To descry Beth-el. — The word perhaps implies a regular siege, and it is so understood by the Septuagint (Codex Alexandrinus) and …

And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel
To reconnoitre the place, to observe its passes and avenues, which wer…

The people of Israel were very neglectful of their duty and their own best interest. Because of slothfulness and cowardice, they would not take the…