Judges 1:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Judah {H3063} went {H3212} against the Canaanites {H3669} that dwelt {H3427} in Hebron {H2275}:(now the name {H8034} of Hebron {H2275} before {H6440} was Kirjatharba {H7153}:) and they slew {H5221} Sheshai {H8344}, and Ahiman {H289}, and Talmai {H8526}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hudah also attacked the Kena'ani living in Hevron (formerly called Kiryat-Arba), and they overpowered Sheshai, Achiman and Talmai.

Berean Standard Bible

Judah also marched against the Canaanites who were living in Hebron (formerly known as Kiriath-arba), and they struck down Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai.

American Standard Version

And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron (now the name of Hebron beforetime was Kiriath-arba); and they smote Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 1:10 chronicles a significant early victory for the tribe of Judah in the post-Joshua era, detailing their successful military campaign against the Canaanite inhabitants of Hebron. This pivotal conquest included the decisive defeat of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, who were prominent leaders among the Anakim, a formidable race of giants. The verse underscores Judah's initial obedience to the divine mandate for conquest and God's empowering presence in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, thereby fulfilling long-standing promises regarding the inheritance of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 1:10 is strategically placed within the opening chapter of the Book of Judges, which functions as a critical transition from the unified conquest under Joshua's leadership to the subsequent period of tribal autonomy, fragmented obedience, and cyclical apostasy. Following the death of Joshua, the Israelites, specifically the tribe of Judah, sought divine guidance to continue the arduous task of dispossessing the Canaanites from their allotted territories, as commanded in [Judges 1:1](/judges/1-1 "Judges 1:1 - Judah Seeks God's Guidance"). This verse highlights Judah's proactive and successful engagement in the southern hill country, demonstrating an initial commitment to the divine mandate. This success stands in stark contrast to the incomplete conquests and outright failures of other tribes detailed later in the chapter, such as Benjamin's inability to drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem ([Judges 1:21](/judges/1-21 "Judges 1:21 - Benjamin's Failure in Jerusalem")) and the multiple failures of Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan to fully dispossess their inhabitants ([Judges 1:27-36](/judges/1-27-36 "Judges 1:27-36 - Failures of Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan")). Thus, Judges 1:10 serves as an initial benchmark of obedience and divine enablement, even if not consistently maintained by all of Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hebron, an ancient and strategically vital city in the Judean hill country, held immense historical and cultural significance. It was a site deeply rooted in Israel's patriarchal history, serving as the burial place for Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Jacob in the cave of Machpelah ([Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Genesis 23 - Abraham Buys a Burial Plot")). Its earlier name, Kirjatharba, meaning "City of Arba," explicitly connected it to Arba, the progenitor of the Anakim. The Anakim were a race of formidable, giant-like people whose imposing stature and strength had previously instilled paralyzing fear in the Israelite spies during their wilderness wanderings ([Numbers 13:28-33](/numbers/13-28-33 "Numbers 13:28-33 - The Spies' Report on the Anakim")). Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai are specifically identified as "sons of Anak" in [Numbers 13:22](/numbers/13-22 "Numbers 13:22 - The Spies See the Anakim"), underscoring their leadership among this feared group. The conquest of Hebron was not merely a tactical military victory but also the fulfillment of a specific promise made to Caleb, who, due to his unwavering faith, was granted Hebron as his personal inheritance by Joshua ([Joshua 14:13-15](/joshua/14-13-15 "Joshua 14:13-15 - Caleb's Inheritance of Hebron")). This victory, therefore, represented a crucial step in establishing Israelite control over the Promised Land, particularly against its most intimidating inhabitants.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 1:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes the **continuation of the conquest**; even after Joshua's death, the divine command to dispossess the land remained active, requiring tribal initiative and perseverance. This verse highlights Judah's willingness to take up this mantle. Secondly, the successful campaign against the Anakim in Hebron vividly illustrates the theme of **obedience and divine empowerment**. Judah's victory against such formidable foes underscores that when God's people act in faith and obedience to His commands to "drive out the nations" ([Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - Command to Drive Out Nations")), He grants them victory, demonstrating His power through their actions. Lastly, the specific mention and defeat of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the "sons of Anak," reinforces the theme of **overcoming formidable foes**. This triumph serves as a profound testament to God's ability to enable His people to conquer even the most daunting and physically imposing adversaries, a foundational principle for understanding spiritual warfare and God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hebron (Hebrew, _Chebrôwn'_):** From the root meaning "association" or "confederacy," Hebron (H2275) is a pivotal place in Palestine. Its significance extends beyond its strategic location, serving as a burial place for the patriarchs ([Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Genesis 23 - Abraham Buys a Burial Plot")), a city of refuge ([Joshua 20:7](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7 - Hebron as a City of Refuge")), and a temporary capital for King David ([2_samuel/2-1-4](/2-samuel/2-1-4 "2 Samuel 2:1-4 - David Anointed King in Hebron")). Its conquest by Judah, particularly from the Anakim, signifies the reclaiming of a foundational and deeply symbolic site within the Promised Land, demonstrating God's faithfulness in granting the promised inheritance.
* **Kirjatharba (Hebrew, _Qiryath ʼArbaʻ'_):** The former name of Hebron (H7153), meaning "City of Arba." This parenthetical detail is crucial as it explicitly links the city to Arba, the progenitor of the Anakim, thereby immediately signaling the formidable and fearsome nature of its original inhabitants. The explicit naming of the city's former identity underscores the magnitude of Judah's victory over a deeply entrenched and notorious enemy lineage, highlighting the fulfillment of the divine promise to overcome all opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron:"** This opening clause establishes the primary actor, the tribe of Judah (H3063, _Yᵉhûwdâh'_), and their decisive action (H3212, _yâlak'_ - "went against," implying military engagement) against the Canaanites (H3669, _Kᵉnaʻanîy'_), specifically those dwelling (H3427, _yâshab'_ - "dwelt," indicating established presence) in Hebron (H2275, _Chebrôwn'_). This signifies Judah's active obedience to the divine command to dispossess the land, taking the initiative in the post-Joshua era and continuing the conquest by targeting a key stronghold.
* **"(now the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba:)"** This parenthetical statement provides vital historical and cultural context. It informs the reader that Hebron was previously known as Kirjatharba (H7153, _Qiryath ʼArbaʻ'_), linking the city directly to Arba, the progenitor of the Anakim. This detail immediately raises the stakes of the conflict, indicating that Judah was confronting not just any Canaanites, but the feared Anakim, whose presence had previously caused Israel to falter in faith ([Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies' Report")). The inclusion of "before" (H6440, _pânîym'_ - "in former time") emphasizes the ancient and deeply rooted nature of this enemy.
* **"and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai."** This final clause details the decisive and complete outcome of Judah's campaign in Hebron. The verb "slew" (H5221, _nâkâh'_ - "to strike, kill") indicates a decisive victory. The specific mention of these three individuals—Sheshai (H8344, _Shêshay'_), Ahiman (H289, _ʼĂchîyman'_), and Talmai (H8526, _Talmay'_), known as the "sons of Anak" ([Numbers 13:22](/numbers/13-22 "Numbers 13:22 - The Spies See the Anakim"))—emphasizes the thorough and significant nature of the victory. Their defeat signifies the triumph over the most formidable and symbolic of Israel's enemies in the land, demonstrating God's power working through His obedient people.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 1:10 employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Parenthesis**, seen in the phrase "(now the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba:)". This insertion provides crucial background information without interrupting the main narrative flow, immediately informing the reader of the formidable nature of Hebron's original inhabitants and the profound significance of Judah's victory. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** through the specific naming of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, which echoes their earlier mention in [Numbers 13:22](/numbers/13-22 "Numbers 13:22 - The Spies See the Anakim") and [Joshua 15:14](/joshua/15-14 "Joshua 15:14 - Caleb Drives Out the Anakim"), reinforcing their identity as the feared Anakim leaders and emphasizing the decisive nature of their defeat. Furthermore, the conquest of Hebron and the defeat of the Anakim function as powerful **Symbolism**. Hebron, a deeply ancient and significant city, becomes a symbol of the entrenched strongholds of evil and the formidable obstacles that God's people must confront. The Anakim, representing overwhelming and terrifying foes, symbolize the spiritual and physical "giants" that believers are called to overcome through faith and divine empowerment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 1:10 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and the indispensable necessity of human obedience in their fulfillment. The conquest of Hebron and the decisive defeat of the Anakim—a feat that had previously instilled paralyzing fear and doubt in Israel's heart during the wilderness generation—serves as a powerful testament to God's enduring power to enable His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This victory is not merely a military achievement but a profound spiritual triumph, demonstrating that no enemy is too great when God fights alongside His people. It underscores the vital principle that divine promises often require human action, faith-filled perseverance, and courageous initiative. The passage also highlights the importance of completing the task God has set forth, even after the initial, unified leadership has passed, emphasizing individual and tribal responsibility in the ongoing spiritual battle for God's purposes.

* [Numbers 13:28-33](/numbers/13-28-33 "Numbers 13:28-33 - The Spies' Fear of the Anakim")
* [Joshua 14:13-15](/joshua/14-13-15 "Joshua 14:13-15 - Caleb's Inheritance of Hebron")
* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - God's Command to Drive Out Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 1:10 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating their spiritual journeys in every generation. Just as the tribe of Judah was called to continue the conquest after Joshua's leadership, we are likewise called to persevere in our faith and courageously confront the "giants" in our lives—whether they manifest as entrenched sinful habits, overwhelming personal challenges, spiritual opposition, or cultural pressures that oppose God's truth. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's power is not limited by the size, strength, or perceived invincibility of our adversaries. The defeat of the Anakim, who were once a source of paralyzing fear for Israel, profoundly encourages us that with God's empowering presence and active involvement, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome. It challenges us to identify the "Hebrons" in our own lives—those areas where sin, fear, or spiritual apathy have established strongholds—and to, by faith, "go against" them, trusting implicitly in God's provision and strength rather than our own limited capabilities. Our spiritual battles require initiative, courageous obedience, and an unwavering reliance on the Lord, knowing that He has already secured the ultimate victory through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable challenges do I currently face in my spiritual walk or personal life that require divine intervention?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I called to "go against" an entrenched stronghold, trusting in God's power rather than my own efforts or wisdom?**
* **How does Judah's initial obedience in this passage challenge me to take greater initiative in pursuing God's will, even when the path ahead seems difficult or intimidating?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Anakim, and why were they so feared?**

Answer: The Anakim were a race of formidable, giant-like people who inhabited parts of Canaan, particularly the southern hill country around Hebron. They were greatly feared by the Israelites due to their immense physical stature and strength, which was vividly described by the spies in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Report on the Giants"). The spies reported seeing "the Nephilim (the Anakim come from the Nephilim); and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them." This fear led to a catastrophic lack of faith and rebellion among the Israelites, resulting in their forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Judah's victory over their leaders (Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai) in [Judges 1:10](/judges/1-10 "Judges 1:10 - Judah's Conquest of Hebron") therefore represents a significant triumph over a long-standing source of national terror and a powerful testament to God's ability to empower His people against any foe, regardless of their perceived strength.

**Why is the conquest of Hebron specifically mentioned here, given it was also in Joshua?**

Answer: The conquest of Hebron is indeed mentioned in both [Joshua 14:13-15](/joshua/14-13-15 "Joshua 14:13-15 - Caleb's Inheritance of Hebron") and [Joshua 15:13-14](/joshua/15-13-14 "Joshua 15:13-14 - Caleb Drives Out the Anakim") as part of Caleb's inheritance and his personal campaign. Its re-mention in [Judges 1:10](/judges/1-10 "Judges 1:10 - Judah's Conquest of Hebron") serves several crucial purposes within the narrative flow of Judges. Firstly, the Book of Judges often provides a more detailed, tribal-focused account of the conquest, sometimes reiterating or expanding on events briefly noted in Joshua, offering a different perspective. Secondly, it emphasizes Judah's leadership and initial success in the post-Joshua period, setting a positive example that contrasts sharply with the failures of other tribes detailed later in the chapter. Thirdly, it highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to Caleb, demonstrating divine faithfulness even as the narrative transitions to a period of fragmented leadership and inconsistent obedience. The Judges account may also describe a later, more complete dispossessing action or a final consolidation of control after Caleb's initial victory.

**What is the significance of the name "Kirjatharba"?**

Answer: "Kirjatharba" (or Kiriath-Arba) was the ancient, pre-Israelite name for Hebron, and its significance lies deeply in its literal meaning: "City of Arba." Arba was identified as the father or progenitor of the Anakim, the notorious race of giants. By explicitly stating that Hebron was formerly Kirjatharba, the text immediately informs the reader that Judah was confronting the very heartland and leadership of these formidable, feared inhabitants. This detail profoundly underscores the magnitude of Judah's victory, transforming it from a simple military conquest into a powerful demonstration of God's ability to empower His people to overcome even the most intimidating and deeply entrenched enemies, fulfilling His promise to give them the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 1:10, though detailing an ancient military conquest by the tribe of Judah, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The tribal conquest of the Promised Land, marked by the decisive defeat of formidable foes like the Anakim, ultimately foreshadows Christ's ultimate and decisive victory over the spiritual enemies of humanity. Just as Judah, from whom Christ descends as the [Lion of the tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah"), led the charge against the Anakim, so too does Christ lead His people in a far greater spiritual conquest. He is the ultimate "greater Joshua" who leads His people not into a physical land, but into a spiritual inheritance and eternal rest, having already triumphed decisively over sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers"); [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). The Anakim, representing overwhelming obstacles, spiritual strongholds, and demonic oppression, are ultimately defeated by Christ's finished work on the cross, which liberates believers from the power of darkness and transfers them into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Our "Hebrons"—the entrenched areas of sin, fear, and spiritual opposition in our lives—are overcome not by our own strength or military might, but by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends to empower us for spiritual warfare and to live in the victory He has already secured ([Ephesians 6:10-12](/ephesians/6-10-12 "Ephesians 6:10-12 - The Armor of God"); [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:1-8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Judges 1:10 points forward to the ultimate King from Judah, who secured the decisive and eternal victory for His people, enabling them to live in the freedom and triumph of His reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 14:15

And the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba; [which Arba was] a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.

Numbers 13:22

And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, [were]. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)

Joshua 15:13

¶ And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, [even] the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron.

Joshua 15:19

Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.

Numbers 13:33

And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, [which come] of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Judges 1:20

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

Ecclesiastes 9:11

¶ I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.