The Importance of Obedience
Judges 1:1-2 highlights the Israelites seeking God's guidance on who should lead the battle against the Canaanites. God instructs Judah to go first, emphasizing the need for obedience to divine direction.

Partial Obedience Leads to Compromise
Despite initial successes, the Israelites fail to drive out all the inhabitants of the land (Judges 1:19, 21, 27-36). This partial obedience results in the Israelites living among the Canaanites, leading to future spiritual and moral compromise.

God's Faithfulness vs. Human Failure
The chapter contrasts God's faithfulness in delivering the enemies into Israel's hands (Judges 1:4) with Israel's failure to fully trust and obey Him, highlighting the consequences of human disobedience.

The Role of Leadership
The cooperation between the tribes of Judah and Simeon (Judges 1:3) demonstrates the importance of unity and strong leadership in fulfilling God's commands.Complete Obedience
Strive for complete obedience to God's Word in every area of life, avoiding the pitfalls of partial obedience that can lead to compromise.

Seek God's Guidance
Like the Israelites seeking God's direction before battle, prioritize seeking God's will in decision-making processes.

Guard Against Compromise
Be vigilant in identifying areas of life where compromise with worldly values may be creeping in, and take steps to address them.

Value Unity and Cooperation
Foster unity and cooperation within the church and community, recognizing the strength that comes from working together under God's guidance.1. Judah
Judah is one of the tribes of Israel, often personified in the text. In Judges 1:2, the LORD says, "Judah shall go up; behold, I have delivered the land into his hand." The tribe of Judah is tasked with leading the conquest of the land.

2. Simeon
Another tribe of Israel, Simeon is mentioned in Judges 1:3, where Judah invites Simeon to join them in battle against the Canaanites. The two tribes work together to conquer their allotted territories.

3. Adoni-Bezek
A Canaanite king defeated by the tribes of Judah and Simeon. Judges 1:5-7 describes his capture and the cutting off of his thumbs and big toes, a punishment he had inflicted on seventy kings.

4. Caleb
A prominent figure from the tribe of Judah, Caleb is mentioned in Judges 1:12-15. He offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captures Kiriath-sepher (Debir). Caleb is known for his faithfulness and courage, as seen in earlier biblical narratives.

5. Othniel
The son of Kenaz and Caleb's younger brother, Othniel captures Kiriath-sepher and marries Caleb's daughter Achsah, as noted in Judges 1:13. Othniel later becomes the first judge of Israel.

6. Achsah
Caleb's daughter, who is given in marriage to Othniel after he captures Kiriath-sepher. Judges 1:14-15 describes her request for springs of water from her father, which he grants.

7. Kenites
A group associated with Moses' father-in-law, mentioned in Judges 1:16. They settle in the Negev with the people of Judah.

8. Joseph
Referring to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, descendants of Joseph. In Judges 1:22-26, the house of Joseph spies on Bethel and successfully captures it with the help of a local man.

9. Man from Bethel
An unnamed individual who helps the house of Joseph capture the city of Bethel in exchange for mercy, as described in Judges 1:24-25.1. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites, which they are commanded to conquer. The name "Canaan" (כְּנַעַן, Kena'an) refers to the region and its inhabitants.

2. Jerusalem
Initially captured by the tribe of Judah, but the Jebusites continued to dwell there. The name "Jerusalem" (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, Yerushalayim) is significant as the future capital of Israel.

3. Hebron
Formerly known as Kiriath-arba, it was given to Caleb as an inheritance. "Hebron" (חֶבְרוֹן, Chevron) is a city with historical and spiritual significance.

4. Debir
Also known as Kiriath-sepher, captured by Othniel. The name "Debir" (דְּבִיר, D'vir) means "sanctuary" or "inner sanctuary."

5. Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron
Philistine cities that Judah captured. These cities (עַזָּה, Gaza; אַשְׁקְלוֹן, Ashkelon; עֶקְרוֹן, Ekron) were part of the Philistine pentapolis.

6. Bethlehem
Mentioned as the home of Caleb's daughter, Achsah. "Bethlehem" (בֵּית לֶחֶם, Beit Lechem) means "house of bread."

7. Hormah
A city devoted to destruction by Judah and Simeon. "Hormah" (חָרְמָה, Chormah) means "devotion" or "destruction."

8. Zephath
Renamed Hormah after its destruction. The name "Zephath" (צְפַת, Tzefat) is associated with a watchtower or lookout.

9. Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron
Philistine cities that Judah captured. These cities (עַזָּה, Gaza; אַשְׁקְלוֹן, Ashkelon; עֶקְרוֹן, Ekron) were part of the Philistine pentapolis.

10. Bethel
Captured by the house of Joseph. "Bethel" (בֵּית אֵל, Beit El) means "house of God."

11. Luz
The original name of Bethel before its capture. "Luz" (לוּז, Luz) means "almond tree" or "separation."

12. Aijalon
A city where the Amorites forced the tribe of Dan into the hill country. "Aijalon" (אַיָּלוֹן, Ayalon) means "place of deer."

13. Mount Heres
A location where the Amorites persisted in dwelling. "Mount Heres" (הַר חֶרֶס, Har Cheres) means "mountain of the sun."1. Inquiry of the LORD
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquire of the LORD, asking who should lead the battle against the Canaanites. The LORD responds that Judah should go first (Judges 1:1-2).

2. Judah and Simeon Join Forces
The tribe of Judah invites the tribe of Simeon to join them in battle against the Canaanites, promising to help them in return (Judges 1:3).

3. Victory at Bezek
Judah defeats 10,000 Canaanites and Perizzites at Bezek, capturing Adoni-Bezek, who is then punished by having his thumbs and big toes cut off (Judges 1:4-7).

4. Capture of Jerusalem
The men of Judah attack and capture Jerusalem, setting the city on fire (Judges 1:8).

5. Conquest of the Hill Country, Negev, and Western Foothills
Judah continues their campaign, capturing various regions including the hill country, the Negev, and the western foothills (Judges 1:9).

6. Caleb's Offer and Othniel's Victory
Caleb offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captures Kiriath-sepher. Othniel, Caleb's younger brother, captures it and marries Achsah (Judges 1:12-13).

7. Achsah's Request for Springs
Achsah requests and receives springs of water from her father Caleb, highlighting the importance of water resources (Judges 1:14-15).

8. Kenites Settle in Judah
The descendants of Moses' father-in-law, the Kenites, settle among the people of Judah in the Negev (Judges 1:16).

9. Judah and Simeon's Continued Success
Judah and Simeon continue their successful campaigns, capturing cities such as Zephath, which they rename Hormah (Judges 1:17).

10. Capture of Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron
Judah captures the territories of Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron, along with their surrounding areas (Judges 1:18).

11. Inability to Drive Out Inhabitants with Iron Chariots
Despite their successes, Judah is unable to drive out the inhabitants of the plains because they have iron chariots (Judges 1:19).

12. Benjamin's Failure to Capture Jerusalem
The tribe of Benjamin fails to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem, and they continue to live there (Judges 1:21).

13. House of Joseph Attacks Bethel
The house of Joseph spies on Bethel, formerly known as Luz, and successfully captures it with the help of a local man (Judges 1:22-26).

14. Incomplete Conquests by Other Tribes
Various tribes, including Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali, fail to completely drive out the Canaanites from their territories, leading to coexistence and forced labor (Judges 1:27-33).

15. Amorites Confine Dan
The Amorites confine the tribe of Dan to the hill country, not allowing them to come down to the plain (Judges 1:34).

16. Amorites' Persistence
The Amorites persist in living in certain areas, but the house of Joseph eventually subdues them and imposes forced labor (Judges 1:35).Joshua 1:7-9
Emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's law for success and prosperity.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Highlights the principle that obedience is better than sacrifice, underscoring the consequences of partial obedience.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, paralleling the dangers of Israel's compromise with the Canaanites.Pray for a heart of complete obedience to God's commands, resisting the temptation to compromise.

Ask for wisdom and discernment in seeking God's guidance in all areas of life.

Pray for unity and cooperation within the church, that believers may work together effectively for God's kingdom.

Seek God's strength to identify and overcome areas of compromise, maintaining a life set apart for His purposes.

1. How does Judges 1 connect to the narrative of the book of Joshua?

2. What are the consequences of the Israelites' incomplete obedience to God's commands?

3. How does the narrative of Adoni-Bezek exemplify divine justice?

4. How does Caleb's reward to Othniel for his bravery depict the values of that time? How might these values translate today?

5. How does the presence of the Canaanites among the Israelites affect their religious and societal life?

6. Why might the Israelites have struggled to fully conquer the land? Does this reflect any spiritual struggles you've faced?

7. How does the faith of the tribes of Judah and Simeon manifest in their victories?

8. How does the failure of the tribes to drive out the Canaanites represent disobedience to God?

9. What lessons can you learn about trust and obedience from the successes and failures of the Israelites in this chapter?

10. How can we apply the lessons of incomplete conquests to our personal battles today?

11. Why do you think God chose Judah to go up first against the Canaanites?

12. How can the concept of divine justice as demonstrated in Adoni-Bezek’s fate apply in today's society?

13. How did fear influence the actions of the Israelites, and how does fear influence our actions today?

14. How does the intertribal cooperation between Judah and Simeon inform us about community and teamwork in fulfilling God’s commands?

15. How did the lack of strong leadership (after Joshua's death) affect the Israelites? What does this tell us about the importance of leadership in achieving collective goals?

16. What does the repeated failure of the Israelites to completely drive out the Canaanites tell us about the nature of sin and temptation?

17. What spiritual insights can be drawn from the physical battles described in this chapter?

18. How does the narrative in Judges 1 challenge you to be obedient in your daily life?

19. How does the Israelites' struggle to fully conquer the Promised Land relate to our struggle to live fully in God's promises today?

20. How does Judges 1 encourage us to deal with our incomplete victories and unfinished tasks in our Christian walk?