Using important phrases from previous passages, the narrator begins to introduce the details of the nations who are left to test Israel. Then a second explanation is offered for why they are allowed to remain in the Promised Land.

Now these are the nations which the LORD left: This opening clause indicates a list is to follow. The actual list only begins in verse 3.3. Now renders the Hebrew waw conjunction. Translators may use an appropriate introductory expression, such as “[And] here are the nations….” For nations see verse 2.21. This is a clear reference to foreign peoples. For which the LORD left, see verse 2.23. Some versions see this clause as a summary statement, as in Good News Translation: “So then, the LORD left some nations in the land.” Translators can decide which presentation is best in their language.

To test Israel by them: Here again a purpose clause gives the motive behind Yahweh’s actions. For test Israel, see verse 2.22. By them or “with them” refers to the Canaanite tribes or nations. It is almost as if these peoples are an instrument in the LORD’s hands.

That is, all in Israel who had no experience of any war in Canaan is literally “all who did not know all the battles of Canaan.” Israel refers to the people of Israel, more precisely to all those who had no experience of any war in Canaan. That is does not occur in Hebrew, but languages may need some kind of transition for an appositional phrase that qualifies Israel, such as “namely” or “that is to say.” All in Israel who had no experience of any war refers back to verse 2.10, where it was noted that Joshua and all the people of his generation had died. This phrase refers to the new generation. Had no experience of renders the Hebrew for “did not know,” which may be translated “had never experienced,” “had never participated in,” “had not taken part in,” or “had never been involved in.”

Any war in Canaan renders the Hebrew for “all the battles of Canaan.” This phrase refers to the various battles that took place as the tribes went out to occupy the Canaanite land assigned them (see chapter 1). For Canaan see verse 1.1.

Some translation suggestions for this verse are:

• The following are the peoples the LORD allowed to remain to test all those Israelites who had not experienced the battles in Canaan.

• Here are the names of the peoples the LORD left in the land as a test for all those Israelites who had not been through the wars in Canaan.

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .