Judges 1:8

Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.

Now the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} had fought {H3898} against Jerusalem {H3389}, and had taken {H3920} it, and smitten {H5221} it with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}, and set {H7971} the city {H5892} on fire {H784}.

Then the people of Y'hudah fought against Yerushalayim, captured it, overpowered it with the sword, and set the city on fire.

Then the men of Judah fought against Jerusalem and captured it. They put the city to the sword and set it on fire.

And the children of Judah fought against Jerusalem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.

Commentary

Commentary on Judges 1:8 (KJV)

Judges 1:8 describes a pivotal moment in the early days of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, immediately following the death of Joshua. This verse highlights the actions of the tribe of Judah.

Context

The book of Judges opens with Israel seeking divine guidance after Joshua's death to determine which tribe should lead the charge in completing the conquest of the Promised Land (Judges 1:1). Judah is chosen and, in alliance with Simeon, begins to fight against the remaining Canaanites. This verse specifically details their successful campaign against Jerusalem. While Jerusalem would later become the capital under King David, this initial victory by Judah demonstrates their early military prowess and commitment to taking their inherited territory. However, it's important to note that the Jebusite stronghold within Jerusalem was not fully secured at this time, leading to future struggles (Judges 1:21, and later 2 Samuel 5:7, when David finally conquers it entirely).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Initial Success in Conquest: Judah's decisive victory over Jerusalem signifies a significant step forward in Israel's mission to possess the land God promised them. It shows a period of strong, unified action by one of the leading tribes.
  • Divine Mandate and Judgment: The command to "smite with the edge of the sword" and "set the city on fire" reflects the severe nature of God's judgment against the extreme wickedness of the Canaanite inhabitants (Deuteronomy 7:2). This was not mere territorial expansion but an execution of divine justice.
  • The Role of Judah: From the outset of Judges, Judah is portrayed as a prominent and active tribe, often taking the lead in military endeavors. This foreshadows its future importance and the lineage of the Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "smitten it with the edge of the sword" is a common biblical idiom (often found in the Hebrew Bible as lephi cherev) describing a decisive and thorough military defeat, often involving the killing of all inhabitants. It emphasizes the complete victory and destruction of the city's defenses and population, consistent with the instructions given for dealing with idolatrous cities in the land of Canaan.

Practical Application

Judges 1:8, though describing ancient warfare, offers spiritual insights for believers today. It reminds us of the call to conquer spiritual strongholds in our lives and communities. Just as Judah was called to take possession of their inheritance, Christians are called to overcome spiritual enemies and claim the spiritual blessings and territory God has given them (Ephesians 6:12). The initial success of Judah, followed by later incomplete victories by other tribes (as seen in the rest of Judges), serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of complete obedience and perseverance in God's will.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:63 (5 votes)

    As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.

  • Judges 1:21 (4 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.