Judges 1:9

Authorized King James Version

And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites, that dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַחַ֗ר

H310

And afterward

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

יָֽרְדוּ֙

H3381

went down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

לְהִלָּחֵ֖ם

H3898

to fight

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

בַּֽכְּנַעֲנִ֑י

H3669

against the Canaanites

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

יוֹשֵׁ֣ב

H3427

that dwelt

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הָהָ֔ר

H2022

in the mountain

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְהַנֶּ֖גֶב

H5045

and in the south

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

#10

וְהַשְּׁפֵלָֽה׃

H8219

and in the valley

lowland, i.e., (with the article) the maritime slope of palestine

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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