Old Testament
Judges 1:17
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Then Judah joined forces with his brother Simeon, and together they attacked the Canaanites living in Zephath, completely destroying the city. So it was renamed Hormah.
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And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah.
What Judges 1:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Judah teams up with his brother Simeon to fight against the Canaanites who lived in the city of Zephath. They successfully defeat the Canaanites and destroy the city completely. As a result of this victory, the city is renamed Hormah, which means 'destruction' or 'devotion to destruction.' This event highlights the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving goals, especially in the context of their mission to take possession of the Promised Land. The destruction of Zephath serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's people and His plans. The act of renaming the city signifies a new beginning and the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel, as they continue to conquer the land.
How to apply Judges 1:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to work together with others to achieve common goals, especially in our spiritual journeys. Just as Judah and Simeon united to overcome their challenges, we too can find strength in collaboration and support from our community. Trusting in God's guidance can lead to significant victories in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Keep studying Judges 1:17
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 1:17 mean?
Judges 1:17 describes Judah and Simeon joining forces to defeat the Canaanites in Zephath, leading to the city's destruction and its renaming to Hormah. This verse illustrates the importance of unity in achieving goals and the consequences of opposing God's people.
What is the significance of the name Hormah in Judges 1:17?
The name Hormah, meaning 'destruction' or 'devotion to destruction,' signifies the complete destruction of the city Zephath after Judah and Simeon's victory. It reflects the seriousness of their mission to conquer the land as part of God's promise to Israel.
How does Judges 1:17 relate to teamwork?
Judges 1:17 highlights the effectiveness of teamwork, as Judah and Simeon succeed in their mission by working together against a common enemy. This serves as a reminder of the strength found in collaboration when facing challenges.
What lessons can we learn from Judges 1:17?
From Judges 1:17, we learn the value of unity and collaboration in achieving goals. It encourages us to support one another in our endeavors and trust in God's guidance for victory in our lives.
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