Judges 1:10

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Judges 1:10 chronicles a significant victory for the tribe of Judah as they continued the conquest of the Promised Land after the death of Joshua. This verse details their successful campaign against the Canaanites residing in Hebron, including the defeat of three notable figures associated with the formidable Anakim.

Context

This verse is part of the opening chapter of the Book of Judges, which describes the fragmented and often incomplete efforts of the Israelite tribes to fully possess their allotted territories after the unified leadership of Joshua had ceased. Following God's instruction to Judah to lead the way (Judges 1:1), this passage highlights their initial successes. Hebron, a very ancient and strategically important city in the southern hill country, was originally known as Kirjatharba. It was a major stronghold for the Anakim, a race of giants. Importantly, Hebron had been promised to Caleb as his inheritance due to his unwavering faith, and this verse recounts the fulfillment of that promise through Judah's military action, likely with Caleb at the forefront.

Key Themes

  • Continuation of the Conquest: The verse emphasizes that the task of conquering the Promised Land was ongoing even after Joshua's death. It highlights the tribal responsibility to continue the work initiated by God.
  • Obedience and Divine Empowerment: Judah's success against such powerful inhabitants like the Anakim underscores the principle that when God's people obey His commands to drive out the nations, He grants them victory.
  • Overcoming Formidable Foes: The specific mention of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, who were known as descendants of Anak, signifies that Judah confronted and defeated some of the most feared and physically imposing adversaries in the land. This victory was a testament to God's power working through His people.

Linguistic Insights

The parenthetical phrase, "now the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba," provides crucial historical and cultural context. Kirjatharba (or Kiriath-Arba) literally means "City of Arba," referring to Arba, the father of the Anakim. This detail immediately signals the formidable nature of the city's previous inhabitants. Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai are specifically identified in Numbers 13:22 as the three sons of Anak, reinforcing that Judah was directly confronting the core leadership of these giant-like people. Their defeat in Hebron was a significant spiritual and military triumph, demonstrating that no enemy was too powerful for God's people when they acted in faith.

Practical Application

Judges 1:10 offers timeless lessons for believers. Just as Judah had to continue the conquest even after a period of great leadership, we are called to persevere in our spiritual walk and battles. We will inevitably face "giants" in our lives—whether they are entrenched sins, overwhelming challenges, or spiritual opposition. This verse encourages us that with God's presence and power, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome. It reminds us to take initiative in pursuing God's will and fulfilling His purposes, trusting that He provides the strength for every task, much like the promise found in Philippians 4:13.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 14:15 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Ecclesiastes 9:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.