Introduction

During the period of the Judges, Israel "do not appear to be either so great or so good as you might have expected the character of such a special people to be, who were governed by such laws and enriched by such promises. We find them miserable and corrupt, and oppressed by the neighbours around them." The Judges that Israel were given to lead them were "not constant, but occasional." They "were raised up and inspired by the Spirit of God to do a particular service... when there was occasion, to avenge Israel of their enemies and to cleanse Israel from their idolatries, which are the two things principally meant by their judging Israel."

Judges 1

v1-8: "Judah's service will not be fruitful unless God gives success, but God will not give success unless Judah vigorously applies itself to service." Here is a good reminder for us. The Lord does gives the increase, and does work through us, but He does so as we labour for Him.

v9-20: God had "expressly promised to give [Israel] success against the Canaanites" as they drove them out of the land. Israel have God on their side, but when Judah saw the iron chariots of the Canaanites, they didn't think it safe to attack them. Instead of being courageous, they were fearful, and this would spoil their influence over the other tribes. Fear is often our response when we forget that God is on our side and the many precious promises He has made to us.

v21-36: The people of Israel were negligent in their duty, and did not take active steps to drive out the Canaanites. They were lazy and "could not be bothered to complete their conquests." They were greedy and "thought that the Canaanites' forced labour and money would do them more good than their blood." They did not have "the fear and hatred of idolatry which they ought to have had," snd "thought no harm could come from allowing them to live among them and that they would be in no danger from them." They distrusted God and this unbelief "kept them from fully possessing" the land. All kinds of trouble come when we don't believe God's Word, and fail to do what He has clearly commanded.