And there they found Adoni-bezek and fought against him, striking down the Canaanites and Perizzites. And there they foundThis phrase indicates a moment of discovery and confrontation. The Hebrew root for "found" is "מָצָא" (matsa), which often implies not just a physical finding but a divine appointment or encounter. In the context of Judges, this suggests that the Israelites' encounter with Adoni-bezek was not merely coincidental but orchestrated by God as part of His plan to fulfill His promises to Israel. This highlights the sovereignty of God in guiding His people to confront and overcome their enemies. Adoni-bezek
Adoni-bezek, meaning "lord of Bezek," was a Canaanite king. His name and title reflect his authority and the pagan culture that dominated the land. Historically, Bezek was a city of significance, and Adoni-bezek's rule represents the entrenched opposition to Israel's divinely ordained conquest. This encounter underscores the spiritual battle between the forces of God and the pagan practices that Israel was commanded to eradicate. and fought against him
The Hebrew word for "fought" is "נִלְחָם" (nilcham), which conveys the idea of engaging in battle or warfare. This phrase emphasizes the active role of the Israelites in claiming the land God promised them. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers are called to engage in, standing firm against the forces of darkness with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). striking down
The phrase "striking down" comes from the Hebrew "נָכָה" (nakah), meaning to smite or defeat. This action signifies the decisive victory that God grants His people over their enemies. It is a testament to the power and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, as He empowers His people to overcome obstacles and adversaries. the Canaanites and Perizzites
The Canaanites and Perizzites were among the original inhabitants of the Promised Land. Their mention here is significant, as they represent the idolatrous nations that Israel was commanded to drive out. Historically, these groups were known for their pagan practices and opposition to the worship of Yahweh. The defeat of these peoples symbolizes the triumph of God's holiness over idolatry and sin, and it foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over all spiritual enemies. Persons / Places / Events 1. Adoni-bezekA Canaanite king whose name means "lord of Bezek." He was known for his cruelty, having cut off the thumbs and big toes of seventy kings. 2. CanaanitesA group of ancient people living in the land of Canaan, often seen as adversaries to the Israelites due to their idolatrous practices. 3. PerizzitesAnother group of people living in Canaan, often mentioned alongside the Canaanites as inhabitants of the land that God promised to the Israelites. 4. BezekA location in Canaan where the Israelites encountered and fought against Adoni-bezek. It is significant as the site of this particular battle. 5. IsraelitesThe people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were commanded to conquer the land of Canaan. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites were instructed to conquer the land and remove its inhabitants. This teaches the importance of complete obedience to God's directives. Consequences of SinAdoni-bezek's fate illustrates the principle of reaping what one sows, as his cruelty was returned upon him. This serves as a warning against sin and cruelty. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentThe defeat of Adoni-bezek demonstrates God's sovereignty in executing judgment on those who oppose His people and His purposes. Spiritual WarfareJust as the Israelites fought physical battles, Christians are engaged in spiritual warfare, requiring vigilance and reliance on God's strength. Community and LeadershipThe collective action of the Israelites in fighting against their enemies highlights the importance of unity and strong leadership in achieving God's purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Adoni-bezek illustrate the principle of "you reap what you sow," and how can this principle be applied in our lives today? 2. In what ways does the command to conquer the Canaanites relate to the spiritual battles Christians face today? 3. How can we ensure that we are fully obedient to God's commands in our lives, as the Israelites were called to be in their conquest of Canaan? 4. What lessons can we learn from the unity and leadership of the Israelites in this passage that can be applied to our church communities? 5. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of the Canaanites and Perizzites enhance our interpretation of this passage? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 10This chapter describes the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership, providing context for the ongoing battles in Judges. Deuteronomy 7God commands the Israelites to destroy the Canaanite nations to avoid being led astray by their idolatry, which sets the stage for the events in Judges. 1 Samuel 15The account of King Saul's incomplete obedience in dealing with the Amalekites parallels the need for complete obedience seen in Judges. People Abednego, Achsah, Adonibezek, Ahiman, Amalekites, Amorites, Anak, Anath, Arad, Arba, Asher, Asherites, Benjamin, Benjamites, Caleb, Canaanites, Dan, Danites, Debir, Edomites, Hittites, Hobab, Israelites, Jebusites, Joseph, Joshua, Kenaz, Manasseh, Naphtali, Naphtalites, Othniel, Perizzites, Rehob, Sheshai, Simeon, Simeonites, Talmai, Zebulun, ZidonPlaces Acco, Achzib, Ahlab, Aijalon, Akrabbim, Aphik, Arad, Ashkelon, Beth-anath, Bethel, Beth-shan, Beth-shemesh, Bezek, Debir, Dor, Ekron, Gaza, Gezer, Gibeah, Hebron, Helbah, Hormah, Ibleam, Jerusalem, Kiriath-arba, Kiriath-sepher, Kitron, Luz, Megiddo, Mount Heres, Nahalol, Negeb, Rehob, Sela, Shaalbim, Sidon, Taanach, ZephathTopics Across, Adonibezek, Adoni-bezek, Ado'ni-be'zek, Adoni-zedek, Bezek, Canaanite, Canaanites, Defeated, Fight, Fought, Overcame, Perizzite, Perizzites, Per'izzites, Putting, Rout, Slew, Smite, Smote, Struck, WarDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 1:1-20 7266 tribes of Israel Judges 1:4-7 5568 suffering, causes Judges 1:4-8 7240 Jerusalem, history Library The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the BibleThe Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Tsippor
"Tsippor is the greatest city of Galilee, and built in a very strong place." "Kitron (Judg 1:29,30) is Tsippor: and why is it called Tsippor? Because it is seated upon a mountain as Tsippor, a bird." "Sixteen miles on all sides from Tsippor was a land flowing with milk and honey." This city is noted in Josephus for its warlike affairs; but most noted in the Talmudists for the university fixed there, and for the learning, which Rabbi Judah the Holy brought hither, as we have said before. He sat in …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
ISRAEL'S VICTORIES OVER THE CANAANITES.--Josh. 2-9; Judg. 1, 4, 5. Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible II,1-4.1. Prin. of Politics X. That the leaders took the lead in Israel, That the people volunteered readily, Bless Jehovah! Zebulun was a people who exposed themselves to deadly peril, And Naphtali on the heights of the open field. Kings came, they fought; They fought, the kings of Canaan, At Taanach by the Waters of Megiddo, They took no booty of silver. Prom heaven fought the stars, From their …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation The Place of the Old Testament in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: Advent of the Hebrews] Modern discovery and research have demonstrated that the truth revealed through the Babylonians and with less definiteness through the people of the Nile was never entirely lost. Such a sad waste was out of accord with the obvious principles of divine economy. As the icy chill of ceremonialism seized decadent Babylonia and Egypt, there emerged from the steppes south and east of Palestine a virile, ambitious group of nomads, who not only fell heir to that which …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Scythopolis. Beth-Shean, the Beginning of Galilee.
The bonds of Galilee were, "on the south, Samaris and Scythopolis, unto the flood of Jordan." Scythopolis is the same with Beth-shean, of which is no seldom mention in the Holy Scriptures, Joshua 17:11; Judges 1:27; 1 Samuel 31:10. "Bethsaine (saith Josephus), called by the Greeks Scythopolis." It was distant but a little way from Jordan, seated in the entrance to a great valley: for so the same author writes, "Having passed Jordan, they came to a great plain, where lies before you the city Bethsane," …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
Coming down from Syria, it would have been difficult to fix the exact spot where, in the view of the Rabbis, "the land" itself began. The boundary lines, though mentioned in four different documents, are not marked in anything like geographical order, but as ritual questions connected with them came up for theological discussion. For, to the Rabbis the precise limits of Palestine were chiefly interesting so far as they affected the religious obligations or privileges of a district. And in this respect …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 1:5 NIVJudges 1:5 NLTJudges 1:5 ESVJudges 1:5 NASBJudges 1:5 KJV
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