The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the Benjamites. The BenjamitesThe tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. Known for their fierce warriors, the Benjamites held a significant position among the tribes. Historically, their territory included Jerusalem, which was a strategic and spiritual center. The failure of the Benjamites to fully possess their inheritance reflects a recurring theme in the Book of Judges, where the Israelites struggle to fully claim the Promised Land due to incomplete obedience to God's commands. Failed to drive out
The Hebrew root for "failed" (לוֹא יָכְלוּ, lo yaklu) implies an inability or lack of strength. This phrase highlights a spiritual and physical shortcoming. The Benjamites' failure was not merely a military defeat but also a spiritual one, as it demonstrated a lack of faith and obedience to God's command to fully possess the land. This failure set a precedent for future struggles and conflicts with the inhabitants of the land. The Jebusites
The Jebusites were one of the Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land before the Israelites. They were known to be strong and resilient, with Jerusalem as their stronghold. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Jebusites had a well-fortified city, making it difficult for the Israelites to conquer. The presence of the Jebusites in Jerusalem serves as a reminder of the Israelites' incomplete conquest and the ongoing influence of pagan cultures. Living in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, a city of immense historical and spiritual significance, was intended to be a central place of worship for the Israelites. The Jebusites' continued presence in Jerusalem symbolizes the persistent challenge of idolatry and foreign influence within Israel. This phrase underscores the tension between God's promise and the Israelites' reality, as Jerusalem would later become the political and spiritual heart of Israel under King David. So to this day
This phrase indicates the enduring nature of the situation at the time the text was written. It serves as a historical marker, emphasizing the long-term consequences of the Benjamites' failure. The persistence of the Jebusites in Jerusalem is a testament to the Israelites' ongoing struggle with obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. The Jebusites live there with the Benjamites
The coexistence of the Jebusites and Benjamites in Jerusalem highlights the complexities of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land. This situation reflects a compromise that led to spiritual and cultural challenges for the Israelites. The phrase serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of incomplete obedience and the importance of fully trusting in God's promises and commands. Persons / Places / Events 1. BenjamitesA tribe of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob. Known for their warrior skills, they were tasked with driving out the Jebusites from Jerusalem. 2. JebusitesA Canaanite tribe inhabiting Jerusalem. They were one of the peoples the Israelites were commanded to dispossess from the Promised Land. 3. JerusalemA significant city in biblical history, initially inhabited by the Jebusites. It later became the political and spiritual center of Israel. 4. Failure to Drive OutThe Benjamites' inability to fully obey God's command to remove the Jebusites, leading to cohabitation and potential spiritual compromise. 5. Historical ContextThis event occurs during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance for Israel. Teaching Points Partial Obedience is DisobedienceThe Benjamites' failure to fully obey God's command serves as a reminder that partial obedience can lead to long-term consequences and spiritual compromise. The Danger of Coexistence with SinAllowing the Jebusites to remain in Jerusalem symbolizes the danger of allowing sin to coexist in our lives, leading to potential spiritual downfall. God’s Sovereignty and Human ResponsibilityWhile God is sovereign, He calls His people to act in obedience. The Benjamites' failure shows the importance of aligning our actions with God’s commands. The Importance of Spiritual LeadershipThe absence of strong leadership during the time of the Judges often led to Israel's disobedience. This highlights the need for godly leadership in our communities and churches. The Long-term Impact of DisobedienceThe continued presence of the Jebusites in Jerusalem had implications for Israel's future, teaching us that our actions today can affect future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. What were the consequences of the Benjamites' failure to drive out the Jebusites, and how can this inform our understanding of obedience to God? 2. How does the coexistence of the Jebusites with the Benjamites illustrate the dangers of allowing sin to remain in our lives? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we are fully obedient to God’s commands in our personal lives and communities? 4. How does the eventual conquest of Jerusalem by King David demonstrate God’s faithfulness despite human failure? 5. Reflect on a time when partial obedience led to unintended consequences in your life. How can you apply the lessons from Judges 1:21 to avoid similar situations in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 15:63This verse also mentions the Jebusites living in Jerusalem, highlighting the ongoing struggle to fully possess the land. 2 Samuel 5:6-7Describes how King David eventually conquered Jerusalem, making it the capital of Israel, fulfilling what the Benjamites failed to do. Exodus 23:31-33God’s command to Israel to drive out the inhabitants of the land to avoid idolatry and spiritual compromise. People Abednego, Achsah, Adonibezek, Ahiman, Amalekites, Amorites, Anak, Anath, Arad, Arba, Asher, Asherites, Benjamin, Benjamites, Caleb, Canaanites, Dan, Danites, Debir, Edomites, Hittites, Hobab, Israelites, Jebusites, Joseph, Joshua, Kenaz, Manasseh, Naphtali, Naphtalites, Othniel, Perizzites, Rehob, Sheshai, Simeon, Simeonites, Talmai, Zebulun, ZidonPlaces Acco, Achzib, Ahlab, Aijalon, Akrabbim, Aphik, Arad, Ashkelon, Beth-anath, Bethel, Beth-shan, Beth-shemesh, Bezek, Debir, Dor, Ekron, Gaza, Gezer, Gibeah, Hebron, Helbah, Hormah, Ibleam, Jerusalem, Kiriath-arba, Kiriath-sepher, Kitron, Luz, Megiddo, Mount Heres, Nahalol, Negeb, Rehob, Sela, Shaalbim, Sidon, Taanach, ZephathTopics Benjamin, Benjamites, Dislodge, Dispossessed, Drive, Dwell, Dwelleth, Dwelt, Failed, However, Inhabited, Inhabiting, Jebusite, Jebusites, Jeb'usites, Jerusalem, Judah, Sons, TillDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 1:21 7240 Jerusalem, history
7270 Zion, as a place Library The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the BibleThe Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Tsippor
"Tsippor is the greatest city of Galilee, and built in a very strong place." "Kitron (Judg 1:29,30) is Tsippor: and why is it called Tsippor? Because it is seated upon a mountain as Tsippor, a bird." "Sixteen miles on all sides from Tsippor was a land flowing with milk and honey." This city is noted in Josephus for its warlike affairs; but most noted in the Talmudists for the university fixed there, and for the learning, which Rabbi Judah the Holy brought hither, as we have said before. He sat in …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
ISRAEL'S VICTORIES OVER THE CANAANITES.--Josh. 2-9; Judg. 1, 4, 5. Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible II,1-4.1. Prin. of Politics X. That the leaders took the lead in Israel, That the people volunteered readily, Bless Jehovah! Zebulun was a people who exposed themselves to deadly peril, And Naphtali on the heights of the open field. Kings came, they fought; They fought, the kings of Canaan, At Taanach by the Waters of Megiddo, They took no booty of silver. Prom heaven fought the stars, From their …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation The Place of the Old Testament in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: Advent of the Hebrews] Modern discovery and research have demonstrated that the truth revealed through the Babylonians and with less definiteness through the people of the Nile was never entirely lost. Such a sad waste was out of accord with the obvious principles of divine economy. As the icy chill of ceremonialism seized decadent Babylonia and Egypt, there emerged from the steppes south and east of Palestine a virile, ambitious group of nomads, who not only fell heir to that which …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Scythopolis. Beth-Shean, the Beginning of Galilee.
The bonds of Galilee were, "on the south, Samaris and Scythopolis, unto the flood of Jordan." Scythopolis is the same with Beth-shean, of which is no seldom mention in the Holy Scriptures, Joshua 17:11; Judges 1:27; 1 Samuel 31:10. "Bethsaine (saith Josephus), called by the Greeks Scythopolis." It was distant but a little way from Jordan, seated in the entrance to a great valley: for so the same author writes, "Having passed Jordan, they came to a great plain, where lies before you the city Bethsane," …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
Coming down from Syria, it would have been difficult to fix the exact spot where, in the view of the Rabbis, "the land" itself began. The boundary lines, though mentioned in four different documents, are not marked in anything like geographical order, but as ritual questions connected with them came up for theological discussion. For, to the Rabbis the precise limits of Palestine were chiefly interesting so far as they affected the religious obligations or privileges of a district. And in this respect …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 1:21 NIVJudges 1:21 NLTJudges 1:21 ESVJudges 1:21 NASBJudges 1:21 KJV
Judges 1:21 Commentaries
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