Old Testament

Judges 1:35

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Judges 1:35, we see the Amorites, a group of people living in the region, refusing to leave their strongholds in Mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

The Amorites insisted on staying in Mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim. However, the house of Joseph grew stronger and made them pay tribute.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Judges 1:35, we see the Amorites, a group of people living in the region, refusing to leave their strongholds in Mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim. Despite their resistance, the house of Joseph, which includes the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, became stronger and was able to impose tribute on the Amorites. This indicates that while the Amorites maintained their presence in the land, they were ultimately subdued and had to pay tribute, acknowledging the authority of the Israelites. This passage highlights the ongoing struggle for control of the land and the gradual establishment of Israelite dominance in the region, showcasing both conflict and the process of conquest during the time of the judges.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 1:35 to your life

This verse reminds us that challenges and resistance can be overcome with strength and determination. Just as the house of Joseph prevailed, we too can face our obstacles with faith and perseverance, trusting that we can achieve our goals despite opposition.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 1:35 teach about the Amorites' resistance?

Judges 1:35 illustrates the Amorites' refusal to leave their strongholds in Mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim, indicating their determination to maintain control over these regions. Despite their resistance, the house of Joseph, representing the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, grew stronger and was able to impose tribute on the Amorites. This reflects the ongoing struggle for land and power during the Israelite conquest.

How does the house of Joseph gain strength in Judges 1:35?

In Judges 1:35, the house of Joseph gains strength through perseverance and divine support. As they confront the Amorites, their determination and unity enable them to overcome the challenges posed by the Amorites' strongholds. This passage emphasizes the importance of resilience and faith in achieving victory over obstacles.

What is the significance of tribute in Judges 1:35?

The tribute imposed on the Amorites in Judges 1:35 signifies their subjugation and acknowledgment of Israelite authority. By making the Amorites pay tribute, the house of Joseph not only asserts its dominance but also establishes a form of control over the land. This act of tribute reflects the broader themes of conquest and the establishment of power during the time of the judges.

What can we learn from the conflict in Judges 1:35?

The conflict in Judges 1:35 teaches us about the realities of struggle and the importance of perseverance. Just as the house of Joseph faced resistance but ultimately prevailed, we can learn to confront our own challenges with determination and faith. This passage encourages us to trust in our strength and the support we receive in overcoming obstacles.

Book Summary

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.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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