Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Judges 1:1-5
A. Hostilities between the Israelites and the Canaanites following Joshua’s death 1:1-2:5". . . archaeology shows that the superpowers (Babylonia, Assyria, the Hittites, and Egypt) were relatively weak during the days of the judges and the monarchy. Internal affairs kept them busy at home. This, humanly speaking, made possible the survival of the nation of Israel. The smaller, local enemies were trouble enough for her armies." [Note: Arthur H. Lewis, Judges and Ruth, p. 13.] 1. Initial... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Judges 1:1-3
The Book of Judges begins with a conjunction translated "now" or "and." God intended Judges to continue the narrative of Israel’s history where the Book of Joshua ended (cf. Joshua 1:1). This verse provides a heading for the whole Book of Judges with the actual events following Joshua’s death not being narrated until after the record of his death in Judges 2:8. Another view of the relationship of Judges 1:1 to Judges 2:5 to the death of Joshua is that all of Judges 1:1 to Judges 2:5 records... read more