperation led to the sparing of a household amid a city's fall.
The promise of mercy in the midst of war is striking. Even as Israel moved to take the city, room was made to spare one who would help them. The episode shows that God's dealings always leave an opening for mercy toward those who turn, however small their part. A stranger at the gate is offered kindness, and through that kindness his whole family will be saved. Grace finds its way even into the hard work of conquest.
Judges 1:24 in the Original Language
chesed (חֶסֶד), 'mercy' -- steadfast kindness and loyal favor shown to another.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 1:24
What does Judges 1:24 mean?
The spies meet a man leaving the city and promise him mercy in exchange for showing them the way in.