Judges 1:10-11
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The verse highlights that "Hebron" had a former name, "Kiriath-arba," hinting at its long and possibly complex history before this conquest. Even more striking is the mention of specific individuals, "Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai," by name, suggesting these weren't just anonymous enemies but significant figures, perhaps leaders of a formidable, giant-like lineage known as the Anakim.
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. From there they went against the inhabitants of Debir. The name of Debir was formerly Kiriath-sepher.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Joshua's death, the tribes of Israel are figuring out how to complete the conquest of Canaan, and the tribe of Judah, with its allies, is tasked with taking the offensive. This passage describes Judah's successful attack on Hebron, a significant Canaanite city known for its giant inhabitants. The context shows the ongoing struggle for the Promised Land as each tribe carves out its inheritance.
Judah faces formidable foes in Hebron, but these aren't just any enemies. They are descendants of an ancient, powerful race that instilled fear in the hearts of the Israelites.
The text specifically names Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai as the ones slain in Hebron. These individuals are identified as 'sons of Anak.' The Anakim were known throughout the land for their imposing stature and strength, a trait that had previously caused the Israelite spies to tremble (Numbers 13:33). Their presence in Hebron was a significant obstacle, representing not just a military challenge but also a reminder of the overwhelming odds that God's people were called to face. Conquering them was a direct confrontation with the fear that had held Israel captive in the wilderness.
Hebron wasn't just a city; it carried a history, a legacy of power and significance, reflected in its changing names.
The verse notes that 'the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba.' This isn't just a historical footnote; it points to the deep roots and ancient importance of the city. Kiriath-arba likely means 'City of Arba,' possibly referring to a prominent ancestor of the Anakim. The name 'Hebron' itself, which means 'association' or 'union,' might relate to the covenant God made with Abraham, who lived there. By mentioning both names, the text underscores that this conquest involved overcoming not only a physical enemy but also dismantling the legacy and authority associated with the land's ancient rulers. It signifies a transfer of power and a renaming of the place under God's authority.
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Following Joshua's death, a crucial question arises: who will lead the charge? Judah steps forward, marking a pivotal moment in the conquest.
This passage in Judges occurs after Joshua's leadership has ended. The Israelites are seeking God's direction for the ongoing conquest of Canaan. The tribe of Judah is chosen and empowered by God to go up against the Canaanites in Hebron. This isn't just a military action; it's a divinely ordained step in fulfilling God's promise to give the land to His people. The victory over the giants in Hebron demonstrates that with God's help, even the most fearsome obstacles can be overcome. It sets a precedent for Judah's future role and highlights the importance of obedience and reliance on God in the face of daunting challenges.
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.
Qiryath Sepher · Hebrew Proper Noun
In the Old Testament, a city or town is often a fortified settlement, serving as a center for local governance, defense, and culture. In this context, it refers to a Canaanite stronghold targeted for conquest by the Israelites.
c. 1400 BC
Caleb's Conquest of Hebron
During the initial conquest of Canaan under Joshua, Caleb, a faithful spy from the tribe of Judah, is granted Hebron as his inheritance. He drives out the Anakim, including the giants Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, from the city.
c. 1390 BC
Anakim Reoccupy Hebron
After Joshua's death and as the Israelites begin to settle, some Canaanite groups, particularly the Anakim in Hebron, manage to re-establish their presence and regain control of the city.
c. 1340 BC— this verse
Judah Recaptures Hebron
Following Joshua's passing, the tribe of Judah, led by Caleb (or at least his descendants/associates, as the text may be conflating events), launches an offensive against the Canaanites in Hebron, re-conquering the city and defeating the giants Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai.
This passage mentions Hebron and the descendants of Anak (Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai) when the spies scouted the land, establishing the long-standing presence of these giants in the region.
Joshua 15:13-15This passage directly parallels the account in Judges, stating that Caleb, with Judah's support, drove out the three sons of Anak from Hebron, highlighting the specific conquest of these giants.
Joshua 10:36-37This earlier account details Joshua's conquest of Hebron and its inhabitants, showing that while the city was taken, its formidable inhabitants, the Anakim, would later pose a challenge again.
1 Samuel 27:10This verse mentions the inhabitants of the land as 'the same people as of old,' referring to the Negeb and Judah, which implies the continued presence or influence of groups like the Anakim in the southern territories long after the initial 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 highlights that "Hebron" had a former name, "Kiriath-arba," hinting at its long and possibly complex history before this conquest. Even more striking is the mention of specific individuals, "Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai," by name, suggesting these weren't just anonymous enemies but significant figures, perhaps leaders of a formidable, giant-like lineage known as the Anakim.
After Joshua's death, the tribes of Israel are figuring out how to complete the conquest of Canaan, and the tribe of Judah, with its allies, is tasked with taking the offensive. This passage describes Judah's successful attack on Hebron, a significant Canaanite city known for its giant inhabitants. The context shows the ongoing struggle for the Promised Land as each tribe carves out its inheritance.
After Joshua's death, the tribes of Israel are figuring out how to complete the conquest of Canaan, and the tribe of Judah, with its allies, is tasked with taking the offensive. This passage describes Judah's successful attack on Hebron, a significant Canaanite city known for its giant inhabitants. The context shows the ongoing struggle for the Promised Land as each tribe carves out its inheritance.
"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. From there they went against the inhabitants of Debir. The name of Debir was for…" — The verse highlights that "Hebron" had a former name, "Kiriath-arba," hinting at its long and possibly complex history before this conquest. Even more striking is the mention of specific individuals,…
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Last reviewed October 2026
