1 After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?”
2 The Lord said, “Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand.”
3 Then Judah said to Simeon his brother, “Come up with me into the territory allotted to me, that we may fight against the Canaanites. And I likewise will go with you into the territory allotted to you.” So Simeon went with him.
4 Judah went up, and the Lord gave the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand, and they defeated ten thousand of them at Bezek.
5 And they found Adoni-bezek at Bezek and fought against him and defeated the Canaanites and the Perizzites.
6 Adoni-bezek fled, but they pursued him and caught him and cut off his thumbs and his big toes.
7 Adoni-bezek said, “Seventy kings with their thumbs and their big toes cut off used to pick up scraps under my table. As I have done, so God has repaid me.” And they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there.
8 And the men of Judah fought against Jerusalem and captured it and struck it with the edge of the sword and set the city on fire.
9 And afterward the men of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites who lived in the hill country, in the Negeb, and in the lowland.
10 Judah went against the Canaanites who lived in Hebron. Now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba. And they defeated Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai.
11 From there they went against the inhabitants of Debir. The name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher.
12 And Caleb said, “I will give Achsah my daughter as wife to the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it.”
13 Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter for a wife.
14 When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field. And she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?”
15 She said to him, “Give me a blessing. Since you have set me in the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.” And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
16 And the descendants of the Kenite, Moses’ father-in-law, went up with the people of Judah from the city of palms into the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the Negeb near Arad, and they went and settled with the people.
17 And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they defeated the Canaanites who inhabited Zephath and devoted it to destruction. So the name of the city was called Hormah.
18 Judah also captured Gaza with its territory, Ashkelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory.
19 And the Lord was with Judah, and he took possession of the hill country, but he could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain because they had chariots of iron.
20 And they gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had said. And he drove out from it the three sons of Anak.
21 But the people of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem, so the Jebusites have lived with the people of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.
22 The house of Joseph also went up against Bethel, and the Lord was with them.
23 The house of Joseph also went up against Bethel, and the Lord was with them.
24 And the spies saw a man coming out of the city, and they said to him, “Please show us the entrance into the city, and we will deal kindly with you.”
25 So he showed them the entrance into the city, and they struck the city with the edge of the sword, but they let the man and all his family go.
26 And the man went to the land of the Hittites and built a city and called its name Luz. That is its name to this day.
27 Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean and its villages, or Taanach and its villages, or the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, or the inhabitants of Ibleam and its villages, or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages, for the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land.
28 When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely.
29 And Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites have lived in the midst of Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labor.
30 Zebulun did not drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, or the inhabitants of Nahalol, so the Canaanites lived among them, but became subject to forced labor.
31 Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of Acco, or the inhabitants of Sidon or of Ahlab or of Achzib or of Helbah or of Aphik or of Rehob,
32 So the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land, for they did not drive them out.
33 Naphtali did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh, or the inhabitants of Beth-anath, so they lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land. But the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and of Beth-anath became subject to forced labor for them.
34 The Amorites pressed the people of Dan back into the hill country, for they did not allow them to come down to the plain.
35 But the Amorites pressed the people of Dan back into the hill country, for they did not allow them to come down to the plain.
36 And the border of the Amorites ran from the ascent of Akrabbim, from Sela and upward.
The True Meaning of Judges 1
The Book of Judges was written by an unknown author, likely a prophet or scribe, sometime after the events it describes. It chronicles the period in ancient Israelite history between the death of Joshua and the rise of the monarchy under King Saul.
This chapter recounts the initial efforts of the Israelite tribes to conquer the remaining Canaanite territories in the Promised Land. After the passing of Joshua, the people turn to the Lord for guidance on how to proceed with the conquest. The chapter foreshadows the ongoing struggles the Israelites will face as they seek to fully possess the land, as well as the consequences of their failure to drive out all the inhabitants as God had commanded.
We see echoes of the book of Joshua, as the tribes engage in both successful and unsuccessful campaigns against the Canaanites. The chapter also introduces themes that will be further developed, such as the Israelites’ tendency to compromise with the local populations and adopt their pagan practices, leading to spiritual decline (Judges 2:1-3).
Judges 1:1-7
The passage in Judges 1:1-7 focuses on the tribe of Judah after the death of Joshua. The detailed breakdown of these verses helps us understand the challenges and victories faced by the tribe of Judah as they sought to conquer the land allotted to them by God.
Verse 1 sets the scene by describing how the Israelites asked the Lord who would be the first to go up and fight for them against the Canaanites. The Lord directed the tribe of Judah to take the lead, indicating a divine plan and leadership in the conquest of the Promised Land. This shows the importance of seeking God’s guidance and clearly demonstrates the principle found in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Judah asks his brother Simeon to join forces in the conquest in verse 2. This unity among the tribes of Israel highlights the strength found in solidarity and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of working together towards a common goal. This cooperative effort reflects the unity described in Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity! Judah leads the way and is victorious in battle against the Canaanites and the Perizzites in Bezek, capturing Adoni-Bezek. The name “Adoni-Bezek” means “lord of Bezek,” and his defeat symbolizes the triumph of God’s people over the oppressive rule of the enemy. Just as the Israelites conquered Adoni-Bezek, Christians are called to overcome the spiritual battles in their lives with the understanding that through God, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
Adoni-Bezek himself acknowledges the justice of his defeat, recognizing that he had treated others in the same cruel way he is now experiencing. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical principle found in Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” This concept of reaping what one sows is seen throughout the Bible and serves as a warning against wrongdoing.
After capturing Adoni-Bezek, the tribe of Judah continues their conquest, defeating the Canaanites and Perizzites in battle. They struck down ten thousand men at Bezek, highlighting the strength and military prowess of the tribe of Judah. This victory demonstrates the importance of courage, faith, and obedience when following God’s call, showcasing that with His guidance, seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome. Judges 1:1-7 sets the stage for the conquest of the Promised Land by highlighting the tribe of Judah’s obedience to God’s direction, unity among the tribes of Israel, and victorious battles. The passage emphasizes the themes of divine guidance, cooperation, justice, consequences of actions, and the importance of courage and faith in fulfilling God’s purposes. It serves as a reminder for believers today to trust in God, work together in unity, and face challenges with unwavering faith, knowing that God goes before us in battle and grants us victory.
Judges 1:8-15
The tribe of Judah embarks on a military campaign against the Canaanites to claim the territory assigned to them by God in Judges 1:8-15. The verse begins by describing how Judah fought against the Canaanites and defeated them in battle at Bezek. They pursued King Adoni-Bezek, capturing him and cutting off his thumbs and big toes. This act is not only a physical punishment but also symbolizes the disabling of a warrior, rendering him unable to fight and conquer again. The king acknowledges his fate as a form of poetic justice, as he had himself done the same to seventy other kings he had captured.
This narrative highlights the principle of reaping what you sow, demonstrating the concept of divine retribution. Adoni-Bezek’s cruel actions come back to haunt him, emphasizing the biblical teaching that one’s actions have consequences. This can be connected to other verses in the Bible, such as Galatians 6:7 which states, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” The story of Adoni-Bezek serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of treating others with mercy and compassion, as our actions can come back to affect us.
Furthermore, after the defeat of Adoni-Bezek, Judah continues its conquest in the land of Canaan. They fought against the Canaanites in the hill country, the Negev, and the western foothills. Despite their victories, the tribe of Judah struggled to fully drive out the inhabitants of the land. This failure to completely eliminate the Canaanites from the territory assigned to them would later have repercussions, as these remaining inhabitants would become a snare and influence the Israelites to turn away from God.
This incomplete conquest underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands in the Bible. God instructs the Israelites in Deuteronomy 7:2 to completely destroy the nations in Canaan, warning them not to make treaties with them or show them mercy. The story of Judah’s incomplete conquest serves as a reminder of the consequences of compromising on God’s commands and the need for unwavering obedience. Judges 1:8-15 offers valuable lessons on the principle of divine retribution, the consequences of one’s actions, and the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Through the narrative of Judah’s military campaign, we are reminded of the timeless messages of justice, accountability, and faithfulness found throughout the Bible.
Judges 1:16-21
The tribe of Judah captured the city of Jerusalem in Judges 1:16-21. This passage begins by highlighting the Kenites, a group of people who were descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, Hobab (Reuel). The Kenites had settled among the tribe of Judah in the Desert of Judah, south of Arad. This interaction between the Kenites and the tribe of Judah can be traced back to when Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, a priest of Midian, visited Moses in the wilderness (Exodus 18). This relationship between the Kenites and the Israelites is a reminder of how God can use different people from various backgrounds to accomplish His purposes. The men of Judah persuade the Kenites to accompany them to Jerusalem, which was known as Jebus at that time and inhabited by the Jebusites as the narrative progresses. The men of Judah attack Jerusalem and conquer it, but they are unable to drive out all the Jebusites living there. Instead, some of the Jebusites remained in Jerusalem alongside the people of Judah.
This partial victory of the tribe of Judah over the Jebusites in Jerusalem sets the stage for future events in Israel’s history. Jerusalem would eventually become the capital of Israel under King David, who would fully conquer the city and make it the religious and political center of the nation. This fulfillment of prophecy and historical significance emphasizes the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in carrying out His plans through His chosen people.
The conquest of Jerusalem by the tribe of Judah also serves as a reminder of the importance of complete obedience to God’s commands. The failure to completely drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem would later prove to be detrimental, as these lingering inhabitants would become a constant source of trouble and influence on the Israelites, leading them away from worshiping God alone. This highlights the biblical principle that partial obedience is still disobedience in the eyes of God, and complete allegiance to Him is required for lasting success and blessings. This passage in Judges 1:16-21 showcases the interplay between different tribes and peoples in ancient Israel, the significance of obeying God’s commands fully, and the eventual fulfillment of God’s promises through historical events. It reminds believers of the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and trust in God’s sovereignty throughout the unfolding of His plan for His people.
Judges 1:22-26
The verse in Judges 1:22-26 describes the house of Joseph going up against the city of Bethel. The spies in Bethel saw a man coming out of the city and offered to show them a way into the city. After the house of Joseph took control of it, they spared the man and his family, who then went to the land of the Hittites and built a city which they called Luz.
This section of the Bible holds several important lessons for believers. Firstly, it showcases the consequences of disobedience. The people of Bethel were not faithful to God, and as a result, the house of Joseph conquered their city. It serves as a reminder that there are repercussions for turning away from God and following our own desires.
Furthermore, the sparing of the man and his family can be seen as a demonstration of mercy and compassion amidst conquest. While the house of Joseph had the power to destroy all the inhabitants of Bethel, they chose to show kindness to this particular family. This act of mercy reflects God’s character of being compassionate and forgiving, even in the midst of judgment.
The establishment of a new city by the man and his family in the land of the Hittites also demonstrates resilience and perseverance. Despite being uprooted from their home in Bethel, they were able to start afresh and build a new life in a foreign land. This serves as a reminder that even in times of displacement and uncertainty, God can provide new opportunities and blessings for those who remain faithful to Him.
This passage can also be linked to other instances in the Bible where individuals or communities faced conquest or displacement. For example, the Israelites themselves experienced exile in Babylon due to their disobedience, yet God ultimately restored them to their homeland. This serves as a broader reminder that God is sovereign over all nations and that His plans will ultimately prevail, even in the face of human sin and weakness.
Judges 1:27-36
A series of accounts in Judges 1:27-36 detail the various tribes of Israel and their struggles in fully driving out the Canaanites from the land they were allotted. This passage marks the beginning of a recurrent theme throughout the book of Judges, where we witness the Israelites’ failure to completely obey God’s command to utterly destroy the idolatrous nations that inhabited the Promised Land.
Starting with verse 27, we are told that Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, and Megiddo, along with their surrounding villages. Instead, the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. This breach of God’s command had serious consequences as these pagan inhabitants led the Israelites into idolatry, straying them from their God-given path. This failure to completely rid the land of idolatry would continue to plague the Israelites, leading to moral decay and spiritual compromise.
Moving on to verse 28, we learn that the tribe of Ephraim also fell short in driving out the Canaanites from Gezer, allowing them to dwell among them. This disobedience opened the door for future conflicts and hardships for the Israelites, as the presence of idolatrous nations within their midst inevitably led to spiritual adulteration and weakened their resolve to follow God wholeheartedly. Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali encountered a similar situation in verse 29 where they did not drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, Nahalol, and Beth-shemesh. These unresolved pockets of resistance would prove to be detrimental to the spiritual health of the Israelites, as mixing with idolaters would ultimately sway them from their faith and compromise their distinctiveness as God’s chosen people. The tribe of Asher settles among the Canaanites in verse 30 instead of driving them out of Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Achzib, Helbah, Aphik, and Rehob as the passage progresses. This act of coexistence with pagan nations rather than obedience to God’s command to eradicate them posed a grave danger to the purity of the Israelites’ worship and way of life. The tribe of Naphtali makes the same mistake by failing to dispossess the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and Beth-anath in verses 31-32. This act of compromise and accommodation of idolatrous practices within their midst would have far-reaching consequences on the spiritual heritage of the Israelites, leading to a cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance that characterized the period of the judges.
The climax of this passage comes in verses 34-36, where the Amorites pressed the tribe of Dan into the hill country, unable to drive them out of the plain. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of partial obedience and compromise with evil. The failure of Dan to fully conquer the land allotted to them would haunt them in the future, as the seeds of idolatry sown through incomplete obedience would bear bitter fruit in the generations to come. This portion of Judges 1 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromise and disobedience to God’s commands. It underscores the importance of radical obedience and faithfulness in following God’s precepts completely, without reservation or compromise. Through the missteps of the tribes of Israel, we are reminded of the timeless truth that obedience to God is not optional but essential for spiritual integrity and covenant fidelity. This theme resonates throughout the Bible, reinforcing the call for believers to wholeheartedly devote themselves to God and His ways, rejecting any form of compromise with the world and its idolatrous influences.
After Judges 1
The Israelites had conquered much of the Promised Land, but there was still work to be done. They had not driven out all the inhabitants as the Lord had commanded. This would prove to be a constant struggle, as the people of the land remained a threat to the Israelites. The next chapter would reveal how the Israelites continued their conquest, facing both victories and setbacks along the way. I, as your faithful shepherd, urge you to heed the lessons of this chapter. For the Lord demands obedience, and only through unwavering faith can we secure the blessings He has promised.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.