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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Judges 1:1-8

Here, I. The children of Israel consult the oracle of God for direction which of all the tribes should first attempt to clear their country of the Canaanites, and to animate and encourage the rest. It was after the death of Joshua. While he lived he directed them, and all the tribes were obedient to him, but when he died he left no successor in the same authority that he had; but the people must consult the breast-plate of judgment, and thence receive the word of command; for God himself, as... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Judges 1:6

But Adonibezek fled, and they pursued after him, and caught him ,.... It is very probable his view was to get to Jebus or Jerusalem, a strong and fortified city and he made his way thither as fast as he could, but was pursued and overtaken by some of the forces of Judah and Simeon; and the rather it may seem he took this course, since when he was taken by them, they brought him thither, as follows: and cut off his thumbs and his great toes ; whereby he was disabled both for fighting and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 1:6

Cut off his thumbs - That he might never be able to draw his bow or handle his sword, and great toes, that he might never be able to pursue or escape from an adversary. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Judges 1:5-6

Judges 1:5-6. Adoni-bezek in Bezek He was the king or lord of that place, as his name imports, and, as it appears, he had fled into it for safety when he had lost the field. They fought against him That is, against the city wherein he had taken refuge, and against the rest of his army. Cut off his thumbs and great toes That he might be incapable of war hereafter, being rendered unable to handle arms, or to run swiftly. This severe treatment had been practised upon other kings by... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Judges 1:1-36

1:1-2:10 SUMMARY OF JOSHUA’S CONQUESTIsrael’s incomplete conquest (1:1-36)The writer of the book is concerned with events ‘after the death of Joshua’ (see 1:1), but before describing these events he gives a background to them by outlining Israel’s conquest of Canaan under Joshua. First, he summarizes the attack led by Judah and Simeon in the southern part of the central highlands (1:1-7; see notes on Joshua 10:1-43).Jerusalem was among the highland towns that Joshua captured. Later, however, it... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Judges 1:6

Cut off. As he had done to others. See Judges 1:7 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Judges 1:6

Judges 1:6. And Adoni-bezek fled— It is evident, that after the battle the king shut himself up in Bezek; that then this place was besieged; that the two confederated tribes took it; but that Adoni-bezek having escaped thence, they sent detachments after him, who overtook and brought him back to the camp of the conquerors; and they cut off his thumbs, and his great toes. This was but a just requital, as he himself acknowleged, of the barbarity that he had committed upon so many other princes.... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Judges 1:1-6

I. THE REASONS FOR ISRAEL’S APOSTASY 1:1-3:6The first major section in the book (Judges 1:1 to Judges 3:6) explains very clearly why the period of the judges was a dark chapter in Israel’s history. God revealed the reasons for Israel’s apostasy and consequent national problems in terms too clear to miss.The years immediately following Joshua’s death saw a transition from success to failure. The events of this period set the scene for the amphictyony (rule by judges) and provide a background for... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Judges 1:5-7

Adoni-bezek (lit. Lord of Bezek) was the title of the king of Bezek (cf. 1 Samuel 11:8-11) rather than his proper name. The modern town name is Khirbet Ibziq. [Note: Lindsey, p. 378.] The Israelites probably cut off this man’s thumbs so he could not wield a sword, and his big toes so he could not run away, as well as to humiliate him. These were evidently temporary measures until they could carry out God’s will and slay him. The loss of these digits also made it impossible for him to serve as a... read more

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