The LORD said: This clause begins with waw, the most common conjunction in Hebrew. Here, most English versions do not translate this word, though it is possible to say “And” (New Jerusalem Bible) or “Then.”
The Hebrew verb rendered said is a very general one, so some languages may prefer to say “replied” or “answered” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version). However, the text does not say how the Israelites discovered what the LORD said. This clause introduces a direct quote, but if indirect speech is required, we could say “The LORD told Judah to….” Translators should be especially careful when dealing with quotes from the LORD to ensure that they communicate the content precisely and preserve the emphasis of the original.
Judah shall go up indicates what the divine decision was. Judah refers here to the tribe descended from Judah, one of the sons of Jacob (Gen 29.35). Since this is a context of war, the meaning is even more restricted, referring to the men who were capable of fighting, the warriors of the tribe of Judah. It is not surprising that Judah is picked as a leader. In the book of Genesis Judah’s father, Jacob, already “prophesied” this about his son (Gen 49.8, 10):
Judah, your brothers shall praise you;
your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies …
The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet….
Shall go up translates a Hebrew verb form that could be rendered as a future, but in many languages another verb form will be needed, for example, “should go” or “is to go” (New International Version). New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh says “Let [the tribe of] Judah go up,” which may not be forceful enough. Contemporary English Version reduces the clause, with the LORD responding simply, “Judah!” which may be appropriate in some languages. However, in others a more explicit answer will be needed, for example, “The men from Judah are to go into battle first” or “The tribe of Judah should be the first to wage war against Canaan.”
Behold, I have given the land into his hand: This is the LORD’s promise as he tells the soldiers of Judah to go to battle. Behold renders the Hebrew introductory word hinneh, which is often used to express emphasis or emotions such as joy or surprise. Here it introduces the news that God will give victory to the tribe of Judah. Many languages will have particles or words to express such a notion. Some versions omit this word (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, New International Version), but if possible, it should be included. Some languages use a word such as “Look!” or “Listen!” NET Bible says “Be sure of this!” which may be too explicit, but it does convey the strong emotion here.
I is the LORD referring to himself. He is the one who is responsible for the outcome of the battle the people of Judah are about to wage.
The Hebrew perfect verb form rendered have given indicates a completed action. Thus this verb phrase could refer back to the time the LORD promised the ancestors of Israel that he would give them the land. However, this same verbal aspect can refer to an event that is sure to happen or is considered to have happened already. Many languages have a perfect aspect that is used in a similar way to Hebrew. However, if this is not the case, other solutions must be found. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh says “I now deliver the land into their hands.” Good News Translation is quite effective with a present progressive form, “I am giving them control of the land.” Contemporary English Version makes it explicit that God will help them in the future: “I’ll help them take the land.” However, this gives a slightly different meaning from the original text. Along with expressing the idea that God is handing over the authority for the land to his people, it is good if this event can be viewed as accomplished or “as good as done.”
“Give … into someone’s hand” is a very common Hebrew expression used throughout the book of Judges. In other contexts it means to give victory over an enemy army. But here, where the object is the land, it means God will give control of the land to the people of Judah or give them possession of it. We could also say “I will allow/help them conquer/take over the land.”
The land (Hebrew ha-ʾerets) is a very important key term in the books of Joshua and Judges, as well as throughout the rest of the Old Testament. This is the land God promised to Abraham (Gen 12.7) and to Moses (Exo 3.17). If necessary, translators can make explicit “the land that I have promised [to you, my people].” Land may be rendered with any natural equivalent, for example, “country” or “territory.” Translators should try to render this key term consistently throughout this book and the rest of the Old Testament.
This is the first time the keyword hand (yad in Hebrew) is used in this book. It occurs in many idiomatic expressions throughout these stories, and comes into special focus when the various judges or heroes win victories over the enemies of Israel. Here into his hand means “into his control” or “into his possession.” God’s message is that Judah will occupy the land. It will be “under Judah’s control.” In many African languages a similar expression using “hand” in its singular or plural form exists and can be used here. If not, another idiomatic expression can be substituted. The pronoun his refers to the tribe of Judah, though most languages will use a plural: “into their control.”
Translation examples for this verse are:
• The LORD replied: “Judah should go [first]. I have given the land into their control [or, into their hands].”
• The LORD said that the tribe of Judah should lead the battle. He had already given them authority to take the land.
The direct quote gives a much more powerful rendering than the indirect speech form. Translators will have to decide which speech style communicates the message most effectively in this context.
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 .