Judges 1:1-19

     The Central Idea of the Text is that Israel failed to follow in the pattern of faith and obedience to God. After the death of Joshua, Judah and Simeon led the first military campaign against the Canaanites. Their obedience to God resulted in the defeat of the Canaanites and the Perizzites at the city of Bezek. They captured Adoni-bezek and disabled him from being a threat. Adoni-bezek recognized his defeat and punishment as divine retribution for the evil he did to seventy other kings. He does not complain, but recognizes the justice of what happens to him because of his cruelty to others. He was transported to the city of Jerusalem and died there. 

• "Their first victory was over the inhabitants of Bezek. After slaying ten thousand men, they cut off the thumbs and big toes of the king, as he had done to his foes. He should have been put to death, as the Lord had commanded (Deut. 7:24), but instead he was only maimed. Then he was taken to Jerusalem, where he later died. This foreshadowed Israel’s disobedience in dealing with the heathen in their land. Rather than completely crushing them, the Israelites only crippled them. Such partial obedience was disobedience and would cost the Jews dearly in the days ahead."[1]

     Caleb offered his daughter in marriage to the man who defeated Kiriath-sepher, thus demonstrating himself as faithful, obedient to God, and having courage in battle. Such a man would make a suitable husband to provide and care for Achsah. In this way, Caleb was thinking about Achsah’s future safety and provision. Othniel rose to the challenge and proved himself worthy. 

     The success of Judah and Simeon suddenly came to a stop when they came against the enemy on iron chariots. It was a lack of faith that resulted in their defeat, and God later rebuked them for failing to take the land (Judg. 2:1-3).

     Success or failure among God’s people is predicated on faithful obedience to His Word. This requires learning God’s Word before living His will. God’s people will always face enemies in the world and we must be willing to pursue His commands over our personal fears. Like the days of the judges, God is now working in His church, not through one leader, but through men and women He’s raised up for our spiritual growth. These men and women have their shortcomings, but God works through them to guide and bring spiritual victory, both personally, and in the world.

 

[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 265.