Judges 1:4

KJV

And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Judah {H3063} went up {H5927}; and the LORD {H3068} delivered {H5414} the Canaanites {H3669} and the Perizzites {H6522} into their hand {H3027}: and they slew {H5221} of them in Bezek {H966} ten {H6235} thousand {H505} men {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hudah went up; and ADONAI gave the Kena'ani and the P'rizi into their hands; of those in Bezek they killed ten thousand men.

Berean Standard Bible

When Judah attacked, the LORD delivered the Canaanites and Perizzites into their hands, and they struck down ten thousand men at Bezek.

American Standard Version

And Judah went up; and Jehovah delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they smote of them in Bezek ten thousand men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 1:4 records the initial, divinely empowered military success of the tribe of Judah following the death of Joshua. It highlights Judah's immediate obedience in ascending to battle, the Lord's unequivocal deliverance of the indigenous Canaanites and Perizzites into their hands, and the decisive victory at Bezek where ten thousand enemy men were slain. This pivotal verse establishes a foundational theme for the book of Judges: divine faithfulness in fulfilling covenant promises, contingent upon Israel's active participation and obedience in dispossessing the inhabitants of the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Judges commences directly after the death of Joshua, marking a critical transition from a period of unified, divinely-led conquest to a more fragmented, tribal struggle for full possession of the land. Judges 1:1-3 sets the immediate stage, detailing Israel's inquiry of the Lord regarding which tribe should initiate the continued military campaign against the remaining Canaanite strongholds. The Lord's clear designation of Judah, coupled with the explicit promise of divine assistance ("behold, I have delivered the land into his hand"), directly precedes our verse. Judges 1:4, therefore, serves as the immediate and successful fulfillment of this divine directive and promise, showcasing the initial triumph of Judah's campaign. This early success, however, stands in stark contrast to the subsequent partial conquests and outright failures detailed throughout the remainder of Judges 1, thereby establishing a recurring pattern of fluctuating obedience and its consequences that profoundly shapes the entire narrative of the book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the initial, sweeping conquest under Joshua, the Israelites were in a complex transitional period, shifting from a nomadic encampment to settled tribal territories. Despite Joshua's victories, numerous Canaanite city-states and their inhabitants remained entrenched, particularly in the fertile valleys and fortified cities that were difficult to conquer without chariots. The Canaanites and Perizzites were among the prominent indigenous peoples of the land, known for distinct cultural and religious practices, including polytheistic Baal worship, which posed a constant spiritual and moral threat to Israel's monotheistic faith. Bezek, though its precise geographical location remains debated among scholars (likely in the southern or central highlands), was clearly a strategic point for this significant engagement. The military campaigns described reflect the typical ancient Near Eastern warfare of the period, involving tribal militias and direct, often brutal, engagement. The reported "ten thousand men" slain signifies not only a substantial military force but also a decisive and overwhelming victory, underscoring both the formidable challenge faced by Israel and the magnitude of God's intervention.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 1:4 powerfully introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. First, **Divine Deliverance** is paramount; the text explicitly states "the LORD delivered," emphasizing that true victory is not achieved by human might or strategy alone, but by God's faithful and sovereign action in fulfilling His covenant promises. This echoes the Lord's consistent work in Israel's history, from the miraculous [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea") to the strategic [conquest under Joshua](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Sun Stands Still"). Second, **Obedience and its Consequences** are highlighted. Judah's willingness to "go up" in faith, as specifically directed by the Lord in [Judges 1:2](/judges/1-2 "Judges 1:2 - The Lord's Command to Judah"), leads to immediate and overwhelming success. This sets a crucial precedent for the entire book, where Israel's fortunes directly correlate with their adherence to divine commands, a principle deeply rooted in the [Mosaic covenant](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and its blessings and curses. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Initial Fulfillment of the Land Promise**. The decisive defeat of the Canaanites and Perizzites is a tangible step towards Israel's full possession of the land promised to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram") and reiterated to Joshua in [Joshua 1:3](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3 - God's Promise of Land to Joshua"), even as the subsequent narrative reveals the challenges and failures in completing this divine mandate due to Israel's own unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Went up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to ascend," "to be high," or "to mount," this verb signifies more than mere physical ascent; it often denotes a deliberate movement into action, particularly military engagement or pilgrimage. In this context, it emphasizes Judah's purposeful initiative and obedience in launching the campaign, responding to the divine directive to "go up" in [Judges 1:2](/judges/1-2 "Judges 1:2 - The Lord's Command to Judah"). It implies a challenging, upward movement towards a divinely appointed goal, demonstrating their readiness to engage.
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This powerful verb, meaning "to give," "to place," or "to hand over," is crucial here as it unequivocally attributes the victory to God's active involvement rather than solely Judah's military might. It underscores the theological truth that the land and its inhabitants are a divine gift, handed over by the Lord Himself, reinforcing His sovereignty over the conquest and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises to dispossess the land's inhabitants.
* **Slew (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to strike" (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively), this verb in the context of Judges 1:4 refers to a decisive and overwhelming defeat. Coupled with the numerical detail of "ten thousand men," it conveys the totality and devastating impact of the divine deliverance, signifying a complete and crushing victory that left no doubt about the outcome of the battle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Judah went up;":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the primary human agent—the tribe of Judah—and their decisive action. "Judah" signifies the leading tribe, specifically chosen by the Lord (as revealed in Judges 1:2) to initiate the post-Joshua conquest. "Went up" indicates their immediate obedience and the commencement of military operations, likely referring to an ascent into the hill country or towards a fortified position, signifying their readiness to engage the enemy.
* **"and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand:":** This is the theological core of the verse, linking Judah's action directly to God's sovereign intervention. "The LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel) is explicitly identified as the true agent of victory. The phrase "delivered... into their hand" is a common biblical idiom signifying complete defeat, subjugation, and possession. It unequivocally attributes the success not to Judah's strength or strategy, but to God's sovereign power and faithfulness to His covenant promises to dispossess the land's inhabitants. The mention of "Canaanites and Perizzites" specifies the indigenous peoples targeted in this initial, divinely-sanctioned campaign.
* **"and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.":** This clause details the outcome and scale of the victory, serving as concrete evidence of the Lord's deliverance. "They" refers to Judah, acting as God's instrument in executing His judgment. "Slew... ten thousand men" highlights the devastating and decisive nature of the defeat, signifying a major military triumph and the complete routing of the enemy force. "In Bezek" provides the specific geographical setting for this initial, significant engagement, underscoring the tangible reality and historical particularity of God's deliverance in a specific location.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 1:4 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message and establish key themes. The most prominent is **Divine Agency**, where the narrative explicitly attributes the success of the battle to "the LORD delivered," rather than solely to Judah's military prowess. This immediately establishes a theological framework for understanding the events of Judges, emphasizing God's active and primary involvement in Israel's history. The phrase "into their hand" is an example of **Synecdoche**, where "hand" represents the complete control, power, and victory gained over the enemy, signifying total subjugation. The numerical detail of "ten thousand men" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Symbolism**, not necessarily a precise census but rather an emphatic statement of a massive and overwhelming defeat, underscoring the magnitude of God's deliverance and Judah's initial, divinely-enabled success. This stark numerical contrast with the subsequent failures and partial conquests described later in the chapter also sets up a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the fluctuating fortunes and challenges Israel will face throughout the turbulent period of the Judges, highlighting the consequences of incomplete obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 1:4 serves as a foundational theological statement for the entire book of Judges, establishing the principle that Israel's success in possessing the land is contingent upon divine enablement and their faithful obedience. It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises to give Israel the land, even when the human agents are imperfect. The verse also introduces the recurring tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility; Judah "went up," demonstrating their active role and human agency, but it was unequivocally "the LORD" who "delivered," underscoring that ultimate victory belongs to God. This dynamic teaches that while God provides the means and the victory, human faith and action are required to step into His promises. The initial, decisive victory also stands in stark contrast to the partial conquests and outright failures that follow in Judges 1, setting a pattern of decline that emphasizes the dire consequences of disobedience and incomplete faithfulness to God's commands.

* [Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - Command to Destroy Inhabitants")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Fulfillment of Promises")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Their Own Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 1:4 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that our greatest victories, whether in spiritual warfare, personal struggles, or fulfilling God's unique calling, are ultimately the result of divine enablement and not solely our own strength. Just as Judah's physical "going up" was met with God's supernatural "delivering," our obedience to God's directives, even when daunting or seemingly impossible, unlocks His power and provision. This verse challenges us to examine where we might be relying on our own limited strength, wisdom, or strategies rather than diligently seeking God's guidance and fully trusting His sovereign hand to accomplish His purposes through us. It encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that when God commands, He also equips, empowers, and delivers. Furthermore, the initial, decisive nature of this victory serves as an encouragement that God is faithful to begin His work powerfully in our lives, providing significant breakthroughs, even as we navigate the ongoing challenges of discipleship, sanctification, and the spiritual battles that persist.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently being called to "go up" in obedience to God's command, even when the task seems formidable or beyond your capabilities?**
* **How does the explicit declaration "the LORD delivered" challenge your understanding of personal success and achievement in your own endeavors, encouraging you to attribute glory to God?**
* **What "Canaanites and Perizzites"—spiritual obstacles, persistent sins, or personal struggles—do you need to trust the Lord to decisively deliver into your hand today, rather than trying to conquer them in your own strength?**

### FAQ
**Why is Judah chosen to go up first?**

Answer: Judah is chosen to lead the initial campaign for several significant reasons, as indicated in the preceding verses. First, Judah was the largest, most populous, and militarily strongest tribe, making them a formidable force. Second, and more importantly, the Lord explicitly designated them in [Judges 1:2](/judges/1-2 "Judges 1:2 - The Lord's Command to Judah") in response to Israel's inquiry, stating, "Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand." This divine appointment underscores God's sovereign choice and His active role in directing the conquest according to His will. Furthermore, Judah's prominence in this initial victory foreshadows its future pivotal role in Israel's history, particularly as the tribe from which the Davidic monarchy and ultimately the Messiah would emerge, as prophesied in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah").

**What is the significance of "Bezek" in this verse?**

Answer: Bezek serves as the specific geographical location where Judah's initial, divinely-enabled victory takes place. While its exact modern location is debated among scholars, it was clearly a strategically important site for this decisive battle. The mention of Bezek grounds the narrative in a tangible historical reality, demonstrating that God's deliverance was not an abstract concept but a concrete, observable event in a specific place. It also sets the stage for the subsequent narrative in [Judges 1:5-7](/judges/1-5-7 "Judges 1:5-7 - Adoni-Bezek's Capture and Punishment"), where the king of Bezek, Adoni-Bezek, is captured and punished in a manner that reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of talion (lex talionis), further solidifying Judah's early success and the justice meted out to those who resisted God's people and His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 1:4, with its powerful emphasis on divine deliverance and the decisive defeat of enemies, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Lord "delivered" the Canaanites and Perizzites into Judah's hand, God the Father "delivered" His Son to accomplish a far greater and eternal victory over the spiritual enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Jesus, the true and greater King from the tribe of Judah, "went up" to the cross, not to conquer earthly foes with a sword, but to secure eternal salvation and spiritual freedom through His sacrificial death. His resurrection then declared the decisive and overwhelming victory, effectively slaying the spiritual "ten thousand men" of sin and death, disarming and triumphing over all hostile spiritual forces, as profoundly described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). Through Christ, believers are empowered to overcome spiritual adversaries, for He has already triumphed over the "ruler of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Judgment of the World")). The initial, partial conquest by Judah in Judges 1:4 foreshadows the complete and final victory achieved by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who fully dispossesses the spiritual enemies that hold humanity captive, ushering in the kingdom of God where true peace, spiritual inheritance, and eternal possession are found for all who believe. The promise of land to Israel ultimately points to the spiritual inheritance and eternal dwelling place secured for all who are in Christ ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")).

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

1 Samuel 11:8

And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.

Deuteronomy 7:2

And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

Joshua 11:6

And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.

Joshua 11:8

And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.

1 Samuel 17:46

This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

1 Samuel 17:47

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

1 Kings 22:6

Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver [it] into the hand of the king.