Judges 1:16-21 – Allies and Enemies
In Numbers 10:29-32, Moses invites the descendants of his father-in-law to accompany Israel on their journey to the Promised Land. In today’s reading, we find that the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, known as Kenites, come from the city of palms (the area around Jericho) and settle with the people of Judah at Arad, some twenty miles south of Hebron. This alliance will be important in chapter 4.
Simeon and Judah continue their cooperation as they conquer the Canaanites at Hormah – a city in Simeon’s inheritance. (Hormah means “complete destruction” referring to the fact that Simeon and Judah completely destroyed the inhabitants of the city). Then Judah captures three Philistine cities – Gaza, Ashkelon and Ekron. However, Judah is only able to hold onto its central hill country, because the people in the lowlands had “chariots of iron” (heavy, well-shielded battle chariots).
At the same time, the tribe of Benjamin begins taking the territory allotted to it. However, the people of Benjamin are unable to capture Jerusalem, because it has been re-occupied by the Jebusites, who keep the city until King David conquers it.
The Israelites are meeting many obstacles to their conquest of the Land of Promise. Has God been unfaithful to them? No! Keep in mind, verse 19 tells us the LORD was with Judah. God allowed the enemies to remain for at least three reasons: 1. Israel’s previous lack of faithfulness (Joshua 1:6-9; Judges 2:1-3); 2. to test Israel’s future faithfulness (Judges 2:21-23); and 3. to prevent wild animals from taking over land uninhabited for too long (Deuteronomy 7:22).
Is God unfaithful to you, when He allows obstacles and difficulties in your life? Of course not. He knows what is best for you in the long run.
Questions
- Who were the Kenites?
- Why did God allow Israel’s enemies to remain in the land?
Prayer Points
- Praise God that He knows what is best for you.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.