22:3a
All this time you have not deserted your brothers: The Hebrew verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as deserted means to leave someone without intending to return to them. In some languages it may be more natural to state this in a positive sense. For example,
For a long time you have supported your fellow Israelites. (New Century Version)
-or-
It’s taken a long time, but you have stayed and helped your relatives. (Contemporary English Version)
All this time: The phrase All this time refers to the time that the Israelites were fighting to conquer the land of Canaan. This was probably a period of several years.
brothers: The word brothers refers to the people of the other Israelite clans.
up to this very day: The Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as up to this very day can also be translated “until this day,” or “down to this day.”
Here are some other ways to translate this part of the verse:
You have not deserted your brother Israelites all this long time, up to today.
-or-
During these years you have not left your relatives. You have helped them until this day.
22:3b
but: The Hebrew conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as but indicates a contrast. However, in this context it is not strongly contrastive. Some versions, such as NET Bible, do not translate this conjunction. Begin this sentence in a way that is natural in your language.
have kept the charge given you by the LORD your God: The Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the charge is more literally “the obligation of the commandment.” These three clans were required to obey God’s command, and they did obey it.
Here are some other ways to translate this part of the verse:
have completed the task given to you by the Lord your God (NET Bible)
-or-
have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you (New International Version)
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