1 Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the Lord, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?

2 And the Lord said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.

3 And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.

4 And Judah went up; and the Lord delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.

5 And they found Adonibezek in Bezek: and they fought against him, and they slew the Canaanites and the Perizzites.

6 But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.

7 And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their meat under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.

8 Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.

9 And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites, that dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley.

10 And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron: (now the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.

11 And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher:

12 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

13 And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

14 And it came to pass, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?

15 And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.

16 And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.

17 And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah.

18 Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof.

19 And the Lord was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.

20 And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak.

21 And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

22 And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the Lord was with them.

23 And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)

24 And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will shew thee mercy.

25 And when he shewed them the entrance into the city, they smote the city with the edge of the sword; but they let go the man and all his family.

26 And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz: which is the name thereof unto this day.

27 Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

28 And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.

29 Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them.

30 Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became tributaries.

31 Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:

32 But the Asherites dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out.

33 Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Bethanath became tributaries unto them.

34 And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley:

35 But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.

36 And the coast of the Amorites was from the going up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Proceedings of the tribes of Judah and Simeon.
The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites was to be continued; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried on after the death of Joshua. In these respects they inquired of the Lord. God appoints service according to the strength he has given. From those who are most able, most work is expected. Judah was first in dignity, and must be first in duty. Judah's service will not avail unless God give success; but God will not give the success, unless Judah applies to the service. Judah was the most considerable of all the tribes, and Simeon the least; yet Judah begs Simeon's friendship, and prays for aid from him. It becomes Israelites to help one another against Canaanites; and all Christians, even those of different tribes, should strengthen one another. Those who thus help one another in love, have reason to hope that God will graciously help both. Adoni-bezek was taken prisoner. This prince had been a severe tyrant. The Israelites, doubtless under the Divine direction, made him suffer what he had done to others; and his own conscience confessed that he was justly treated as he had treated others. Thus the righteous God sometimes, in his providence, makes the punishment answer the sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
After the death - Not long after it; for Othniel, the first judge, lived in Joshua's time. Asked the Lord - Being assembled together at Shiloh, they enquired of the high - priest by the Urim and the Thummim. Against the Canaanites first - Finding their people multiply exceedingly, and consequently the necessity of enlarging their quarters, they renew the war. They do not enquire who shall be captain general to all the tribes; but what tribe shall first undertake the expedition, that by their success the other tribes may be encouraged to make the like attempt upon the Canaanites in their several lots.
McArther Bible Commentary
after the death of Joshua. C. 1383 B.C. (cf. Jos 14:7-10 with Jos 24:29). Descriptions of the book's setting in Judges 1 and 2 vary between times after Joshua's death and flashbacks summarizing conditions while he was alive (e.g. Jdg 2:2-6). Compare Jos 1:1, "After the death of Moses."
Bible Cross References
Numbers 27:21 Judges 1:27 Judges 2:21 Judges 3:1

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Proceedings of the tribes of Judah and Simeon.
The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites was to be continued; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried on after the death of Joshua. In these respects they inquired of the Lord. God appoints service according to the strength he has given. From those who are most able, most work is expected. Judah was first in dignity, and must be first in duty. Judah's service will not avail unless God give success; but God will not give the success, unless Judah applies to the service. Judah was the most considerable of all the tribes, and Simeon the least; yet Judah begs Simeon's friendship, and prays for aid from him. It becomes Israelites to help one another against Canaanites; and all Christians, even those of different tribes, should strengthen one another. Those who thus help one another in love, have reason to hope that God will graciously help both. Adoni-bezek was taken prisoner. This prince had been a severe tyrant. The Israelites, doubtless under the Divine direction, made him suffer what he had done to others; and his own conscience confessed that he was justly treated as he had treated others. Thus the righteous God sometimes, in his providence, makes the punishment answer the sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Judah - The tribe of Judah is chosen for the first enterprise, because they were both most populous, and so most needing enlargement; and withal most valiant, and therefore most likely to succeed: for God chooseth fit means for the work which he designs. Moreover the Canaanites were numerous and strong in those parts, and therefore to be suppressed, before they grew too strong for them.
McArther Bible Commentary
Judah shall go up. This tribe received God's first go-ahead to push for a more thorough conquest of its territory. The reason probably rested in God's choice that Judah be the leader among the tribes (Gen 49:8-12; 1Ch 5:1-2) and set the example for them in the other territories.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 49:8 Judges 1:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Proceedings of the tribes of Judah and Simeon.
The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites was to be continued; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried on after the death of Joshua. In these respects they inquired of the Lord. God appoints service according to the strength he has given. From those who are most able, most work is expected. Judah was first in dignity, and must be first in duty. Judah's service will not avail unless God give success; but God will not give the success, unless Judah applies to the service. Judah was the most considerable of all the tribes, and Simeon the least; yet Judah begs Simeon's friendship, and prays for aid from him. It becomes Israelites to help one another against Canaanites; and all Christians, even those of different tribes, should strengthen one another. Those who thus help one another in love, have reason to hope that God will graciously help both. Adoni-bezek was taken prisoner. This prince had been a severe tyrant. The Israelites, doubtless under the Divine direction, made him suffer what he had done to others; and his own conscience confessed that he was justly treated as he had treated others. Thus the righteous God sometimes, in his providence, makes the punishment answer the sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
To Simeon - As nearest to him both by relation, being his brother by both parents, and by habitation. The Canaanites - Specially so called, because they are distinguished from the Perizzites, (Judges 1:4) .
Bible Cross References
Judges 1:2 Judges 1:4

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Proceedings of the tribes of Judah and Simeon.
The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites was to be continued; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried on after the death of Joshua. In these respects they inquired of the Lord. God appoints service according to the strength he has given. From those who are most able, most work is expected. Judah was first in dignity, and must be first in duty. Judah's service will not avail unless God give success; but God will not give the success, unless Judah applies to the service. Judah was the most considerable of all the tribes, and Simeon the least; yet Judah begs Simeon's friendship, and prays for aid from him. It becomes Israelites to help one another against Canaanites; and all Christians, even those of different tribes, should strengthen one another. Those who thus help one another in love, have reason to hope that God will graciously help both. Adoni-bezek was taken prisoner. This prince had been a severe tyrant. The Israelites, doubtless under the Divine direction, made him suffer what he had done to others; and his own conscience confessed that he was justly treated as he had treated others. Thus the righteous God sometimes, in his providence, makes the punishment answer the sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In Bezek - Not in the city, for that was not yet taken, (Judges 1:5) , but in the territory of it.
Bible Cross References
Judges 1:3 Judges 1:5 Psalm 44:2 Psalm 78:55

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Proceedings of the tribes of Judah and Simeon.
The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites was to be continued; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried on after the death of Joshua. In these respects they inquired of the Lord. God appoints service according to the strength he has given. From those who are most able, most work is expected. Judah was first in dignity, and must be first in duty. Judah's service will not avail unless God give success; but God will not give the success, unless Judah applies to the service. Judah was the most considerable of all the tribes, and Simeon the least; yet Judah begs Simeon's friendship, and prays for aid from him. It becomes Israelites to help one another against Canaanites; and all Christians, even those of different tribes, should strengthen one another. Those who thus help one another in love, have reason to hope that God will graciously help both. Adoni-bezek was taken prisoner. This prince had been a severe tyrant. The Israelites, doubtless under the Divine direction, made him suffer what he had done to others; and his own conscience confessed that he was justly treated as he had treated others. Thus the righteous God sometimes, in his providence, makes the punishment answer the sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Adoni - bezek - The lord or king of Bezek; as his name signifies. In Bezek - Whither he fled when he lost the field. Against him - That is, against the city wherein he had encamped himself, and the rest of his army.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 13:7 Judges 1:4 Judges 1:6 1 Samuel 11:8

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Proceedings of the tribes of Judah and Simeon.
The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites was to be continued; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried on after the death of Joshua. In these respects they inquired of the Lord. God appoints service according to the strength he has given. From those who are most able, most work is expected. Judah was first in dignity, and must be first in duty. Judah's service will not avail unless God give success; but God will not give the success, unless Judah applies to the service. Judah was the most considerable of all the tribes, and Simeon the least; yet Judah begs Simeon's friendship, and prays for aid from him. It becomes Israelites to help one another against Canaanites; and all Christians, even those of different tribes, should strengthen one another. Those who thus help one another in love, have reason to hope that God will graciously help both. Adoni-bezek was taken prisoner. This prince had been a severe tyrant. The Israelites, doubtless under the Divine direction, made him suffer what he had done to others; and his own conscience confessed that he was justly treated as he had treated others. Thus the righteous God sometimes, in his providence, makes the punishment answer the sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Great toes - And this they did, either by the direction of God, or upon notice of his former tyranny and cruelty.
McArther Bible Commentary
cut off his thumbs and big toes. Removing the king's thumbs hampered effective use of a weapon; taking off his big toes rendered footing unreliable in battle. Thus, the king was rendered unable to fight or rule effectively in the future. The Lord Himself is nowhere said to endorse this tactic, but it was an act of retributive justice for what Adoni-Bezek had done to others. It appears from his confession that he was acknowledging that he deserved it.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 29:20 Judges 1:5 Judges 1:7

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Proceedings of the tribes of Judah and Simeon.
The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites was to be continued; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried on after the death of Joshua. In these respects they inquired of the Lord. God appoints service according to the strength he has given. From those who are most able, most work is expected. Judah was first in dignity, and must be first in duty. Judah's service will not avail unless God give success; but God will not give the success, unless Judah applies to the service. Judah was the most considerable of all the tribes, and Simeon the least; yet Judah begs Simeon's friendship, and prays for aid from him. It becomes Israelites to help one another against Canaanites; and all Christians, even those of different tribes, should strengthen one another. Those who thus help one another in love, have reason to hope that God will graciously help both. Adoni-bezek was taken prisoner. This prince had been a severe tyrant. The Israelites, doubtless under the Divine direction, made him suffer what he had done to others; and his own conscience confessed that he was justly treated as he had treated others. Thus the righteous God sometimes, in his providence, makes the punishment answer the sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Threescore and ten - Which is not strange in those times and places. For it is well known, that anciently each ruler of a city, or great town, was called a king, and had kingly power in that place; and many such kings we meet with in Canaan: and it is probable, that some years before, kings were more numerous there, 'till the greater devoured many of the less. Under my table - An act of barbarous inhumanity thus to insult over the miserable, joined with abominable luxury.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 29:20 Leviticus 24:19 Judges 1:6 1 Samuel 15:33

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Proceedings of the tribes of Judah and Simeon.
The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites was to be continued; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried on after the death of Joshua. In these respects they inquired of the Lord. God appoints service according to the strength he has given. From those who are most able, most work is expected. Judah was first in dignity, and must be first in duty. Judah's service will not avail unless God give success; but God will not give the success, unless Judah applies to the service. Judah was the most considerable of all the tribes, and Simeon the least; yet Judah begs Simeon's friendship, and prays for aid from him. It becomes Israelites to help one another against Canaanites; and all Christians, even those of different tribes, should strengthen one another. Those who thus help one another in love, have reason to hope that God will graciously help both. Adoni-bezek was taken prisoner. This prince had been a severe tyrant. The Israelites, doubtless under the Divine direction, made him suffer what he had done to others; and his own conscience confessed that he was justly treated as he had treated others. Thus the righteous God sometimes, in his providence, makes the punishment answer the sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And took - Yet some of the inhabitants retired into the castle, and held out there 'till David's time.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:63 Judges 1:9 Judges 1:21

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Hebron and other cities taken.
The Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels, (Psalm 68:17). Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith. About Caleb we read in (Joshua 15:16-19). The Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 12:9 Judges 1:8 Judges 1:10

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Hebron and other cities taken.
The Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels, (Psalm 68:17). Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith. About Caleb we read in (Joshua 15:16-19). The Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Judah went - Under the conduct of Caleb, as is recorded, (Joshua 15:14) , &c., for that relation, and this, are doubtless one and the same expedition, and it is mentioned there by anticipation.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 23:2 Genesis 37:14 Joshua 10:36 Joshua 15:13 Judges 1:9 Judges 1:20

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Hebron and other cities taken.
The Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels, (Psalm 68:17). Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith. About Caleb we read in (Joshua 15:16-19). The Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 10:38 Joshua 15:15 Judges 1:12

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Hebron and other cities taken.
The Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels, (Psalm 68:17). Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith. About Caleb we read in (Joshua 15:16-19). The Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
McArther Bible Commentary
Caleb said. This repeats the account of Caleb and his family (cf. Jos 15:13-19)
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:15 Joshua 15:16 Judges 1:11 Judges 1:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Hebron and other cities taken.
The Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels, (Psalm 68:17). Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith. About Caleb we read in (Joshua 15:16-19). The Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:16 Joshua 15:17 Judges 1:12 Judges 3:9

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Hebron and other cities taken.
The Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels, (Psalm 68:17). Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith. About Caleb we read in (Joshua 15:16-19). The Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:18 Judges 1:15

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Hebron and other cities taken.
The Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels, (Psalm 68:17). Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith. About Caleb we read in (Joshua 15:16-19). The Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Bible Cross References
2 Corinthians 9:5 Joshua 15:19 Judges 1:14 Judges 1:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Hebron and other cities taken.
The Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels, (Psalm 68:17). Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith. About Caleb we read in (Joshua 15:16-19). The Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Moses's father - in - law - That is, of Jethro, so called from the people whom he descended, (Numbers 24:21-22) . And, whatsoever he did, it is evident, that his posterity came into Canaan with the Israelites, and were there seated with them, see (Judges 4:11) , (Judges 4:17) , (Judges 5:24) ; (1 Samuel 15:6) ; 1Ch. 2:1-55. City of palm - trees - That is, from Jericho, so called, (Deuteronomy 34:3) , not the city which was destroyed, but the territory belonging to it, where it seems they were seated, in a most pleasant, and fruitful, and safe place, according to the promise made by Moses to their father, (Numbers 10:29-32) , and whence they might remove, either to avoid the neighboring Canaanites; or out of love to the children of Judah. South of Arad - In the southern part of the land of Canaan, where Arad was, (Numbers 21:1) . They went - That is some of them, for others of them dwelt in a contrary quarter, in the most northern part of the land. Among the people - Heb. that people, namely, those children of Judah that lived there.
McArther Bible Commentary
the City of Palms. Since Jericho was destroyed in the invasion, this refers to the area around Jericho, an oasis of springs and palms (Deu 34:3).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 3:1 Numbers 10:29 Numbers 10:30 Numbers 21:1 Deuteronomy 34:3 Judges 1:15 Judges 3:13 Judges 4:11 1 Samuel 15:6 1 Samuel 27:10 1 Samuel 30:29

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Hebron and other cities taken.
The Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels, (Psalm 68:17). Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith. About Caleb we read in (Joshua 15:16-19). The Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Judah went with Simeon - According to his promise, (Judges 1:3) , and the laws of justice and gratitude. Hormah - Either, The same place so called, (Numbers 21:3) , and so what was there vowed, is here executed: or, Some other place called by the same name upon the like occasion, which was frequent among the Hebrews. This seems more probable.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 21:3 1 Samuel 30:30

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Hebron and other cities taken.
The Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels, (Psalm 68:17). Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith. About Caleb we read in (Joshua 15:16-19). The Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Judah took - It is only said, they took the cities, and probably contented themselves with making them tributary; but it is not said that they slew the people, as they ought to have done; and as it is said of the other cities here. And the people being thus spared, did by God's just judgment recover their strength, and expel the Jews out of their cities. It is farther observable, that Ekron here taken, was one of Dan's cities, (Joshua 19:43) , and it was taken here by Judah and Simeon, partly out of love for their brother Dan, and partly to secure their new conquests, and other adjoining territories, from such potent neighbours.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 11:22 Joshua 13:3 1 Kings 4:24 Jeremiah 47:5

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Hebron and other cities taken.
The Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels, (Psalm 68:17). Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith. About Caleb we read in (Joshua 15:16-19). The Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Could not drive - Because of their unbelief, whereby they distrusted God's power to destroy those who had chariots of iron, and so gave way to their own fear and sloth, whereby God was provoked to withdraw his helping hand.
McArther Bible Commentary
they could not drive out. They of Judah could not. They had been promised by Joshua that they could conquer the lowland (Jos 17:16, Jos 17:18) and should have remembered Jos 11:4-9. This is a recurring failure among the tribes to rise to full trust and obedience for victory by God's power. Settling for less than what God was able to give (Jos 1:6-9) began even in Joshua's day (Jdg 2:2-6) and earlier (Num. 13; 14). In another sense, God permitted Israel's enemies to hold out as a test to display whether His people would obey Him (Jdg 2:20-23; Jdg 3:1, Jdg 3:4). Another factor involved keeping the wild animal count from rising too fast (Deu 7:22).
Bible Cross References
Joshua 6:27 Joshua 17:16 Judges 4:3 Judges 4:13

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Hebron and other cities taken.
The Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels, (Psalm 68:17). Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith. About Caleb we read in (Joshua 15:16-19). The Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
McArther Bible Commentary
sons of Anak. Anak was an early inhabitant of central Canaan near Hebron from whom came an entire group of unusually tall people called the Anakim (Deu 2:10). They frightened the ten spies (Num 13:33; Deu 9:2), but were finally driven out of the land by Caleb (Jos 14:12-15; Jos 15:13-14; Jos 21:11) with the exception of some who resettled with the Philistines (Jos 11:22). "The sons of Anak" was used as a term equivalent to "the Anakim."
Bible Cross References
Joshua 10:36 Joshua 14:9 Joshua 14:13 Joshua 15:14 Judges 1:10

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:63 Judges 1:8 Judges 1:22 2 Samuel 5:6 1 Kings 9:21 1 Chronicles 11:4 Psalm 106:34

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
House of Joseph - That is, the tribe of Ephraim.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 8:12 Judges 1:21 Judges 1:23 1 Chronicles 7:29

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 28:19 Joshua 18:13 Judges 1:22

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The entrance - On which side it is weakest, that we might best invade and take it.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 2:12 Judges 1:25

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
His family - Together with his estate, as the following verse manifests.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 6:25 Judges 1:26

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The Hittites - Where the Hittites seated themselves after they were driven out of Canaan, which seems to be northward from Canaan, and near upon it.
Bible Cross References
Judges 1:25 Judges 1:27

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Manasseh - That is, that half of this tribe which dwelt in Canaan.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 17:11 Joshua 17:12 Judges 1:1 Judges 1:26 Judges 1:28 Judges 5:19 2 Kings 9:27 Psalm 106:34

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
Bible Cross References
Judges 1:27 Judges 1:29 1 Kings 9:21 Proverbs 12:24

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In Gezer - Which they possessed 'till Solomon's time, (1 Kings 9:16) .
Bible Cross References
Joshua 10:33 Joshua 16:10 Judges 1:28 Judges 1:30 1 Kings 9:15

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 49:15 Judges 1:29 Judges 1:31

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 19:28 Joshua 19:29 Judges 1:30 Judges 1:32 2 Samuel 24:6

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
Bible Cross References
Judges 1:31 Judges 1:33 2 Samuel 2:9

Verse 33

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 15:10 Joshua 19:38 Judges 1:32 Judges 1:34

Verse 34

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The valley - That is, into the plain country; which was the occasion of that expedition for the getting new quarters, of which we read (Joshua 19:47-48) and Jdg. 18:1-31.
McArther Bible Commentary
Amorites forced … Dan. Like all other tribes, Dan had a territory given to them, but they failed to claim the power of God to conquer that territory. Later, they capitulated even more by accepting defeat and migrating to another territory in the north, becoming idolatrous (Judg. 18).
Bible Cross References
Judges 1:33 Judges 1:35

Verse 35

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
House of Joseph - That is, of the Ephraimites, who helped their brethren the Danites against the Amorites.
Bible Cross References
Judges 1:34 Judges 1:36 1 Kings 4:9 1 Kings 9:21

Verse 36

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The proceedings of other tribes.
The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Akrabbim - Which was in the southern part of Canaan, (Joshua 15:2-3) , from whence it went up towards the north. This is added to shew the great power and large extent of this people.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 34:4 Joshua 15:3 Judges 1:35