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Judges 1

36 verses

TL;DR

After Joshua’s death, the Israelites, led mainly by Judah, attempt to conquer Canaan but fail to expel all inhabitants, leaving many Canaanite cities occupied as tributaries.

Summary

Following Joshua’s death, Israel petitions God for leadership in the conquest of Canaan. God designates Judah to lead, and Judah, with Simeon, marches against the Canaanites, securing victories at Bezek and Hebron. Caleb and his brother Othniel seize Debir and marry Achsah, who demands water springs. Judah captures coastal cities such as Gaza, Askelon, and Ekron, but fails to drive out many inland and valley cities; several tribes—including Benjamin, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, Dan, and the house of Joseph—remain in conflict with their Canaanite neighbors, often becoming tributaries instead of being fully subdued. The chapter ends with a summary of the incomplete conquest and the enduring presence of Canaanite peoples.

Outline
  1. 1. Judah’s conquest of Canaan, including Bezek, Hebron, and coastal cities.
  2. 2. The mixed success of other tribes and the persistence of Canaanite towns.
  3. 3. The transition of many Canaanite cities into tributary status rather than full conquest.
Themes
Partial victory and incomplete conquestDivine appointment of leadershipTributary subjugation versus total expulsion
Keywords
IsraelCanaanitesconquestJudahtribestributaryexpulsionGodvictory
People
JudahSimeonAdonibezekCalebOthnielAchsahBenjaminHouse of Joseph (includes Moses’ father‑in‑law)
Places
BezekJerusalemHebron (Kirjatharba)Debir (Kirjathsepher)GazaAskelonEkronAradZephath (Hormah)Bethel (Luz)Hittite landMount HeresAijalonShaalbimAkrabbim
Things
thumbs and great toes cut offedge of the swordcoasttributarieschariots of iron
Key Verses
  • Judges 1:2: God’s selection of Judah to lead the conquest.
  • Judges 1:4: Illustrates Judah’s victory over Bezek and the brutality of Adonibezek’s capture.
  • Judges 1:18: Shows Judah’s control of major coastal cities and the extent of his campaign.
  • Judges 1:28: Summarizes Israel’s overall incomplete conquest and the persistence of Canaanite peoples.
Questions
  • What does the incomplete conquest reveal about Israel’s faithfulness to God’s commands?
  • How does the narrative explain the survival of Canaanite peoples within Israelite territory?
  • What lessons can be drawn from Judah’s successes and the failures of other tribes?
  • In what ways does the theme of ‘tributary’ versus ‘extermination’ shape the political landscape of the time?
  • How do the actions of individual leaders like Caleb and Othniel influence the outcomes for their tribes?
Sentiment

neutral
The chapter presents a factual account of battles and political outcomes without overt moral judgment.