Question 1

What is happening in this passage after the death of Joshua?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows what life was like for Israel after Joshua died. There was still land to be taken and enemies living among them. Without Joshua, the people did not know who should lead the fighting, so they asked God. God chose Judah to go first, and other tribes followed in their own areas. At first there are strong wins, like the defeat of Adoni-bezek and the taking of Jerusalem and other cities, but by the end many tribes stop short and leave Canaanites in the land.

Question 2

Why did God choose Judah to go up first against the Canaanites?

Accepted Answer

God’s answer, “Judah shall go up,” shows that He Himself chooses leaders and gives success. Judah was a large and strong tribe, so it made sense that they would carry heavy responsibility. God also said, “I have delivered the land into his hand,” which means the outcome depended on His promise, not just Judah’s strength. This reminds us that when God gives a task, He also gives help. Those who have more strength or gifts are often called to serve more for the good of others.

Question 3

Who was Adoni-bezek, and why were his thumbs and toes cut off?

Accepted Answer

Adoni-bezek was a Canaanite ruler who had been very cruel. He said he had treated seventy kings by cutting off their thumbs and big toes and making them gather food under his table. When he was captured, the same thing was done to him, and he recognized it as God’s payback, saying, “As I have done, so God hath requited me.” This shows a clear picture of God’s justice. The punishment fits his own actions and warns that pride and harsh treatment of others will not be ignored by God.

Question 4

What is the significance of Caleb, Othniel, and Achsah in this chapter?

Accepted Answer

Caleb, Othniel, and Achsah show a bright spot of faith and courage in this chapter. Caleb promises his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever takes Kirjath-sepher. Othniel, a younger relative, trusts God, attacks, and takes the city. Caleb keeps his word, and Achsah boldly asks her father for springs of water in addition to the land she already has. Caleb gladly gives her both upper and lower springs. Together they picture courage, faith, and wise asking, and how God’s promises can be worked out in family life.

Question 5

Why did Judah succeed in some battles but fail against the people with chariots of iron?

Accepted Answer

The passage says the Lord was with Judah and they drove out many in the mountains, but they “could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.” On the surface, it looks like stronger weapons stopped them. Yet earlier victories came only because God helped them, not because enemies were weak. The problem seems to be fear and a shrinking faith. When they looked at iron chariots instead of God’s promise, they held back. It warns us not to let visible obstacles quiet our trust in God.

Question 6

Why did so many tribes not drive out the Canaanites completely?

Accepted Answer

As the chapter goes on, the tone shifts from early victories to repeated failure. Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan all leave Canaanites in the land. Some make them pay tribute instead of removing them. This looks wise and useful at first, but it disobeys God’s command to clear out the people and their ways. The passage shows how partial obedience leads to long-term trouble. The tribes choose comfort, gain, or fear over full trust, and the Canaanites stay and later become a snare to Israel.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s guidance and justice?

Accepted Answer

Two strong truths appear together. First, God guides His people. When Israel asks who should go up, God answers clearly, sends Judah, and gives real help in battle. He also keeps His earlier promise by giving Hebron to Caleb. Second, God’s justice is seen in how Adoni-bezek is treated. Even that cruel king admits that God has paid him back for what he did to others. So we see a God who leads those who seek Him, and who also sees evil and answers it in His way and time.

Question 8

Why is this passage hard to read with all the war and judgment?

Accepted Answer

The chapter can feel heavy because it speaks of battles, cities burned, and a harsh act against Adoni-bezek. It also shows Israel failing to do all God said. This can be hard for modern readers, but the passage is honest about a broken world where evil has to be dealt with. It shows that God is patient but also holy, and that sin and cruelty have real consequences. At the same time, the chapter shows God’s care for His people, His guidance when they ask, and His faithfulness to earlier promises.

Question 9

How can this passage apply to believers today?

Accepted Answer

This passage is not telling us to fight physical battles, but it does picture our spiritual struggles. Israel is called to trust God’s word, work together, and not settle for half obedience. When they seek God, He answers. When they fear or look for easy gain, they leave enemies in place. In our lives, it is easy to let certain sins or habits remain because they seem useful or safe. This chapter gently pushes us to keep trusting God, to lean on others for help, and to take obedience seriously.

Judges 1:1

Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the Lord, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?

The Conquest of Canaan Proceeds

The Capture of Jerusalem and Hebron

The Failure to Complete the Conquest

The Conquest of Canaan Proceeds

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Judges 1:1

Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the Lord, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?

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The Conquest of Canaan Proceeds

The Capture of Jerusalem and Hebron

The Failure to Complete the Conquest

The Conquest of Canaan Proceeds

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