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BSB
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Judges 1

BSB·36 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Afterאַחֲרֵי֙’a·ḥă·rê — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → the deathמ֣וֹתmō·wṯ — death, the state of being deadH4194 — Full Word Study → of Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study →, the Israelitesבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → inquiredוַֽיִּשְׁאֲלוּ֙way·yiš·’ă·lū — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study → of the LORDבַּיהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, “Whoמִ֣יmî — who? what person?H4310 — Full Word Study → will be the firstבַּתְּחִלָּ֖הbat·tə·ḥil·lāh — beginning, first occurrence, initial timeH8462 — Full Word Study → to go upיַעֲלֶה־ya·‘ă·leh- — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → and fightלְהִלָּ֥חֶםlə·hil·lā·ḥem — to fight; to consume; to battleH3898 — Full Word Study → for us againstאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the Canaanitesהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֛יhak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study →?” 2Judahיְהוּדָ֣הyə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study → shall go upיַעֲלֶ֑הya·‘ă·leh — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study →,” answeredוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →. “Indeedהִנֵּ֛הhin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study →, I have deliveredנָתַ֥תִּיnā·ṯat·tî — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → the landהָאָ֖רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → into their handsבְּיָדֽוֹ׃bə·yā·ḏōw — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →.” 3Then the men of Judahיְהוּדָה֩yə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to their brothersאָחִ֜יו’ā·ḥîw — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → the Simeonitesלְשִׁמְע֨וֹןlə·šim·‘ō·wn — God has heardH8095 — Full Word Study →, “Come upעֲלֵ֧ה‘ă·lêh — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → with usאִתִּ֣י’it·tî — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → to our allotted territoryבְגוֹרָלִ֗יḇə·ḡō·w·rā·lî — lot, portion, inheritance, destinyH1486 — Full Word Study →, and let us fightוְנִֽלָּחֲמָה֙wə·nil·lā·ḥă·māh — to fight; to consume; to battleH3898 — Full Word Study → against the Canaanitesבַּֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔יbak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study →. And weאֲנִ֛י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → likewiseגַם־ḡam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → will goוְהָלַכְתִּ֧יwə·hā·laḵ·tî — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → with youאִתְּךָ֖’it·tə·ḵā — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → to your territoryבְּגוֹרָלֶ֑ךָbə·ḡō·w·rā·le·ḵā — lot, portion, inheritance, destinyH1486 — Full Word Study →.” So the Simeonitesשִׁמְעֽוֹן׃šim·‘ō·wn — God has heardH8095 — Full Word Study → wentוַיֵּ֥לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → with themאִתּ֖וֹ’it·tōw — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study →. 4When Judahיְהוּדָ֔הyə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study → attackedוַיַּ֣עַלway·ya·‘al — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study →, the LORDיְהוָ֛הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → deliveredוַיִּתֵּ֧ןway·yit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → the Canaanitesהַכְּנַעֲנִ֥יhak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → and Perizzitesוְהַפְּרִזִּ֖יwə·hap·pə·riz·zî — Inhabitants of the open landH6522 — Full Word Study → into their handsבְּיָדָ֑םbə·yā·ḏām — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, and they struck downוַיַּכּ֣וּםway·yak·kūm — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → tenעֲשֶׂ֥רֶת‘ă·śe·reṯ — The number ten; a complete group or setH6235 — Full Word Study → thousandאֲלָפִ֖ים’ă·lā·p̄îm — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study → menאִֽישׁ׃’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → at Bezekבְּבֶ֔זֶקbə·ḇe·zeq — Lightning or BrightnessH966 — Full Word Study →. 5And there they foundוַֽ֠יִּמְצְאוּway·yim·ṣə·’ū — to find, discover, obtainH4672 — Full Word Study → Adoni-bezekבֶ֙זֶק֙ḇe·zeq — Adoni-bezek, a Canaanite kingH137 — Full Word Study → and foughtוַיִּֽלָּחֲמ֖וּway·yil·lā·ḥă·mū — to fight; to consume; to battleH3898 — Full Word Study → against him, striking downוַיַּכּ֕וּway·yak·kū — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → the Canaanitesהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖יhak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → and Perizzitesהַפְּרִזִּֽי׃hap·pə·riz·zî — Inhabitants of the open landH6522 — Full Word Study →. 6As Adoni-bezekאֲדֹ֣נִי’ă·ḏō·nî — Adoni-bezek, a Canaanite kingH137 — Full Word Study → fledוַיָּ֙נָס֙way·yā·nās — to flee, escape, or run awayH5127 — Full Word Study →, they pursued himוַֽיִּרְדְּפ֖וּway·yir·də·p̄ū — to pursue, chase, or persecuteH7291 — Full Word Study →, seized himוַיֹּאחֲז֣וּway·yō·ḥă·zū — to grasp, seize, or take hold ofH270 — Full Word Study →, and cut offוַֽיְקַצְּצ֔וּway·qaṣ·ṣə·ṣū — To cut off; to sever; to cut asunderH7112 — Full Word Study → his thumbsבְּהֹנ֥וֹתbə·hō·nō·wṯ — Thumb or big toeH931 — Full Word Study → and big toesוְרַגְלָֽיו׃wə·raḡ·lāw — Foot; by extension, journey, way, or standingH7272 — Full Word Study →. 7Then Adoni-bezekבֶ֗זֶקḇe·zeq — Adoni-bezek, a Canaanite kingH137 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Seventyשִׁבְעִ֣ים׀šiḇ·‘îm — The number seventy; multiples of sevenH7657 — Full Word Study → kingsמְלָכִ֡יםmə·lā·ḵîm — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → with their thumbsבְּֽהֹנוֹת֩bə·hō·nō·wṯ — Thumb or big toeH931 — Full Word Study → and big toesוְרַגְלֵיהֶ֜םwə·raḡ·lê·hem — Foot; by extension, journey, way, or standingH7272 — Full Word Study → cut offמְקֻצָּצִ֗יםmə·quṣ·ṣā·ṣîm — To cut off; to sever; to cut asunderH7112 — Full Word Study → have gathered the scraps underתַּ֣חַתta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → my tableשֻׁלְחָנִ֔יšul·ḥā·nî — table, especially for eating or displaying itemsH7979 — Full Word Study →. Asכַּאֲשֶׁ֣רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → I have done to them, soכֵּ֥ןkên — so, thus, rightly, thereforeH3651 — Full Word Study → Godאֱלֹהִ֑ים’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → has repaidשִׁלַּם־šil·lam- — to complete, make peace, repayH7999 — Full Word Study → me.” And they brought himוַיְבִיאֻ֥הוּway·ḇî·’u·hū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to Jerusalemיְרוּשָׁלִַ֖םyə·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study →, where he diedוַיָּ֥מָתway·yā·māṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. 8Then the menבְנֵֽי־ḇə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Judahיְהוּדָה֙yə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study → foughtוַיִּלָּחֲמ֤וּway·yil·lā·ḥă·mū — to fight; to consume; to battleH3898 — Full Word Study → against Jerusalemבִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔םbî·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study → and captured itוַיִּלְכְּד֣וּway·yil·kə·ḏū — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study →. They put the city to the swordחָ֑רֶבḥā·reḇ — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study → and setשִׁלְּח֥וּšil·lə·ḥū — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → itהָעִ֖ירhā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study → on fireבָאֵֽשׁ׃ḇā·’êš — Fire; flame; burningH784 — Full Word Study →. 9Afterwardוְאַחַ֗רwə·’a·ḥar — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study →, the menבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Judahיְהוּדָ֔הyə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study → marched downיָֽרְדוּ֙yā·rə·ḏū — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → to fightלְהִלָּחֵ֖םlə·hil·lā·ḥêm — to fight; to consume; to battleH3898 — Full Word Study → against the Canaanitesבַּֽכְּנַעֲנִ֑יbak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → livingיוֹשֵׁ֣בyō·wō·šêḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → in the hill countryהָהָ֔רhā·hār — Mountain, hill, or elevated land massH2022 — Full Word Study →, in the Negevוְהַנֶּ֖גֶבwə·han·ne·ḡeḇ — The South, Southern RegionH5045 — Full Word Study →, and in the foothillsוְהַשְּׁפֵלָֽה׃wə·haš·šə·p̄ê·lāh — The Shephelah lowlandsH8219 — Full Word Study →. 10Judahיְהוּדָ֗הyə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study → also marchedוַיֵּ֣לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → againstאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the Canaanitesהַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙hak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → who were livingהַיּוֹשֵׁ֣בhay·yō·wō·šêḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → in Hebronבְּחֶבְר֔וֹןbə·ḥeḇ·rō·wn — Hebron, a significant ancient city in JudahH2275 — Full Word Study → (formerlyלְפָנִ֖יםlə·p̄ā·nîm — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → known asוְשֵׁם־wə·šêm- — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study → Kiriath-arbaאַרְבַּ֑ע’ar·ba‘ — Kiriath-arba, the City of FourH7153 — Full Word Study →), and they struck downוַיַּכּ֛וּway·yak·kū — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → Sheshaiשֵׁשַׁ֥יšê·šay — Mighty oneH8344 — Full Word Study →, Ahimanאֲחִימַ֖ן’ă·ḥî·man — My brother is a giftH289 — Full Word Study →, and Talmaiתַּלְמָֽי׃tal·māy — Furrowed or riddledH8526 — Full Word Study →. 11From thereמִשָּׁ֔םmiš·šām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → they marchedוַיֵּ֣לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → againstאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the inhabitantsיוֹשְׁבֵ֖יyō·wō·šə·ḇê — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → of Debirדְּבִ֑ירdə·ḇîr — Debir; a city and an Amorite kingH1688 — Full Word Study → (formerlyלְפָנִ֖יםlə·p̄ā·nîm — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → known asוְשֵׁם־wə·šêm- — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study → Kiriath-sepherסֵֽפֶר׃sê·p̄er — Kiriath-sannah, a city in Judah also called Kiriath-sepherH7158 — Full Word Study →). 12And Calebכָּלֵ֔בkā·lêḇ — Whole heart, devotionH3612 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “To the manאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → who strikes downיַכֶּ֥הyak·keh — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → Kiriath-sepherסֵ֖פֶרsê·p̄er — Kiriath-sannah, a city in Judah also called Kiriath-sepherH7158 — Full Word Study → and captures itוּלְכָדָ֑הּū·lə·ḵā·ḏāh — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study →, I will giveוְנָתַ֥תִּיwə·nā·ṯat·tî — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → my daughterבִתִּ֖יḇit·tî — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → Acsahעַכְסָ֥ה‘aḵ·sāh — ankle ornamentH5915 — Full Word Study → in marriageלְאִשָּֽׁה׃lə·’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →.” 13So Othnielעָתְנִיאֵ֣ל‘ā·ṯə·nî·’êl — God is my strengthH6274 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Caleb’sכָלֵ֖בḵā·lêḇ — Whole heart, devotionH3612 — Full Word Study → youngerהַקָּטֹ֣ןhaq·qā·ṭōn — Small, little, least, or young in size, number, age, or importanceH6996 — Full Word Study → brotherאֲחִ֥י’ă·ḥî — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → Kenazקְנַ֔זqə·naz — Hunter or devotedH7073 — Full Word Study → captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughterבִתּ֖וֹḇit·tōw — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → Acsahעַכְסָ֥ה‘aḵ·sāh — ankle ornamentH5915 — Full Word Study → to him in marriageלְאִשָּֽׁה׃lə·’iš·šāh — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →. 14One dayוַיְהִ֣יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → Acsah came to Othniel and urged himוַתְּסִיתֵ֙הוּ֙wat·tə·sî·ṯê·hū — to incite, provoke, or stir upH5496 — Full Word Study → to askלִשְׁא֤וֹלliš·’ō·wl — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study → her fatherאָבִ֙יהָ֙’ā·ḇî·hā — H1 — Full Word Study → for a fieldהַשָּׂדֶ֔הhaś·śā·ḏeh — A field; cultivated or open landH7704 — Full Word Study →. When she got offוַתִּצְנַ֖חwat·tiṣ·naḥ — to descend, alight, dismountH6795 — Full Word Study → her donkeyהַחֲמ֑וֹרha·ḥă·mō·wr — donkey; beast of burdenH2543 — Full Word Study →, Calebכָּלֵ֖בkā·lêḇ — Whole heart, devotionH3612 — Full Word Study → askedוַיֹּֽאמֶר־way·yō·mer- — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → her, “Whatמַה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → do you desire?” 15Giveהָֽבָה־hā·ḇāh- — to give, provide, or grantH3051 — Full Word Study → me a blessingבְרָכָ֗הḇə·rā·ḵāh — Blessing; divine favor and benefitH1293 — Full Word Study →,” she answeredוַתֹּ֨אמֶרwat·tō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →. “Sinceכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → you have given meנְתַתָּ֔נִיnə·ṯat·tā·nî — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → landאֶ֤רֶץ’e·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → in the Negevהַנֶּ֙גֶב֙han·ne·ḡeḇ — The South, Southern RegionH5045 — Full Word Study →, giveוְנָתַתָּ֥הwə·nā·ṯat·tāh — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → me springsגֻּלֹּ֣תgul·lōṯ — Bowl or rounded vessel; pommel of a columnH1543 — Full Word Study → of water as well.” So Calebכָּלֵ֗בkā·lêḇ — Whole heart, devotionH3612 — Full Word Study → gaveוַיִּתֶּן־way·yit·ten- — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → her both the upperעִלִּ֔ית‘il·lîṯ — Upper, elevated, or high placeH5942 — Full Word Study → and lowerתַּחְתִּֽית׃פtaḥ·tîṯ — lower, beneath, underside; lowest partH8482 — Full Word Study → springsגֻּלֹּ֣תgul·lōṯ — Bowl or rounded vessel; pommel of a columnH1543 — Full Word Study →. 16Now the descendantsוּבְנֵ֣יū·ḇə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Moses’מֹשֶׁ֜הmō·šeh — Drawn outH4872 — Full Word Study → father-in-lawחֹתֵ֨ןḥō·ṯên — To give in marriage; to form a family alliance through marriageH2859 — Full Word Study →, the Keniteקֵינִי֩qê·nî — Member of Kenite tribeH7017 — Full Word Study →, went upעָל֨וּ‘ā·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → withאֶת־’eṯ- — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → the menבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Judahיְהוּדָ֔הyə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study → from the Cityמֵעִ֤ירmê·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study → of Palmsהַתְּמָרִים֙hat·tə·mā·rîm — Palm treeH8558 — Full Word Study → to the Wildernessמִדְבַּ֣רmiḏ·bar — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study → of Judahיְהוּדָ֔הyə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study → in the Negevבְּנֶ֣גֶבbə·ne·ḡeḇ — The South, Southern RegionH5045 — Full Word Study → near Aradעֲרָ֑ד‘ă·rāḏ — Arad, a Canaanite city in southern JudahH6166 — Full Word Study →. They wentוַיֵּ֖לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → to liveוַיֵּ֥שֶׁבway·yê·šeḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → amongאֶת־’eṯ- — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָֽם׃hā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →. 17Then the men of Judahיְהוּדָה֙yə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study → wentוַיֵּ֤לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → withאֶת־’eṯ- — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → their brothersאָחִ֔יו’ā·ḥîw — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → the Simeonitesשִׁמְע֣וֹןšim·‘ō·wn — God has heardH8095 — Full Word Study →, attackedוַיַּכּ֕וּway·yak·kū — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → the Canaanitesהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖יhak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → livingיוֹשֵׁ֣בyō·wō·šêḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → in Zephathצְפַ֑תṣə·p̄aṯ — Watchpost or lookoutH6857 — Full Word Study →, and devoted the city to destruction. So it was called Hormahחָרְמָֽה׃ḥā·rə·māh — Devoted to destructionH2767 — Full Word Study →. 18And Judahיְהוּדָה֙yə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study → also capturedוַיִּלְכֹּ֤דway·yil·kōḏ — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study → Gazaעַזָּ֣ה‘az·zāh — A coastal cityH5804 — Full Word Study →, Ashkelonאַשְׁקְל֖וֹן’aš·qə·lō·wn — A Philistine cityH831 — Full Word Study →, and Ekronעֶקְר֖וֹן‘eq·rō·wn — Stronghold or UprootingH6138 — Full Word Study →each withוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → its territoryגְּבוּלָֽהּ׃gə·ḇū·lāh — boundary, border, or limit of a regionH1366 — Full Word Study →. 19The LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → wasוַיְהִ֤יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → withאֶתּ־’eṯ- — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → Judahיְהוּדָ֔הyə·hū·ḏå̄h — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →, and they took possessionוַיֹּ֖רֶשׁway·yō·reš — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study → of the hill countryהָהָ֑רhā·hār — Mountain, hill, or elevated land massH2022 — Full Word Study →; butכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → they could notלֹ֤אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → drive outלְהוֹרִישׁ֙lə·hō·w·rîš — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study → the inhabitantsיֹשְׁבֵ֣יyō·šə·ḇê — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → of the plainsהָעֵ֔מֶקhā·‘ê·meq — ValleyH6010 — Full Word Study → becauseכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → they had chariotsרֶ֥כֶבre·ḵeḇ — chariot; war vehicleH7393 — Full Word Study → of ironבַּרְזֶ֖לbar·zel — Iron; a metal used for tools and weaponsH1270 — Full Word Study →. 20Just asכַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Mosesמֹשֶׁ֑הmō·šeh — Drawn outH4872 — Full Word Study → had promisedדִּבֶּ֣רdib·ber — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study →, Judah gaveוַיִּתְּנ֤וּway·yit·tə·nū — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → Hebronחֶבְר֔וֹןḥeḇ·rō·wn — Hebron, a significant ancient city in JudahH2275 — Full Word Study → to Calebלְכָלֵב֙lə·ḵā·lêḇ — Whole heart, devotionH3612 — Full Word Study →, who drove outוַיּ֣וֹרֶשׁway·yō·w·reš — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study → the descendants of the three sonsבְּנֵ֥יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Anakהָעֲנָֽק׃hā·‘ă·nāq — Long-necked giantH6061 — Full Word Study →. 21The Benjamitesבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, howeverוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study →, failed toלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → drive outהוֹרִ֖ישׁוּhō·w·rî·šū — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study → the Jebusitesהַיְבוּסִי֙hay·ḇū·sî — Inhabitant of JebusH2983 — Full Word Study → livingיֹשֵׁ֣בyō·šêḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → in Jerusalemיְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֔םyə·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study →. So toעַ֖ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּֽה׃סhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → dayהַיּ֥וֹםhay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → the Jebusitesהַיְבוּסִ֜יhay·ḇū·sî — Inhabitant of JebusH2983 — Full Word Study → liveוַיֵּ֨שֶׁבway·yê·šeḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → there amongאֶת־’eṯ- — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → the Benjamitesבְּנֵ֤יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →. 22The houseבֵית־ḇêṯ- — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → of Josephיוֹסֵ֛ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → alsoגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → attackedוַיַּעֲל֧וּway·ya·‘ă·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → Bethelאֵ֑ל’êl — House of GodH1008 — Full Word Study →, and the LORDוַֽיהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → was with themעִמָּֽם׃‘im·mām — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study →. 23They sent spiesוַיָּתִ֥ירוּway·yā·ṯî·rū — to spy out, scout, search, exploreH8446 — Full Word Study → to Bethelאֵ֑ל’êl — House of GodH1008 — Full Word Study → (formerlyלְפָנִ֖יםlə·p̄ā·nîm — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → known asוְשֵׁם־wə·šêm- — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study → Luz)לֽוּז׃lūz — Almond treeH3870 — Full Word Study →, 24and when the spiesהַשֹּׁ֣מְרִ֔יםhaš·šō·mə·rîm — To guard, keep, observe, preserveH8104 — Full Word Study → sawוַיִּרְאוּ֙way·yir·’ū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → a manאִ֖ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → coming outיוֹצֵ֣אyō·w·ṣê — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → ofמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the cityהָעִ֑ירhā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →, they saidוַיֹּ֣אמְרוּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to him, “Pleaseנָא֙nā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → show usהַרְאֵ֤נוּhar·’ê·nū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → how to get intoמְב֣וֹאmə·ḇō·w — entrance, entry point, way of accessH3996 — Full Word Study → the cityהָעִ֔ירhā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →, and we will treatוְעָשִׂ֥ינוּwə·‘ā·śî·nū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → youעִמְּךָ֖‘im·mə·ḵā — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → kindlyחָֽסֶד׃ḥā·seḏ — Covenant loyalty and steadfast kindnessH2617 — Full Word Study →.” 25So the man showed them the entranceמְב֣וֹאmə·ḇō·w — entrance, entry point, way of accessH3996 — Full Word Study → to the cityהָעִ֔ירhā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →, and they putוַיַּכּ֥וּway·yak·kū — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → the cityהָעִ֖ירhā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study → to the swordחָ֑רֶבḥā·reḇ — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study → but releasedשִׁלֵּֽחוּ׃šil·lê·ḥū — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → that manהָאִ֥ישׁhā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → and allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → his familyמִשְׁפַּחְתּ֖וֹmiš·paḥ·tōw — Family, clan, household groupH4940 — Full Word Study →. 26And the manהָאִ֔ישׁhā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → wentוַיֵּ֣לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → to the landאֶ֖רֶץ’e·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of the Hittitesהַחִתִּ֑יםha·ḥit·tîm — Hittite personH2850 — Full Word Study →, builtוַיִּ֣בֶןway·yi·ḇen — to build, construct, establishH1129 — Full Word Study → a cityעִ֗יר‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →, and called itוַיִּקְרָ֤אway·yiq·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → Luzל֔וּזlūz — Almond treeH3870 — Full Word Study →, whichה֣וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → is its nameשְׁמָ֔הּšə·māh — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study → toעַ֖ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּֽה׃פhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → dayהַיּ֥וֹםhay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →. 27At that time Manassehמְנַשֶּׁ֗הmə·naš·šeh — God has made me forgetH4519 — Full Word Study → failedוְלֹא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → to drive out the inhabitantsהוֹרִ֣ישׁhō·w·rîš — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study → of Beth-sheanשְׁאָ֣ןšə·’ān — Beth-shean, a fortified city in the Jordan ValleyH1052 — Full Word Study →, Taanachתַּעְנַ֣ךְta‘·naḵ — A Canaanite cityH8590 — Full Word Study →, Dorד֜וֹרḏō·wr — A coastal cityH1756 — Full Word Study →, Ibleamיִבְלְעָם֙yiḇ·lə·‘ām — God swallowsH2991 — Full Word Study →, Megiddoמְגִדּ֖וֹmə·ḡid·dōw — Place of GodH4023 — Full Word Study →, and their villagesבְּנוֹתֶ֑יהָbə·nō·w·ṯe·hā — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study →; for the Canaanitesהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔יhak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → were determinedוַיּ֙וֹאֶל֙way·yō·w·’el — to be willing, consent, or undertake willinglyH2974 — Full Word Study → to dwellלָשֶׁ֖בֶתlā·še·ḇeṯ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → in thatהַזֹּֽאת׃haz·zōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → landבָּאָ֥רֶץbā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →. 28Whenכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → became strongerחָזַ֣קḥā·zaq — To strengthen, make firm, establishH2388 — Full Word Study →, they pressedוַיָּ֥שֶׂםway·yā·śem — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → the Canaanitesהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖יhak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → into forced laborלָמַ֑סlā·mas — Forced labor, taskmaster, or tribute-bearerH4522 — Full Word Study →, but they neverלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → drove them outוְהוֹרֵ֖ישׁwə·hō·w·rêš — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study → completelyהוֹרִישֽׁוֹ׃סhō·w·rî·šōw — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study →. 29Ephraimוְאֶפְרַ֙יִם֙wə·’ep̄·ra·yim — Double fruitfulnessH669 — Full Word Study → also failedלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → to drive outהוֹרִ֔ישׁhō·w·rîš — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study → the Canaanitesהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖יhak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → livingהַיּוֹשֵׁ֣בhay·yō·wō·šêḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → in Gezerבְּגָ֑זֶרbə·ḡā·zer — A fortified city in CanaanH1507 — Full Word Study →; so the Canaanitesהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֛יhak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → continued to dwellוַיֵּ֧שֶׁבway·yê·šeḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → among themבְּקִרְבּ֖וֹbə·qir·bōw — midst, inner part, heart, inward beingH7130 — Full Word Study → in Gezerבְּגָֽזֶר׃פbə·ḡā·zer — A fortified city in CanaanH1507 — Full Word Study →. 30Zebulunזְבוּלֻ֗ןzə·ḇū·lun — Dwelling, Exalted AbodeH2074 — Full Word Study → failedלֹ֤אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → to drive outהוֹרִישׁ֙hō·w·rîš — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study → the inhabitantsיוֹשְׁבֵ֣יyō·wō·šə·ḇê — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → of Kitronקִטְר֔וֹןqiṭ·rō·wn — A city in ZebulunH7003 — Full Word Study → and Nahalolנַהֲלֹ֑לna·hă·lōl — Pleasant pastureH5096 — Full Word Study →; so the Canaanitesהַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙hak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → livedוַיֵּ֤שֶׁבway·yê·šeḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → among themבְּקִרְבּ֔וֹbə·qir·bōw — midst, inner part, heart, inward beingH7130 — Full Word Study → and servedוַיִּֽהְי֖וּway·yih·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → as forced laborersלָמַֽס׃סlā·mas — Forced labor, taskmaster, or tribute-bearerH4522 — Full Word Study →. 31Asherאָשֵׁ֗ר’ā·šêr — Happy, BlessedH836 — Full Word Study → failedלֹ֤אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → to drive outהוֹרִישׁ֙hō·w·rîš — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study → the inhabitantsיֹשְׁבֵ֣יyō·šə·ḇê — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → of Accoעַכּ֔וֹ‘ak·kōw — Coastal city in PhoeniciaH5910 — Full Word Study →, Sidonצִיד֑וֹןṣî·ḏō·wn — Fishery or huntingH6721 — Full Word Study →, Ahlabאַחְלָ֤ב’aḥ·lāḇ — A city in AsherH303 — Full Word Study →, Achzibאַכְזִיב֙’aḵ·zîḇ — Deceitful, a place of deceptionH392 — Full Word Study →, Helbahחֶלְבָּ֔הḥel·bāh — A Levitical cityH2462 — Full Word Study →, Aphikאֲפִ֖יק’ă·p̄îq — Fortress or strongholdH663 — Full Word Study →, andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → Rehobרְחֹֽב׃rə·ḥōḇ — Wide or broadH7340 — Full Word Study →. 32So the Asheritesהָאָ֣שֵׁרִ֔יhā·’ā·šê·rî — Member of AsherH843 — Full Word Study → livedוַיֵּ֙שֶׁב֙way·yê·šeḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → amongבְּקֶ֥רֶבbə·qe·reḇ — midst, inner part, heart, inward beingH7130 — Full Word Study → the Canaaniteהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖יhak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → inhabitantsיֹשְׁבֵ֣יyō·šə·ḇê — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → of the landהָאָ֑רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →, becauseכִּ֖יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → they did notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → drive them outהוֹרִישֽׁוֹ׃סhō·w·rî·šōw — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study →. 33Naphtaliנַפְתָּלִ֗יnap̄·tā·lî — My wrestlingH5321 — Full Word Study → failedלֹֽא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → to drive outהוֹרִ֞ישׁhō·w·rîš — to possess, inherit, dispossessH3423 — Full Word Study → the inhabitantsיֹשְׁבֵ֤יyō·šə·ḇê — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → of Beth-shemeshשֶׁ֙מֶשׁ֙še·meš — Beth-shemesh, house of the sun, a Levitical cityH1053 — Full Word Study → andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → Beth-anathעֲנָ֔ת‘ă·nāṯ — Beth-anath, a Levitical city in NaphtaliH1043 — Full Word Study →. So the Naphtalites also lived amongבְּקֶ֥רֶבbə·qe·reḇ — midst, inner part, heart, inward beingH7130 — Full Word Study → the Canaaniteהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖יhak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → inhabitantsיֹשְׁבֵ֣יyō·šə·ḇê — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → of the landהָאָ֑רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →, but the inhabitantsוְיֹשְׁבֵ֤יwə·yō·šə·ḇê — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → of Beth-shemeshשֶׁ֙מֶשׁ֙še·meš — Beth-shemesh, house of the sun, a Levitical cityH1053 — Full Word Study → and Beth-anathעֲנָ֔ת‘ă·nāṯ — Beth-anath, a Levitical city in NaphtaliH1043 — Full Word Study → servedהָי֥וּhā·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → them as forced laborersלָמַֽס׃סlā·mas — Forced labor, taskmaster, or tribute-bearerH4522 — Full Word Study →. 34The Amoritesהָאֱמֹרִ֛יhā·’ĕ·mō·rî — Canaanite peoplesH567 — Full Word Study → forcedוַיִּלְחֲצ֧וּway·yil·ḥă·ṣū — to press, oppress, or crush with forceH3905 — Full Word Study → the Danitesבְּנֵי־bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → into the hill countryהָהָ֑רָהhā·hā·rāh — Mountain, hill, or elevated land massH2022 — Full Word Study → andכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → did notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → allow themנְתָנ֖וֹnə·ṯā·nōw — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → to come downלָרֶ֥דֶתlā·re·ḏeṯ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → into the plainלָעֵֽמֶק׃lā·‘ê·meq — ValleyH6010 — Full Word Study →. 35And the Amoritesהָֽאֱמֹרִי֙hā·’ĕ·mō·rî — Canaanite peoplesH567 — Full Word Study → were determinedוַיּ֤וֹאֶלway·yō·w·’el — to be willing, consent, or undertake willinglyH2974 — Full Word Study → to dwellלָשֶׁ֣בֶתlā·še·ḇeṯ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → in Mountבְּהַר־bə·har- — Mountain, hill, or elevated land massH2022 — Full Word Study → Heresחֶ֔רֶסḥe·res — Sun or solar deityH2776 — Full Word Study →, Aijalonבְּאַיָּל֖וֹןbə·’ay·yā·lō·wn — Deer; StagH357 — Full Word Study →, and Shaalbimוּבְשַֽׁעַלְבִ֑יםū·ḇə·ša·‘al·ḇîm — Fox townH8169 — Full Word Study →. But when the houseבֵּית־bêṯ- — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → of Josephיוֹסֵ֔ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → grewוַתִּכְבַּד֙wat·tiḵ·baḏ — to honor, glorify, or make heavy/weightyH3513 — Full Word Study → in strengthיַ֣דyaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, they pressed the Amoritesוַיִּהְי֖וּway·yih·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → into forced laborלָמַֽס׃lā·mas — Forced labor, taskmaster, or tribute-bearerH4522 — Full Word Study →. 36And the borderוּגְבוּל֙ū·ḡə·ḇūl — boundary, border, or limit of a regionH1366 — Full Word Study → of the Amoritesהָאֱמֹרִ֔יhā·’ĕ·mō·rî — Canaanite peoplesH567 — Full Word Study → extended from the Ascent of Akrabbimעַקְרַבִּ֑ים‘aq·rab·bîm — Scorpion PassH4610 — Full Word Study → to Selaמֵהַסֶּ֖לַעmê·has·se·la‘ — Rock or cliffH5554 — Full Word Study → and beyondוָמָֽעְלָה׃פwā·mā·‘ə·lāh — Above, over, upward; superiority in place or rankH4605 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Judges 1
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Chapter Overview

Judges chapter 1 marks a critical transition in Israel's history—the death of Joshua and the beginning of the conquest under a new generation of tribal leaders. Rather than a unified national campaign, the tribes now pursue individual campaigns against the Canaanites. While the chapter opens with initial victories and divine blessing, it increasingly reveals a troubling pattern: incomplete obedience. The tribes fail to fully dispossess the land as God commanded, instead making treaties and subjugating enemies to tribute. This incomplete conquest sets the spiritual trajectory for the entire book of Judges and demonstrates how partial obedience leads to spiritual compromise.

Verses 1–5: Judah Leads with Divine Approval

Israel's first response after Joshua's death is to ask the Lord for guidance—a healthy instinct (v. 1). The LORD designates Judah to lead the conquest, declaring that He has already "delivered the land into his hand" (v. 2). Judah invites Simeon, his brother, into partnership, and together they defeat the Canaanites and Perizzites at Bezek, killing ten thousand men (vv. 3–4). The phrase "the LORD delivered" emphasizes that military victory is fundamentally God's work, not human achievement. Israel's obedience in seeking God's will and moving forward in faith produces immediate blessing.

Verses 6–7: Divine Justice Upon Adonibezek

The capture of Adonibezek, king of Bezek, illustrates God's justice. When they cut off his thumbs and great toes (v. 6), Adonibezek himself recognizes this as divine retribution: "as I have done, so God hath requited me" (v. 7). This brutal practice (removing the means of combat and flight) had been his own method of humiliating conquered kings. God's judgment is both poetic and righteous—the oppressor experiences his own cruelty. The fact that Adonibezek acknowledges God's hand in his downfall underscores that the conquest is divine judgment upon Canaanite sin, not mere tribal warfare.

Verses 8–20: Extended Campaigns and Incomplete Conquest

Judah captures Jerusalem and continues southward, defeating enemies in the hill country, the Negev, and the valley regions (vv. 8–9). Caleb's famous victory at Kirjath-sepher (Debir) deserves note: he promises his daughter Achsah to whoever captures the city (v. 12). Othniel, Caleb's younger brother, wins both the city and the bride (v. 13). When Achsah asks her father for springs of water to complement her dry southern inheritance, Caleb generously grants both upper and lower springs (vv. 14–15). This episode shows faith rewarded and family loyalty honored. Yet verse 19 introduces the chapter's turning point: though the LORD is with Judah and they drive out the hill-country inhabitants, "they could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron." Military technology becomes an excuse for incomplete obedience.

Verses 21–36: The Pattern of Compromise

The remaining verses document tribal after tribal failure to fully possess their allotted territory. Benjamin does not drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem (v. 21). Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali all fail to fully dispossess their enemies—some make them tributaries instead (vv. 27–33). Dan is actually forced into the mountains by the Amorites (v. 34). This repetitive pattern of failure is deliberate and ominous. What begins as divinely blessed conquest deteriorates into compromise, coexistence, and spiritual decline. The tribes' willingness to tolerate Canaanite presence in the land will eventually lead them toward idolatry and moral decay.

Application for Today

Judges 1 warns us that partial obedience is disobedience. Just as Israel failed to fully possess the land God gave them, we may settle for spiritual mediocrity instead of complete surrender to Christ's lordship. Are there areas of your life where you've made "treaties" with sin rather than driving it out? The chapter calls us to ask God for direction (as Israel did in v. 1) and then to follow through with wholehearted commitment, trusting His power even when obstacles seem insurmountable. Incomplete victory today becomes defeat tomorrow.

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