Old Testament
Judges 1:4
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Judah went up, and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hands. They killed 10,000 men at Bezek.
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And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.
What Judges 1:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the tribe of Judah taking action to conquer the land of Canaan, which was filled with various peoples, including the Canaanites and the Perizzites. The phrase 'the LORD delivered' indicates that their success was not solely due to their own strength but was a result of divine assistance. The mention of killing 10,000 men at Bezek highlights the scale of their victory and the effectiveness of their military campaign. This event marks a significant moment in the history of Israel as they begin to take possession of the Promised Land. It also emphasizes the importance of faith and reliance on God in achieving their goals. The victory at Bezek serves as a reminder that with God's help, challenges can be overcome, and victories can be won, even against formidable foes. This sets the stage for the ongoing battles and conquests that the Israelites will face as they seek to establish themselves in Canaan.
How to apply Judges 1:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God when facing our own battles. Just as Judah relied on the Lord for victory, we too can seek divine guidance and strength in our challenges. Remembering that we are not alone can empower us to face difficulties with confidence.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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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 1:4 mean?
Judges 1:4 describes how the tribe of Judah, with God's help, defeated the Canaanites and Perizzites, killing 10,000 men at Bezek. This victory illustrates the importance of divine assistance in achieving success.
What is the significance of Bezek in Judges 1:4?
Bezek is significant as the location where Judah achieved a major military victory over the Canaanites and Perizzites. The mention of killing 10,000 men highlights the scale of their triumph and the effectiveness of their campaign.
What does 'the LORD delivered' mean in Judges 1:4?
The phrase 'the LORD delivered' indicates that Judah's victory was not just due to their own efforts but was a result of God's intervention and support in their battle against the Canaanites and Perizzites.
What can we learn from Judges 1:4 about facing challenges?
Judges 1:4 teaches us the importance of relying on God when facing our own challenges. Just as Judah sought divine assistance for victory, we can find strength and guidance through faith in difficult situations.
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