Old Testament
Judges 1:31
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Judges 1:31, the tribe of Asher is mentioned as failing to drive out the Canaanite inhabitants from several cities along the coast, including Accho and Zidon.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Asher didn't drive out the people of Accho, Zidon, Ahlab, Achzib, Helbah, Aphik, or Rehob.
Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 1:31, the tribe of Asher is mentioned as failing to drive out the Canaanite inhabitants from several cities along the coast, including Accho and Zidon. This failure highlights a recurring theme in the Book of Judges, where various tribes did not fully obey God's command to conquer the land. Instead of removing the Canaanites, Asher allowed them to remain, which would later lead to problems for the Israelites. The presence of these foreign peoples often resulted in the Israelites adopting their practices and turning away from God. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of partial obedience and the importance of fully committing to God's directives. The cities listed were significant trade and cultural centers, indicating that Asher's failure had broader implications for Israel's influence and purity as a nation. Overall, this passage illustrates the challenges faced by the Israelites in their conquest and the ongoing struggle between faithfulness to God and the temptation to compromise with surrounding cultures. Explore related disobedience.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 1:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on areas in our lives where we may be compromising our values or failing to fully commit to our responsibilities. Just as Asher's inaction had consequences, our choices can impact our spiritual journey and relationships. We should strive for complete obedience in our commitments.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 1:31 teach about obedience to God?
Judges 1:31 illustrates the consequences of partial obedience to God's commands. The tribe of Asher failed to drive out the Canaanite inhabitants from several cities, which reflects a broader theme in the Book of Judges where incomplete obedience leads to future problems. This verse serves as a reminder that obeying God fully is crucial for spiritual integrity and avoiding the pitfalls of cultural compromise.
Why did Asher not drive out the Canaanites?
Asher's failure to drive out the Canaanites from cities like Accho and Zidon may have been due to various factors, including fear, lack of resources, or a desire to coexist with the local populations. This decision ultimately led to negative consequences for the Israelites, as the presence of these foreign inhabitants influenced their culture and faith, highlighting the dangers of compromising with surrounding cultures.
What are the implications of Asher's inaction in Judges 1:31?
Asher's inaction in Judges 1:31 had significant implications for Israel's spiritual and cultural integrity. By allowing the Canaanites to remain, Asher contributed to the eventual decline in faithfulness among the Israelites, as they began to adopt foreign practices. This passage underscores the importance of fully committing to God's directives to avoid the negative consequences of cultural compromise.
How can we apply the lessons from Judges 1:31 to our lives today?
Judges 1:31 encourages us to examine areas in our lives where we may be compromising our values or responsibilities. Just as Asher's inaction had lasting effects, our choices can impact our spiritual journey and relationships. We should strive for complete obedience in our commitments, recognizing that partial compliance can lead to greater challenges down the road.
The Book of Judges
Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin
After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.
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