Chapter 1:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Joshua Ruth
Judges 1
Concise Complete
Proceedings of the tribes of Judah and Simeon. (1-8)
Hebron and other cities taken. (9-20) The proceedings of other tribes. (21-36)
Verses 1-8 The
Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites was to be
continued; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried
on after the death of Joshua. In these respects they inquired of the Lord. God
appoints service according to the strength he has given. From those who are most
able, most work is expected. Judah was first in dignity, and must be first in
duty. Judah's service will not avail unless God give success; but God will not
give the success, unless Judah applies to the service. Judah was the most
considerable of all the tribes, and Simeon the least; yet Judah begs Simeon's
friendship, and prays for aid from him. It becomes Israelites to help one
another against Canaanites; and all Christians, even those of different tribes,
should strengthen one another. Those who thus help one another in love, have
reason to hope that God will graciously help both. Adoni-bezek was taken
prisoner. This prince had been a severe tyrant. The Israelites, doubtless under
the Divine direction, made him suffer what he had done to others; and his own
conscience confessed that he was justly treated as he had treated others. Thus
the righteous God sometimes, in his providence, makes the punishment answer the
sin.
Verses 9-20 The
Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots
are thousands of angels,
psalms 68:17. Yet they
suffered their fears to prevail against their faith. About Caleb we read in
joshua 15:16-19. The
Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a
quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed
are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Verses 21-36 The
people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest. Owing to
slothfulness and cowardice, they would not be at the pains to complete their
conquests. It was also owing to their covetousness: they were willing to let the
Canaanites live among them, that they might make advantage of them. They had not
the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had. The same unbelief
that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan, kept them now out of the full
possession of it. Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of
advantages, and brought them into troubles. Thus many a believer who begins well
is hindered. His graces languish, his lusts revive, Satan plies him with
suitable temptations, the world recovers its hold; he brings guilt into his
conscience, anguish into his heart, discredit on his character, and reproach on
the gospel. Though he may have sharp rebukes, and be so recovered that he does
not perish, yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining
days; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God
and serving the church he has lost. We can have no fellowship with the enemies
of God within us or around us, but to our hurt; therefore our only wisdom is to
maintain unceasing war against them.
Chapter 1:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Joshua Ruth
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
