Judah Conquers Jerusalem and Hebron

8 Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.

9 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. [1] 10 And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron: (now the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.

Othniel Conquers Debir and Receives Achsah

11 And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher:

Other Translations of Judges 1:8-11

New International Version

Judah Conquers Jerusalem and Hebron

8 The men of Judah attacked Jerusalem also and took it. They put the city to the sword and set it on fire.

9 After that, Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites living in the hill country, the Negev and the western foothills. 10 They advanced against the Canaanites living in Hebron (formerly called Kiriath Arba) and defeated Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai.

Othniel Conquers Debir and Receives Achsah

11 From there they advanced against the people living in Debir (formerly called Kiriath Sepher).

English Standard Version

Judah Conquers Jerusalem and Hebron

8 And the men of Judah fought against Jerusalem and captured it and struck it with the edge of the sword and set the city on fire.

9 And afterward the men of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites who lived in the hill country, in the Negeb, and in the lowland. 10 And Judah went against the Canaanites who lived in Hebron (now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba), and they defeated Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai.

Othniel Conquers Debir and Receives Achsah

11 From there they went against the inhabitants of Debir. The name of Debir was formerly Kiriath-sepher.

The Message

Judah Conquers Jerusalem and Hebron

8 The people of Judah attacked and captured Jerusalem, subduing the city by sword and then sending it up in flames.

9 After that they had gone down to fight the Canaanites who were living in the hill country, the Negev, and the foothills. 10 Judah had gone on to the Canaanites who lived in Hebron (Hebron used to be called Kiriath Arba) and brought Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai to their knees.

Othniel Conquers Debir and Receives Achsah

11 From there they had marched against the population of Debir (Debir used to be called Kiriath Sepher).

New King James Version

Judah Conquers Jerusalem and Hebron

8 Now the children of Judah fought against Jerusalem and took it; they struck it with the edge of the sword and set the city on fire.

9 And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites who dwelt in the mountains, in the South, Hebrew Negev, and so throughout this book and in the lowland. 10 Then Judah went against the Canaanites who dwelt in Hebron. (Now the name of Hebron was formerly Kirjath Arba.) And they killed Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai.

Othniel Conquers Debir and Receives Achsah

11 From there they went against the inhabitants of Debir. (The name of Debir was formerly Kirjath Sepher.)

New Living Translation

Judah Conquers Jerusalem and Hebron

8 The men of Judah attacked Jerusalem and captured it, killing all its people and setting the city on fire.

9 Then they went down to fight the Canaanites living in the hill country, the Negev, and the western foothills. 10 Judah marched against the Canaanites in Hebron (formerly called Kiriath-arba), defeating the forces of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai.

Othniel Conquers Debir and Receives Achsah

11 From there they went to fight against the people living in the town of Debir (formerly called Kiriath-sepher).

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 1:8-11

Commentary on Judges 1:1-8

(Read Judges 1:1-8)

The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites was to be continued; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried on after the death of Joshua. In these respects they inquired of the Lord. God appoints service according to the strength he has given. From those who are most able, most work is expected. Judah was first in dignity, and must be first in duty. Judah's service will not avail unless God give success; but God will not give the success, unless Judah applies to the service. Judah was the most considerable of all the tribes, and Simeon the least; yet Judah begs Simeon's friendship, and prays for aid from him. It becomes Israelites to help one another against Canaanites; and all Christians, even those of different tribes, should strengthen one another. Those who thus help one another in love, have reason to hope that God will graciously help both. Adoni-bezek was taken prisoner. This prince had been a severe tyrant. The Israelites, doubtless under the Divine direction, made him suffer what he had done to others; and his own conscience confessed that he was justly treated as he had treated others. Thus the righteous God sometimes, in his providence, makes the punishment answer the sin.

Commentary on Judges 1:9-20

(Read Judges 1:9-20)

The Canaanites had iron chariots; but Israel had God on their side, whose chariots are thousands of angels, Joshua 15:16-19. The Kenites had settled in the land. Israel let them fix where they pleased, being a quiet, contented people. They that molested none, were molested by none. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.