Judges:1

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* Verse 1-8 - The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites was to be continued ; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried on after the death of Joshua . In these respects they inquired of the Lord . God appoints service according to the strength he has given . From those who are most able , most work is expected . Judah was first in dignity , and must be first in duty . Judah 's service will not avail unless God give success ; but God will not give the success , unless Judah applies to the service . Judah was the most considerable of all the tribes , and Simeon the least ; yet Judah begs Simeon 's friendship , and prays for aid from him . It becomes Israelites to help one another against Canaanites ; and all Christians , even those of different tribes , should strengthen one another . Those who thus help one another in love , have reason to hope that God will graciously help both . Adoni-bezek was taken prisoner . This prince had been a severe tyrant . The Israelites , doubtless under the Divine direction , made him suffer what he had done to others ; and his own conscience confessed that he was justly treated as he had treated others . Thus the righteous God sometimes , in his providence , makes the punishment answer the sin . * Verse 9-20 - The Canaanites had iron chariots ; but Israel had God on their side , whose chariots are thousands of angels , Psalms strkjv @68:17 . Yet they suffered their fears to prevail against their faith . About Caleb we read in Joshua strkjv @15:16-19 . The Kenites had settled in the land . Israel let them fix where they pleased , being a quiet , contented people . They that molested none , were molested by none . Blessed are the meek , for they shall inherit the earth . * Verse 21-36 - The people of Israel were very careless of their duty and interest . Owing to slothfulness and cowardice , they would not be at the pains to complete their conquests . It was also owing to their covetousness : they were willing to let the Canaanites live among them , that they might make advantage of them . They had not the dread and detestation of idolatry they ought to have had . The same unbelief that kept their fathers forty years out of Canaan , kept them now out of the full possession of it . Distrust of the power and promise of God deprived them of advantages , and brought them into troubles . Thus many a believer who begins well is hindered . His graces languish , his lusts revive , Satan plies him with suitable temptations , the world recovers its hold ; he brings guilt into his conscience , anguish into his heart , discredit on his character , and reproach on the gospel . Though he may have sharp rebukes , and be so recovered that he does not perish , yet he will have deeply to lament his folly through his remaining days ; and upon his dying bed to mourn over the opportunities of glorifying God and serving the church he has lost . We can have no fellowship with the enemies of God within us or around us , but to our hurt ; therefore our only wisdom is to maintain unceasing war against them . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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