What is the meaning of Judges 1:17? Then the men of Judah • This phrase roots the action in Judah’s tribe, already chosen to lead the conquest after Joshua’s death (Judges 1:2). • Judah’s leadership honors Jacob’s prophetic blessing that his descendants would hold a place of authority (Genesis 49:8–10). • By stepping forward first, Judah models obedient faith that God would deliver the enemy “into his hand” (Judges 1:4), reinforcing that victory flows from trusting God’s promises rather than human strength. Went with their brothers the Simeonites • Judah invites Simeon because Simeon’s territory lies within Judah’s allotment (Joshua 19:1–9), making cooperation natural and mutually beneficial. • Their unity illustrates Psalm 133:1—“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony.” • Earlier, Judah pledged, “Come with me... and we will attack the Canaanites together” (Judges 1:3). Now they keep that promise, showing covenant faithfulness to both God and family. Attacked the Canaanites living in Zephath • Zephath sits in the southern hill country, a strategic spot threatening Israel’s interior settlements (compare Joshua 12:14). • The word “attacked” reminds us that the conquest was an act of judgment on persistent, aggressive wickedness (Leviticus 18:24–25). • Israel is not an aggressor for personal gain; the Lord Himself commanded the removal of Canaanite practices to protect Israel’s purity (Deuteronomy 20:16–18). And devoted the city to destruction • “Devoted... to destruction” (herem) signals total surrender of the city to God, leaving no room for compromise (Deuteronomy 7:2). • This obedience contrasts sharply with later failures, such as Saul sparing king Agag (1 Samuel 15:9). • God’s holiness demands full loyalty; selective obedience always breeds future trouble (Joshua 7:1). So it was called Hormah • “Hormah” means “destruction” and echoes Israel’s earlier vow: “If You will deliver these people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction” (Numbers 21:2–3). • The fulfilled vow testifies that the Lord keeps His word and expects His people to do the same (Psalm 15:4). • Renaming the site memorializes God’s decisive intervention so later generations would remember both judgment and mercy (Joshua 4:7). summary Judges 1:17 records Judah and Simeon standing shoulder-to-shoulder, faithfully executing God’s judgment on Zephath. Their united obedience underscores that victory comes when God’s people trust His promises, walk in brotherly unity, and refuse compromise with sin. The new name “Hormah” seals the moment as a lasting reminder that the Lord fulfills every word He speaks and calls His people to wholehearted allegiance. |
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