The house of Joseph also attacked Bethel, and the LORD was with them. The house of JosephThis phrase refers to the descendants of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who were divided into two tribes: Ephraim and Manasseh. Historically, these tribes were known for their strength and influence among the Israelites. The "house of Joseph" signifies not just a familial lineage but a collective identity that carried the legacy of Joseph's faithfulness and leadership. In a broader spiritual sense, it represents the continuation of God's promises to the patriarchs, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's covenant. also went up
The phrase "went up" is often used in the Old Testament to describe a movement towards a place of significance, often involving a journey of faith or conquest. In Hebrew, the verb "עלה" (alah) conveys not just a physical ascent but a spiritual or moral elevation. This movement towards Bethel is not merely geographical; it symbolizes an act of obedience and trust in God's promises. It reflects the proactive faith of the Israelites as they seek to claim the inheritance God has promised them. against Bethel
Bethel, meaning "House of God" in Hebrew, holds significant historical and spiritual importance. It was a place where Abraham and Jacob had profound encounters with God (Genesis 12:8, 28:19). The mention of Bethel here is a reminder of God's enduring presence and the sacred history associated with this location. The conquest of Bethel by the house of Joseph signifies reclaiming a place of divine promise and blessing, reinforcing the idea that God's people are called to inhabit and transform spaces with His presence. and the LORD was with them
This phrase is a powerful affirmation of divine support and presence. In Hebrew, "Yahweh" is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and commitment to His people. The assurance that "the LORD was with them" underscores the central biblical theme that success and victory come not by human might but through God's presence and power. It serves as an encouragement to believers that when they align themselves with God's will and purposes, they can trust in His guidance and strength. This divine accompaniment is a source of courage and hope, reminding us that God is actively involved in the lives of those who seek to fulfill His promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. House of JosephThis refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, descendants of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. They were tasked with conquering the land allotted to them in Canaan. 2. BethelA significant city in the hill country of Ephraim, Bethel means "House of God" in Hebrew. It was an important religious and historical site for the Israelites. 3. The LORDThe covenant-keeping God of Israel, Yahweh, who is actively involved in the affairs of His people, providing guidance and victory. Teaching Points God's Presence in Our BattlesJust as the LORD was with the house of Joseph, He is with us in our spiritual battles. We are reminded of the importance of seeking His presence and guidance in all our endeavors. Faithfulness to God's PromisesThe conquest of Bethel by the house of Joseph is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. We are encouraged to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to complete what He has begun. The Importance of ObedienceThe success of the house of Joseph was contingent upon their obedience to God's commands. Our victories in life are often tied to our willingness to follow God's instructions. Spiritual Heritage and ResponsibilityAs descendants of Joseph, the tribes had a spiritual heritage to uphold. We, too, have a spiritual heritage in Christ and a responsibility to live in a way that honors God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the presence of the LORD with the house of Joseph in Judges 1:22 encourage you in your current life challenges? 2. In what ways can the account of Bethel's conquest inspire you to trust in God's promises today? 3. How does the concept of spiritual heritage influence your daily walk with God? 4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure you are seeking God's presence in your personal battles? 5. How can the faithfulness of God to the house of Joseph in Judges 1:22 be seen in other parts of the Bible, and how does this reinforce your faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 28Bethel is first mentioned when Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven, marking it as a place of divine encounter and promise. Joshua 18The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, including the house of Joseph, is detailed, showing the fulfillment of God's promises. Hebrews 11The faith of the patriarchs, including Joseph, is highlighted, showing the continuity of God's faithfulness from the Old Testament to the New Testament. 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 Attacked, Bethel, Beth-el, Family, Joseph, LikewiseDictionary 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 1:22 NIVJudges 1:22 NLTJudges 1:22 ESVJudges 1:22 NASBJudges 1:22 KJV
Judges 1:22 Commentaries
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