Afterward, the men of Judah marched down to fight against the Canaanites living in the hill country, in the Negev, and in the foothills. After thatThis phrase indicates a sequence of events, following the initial conquests described earlier in the chapter. It suggests a continuation of the Israelites' mission to claim the land promised to them by God. The Hebrew root here implies a sense of progression and fulfillment of divine command, emphasizing the importance of obedience and perseverance in the faith journey. the men of Judah
The tribe of Judah is highlighted, reflecting its prominent role among the tribes of Israel. Historically, Judah was one of the largest and most influential tribes, often leading military campaigns. This aligns with the prophetic blessing given by Jacob in Genesis 49:8-10, where Judah is depicted as a leader among his brothers. The focus on Judah underscores the tribe's responsibility and privilege in fulfilling God's promises. marched down
This phrase conveys a sense of purpose and determination. The Hebrew verb used here often implies a strategic movement, suggesting that the men of Judah were not acting impulsively but were following a divinely guided plan. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and guidance in the lives of His people. to fight against the Canaanites
The Canaanites were the inhabitants of the land that God had promised to the Israelites. Historically, they were known for their fortified cities and advanced culture, which posed significant challenges to the Israelites. Theologically, the Canaanites often symbolize opposition to God's people and His purposes, representing the spiritual battles believers face in their journey of faith. living in the hill country
The hill country refers to the central mountainous region of Canaan, known for its strategic and defensible locations. This area was crucial for establishing control over the land. The mention of the hill country highlights the challenges faced by the Israelites, as they had to rely on God's strength to overcome formidable obstacles. the Negev
The Negev is a desert region in the southern part of Israel. Its harsh environment required resilience and faith from those who sought to inhabit it. The inclusion of the Negev in the conquest narrative emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's promise, extending to all parts of the land, even those that seemed inhospitable. and the foothills
The foothills, or Shephelah, were the lowland regions between the hill country and the coastal plains. This area was agriculturally rich and strategically important, often serving as a battleground between different peoples. The mention of the foothills signifies the completeness of the conquest, as the Israelites sought to establish God's kingdom in every part of the land. Persons / Places / Events 1. Men of JudahThe tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership and strength. They are descendants of Judah, one of Jacob's sons. 2. CanaanitesThe inhabitants of the land of Canaan, often seen as adversaries to the Israelites. They were known for their idolatrous practices and were to be driven out by the Israelites according to God's command. 3. Hill CountryA region characterized by its elevated terrain. In the context of ancient Israel, it often refers to the central mountainous region. 4. NegevA desert region in the southern part of Israel. It is a semi-arid area that was part of the land promised to the Israelites. 5. FoothillsThe low hills or uplands at the base of a mountain range. In this context, it refers to the Shephelah, a region of low hills in Israel. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsThe men of Judah's actions reflect obedience to God's command to take possession of the land. As believers, we are called to obey God's directives in our lives, trusting in His promises. Spiritual WarfareThe physical battles against the Canaanites symbolize the spiritual battles we face. We must be vigilant and proactive in combating sin and spiritual opposition in our lives. Faith and CourageThe tribe of Judah demonstrated faith and courage in confronting their enemies. We are encouraged to face our challenges with the same faith and courage, relying on God's strength. Inheritance and PromiseThe land represents the inheritance promised by God. As Christians, we have an inheritance in Christ, and we should live in a way that reflects our identity and hope in Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the obedience of the men of Judah in Judges 1:9 inspire you to follow God's commands in your own life? 2. In what ways can the concept of spiritual warfare be applied to the challenges you face today? 3. How does the promise of inheritance in the land of Canaan relate to the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ? 4. What can we learn from the courage of the men of Judah when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles? 5. How do the events in Judges 1:9 connect with the broader account of God's faithfulness to His promises throughout Scripture? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 15This chapter outlines the boundaries and cities of the tribe of Judah, providing context for their military campaigns in the regions mentioned in Judges 1:9. Deuteronomy 7This passage contains God's command to the Israelites to drive out the Canaanites and other nations from the Promised Land, emphasizing the need for obedience and faithfulness. Genesis 49:8-12Jacob's blessing to Judah, prophesying leadership and strength, which is reflected in their role in leading the conquest efforts. 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 Afterward, Afterwards, Canaanite, Canaanites, Dwelt, Fight, Foothills, Hill, Hill-country, Inhabiting, Judah, Low, Lowland, Lowlands, Mountain, Negeb, Negev, Sons, South, Valley, War, WesternDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 1:1-20 7266 tribes of Israel 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 1:9 NIVJudges 1:9 NLTJudges 1:9 ESVJudges 1:9 NASBJudges 1:9 KJV
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