The Amorites forced the Danites into the hill country and did not allow them to come down into the plain. The AmoritesThe Amorites were one of the many Canaanite tribes inhabiting the Promised Land before the arrival of the Israelites. Historically, they were known as fierce warriors and were often associated with mountainous regions. The name "Amorite" is derived from the Hebrew root "amar," meaning "to speak" or "to say," which may imply their reputation or influence in the region. In the biblical narrative, the Amorites symbolize the persistent challenges and spiritual battles that God's people face in their journey of faith. Their presence in the land serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between the forces of God and the forces of the world. forced
The Hebrew word used here is "לחץ" (lachats), which conveys a sense of pressure, oppression, or squeezing. This term indicates not just a physical displacement but also an exertion of power and control. The Amorites' action of forcing the Danites into the hill country reflects the spiritual and physical pressures that believers often encounter. It serves as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations that can push us into places of discomfort, yet also into places where we might rely more fully on God's strength and provision. the Danites
The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the son of Jacob and Bilhah. Historically, the Danites were known for their struggles in securing their allotted inheritance in the Promised Land. The mention of the Danites here highlights the challenges faced by God's people in claiming the promises given to them. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and perseverance in the face of opposition and adversity. into the hill country
The hill country represents a place of refuge and safety, but also of isolation and difficulty. In biblical times, hill countries were often seen as places of defense against enemies, yet they also posed challenges for agriculture and settlement. Spiritually, being forced into the hill country can symbolize times when God leads us into places of solitude and testing, where our faith is refined and strengthened. It is in these elevated places that we can gain a clearer perspective of God's purposes and promises. and did not allow them to come down into the plain
The plains were typically fertile and desirable for settlement and agriculture. The Amorites' refusal to allow the Danites to settle in the plains signifies the ongoing struggle for God's people to fully enter into the abundance and rest that God has promised. This phrase serves as a metaphor for the spiritual battles that prevent believers from experiencing the fullness of God's blessings. It challenges us to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, knowing that He will ultimately lead us into the land of promise and peace. Persons / Places / Events 1. AmoritesA group of ancient people living in Canaan, often seen as adversaries to the Israelites. They were known for their strength and influence in the region. 2. DanitesThe tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. They were allotted land in the Promised Land but struggled to fully possess it due to opposition from the Amorites. 3. Hill CountryThe elevated region where the Danites were forced to reside. This area was less fertile and more difficult for agriculture compared to the plains. 4. PlainThe flat, fertile land that the Danites were unable to access due to the Amorites' control. This area was desirable for settlement and agriculture. 5. CanaanThe land promised to the Israelites by God, which they were in the process of conquering and settling during the time of Judges. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites' failure to fully obey God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land led to ongoing struggles and conflicts. This serves as a reminder of the importance of complete obedience to God's instructions in our lives. Trust in God's PromisesDespite the challenges faced by the Danites, God's promises remained true. We are encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem difficult. Spiritual WarfareThe physical battles faced by the Israelites can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual battles in our lives. We must be vigilant and rely on God's strength to overcome the spiritual "Amorites" that seek to hinder our walk with Him. Perseverance in AdversityThe Danites' experience teaches us the value of perseverance. When faced with obstacles, we should seek God's guidance and continue to pursue His will for our lives. Community and SupportThe struggles of the Danites highlight the importance of community and support among God's people. We are called to support and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the Danites' experience about the consequences of partial obedience to God's commands? 2. How does the struggle of the Danites to possess their inheritance relate to our own spiritual battles today? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we are fully trusting in God's promises, even when faced with difficult circumstances? 4. How can the account of the Danites encourage us to persevere in our faith when we encounter obstacles? 5. What role does community play in helping us overcome the "Amorites" in our lives, and how can we better support one another in our spiritual journeys? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 19:40-48This passage details the allotment of land to the tribe of Dan, providing context for their struggle to possess their inheritance. Judges 18Describes the Danites' eventual migration to the north to find a new territory, highlighting their ongoing struggle for a permanent settlement. Exodus 23:31-33God's command to the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the land, which they failed to fully accomplish, leading to situations like that in Judges 1:34. Deuteronomy 7:1-2God's instructions to Israel regarding the nations in Canaan, emphasizing the need for complete obedience to His commands. 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 Abednego, Allow, Allowing, Amorites, Confined, Dan, Danites, Forced, Hill, Hill-country, Mountain, Plain, Press, Pressed, Sons, Suffer, Suffered, ValleyDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 1:27-35 7259 promised land, later history 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 1:34 NIVJudges 1:34 NLTJudges 1:34 ESVJudges 1:34 NASBJudges 1:34 KJV
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