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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Judges 1:9–20.
We have here a further account of that glorious and successful campaign which Judah and Simeon made. 1. The lot of Judah was pretty well cleared of the Canaanites, yet not thoroughly. Those that dwelt in the mountain (the mountains that were round about Jerusalem) were driven out (Jdg 1:9, Jdg 1:19), but those in the valley kept their ground against them, having chariots of iron, such as we read of, Jos 17:16. Here the men of Judah failed, and thereby spoiled the influence which otherwise their example hitherto might have had on the rest of the tribes, who followed them in this instance of their cowardice, rather than in all the other instances of their courage. They had iron chariots, and therefore it was thought not safe to attack them: but had not Israel God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels (Psa 68:17), before whom these iron chariots would be but as stubble to the fire? Had not God expressly promised by the oracle (Jdg 1:2) to give them success against the Canaanites in this very expedition, without excepting those that had iron chariots? Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith, they could not trust God under any disadvantages, and therefore durst not face the iron chariots, but meanly withdrew their forces, when with one bold stroke they might have completed their victories; and it proved of pernicious consequence. They did run well, what hindered them? Gal 5:7. 2. Caleb was put in possession of Hebron, which, though given him by Joshua ten or twelve years before (as Dr. Lightfoot computes), yet being employed in public service, for the settling of the tribes, which he preferred before his own private interests, it seems he did not till now make himself master of; so well content was that good man to serve others, while he left himself to be served last; few are like-minded, for all seek their own, Phi 2:20, Phi 2:21. Yet now the men of Judah all came in to his assistance for the reducing of Hebron (Jdg 1:10), slew the sons of Anak, and put him in possession of it, Jdg 1:20. They gave Hebron unto Caleb. And now Caleb, that he might return the kindness of his countrymen, is impatient to see Debir reduced and put into the hands of the men of Judah, to expedite which he proffers his daughter to the person that will undertake to command in the siege of that important place, Jdg 1:11, Jdg 1:12. Othniel bravely undertakes it, and wins the town and the lady (Jdg 1:13), and by his wife's interest and management with her father gains a very good inheritance for himself and his family, Jdg 1:14, Jdg 1:15. We had this passage before, Jos 15:16-19, where it was largely explained and improved. 3. Simeon got ground of the Canaanites in his border, Jdg 1:17, Jdg 1:18. In the eastern part of Simeon's lot, they destroyed the Canaanites in Zephath, and called it Hormah - destruction, adding this to some other devoted cities not far off, which they had some time ago, with good reason, called by that name, Num 21:2, Num 21:3. And this perhaps was the complete performance of the vow they them made that they would utterly destroy these cities of the Canaanites in the south. In the western part they took Gaza, Askelon, and Ekron, cities of the Philistines; they gained present possession of the cities, but, not destroying the inhabitants, the Philistines in process of time recovered the cities, and proved inveterate enemies to the Israel of God, and no better could come of doing their work by the halves. 4. The Kenites gained a settlement in the tribe of Judah, choosing it there rather than in any other tribe, because it was the strongest, and there they hoped to be safe and quiet, Jdg 1:16. These were the posterity of Jethro, who either went with Israel when Moses invited them (Num 10:29) or met them about the same place when they came up from their wanderings in the wilderness thirty-eight years after, and went with them then to Canaan, Moses having promised them that they should fare as Israel fared, Num 10:32. They had at first seated themselves in the city of palm-trees, that is, Jericho, a city which never was to be rebuilt, and therefore the fitter for those who dwelt in tents, and did not mind building. But afterwards they removed into the wilderness of Judah, either out of their affection to that place, because solitary and retired, or out of their affection to that tribe, which perhaps had been in a particular manner kind to them. Yet we find the tent of Jael, who was of that family, far north, in the lot of Naphtali, when Sisera took shelter there, Jdg 4:17. This respect Israel showed them, to let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet people, who, wherever they were, were content with a little. Those that molested none were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for thus they shall inherit the earth.
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Summary
Judges 1:20 precisely records the successful culmination of a long-standing divine promise to Caleb, showcasing his unwavering faith and the Lord's steadfast faithfulness in granting him his rightful inheritance in Hebron. This verse definitively confirms Caleb's personal conquest of this strategically vital city and the forceful expulsion of its formidable inhabitants, the three sons of Anak, thereby powerfully reinforcing his exemplary courage and steadfast trust in God's omnipotent power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Context
Literary Context
Judges 1 serves as a pivotal transitional chapter, bridging the unified, Joshua-led conquest narratives with the subsequent, often fragmented and disheartening, period of the Judges. In stark contrast to the grand, pan-Israelite campaigns under Joshua, this chapter details individual tribal efforts to secure their divinely allotted territories. Judges 1:20 specifically highlights Caleb, an individual whose unwavering faith and obedience stand out sharply against the backdrop of general failure and compromise that increasingly defines the book of Judges. His decisive success in Hebron, explicitly tied to a promise made by Moses, shines as a beacon of what could have been achieved had Israel maintained its fidelity to God. This verse directly echoes and confirms earlier accounts found in Joshua 14 and Joshua 15, emphasizing the completion of a specific, divinely ordained task.
Historical & Cultural Context
The era immediately following Joshua's death marked a critical transition for the nascent Israelite nation. While major Canaanite strongholds had been subdued, much of the Promised Land remained unconquered, with various indigenous peoples still occupying significant territories. Hebron, nestled in the hill country of Judah, was an ancient and strategically crucial city, notoriously inhabited by the Anakim. These "sons of Anak" were renowned as a race of exceptionally large and powerful warriors, whose very presence had previously instilled paralyzing fear in the Israelite spies, leading to a profound crisis of faith among them, as vividly recounted in Numbers 13:33. Caleb's audacious willingness to confront these formidable adversaries, even at the advanced age of 85 when he requested Hebron in Joshua 14:10, powerfully underscores his extraordinary courage and unwavering trust in Yahweh, distinguishing him remarkably from the pervasive fear and disobedience characteristic of his generation.
Key Themes
Judges 1:20 profoundly encapsulates several foundational themes prevalent throughout the Deuteronomistic History (comprising Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings). Firstly, it unequivocally underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Caleb's inheritance of Hebron is a direct and tangible fulfillment of the Lord's solemn oath, conveyed through Moses, to reward Caleb's singular devotion and wholehearted following of God, as detailed in Numbers 14:24. Secondly, the verse powerfully highlights Caleb's exemplary faith and tenacious perseverance. His resolute determination to possess the land, even against fearsome giants, serves as a compelling model of spiritual tenacity and courageous obedience, sharply contrasting with the widespread failure of other tribes to fully dispossess their enemies. Thirdly, the verse intricately touches upon the theme of conquest and inheritance, illustrating that truly possessing the Promised Land necessitated continued, active engagement and warfare, even after initial victories. Finally, it triumphantly demonstrates the overcoming of seemingly insurmountable obstacles through divine empowerment, as Caleb, by God's enabling grace, successfully expelled the Anakim, who had long symbolized Israel's deepest fears and greatest challenges.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
An ancient and profoundly significant city located in the hill country of Judah, approximately 19 miles south of Jerusalem. Its name, derived from the Hebrew root חֶבֶר (cheber), possibly signifies "seat of association" or "confederacy." Hebron held immense historical and spiritual weight, being intimately associated with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who owned a burial plot there (the Cave of Machpelah, as recorded in Genesis 23:19). Its strategic location and deep historical resonance made its conquest a monumental achievement, symbolizing the securing of a vital portion of the tribal inheritance.
Refers to the progenitor of a formidable race of giant-like people, the Anakim, who inhabited various parts of Canaan, with a notable presence in Hebron. Their imposing stature and immense strength were a major source of terror for the Israelite spies, who despairingly described them as Nephilim, leading the Israelites to feel like "grasshoppers" in comparison (Numbers 13:33). Caleb's successful expulsion of the "three sons of Anak" (specifically Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, as listed in Joshua 15:14) signifies a victory not merely over physical adversaries, but a profound spiritual triumph over the very fear and doubt that had plagued Israel for generations.
This primitive root signifies the act of "occupying by driving out previous tenants and possessing in their place." It encompasses the ideas of seizing, robbing, inheriting, and also expelling, impoverishing, or ruining. In Judges 1:20, the use of "expelled" emphasizes Caleb's active and decisive role in dispossessing the Anakim from Hebron. It highlights a forceful, complete removal, underscoring the fulfillment of God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land and secure the inheritance. This action is crucial to the concept of taking full possession of the Promised Land, not merely coexisting within it.
Verse Breakdown
"And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said:"
This initial clause powerfully underscores the fulfillment of both a divine promise and a human agreement. The "they" refers to the tribes of Israel, specifically the tribe of Judah, who formally allotted Hebron to Caleb. This act directly honors the solemn pledge made by Moses (and ultimately by God) to Caleb, first recorded in Numbers 14:24 and subsequently reiterated in Deuteronomy 1:36. It emphatically highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His word and the recognition of Caleb's singular loyalty and exceptional courage demonstrated during the arduous wilderness wanderings. The phrase "as Moses said" serves as a direct, explicit textual link to the foundational covenant history of Israel.
"and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak."
This second clause firmly confirms Caleb's personal agency, strength, and decisive success in conquering Hebron. The "three sons of Anak" were the most prominent, fearsome, and symbolic representatives of the Anakim remaining in Hebron. Caleb's forceful expulsion of them is a profound testament to his enduring physical strength, unwavering faith, and, crucially, the Lord's empowering and enabling presence. This act transcends a mere military victory; it is a profound spiritual triumph, demonstrating unequivocally that with God's help, even the most daunting and seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome. It powerfully reiterates the account found in Joshua 15:14, reinforcing the consistency and significance of Caleb's narrative across the historical books.
Literary Devices
Judges 1:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and multifaceted meaning. Fulfillment is paramount, as the text explicitly states "as Moses said," drawing a direct and undeniable line from a past divine promise to its present, tangible realization. This powerfully emphasizes God's faithfulness and the absolute reliability of His covenantal word. The specific mention of "the three sons of Anak" functions as a form of synecdoche, where a part (the three sons) represents the whole (the entire formidable race of the Anakim), and by extension, all the daunting and seemingly insurmountable challenges Israel faced. Their expulsion by Caleb signifies potent symbolism, where Caleb's individual courage, unwavering faith, and ultimate success stand as a powerful symbol of what Israel could achieve through steadfast obedience and radical trust in God, starkly contrasting with the broader narrative of compromise, fear, and failure that pervades the book of Judges. The narrative also utilizes retrospective foreshadowing, looking back to the promise given to Caleb decades earlier and demonstrating its successful completion, thereby reinforcing the overarching theme of divine sovereignty over historical events and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Judges 1:20 stands as a powerful and enduring testament to the unwavering faithfulness of God and the transformative power of unwavering faith in His divine promises. It vividly illustrates that divine promises, though at times experiencing periods of delay, are never forgotten and will ultimately be fulfilled, often through the courageous and obedient actions of faithful individuals. Caleb's story serves as a crucial theological anchor in the often-turbulent and disheartening book of Judges, demonstrating that even amidst widespread apostasy, moral decay, and national failure, God faithfully preserves a remnant of devoted individuals through whom His sovereign purposes continue to advance. His decisive conquest of Hebron is a profound microcosm of the larger divine plan for Israel to fully inherit the Promised Land, highlighting that true possession requires active, faith-filled engagement with the inherent obstacles, rather than passive waiting or fearful retreat. This verse profoundly encourages believers across generations to trust implicitly in God's sovereign plan and to press forward with unwavering faith, even when confronted with "giants" that appear utterly insurmountable in their own strength.
Reflection and Application
Caleb's inspiring narrative in Judges 1:20 offers a profound and timeless blueprint for contemporary faith and tenacious perseverance. In a world increasingly fraught with challenges, both intensely personal and broadly communal, we are often tempted to shrink back from difficulties, much like the ten spies who succumbed to fear when facing the Anakim. Caleb, however, demonstrates with remarkable clarity that a life lived in radical, unwavering trust in God's promises, even into advanced old age, possesses the power to overcome the most formidable "giants." This verse compellingly calls us to a deep self-examination: are we passively accepting limitations and allowing fear to dictate our spiritual trajectory, or are we actively and courageously pursuing the "inheritance" God has promised us in Christ—which includes profound spiritual growth, decisive victory over sin, and active participation in His kingdom work? Caleb did not merely receive Hebron as a gift; he had to actively "expel" its formidable inhabitants. Similarly, our spiritual inheritance in Christ requires active engagement, courageously confronting the obstacles of doubt, fear, and sin with the divine strength God abundantly provides. His exemplary life reminds us that God's faithfulness and empowering presence are not contingent on our youth, physical strength, or worldly resources, but rather on our unwavering faith and obedient response, empowering us to achieve what seems utterly impossible in our own limited strength.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who were the "sons of Anak" and why was their expulsion significant?
The "sons of Anak" (or Anakim) were a legendary race of formidable, giant-like people who inhabited various parts of Canaan, with a particularly strong presence in Hebron. Their imposing stature and immense strength were widely known, instilling profound fear in the Israelite spies, as vividly evidenced by the disheartening report of the ten unfaithful spies in Numbers 13:33. Their expulsion by Caleb was profoundly significant because it represented a decisive victory over the very symbol of Israel's greatest fears, deepest doubts, and most formidable obstacles. It powerfully demonstrated that with God's enabling help, even the most daunting and seemingly insurmountable adversaries could be overcome, thereby reinforcing the central biblical theme of faith triumphing over paralyzing fear.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Caleb's conquest of Hebron and the decisive expulsion of the Anakim, while a pivotal historical event within Israel's narrative, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Caleb, serving as a faithful servant and a triumphant conqueror, powerfully foreshadows Christ, the ultimate faithful Son and the victorious King. Just as Caleb received his promised inheritance through unwavering faith and active, courageous conquest, so too does Christ secure the ultimate and eternal inheritance for His people—eternal life, reconciliation with God, and a place in His everlasting kingdom—through His decisive victory over sin, death, and the malevolent powers of darkness. The Anakim, representing formidable enemies and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, find their spiritual parallel in the spiritual forces of evil that hold humanity captive. Jesus, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, did not merely "expel" these enemies; He utterly defeated and disarmed them through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, making a public spectacle of them on the cross (Colossians 2:15). Through saving faith in Him, believers are supernaturally empowered to overcome their own "giants" of sin, fear, and worldly opposition, participating intimately in the victory Christ has already secured for all who believe (Romans 8:37). While Caleb received a temporal land inheritance, Christ grants a spiritual, eternal inheritance to all who believe, a "better country, that is, a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16) purchased by His precious blood, thereby ensuring that all of God's promises are fully, eternally, and gloriously realized in Him.