Judges 1:18

"Also Judah took Gaza with its border, and Ashkelon with its border, and Ekron with its border."

Key Reflection

This passage highlights the incomplete conquest of Canaan by the Israelites, symbolizing their failure to fully drive out the Canaanite inhabitants as commanded. It underscores the spiritual struggle against sin and the ongoing need for believers to maintain godly boundaries in their lives.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

It is remarkable that Ashdod is not here mentioned, as it is inJoshua 15:46-47, in conjunction with Gaza and Ekron; but that Askelon, which is not in the list of the cities of Judah at all, is named in its stead. (SeeJoshua 13:3note.) It is a curious fact that when Rameses III took Askelon it was occupied, not by Philistines, but apparently by Hebrews. Rameses began to reign in 1269 B.C., and reigned 25 years. At any time between 1269 and 1244 B.C. such occupation of Askelon by Hebrews agrees with the Book of Judges.

More from Judges 1

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