Judges 1:10
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse mentions Hebron's former name, "Kiriath-arba," which translates to "city of four." This detail hints at a potentially complex history of the city, possibly referring to four distinct quarters or even ancient confederations, before it became known as Hebron. The text focuses not just on the conquest, but on the specific, imposing descendants of Anak (Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai) being vanquished, highlighting the formidable giants Israel faced.
Following Joshua's death, the tribe of Judah is tasked with conquering the remaining Canaanite strongholds. This passage details their campaign, specifically their successful assault on Hebron, a city formerly known as Kiriath-arba, and their defeat of its giant inhabitants. This victory sets the stage for further tribal claims and divisions within the promised land.
Who were these 'giants' and why does the Bible name them specifically?
The text names three individuals: Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai. These names likely represent clans or prominent figures descended from the Anakim, a race of giants known for their imposing stature.
Why does the Bible mention Hebron's former name, Kiriath-arba?
The verse notes that Hebron was formerly called Kiriath-arba. This isn't just a geographical detail; it highlights layers of history and significance associated with the place.
Who took the initiative, and how did they succeed?
The verse states, 'And Judah went against the Canaanites.' This shows the tribe of Judah taking the initiative in the conquest, but the success was ultimately from God.
Understand the original words
Chebron · Hebrew Proper Noun
A city of great historical and religious importance, associated with the patriarchs. It represents the promise of the land inheritance and the covenantal history of Israel.
This passage highlights that the Israelite conquest of Canaan was not a single, swift event. It involved prolonged struggles, with some areas being conquered multiple times as the Canaanites resisted or re-established themselves.
c. 1400 BC
Anakites inhabit Hebron
Descendants of Anak, known for their giant stature, occupied the city of Hebron, which was then called Kiriath-arba. This region was part of the larger Canaanite territory.
c. 1400 BC
Spies visit Canaan
During the Israelite wilderness wanderings, spies explored Canaan and reported on its inhabitants, including the formidable Anakites in Hebron. Caleb was among these spies.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan begins
Following Joshua's leadership, the Israelites began their military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan, driving out various nations.
c. 1400 BC
Initial capture of Hebron
Joshua's forces initially captured Hebron and defeated its inhabitants, including the sons of Anak, as part of the broader conquest.
This passage directly mentions Hebron and the Anakites, including the names Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, setting the stage for their later defeat by Judah.
Joshua 14:13-15This account details Caleb's personal conquest of Hebron and the Anakites, showing a direct link to the event described in Judges and highlighting Caleb's leadership.
Joshua 15:13-14This passage provides a parallel account of Caleb driving out the descendants of Anak from Hebron, reinforcing the significance of this specific victory for the tribe of Judah.
Genesis 23:2This verse establishes Hebron as the burial place of Sarah, showing its ancient significance and its deep connection to the patriarchs, which adds historical weight to its conquest.
gillJudges 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."
And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron,.... Hebron was first taken by Joshua, and the inhabitants of it put to the sword, Joshua 10:36 ; but while Joshua was employed in making other conquests, the Canaanites found ways and means of getting into the possession of it again; wherefore, when a grant of it was…
ellicottJudges 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."
(10) That dwelt in Hebron. —See Joshua 10:36-37 . Hebron is midway between Jerusalem and Beersheba, and twenty miles from either. The first name of the city, which is one of the most ancient in the world ( Numbers 13:22 ), was Mamre ( Genesis 13:18 ), from the name of its chief ( Genesis 14:24 ). It is now called El-Khulîl (“t…
The verse mentions Hebron's former name, "Kiriath-arba," which translates to "city of four." This detail hints at a potentially complex history of the city, possibly referring to four distinct quarters or even ancient confederations, before it became known as Hebron. The text focuses not just on the conquest, but on the specific, imposing descendants of Anak (Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai) being vanquished, highlighting the formidable giants Israel faced.
Following Joshua's death, the tribe of Judah is tasked with conquering the remaining Canaanite strongholds. This passage details their campaign, specifically their successful assault on Hebron, a city formerly known as Kiriath-arba, and their defeat of its giant inhabitants. This victory sets the stage for further tribal claims and divisions within the promised land.
Following Joshua's death, the tribe of Judah is tasked with conquering the remaining Canaanite strongholds. This passage details their campaign, specifically their successful assault on Hebron, a city formerly known as Kiriath-arba, and their defeat of its giant inhabitants. This victory sets the stage for further tribal claims and divisions within the promised land.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Judges 1:10 is available in the Sola app.
c. 1390 BC
Caleb takes possession of Hebron
Caleb, a faithful Israelite leader, was granted Hebron as his inheritance, and he drove out the remaining sons of Anak from the city.
c. 1380 BC— this verse
Infiltration of Hebron by Canaanites
Despite earlier Israelite victories, some Canaanites, including the Anakites, managed to re-inhabit Hebron, suggesting a period of incomplete conquest or resistance.
c. 1380 BC
Judah's campaign against Canaanites
After Joshua's death, the tribe of Judah, encouraged by God, undertook military actions against the Canaanites still occupying territories like Hebron.
"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." — The verse mentions Hebron's former name, "Kiriath-arba," which translates to "city of four." This detail hints at a potentially complex history of the city, possibly referring to four distinct quarte…
