Judges 1

Judges 1:1

DEath of Jeshua] And the funerall mourning ended.

asked the Lord] To wit, by the high priest, according to the Law, Numbers 27:21. Exodus 28:30. So Judges 20:18. 1 Samuel 23:9.

Who] 1: e. What tribe shall first begin to fight against the Canaanites, and so be a precedent to the rest.

Judges 1:3

said unto Simeon] Because their inheritances were intermingled, therefore they joyned in war. Joshua 19:1.

Judges 1:5

Adni-bezek] 1: e. Bezek the lord or ing of that countrey.

Bezek] Which was neer Jerusalem.

Judges 1:6

cut off his thumbs] To wit, by law of retaliation because he had used the like cruelty to others, as himself confesseth, 5: 7. 1 Samuel 15:33. Isaiah 33:1.

Judges 1:7

having their thumbs] Which cruelty he exercised, that they might never after handle arms, nor escape by flight, and that others might be deterred from warring with him, by their example.

Judges 1:8

fought against Jerusalem] 1: e. That southern part of it which was faln to their lot, and called Jebus; but not that northern part which was faln to Benjamins share, and called Salem, See Josh. 15. 8, 63. and 18. 11, 28. and here. 5: 21. For this was a double city, besides the Castle (and therefore its name is of the duall number) of which, one was in Judah’s lot, the other in Benjamins, together with the Castle.

Judges 1:10

And Judah went] To wit, under the conduct of Joshua and Caleb. Joshua 10:36. and 15. 13, 14. For these things here related to the 17 verse, were done in Joshuahs time, but here expressed more fully and particularly.

Judges 1:14

And it came to passe] See this story before related, Josh. 15. 18, 19. And the annotations on that place.

Judges 1:16

Kenite] 1: e. Jethro, Exodus 18:1. Num. 24. 21, 22.

palm-trees] 1: e. Jericho. Deuteronomy 34:3. 2 Chronicles 28:15.

Arad] See Numbers 21:1.

Judges 1:17

And Judah] Here the history broken off, 5: 8. is resumed and prosecuted.

Zephath] See 2 Chronicles 14:10.

Hormah] 1: e. Devoted to destruction. See Numbers 14:45. and 21. 1, 3.

Judges 1:18

Gaza] These cities were in the land of the Philistims, at the Mediterranean sea side, and were afterwards by them again recovered. Judg. 14. 19. 16. 1, 2. 1 Samuel 6:17.

Judges 1:19

because they had charits] This was no just cause to deterre them from pursuing their conquests, for they had Gods expresse promise of victory, notwithstanding these iron chariots. Joshua 17:18. But it was onely their want of valour, and their sinfull fear, and want of faith in Gods promises that hindered them; and neglect of Gods commands, who enjoyned them to drive them out, Joshua 13:6.

Judges 1:20

Hebron to Caleb] See the story of it. Josh. 14. 6, 7, &c.

Judges 1:21

Jerusalem] 1: e. Their part of the city, and the castle or fort, but these remained unconquered till Davids time, 2 Sam. 5. 6, 7.

to this day] To wit, when this story was written.

Judges 1:24

the entrance] 1: e. The weakest part, where it may most easily be assaulted, and give us entrance into i.

Judges 1:26

Hiites] On the north side of the mountain of Ephraim.

Judges 1:27

Beth-shean] Which lay on the west-side of Jordan. See Joshua 17:11.

Taanach] At the hill of Gilboa, Joshua 17:11

Ibleam] Which lay neer the Mediterranean sea.

would] 1: e. Either by force or composition.

Judges 1:28

tribute] They made peace with them on this onely condition, neglecting Gods worship, and expresse command; Exodus 23:32. Deuteronomy 7:2.

Judges 1:29

Gezer] Lying on the river Gaas, neer the Mediterranean sea, and being a citie of the Levites, Joshua 21:21.

Judges 1:35

would dwell] See 5: 27.

house of Joseph] Which came to succour Dan, subdued the Amorites, so as they became tributares.

Judges 1:36

Akrabbim] Lying southernly on the salt sea, and easternly on mount Seir, and on the utmost borders of Canaan, towards the sonth. Josh. 15. 2, 3.