“But the Amorites would dwell in Mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.”
Historical Context: The book of Judges describes a period of Israel’s history after they entered the Promised Land, following the conquest led by Joshua. After Joshua’s death, the Israelites were to drive out the remaining Canaanite nations from the land. However, this verse highlights the failure of the tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) to fully accomplish this task.
The Amorites’ Persistence: Despite the command to drive out the Amorites from the land, they were still dwelling in three locations mentioned in the verse: Mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim. The Amorites were a Canaanite people known for their idolatry and wickedness, and their continued presence posed a challenge to the Israelites.
The Hand of the House of Joseph: Despite the failure to completely eliminate the Amorites, the verse also notes that the hand or power of the house of Joseph prevailed. This indicates that the tribe of Joseph exerted some authority over the Amorites, making them tributaries or forced laborers, but they were not completely driven out.
Lessons for the Israelites: Judges 1:35 reflects a recurring pattern in the book of Judges, where the Israelites struggled with fully obeying God’s command to eradicate the Canaanite nations. This failure to completely drive out the idolatrous nations would later prove to be a stumbling block for the Israelites, leading them into idolatry and other sins.
Lessons for Christians: While this verse specifically addresses the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land, there are lessons that Christians can draw from it. It reminds us of the importance of fully obeying God’s commands and not compromising with sin or allowing it to persist in our lives. Partial obedience can have long-term consequences and hinder our spiritual growth.
God’s Faithfulness and Grace: Despite the Israelites’ failure, God remained faithful to His covenant with them. Throughout the book of Judges, He raised up judges to deliver them from their enemies and guide them. This verse serves as a reminder that even when we fall short, God’s grace is available to forgive, restore, and help us overcome the challenges we face.
In summary, Judges 1:35 highlights the Israelites’ failure to completely drive out the Amorites from the land, while also acknowledging the partial victory achieved by the tribe of Joseph. It underscores the importance of obedience and the potential consequences of compromise. As Christians, we can learn from this verse by seeking to fully obey God’s commands and relying on His faithfulness and grace when we fall short.
