Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Judges 1:9-20
We have here a further account of that glorious and successful campaign which Judah and Simeon made. 1. The lot of Judah was pretty well cleared of the Canaanites, yet not thoroughly. Those that dwelt in the mountain (the mountains that were round about Jerusalem) were driven out (Jdg. 1:9, 19), but those in the valley kept their ground against them, having chariots of iron, such as we read of, Josh. 17:16. Here the men of Judah failed, and thereby spoiled the influence which otherwise their... read more
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