Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Judah also took Gaza, Ashkelon and Ekron—each city with its territory. New Living Translation In addition, Judah captured the towns of Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron, along with their surrounding territories. English Standard Version Judah also captured Gaza with its territory, and Ashkelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory. Berean Standard Bible And Judah also captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron—each with its territory. Berean Literal Bible And Judah took Gaza and its territory, and Ashkelon and its territory, and Ekron and its territory. King James Bible Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof. New King James Version Also Judah took Gaza with its territory, Ashkelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory. New American Standard Bible And Judah took Gaza with its territory, Ashkelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory. NASB 1995 And Judah took Gaza with its territory and Ashkelon with its territory and Ekron with its territory. NASB 1977 And Judah took Gaza with its territory and Ashkelon with its territory and Ekron with its territory. Legacy Standard Bible And Judah captured Gaza with its territory and Ashkelon with its territory and Ekron with its territory. Amplified Bible Also [the warriors of] Judah captured Gaza with its territory and Ashkelon with its territory and Ekron with its territory. Berean Annotated Bible And Judah (praised) also captured [But Judah did not capture] Gaza (the strong), Ashkelon (the fire of infamy), and Ekron (torn up by the roots)—each with its territory. Christian Standard Bible Judah captured Gaza and its territory, Ashkelon and its territory, and Ekron and its territory. Holman Christian Standard Bible Judah captured Gaza and its territory, Ashkelon and its territory, and Ekron and its territory. American Standard Version Also Judah took Gaza with the border thereof, and Ashkelon with the border thereof, and Ekron with the border thereof. English Revised Version Also Judah took Gaza with the border thereof, and Ashkelon with the border thereof, and Ekron with the border thereof. GOD'S WORD® Translation Judah also captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron with their territories. International Standard Version The army of Judah captured Gaza and its territory, Ashkelon and its territory, and Ekron and its territory. NET Bible The men of Judah captured Gaza, Ashkelon, Ekron, and the territory surrounding each of these cities. New Heart English Bible Also Judah took Gaza with its territory, and Ashkelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory, and Ashdod with its surrounding lands. Webster's Bible Translation Also Judah took Gaza with its border, and Askelon with its border, and Ekron with its border. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd Judah also captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron—each with its territory. World English Bible Also Judah took Gaza with its border, and Ashkelon with its border, and Ekron with its border. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Judah captures Gaza and its border, and Askelon and its border, and Ekron and its border; Berean Literal Bible And Judah took Gaza and its territory, and Ashkelon and its territory, and Ekron and its territory. Young's Literal Translation And Judah captureth Gaza and its border, and Askelon and its border, and Ekron and its border; Smith's Literal Translation And Judah will take Gaza and, its bounds, and Askelon and her bounds, and Ekron and her bounds. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Juda took Gaza with its confines, and Ascalon and Accaron with their confines. Catholic Public Domain Version And Judah seized Gaza, with its parts, and Ashkelon as well as Ekron, with their borders. New American Bible Judah captured Gaza with its territory, Ashkelon with its territory, Ekron with its territory, and Ashdod with its territory. New Revised Standard Version Judah took Gaza with its territory, Ashkelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleJudah also took Gaza with its territory, and Ashkelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yehuda conquered Aza and its borders and Ashqeluun and its borders and Aqruun and its borders OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Also Judah took Gaza with the border thereof, and Ashkelon with the border thereof, and Ekron with the border thereof. Brenton Septuagint Translation But Judas did not inherit Gaza nor her coasts, nor Ascalon nor her coasts, nor Accaron nor her coasts, nor Azotus nor the lands around it. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jerusalem and Hebron Captured…17Then the men of Judah went with their brothers the Simeonites, attacked the Canaanites living in Zephath, and devoted the city to destruction. So it was called Hormah. 18And Judah also captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron— each with its territory. 19The LORD was with Judah, and they took possession of the hill country; but they could not drive out the inhabitants of the plains because they had chariots of iron.… Cross References And Judah also captured Joshua 15:13-17 According to the LORD’s command to him, Joshua gave Caleb son of Jephunneh a portion among the sons of Judah—Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.) / And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. / From there he marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher). … Joshua 11:21-23 At that time Joshua proceeded to eliminate the Anakim from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, and Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah and of Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction, along with their cities. / No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive. / So Joshua took the entire land, in keeping with all that the LORD had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to the allotments to their tribes. Then the land had rest from war. Joshua 10:36-39 Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron and fought against it. / They captured it and put to the sword its king, all its villages, and all the people. Joshua left no survivors, just as he had done at Eglon; he devoted to destruction Hebron and everyone in it. / Finally Joshua and all Israel with him turned toward Debir and fought against it. … Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron— Joshua 13:2-3 This is the land that remains: All the territory of the Philistines and the Geshurites, / from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; Amos 1:6-8 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Gaza, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they exiled a whole population, delivering them up to Edom. / So I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza, to consume its citadels. / I will cut off the ruler of Ashdod and the one who wields the scepter in Ashkelon. I will turn My hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines will perish,” says the Lord GOD. Jeremiah 25:20 all the mixed tribes; all the kings of Uz; all the kings of the Philistines: Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod; each with its territory. Joshua 15:45-47 Ekron, with its towns and villages; / from Ekron to the sea, all the cities near Ashdod, along with their villages; / Ashdod, with its towns and villages; Gaza, with its towns and villages, as far as the Brook of Egypt and the coastline of the Great Sea. Joshua 19:40-46 The seventh lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Dan: / The territory of their inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh, / Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah, … Zephaniah 2:4-7 For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon left in ruins. Ashdod will be driven out at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted. / Woe to the dwellers of the seacoast, O nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: “I will destroy you, and no one will be left.” / So the seacoast will become a land of pastures, with wells for shepherds and folds for sheep. … Joshua 11:22 No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive. Joshua 10:40-42 So Joshua conquered the whole region—the hill country, the Negev, the foothills, and the slopes, together with all their kings—leaving no survivors. He devoted to destruction everything that breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded. / Joshua conquered the area from Kadesh-barnea to Gaza, and the whole region of Goshen as far as Gibeon. / And because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel, Joshua captured all these kings and their land in one campaign. Joshua 12:7-8 And these are the kings of the land that Joshua and the Israelites conquered beyond the Jordan to the west, from Baal-gad in the Valley of Lebanon to Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir (according to the allotments to the tribes of Israel, Joshua gave them as an inheritance / the hill country, the foothills, the Arabah, the slopes, the wilderness, and the Negev—the lands of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites): 1 Samuel 27:6-7 That day Achish gave him Ziklag, and to this day it still belongs to the kings of Judah. / And the time that David lived in Philistine territory amounted to a year and four months. 1 Samuel 30:1-2 On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. 2 Samuel 8:1-2 Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. 2 Kings 18:8 He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city. Treasury of Scripture Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof. Also Judah. Judges 3:3 Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath. Judges 3:3 Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath. Judges 16:1,2,21 Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her… Jump to Previous Ashkelon Ash'kelon Askelon Border Captureth City Coast Ekron Judah Limit Territory ThereofJump to Next Ashkelon Ash'kelon Askelon Border Captureth City Coast Ekron Judah Limit Territory ThereofJudges 1 1. The acts of Judah and Simeon4. Adonibezek justly requited 8. Jerusalem taken 10. Hebron taken 11. Othniel has Achsah to wife for taking of Debir 16. The Kenites dwell in Judah 17. Hormah, Gaza, Askelon, and Ekron taken 21. The acts of Benjamin 22. Of the house of Joseph, who take Bethel 30. Of Zebulun 31. Of Asher 33. Of Naphtali 34. Of Dan And Judah also captured The tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is highlighted here for its military success. This reflects the fulfillment of Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:8-10, where Judah is prophesied to be a leader among his brothers. The capturing of territories by Judah signifies the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan (Exodus 3:8). Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron each with its territory Persons / Places / Events 1. JudahOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. Known for its leadership role among the tribes. 2. Gaza A Philistine city located on the southwestern coast of Canaan. It was one of the five major Philistine cities and often mentioned in the context of Israel's battles with the Philistines. 3. Ashkelon Another major Philistine city, located north of Gaza along the coast. It was a significant trade center and often in conflict with Israel. 4. Ekron A Philistine city further inland, north of Ashkelon. It was known for its strategic importance and was frequently contested by Israel. 5. Territory Refers to the land surrounding these cities that came under Judah's control. This indicates not just the cities themselves but the broader region. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of PromisesThe capture of these cities by Judah demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to give the Israelites the land of Canaan. Believers can trust in God's promises in their own lives. The Importance of Obedience Judah's success in capturing these territories can be seen as a result of their obedience to God's command to take possession of the land. This underscores the importance of obedience in the life of a believer. Spiritual Warfare Just as Judah had to fight to claim their inheritance, Christians are called to engage in spiritual warfare to claim the promises of God in their lives. This involves prayer, faith, and reliance on God's strength. The Consequences of Incomplete Obedience Although Judah captured these cities, the Philistines later regained control, illustrating the consequences of incomplete obedience and the need for vigilance in spiritual matters. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 1:18?2. How did Judah's conquest of Gaza demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? 3. What can we learn about obedience from Judah's actions in Judges 1:18? 4. How does Judges 1:18 connect with God's command in Deuteronomy 7:1-2? 5. How can we apply Judah's example of courage in our spiritual battles today? 6. What does Judges 1:18 teach about relying on God's strength for victory? 7. Why did Judah capture Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron in Judges 1:18? 8. How does Judges 1:18 align with God's promise to Israel? 9. What archaeological evidence supports the events in Judges 1:18? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 1? 11. What historical or archaeological evidence supports the details of Saul's death as described in 1 Chronicles 10, particularly regarding the Philistines' role and the aftermath? 12. What is the identity of the Philistines? 13. How do the accounts of cities captured by different tribes in Judges 1 align (or conflict) with archaeological evidence regarding the settlement patterns in Canaan? 14. Joshua 13:2-6 - Why is there no archaeological record confirming Israel's partial control over these specific Philistine and neighboring territories? What Does Judges 1:18 Mean And Judah also captured“Judges 1:2 says, ‘The LORD answered, “Judah is to go; I have delivered the land into their hands.”’ • The verse highlights Judah’s obedience to God’s directive, echoing the blessing of rulership in Genesis 49:8–10. • Joshua 15:13–15 records earlier victories near Hebron; Judges 1:18 shows the tribe pressing farther to the coast, demonstrating continual advancement. • 2 Kings 18:8 later notes Hezekiah “defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza,” revealing that Judah’s mandate to push out enemies persisted across generations. Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron “Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron—each with its territory.” • These three were major Philistine strongholds (Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:17). Their mention together stresses strategic importance along the Mediterranean trade routes. • Zephaniah 2:4 foretells later judgment on the same cities, underlining that God’s purposes for these sites extend beyond one era. • Capturing all three shows Judah’s reach from the southern coastline (Gaza) through the central (Ashkelon) up to the northernmost of the trio (Ekron). each with its territory • The phrase points to complete control, not just of city centers but surrounding villages and farmland (Deuteronomy 7:1–2). • It anticipates the ideal of fully occupying covenant land, though Judges 3:1–4 admits some Canaanite pockets remained to test Israel’s faithfulness. • The detail reminds readers that God’s promises include both core and fringe areas of life—nothing is outside His claim (Psalm 24:1). summary Judges 1:18 records Judah’s divinely empowered advance, seizing three Philistine hubs and their surrounding districts. The verse underscores obedience to God’s command, the strategic and spiritual significance of these coastal cities, and the completeness of the conquest God intended for His people. (18) Took Gaza . . . Askelon . . . Ekron.--Three of the five Philistian lordships, to which the LXX. add Ashdod (Azotus). In Joshua 13:3 these five townships are mentioned as still unconquered, and here the LXX. put in a negative--"Judah did not inherit Gaza, nor," &c. St. Augustine had the same reading. It is, however, possible that "not" may have been conjecturally added because of the apparent discrepancy between this passage and Judges 3:8; or, again, "did not inherit" may be a sort of explanatory gloss on the "took." Josephus (Antt. v. 2, ? 4) says that Askelon and Ashdod were taken in the war, but that Gaza and Ekron escaped, because their situation in the plains enabled them to use their chariots; yet in 3, ? 1, he says that the Canaanites re-conquered Askelon and Ekron. In any case, the conquest was very transitory. (See Joshua 11:22; Judges 3:3; Judges 3:13 seq.)Verse 18. - Gaza, etc. Gaza, Askelon, and Ekron, were all cities of the Philistines. But though Judah took these cities, it seems he was not able permanently to expel the inhabitants.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And Judahיְהוּדָה֙ (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites also captured וַיִּלְכֹּ֤ד (way·yil·kōḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere Gaza, עַזָּ֣ה (‘az·zāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5804: A Philistine city Ashkelon, אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן (’aš·qə·lō·wn) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 831: Ashkelon -- a city of the Philistines and Ekron— עֶקְר֖וֹן (‘eq·rō·wn) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6138: Ekron -- a Philistine city each with וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case its territory. גְּבוּלָֽהּ׃ (gə·ḇū·lāh) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed Links Judges 1:18 NIVJudges 1:18 NLT Judges 1:18 ESV Judges 1:18 NASB Judges 1:18 KJV Judges 1:18 BibleApps.com Judges 1:18 Biblia Paralela Judges 1:18 Chinese Bible Judges 1:18 French Bible Judges 1:18 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 1:18 Also Judah took Gaza with its border (Jd Judg. Jdg) |



