It is an evidence of the power of the Canaanite in this portion of the land that it is not said (compare Judges 1:30) that the Canaanites dwelt among the Asherites, but that the Asherites (and Judges 1:33, Naphtali) “dwelt among the Canaanites;” nor are the Canaanites in Accho, Zidon, and the other Asherite cities, said to have become tributaries. read more
The Amorites are usually found in the mountain Numbers 13:29; Joshua 10:6. Here they dwell in the valley, of which the monuments of Rameses III show them to have been in possession when that monarch invaded Syria. It was their great strength in this district, and their forcible detention of the territory of Dan, which led to the expedition of the Danites Judges 18:0. The house of Joseph lent their powerful aid in subduing them, probably in the times of the Judges. read more
The going up to Akrabbim - See the margin and references; properly “the ascent of scorpions,” with which the whole region abounds.The rock - Petra, the capital of Idumea, so called from the mass of precipitous rock which encloses the town, and out of which many of its buildings are excavated. The original word “Selah” is always used of the rock at Kadesh-Barnea Numbers 20:8-11, near Petra (compare Obadiah 1:3). This leads us to look for “the ascent of scorpions,” here coupled with סלע הס... read more
Judges 1:22-25. The house of Joseph That is, the tribe of Ephraim. Show us the entrance into the city That is, where it may be most easily entered. For they did not inquire the way to the gate, which, no doubt, was common and plain enough; but for the weakest part, where the walls were lowest, or most out of repair, or had the least guard. Or they desired him, perhaps, to show them some private way to get into it, which none knew but the inhabitants. He showed them the entrance Upon... read more
Judges 1:26. The man went and built a city Which is an argument that the children of Ephraim dismissed him and his family, with all their goods and estate. The land of the Hittites Where the Hittites fixed themselves after they were driven out of Canaan, which seems to have been northward from Canaan, and not far distant from it. read more
Judges 1:27. Neither did Manasseh, &c. That is, that half of this tribe which dwelt in Canaan. Beth-shean A place near Jordan, Joshua 17:11. Taanach Of which see Joshua 12:21. Dor A great town, with large territories, Joshua 11:2; Joshua 12:23. Megiddo A royal city, Joshua 12:21; Joshua 17:11. But the Canaanites would dwell in the land Namely, by force or agreement. So that it appears, although, during the life of Joshua, the Israelites had conducted themselves with a great... read more
Judges 1:28. When Israel was strong they put the Canaanites to tribute Herein they violated the law, whereby they were enjoined to destroy or expel that people when they were able. And as they were strong enough to impose tribute on them, they undoubtedly might have driven them entirely out of the land. But it cost them less trouble, and brought them more profit, to make them tributaries, than to expel them; and therefore they preferred it, being influenced by sloth and covetousness. And... read more
Judges 1:29. Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites So far from it, that it appears they did not so much as exact any tribute from them, but made a covenant of friendship with them, which was a still greater crime. The Canaanites dwelt in Gezer Which they possessed till Solomon’s time; 1 Kings 9:6. And to dwell among a people often signifies to have a quiet settlement, as 2 Kings 4:13. read more
Judges 1:32 . The Asherites dwelt among the Canaanites This manner of speaking seems to imply that these Canaanites still remained the lords of the country, and that the Asherites were only permitted to dwell among the Canaanites, who certainly appear to have paid them no tribute, and to have owed them no subjection. read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Judges 1:31
Compare the marginal reference. Accho, afterward called Ptolemais, now Akka or St. Jean d’Acre, is named here for the first time. read more