King James Version
What Does Judges 1:35 Mean?
“But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries. prevailed: Heb. was heavy”
Judges 1:35 · KJV
Context
33
Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Bethanath became tributaries unto them.
34
And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley:
35
But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries. prevailed: Heb. was heavy
36
And the coast of the Amorites was from the going up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward. the going: or, Maalehakrabbim
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBut the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.
This verse describes Amorite persistence in three locations: mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim, all in Dan's territory. These cities controlled strategic passes from coastal plain into highlands—Aijalon Valley being major route (where Joshua commanded sun and moon to stand still, Joshua 10:12-13). The phrase 'Amorites would dwell' (vayo'el ha'Emori lashevet, וַיּוֹאֶל הָאֱמֹרִי לָשֶׁבֶת) uses ya'al (יָאַל, 'determine, persist, be willing'), indicating stubborn resistance. They refused displacement despite Israelite pressure.
However, 'the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed' (vattikbad yad-beit Yosef, וַתִּכְבַּד יַד־בֵּית יוֹסֵף) shows eventual Ephraimite-Manassite dominance assisting Dan. The verb kaved (כָּבֵד, 'be heavy, weighty, honored') suggests increasing power and influence. Joseph's house gained strength sufficient to impose tribute on Amorites Dan couldn't expel. Yet again, tribute rather than elimination represents incomplete obedience—economic exploitation replacing covenantal faithfulness.
This pattern repeats throughout chapter 1: initial failure followed by eventual military-economic dominance, yet stopping short of complete conquest. The progression suggests growing Israelite power over generations, yet consistent failure to complete God's commands. In Christian life, this parallels gaining external victories (behavioral modification, visible righteousness) while maintaining internal compromises (pride, self-sufficiency, worldly values). External success without comprehensive heart transformation leaves ongoing vulnerabilities. Paul's teaching about putting off the old man and putting on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24) requires complete transformation, not merely superficial behavioral adjustment.
This verse describes Amorite persistence in three locations: mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim, all in Dan's territory. These cities controlled strategic passes from coastal plain into highlands—Aijalon Valley being major route (where Joshua commanded sun and moon to stand still, Joshua 10:12-13). The phrase 'Amorites would dwell' (vayo'el ha'Emori lashevet, וַיּוֹאֶל הָאֱמֹרִי לָשֶׁבֶת) uses ya'al (יָאַל, 'determine, persist, be willing'), indicating stubborn resistance. They refused displacement despite Israelite pressure.
However, 'the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed' (vattikbad yad-beit Yosef, וַתִּכְבַּד יַד־בֵּית יוֹסֵף) shows eventual Ephraimite-Manassite dominance assisting Dan. The verb kaved (כָּבֵד, 'be heavy, weighty, honored') suggests increasing power and influence. Joseph's house gained strength sufficient to impose tribute on Amorites Dan couldn't expel. Yet again, tribute rather than elimination represents incomplete obedience—economic exploitation replacing covenantal faithfulness.
This pattern repeats throughout chapter 1: initial failure followed by eventual military-economic dominance, yet stopping short of complete conquest. The progression suggests growing Israelite power over generations, yet consistent failure to complete God's commands. In Christian life, this parallels gaining external victories (behavioral modification, visible righteousness) while maintaining internal compromises (pride, self-sufficiency, worldly values). External success without comprehensive heart transformation leaves ongoing vulnerabilities. Paul's teaching about putting off the old man and putting on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24) requires complete transformation, not merely superficial behavioral adjustment.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Mount Heres' location remains uncertain, possibly identical to or near Ir-shemesh or Beth-shemesh in the Shephelah. Aijalon (Tel Aijalon) controlled the Aijalon Valley, one of four major routes from coast to highlands. Archaeological excavations show Late Bronze-Iron Age occupation with evidence of destruction and rebuilding consistent with period conflicts. Shaalbim (possibly Selbit, south of Aijalon) controlled another strategic pass. These sites' locations made them military-economically valuable, explaining Amorite determination to retain them.
The house of Joseph's intervention reflects the tribal confederation's mutual support structure. While Dan couldn't conquer alone, Ephraim-Manasseh's greater power subdued Amorites. This confederation (amphictyonic league) united tribes for common defense and mutual aid, though it lacked centralized authority creating coordination problems evident throughout Judges. The repeated refrain 'In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes' (Judges 17:6, 21:25) highlights leadership vacuum.
The tribute system imposed on subjugated Canaanites prefigured Solomon's labor practices (1 Kings 5:13-14, 9:15-22). However, Solomon's exploitation included Israelites (though ostensibly only foreigners, 1 Kings 9:22), contributing to northern revolt under Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:1-20). The pattern established during incomplete conquest—economic exploitation of subjected peoples—became institutional practice with long-term political consequences.
The house of Joseph's intervention reflects the tribal confederation's mutual support structure. While Dan couldn't conquer alone, Ephraim-Manasseh's greater power subdued Amorites. This confederation (amphictyonic league) united tribes for common defense and mutual aid, though it lacked centralized authority creating coordination problems evident throughout Judges. The repeated refrain 'In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes' (Judges 17:6, 21:25) highlights leadership vacuum.
The tribute system imposed on subjugated Canaanites prefigured Solomon's labor practices (1 Kings 5:13-14, 9:15-22). However, Solomon's exploitation included Israelites (though ostensibly only foreigners, 1 Kings 9:22), contributing to northern revolt under Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:1-20). The pattern established during incomplete conquest—economic exploitation of subjected peoples—became institutional practice with long-term political consequences.
Reflection Questions
- What external spiritual victories have you achieved while maintaining internal compromises similar to Israel's military dominance without complete conquest?
- How does the house of Joseph's intervention assisting Dan illustrate the body of Christ's mutual support in spiritual warfare?
- In what areas does economic pragmatism tempt you to exploit rather than eliminate besetting sins or worldly patterns?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsוַיּ֤וֹאֶל1 of 13
“would”
H2974properly, to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition
לָשֶׁ֣בֶת3 of 13
“dwell”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וַתִּכְבַּד֙8 of 13
“prevailed”
H3513to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
יַ֣ד9 of 13
“yet the hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
בֵּית10 of 13
“of the house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וַיִּֽהְי֖וּ12 of 13
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לָמַֽס׃13 of 13
“so that they became tributaries”
H4522properly, a burden (as causing to faint), i.e., a tax in the form of forced labor
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Judges 1:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Judges 1:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge