02: But they did not conquer them and lived together (Judges 1:22 – 36)

The second part of Chapter 1 takes an even gloomier turn. Although the Lord was faithful, the Israelites were reluctant to conquer the remaining Amorites. Consequently, the two groups happened to cohabit in the land. 

👉 Read Judges 1:22 - 36

Q1. (22 – 26) This story is similar to the conquest of (          ) in Joshua’s time. Furthermore, the Canaanite man came to possess his city, (       ), among Israel. 

This story is similar to the conquest of ( Jericho ) in Joshua’s time. Furthermore, the Canaanite man came to possess his city, ( Luz ), among Israel.

They experienced the same victory that the Lord had given Joshua’s generation.

Note that the man from Bethel joined the covenant people and built his own city that would become a part of Israel.

Q2. How many times does the Bible say that they did not conquer them? 

Verses 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33

The Bible doesn’t say, “they could not conquer,” but rather “they did not.” This highlights the matter of their intention; they didn’t make an effort to drive the Canaanites out. Finally, at v34, the Danites were forced to live in the hill country, the territory of Judah, Benjamin, or Ephraim. At the beginning of a spiritual battle, you can choose to resist it; the decision is in your hands. However, if you continue to ignore the need to confront sin, it will eventually dominate you.

Q3. Though the Lord intended for Israel to become a holy nation in the land of Canaan, they neither fully conquered the land nor completely drove out the Amorites (the Canaanites). As a result, Amorite states came to coexist with the Israelite tribes. This passage describes Israel's failure in a gradually worsening pattern. In the central part of the land, the (         ) lived among the Israelites and were subjected to forced labor when the Israelites were (       )(29, 30, 33). However, in the northern region, it was the (       ) who lived among the (       ), indicating that they were a minority (32). Furthermore, the tribe of (       ) was forced out of their territory by the Amorites.

In the central part of the land, the ( Canaanites ) lived among the Israelites and were subjected to forced labor when the Israelites were ( strong )(29, 30, 33). However, in the northern region, it was the ( Israelites ) who lived among the ( Canaanites ), indicating that they were a minority (32). Furthermore, the tribe of ( Dan ) was forced out of their territory by the Amorites.

Verse 36 presents a somber conclusion: the Amorites remained in the land as a form of nation. The Bible often uses "Canaanites" and "Amorites" interchangeably, as the Amorites were prominent among the Canaanite tribes, particularly in their influence regarding moral corruption and idolatry in the land. While the term "Canaanites" refers to the general inhabitants of the land, "Amorites" carries a more specific racial connotation. When the Bible specifically refers to them as the Amorites, it emphasizes condemnation, highlighting God's judgment upon them because of their sins.

Interestingly, there is no mention of Issachar.

“When Joseph was strong” (35): Here, Joseph represents the people of the Northern Kingdom, led primarily by the tribe of Joseph—more specifically, Ephraim.

If you do not conquer your sins, you will live with sin. Then, sin will devour you someday.