3 And Judah saith to Simeon his brother, 'Go up with me into my lot, and we fight against the Canaanite—and I have gone, even I, with thee into thy lot;' and Simeon goeth with him. 4 And Judah goeth up, and Jehovah giveth the Canaanite and the Perizzite into their hand, and they smite them in Bezek—ten thousand men; 5 and they find Adoni-Bezek in Bezek, and fight against him, and smite the Canaanite and the Perizzite. 6 And Adoni-Bezek fleeth, and they pursue after him, and seize him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes, 7 and Adoni-Bezek saith, 'Seventy kings—their thumbs and their great toes cut off—have been gathering under my table; as I have done so hath God repaid to me;' and they bring him in to Jerusalem, and he dieth there.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 1:3-7
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.