Book of Judges - Chapter 1 - Verse 17

Upon reading the verse "And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah," we are presented with a story of conquest and victory in the biblical narrative. In this passage, Judah and Simeon, two brothers from the tribe of Israel, join forces to defeat the Canaanites in the city of Zephath. The act of slaying the Canaanites and destroying the city of Zephath signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites to inherit the land of Canaan. The city of Zephath is later renamed Hormah, which means "destruction" or "devotion," signifying the complete annihilation of the Canaanite inhabitants and the city itself. This narrative serves as a reminder of the Israelites' faith in God's deliverance and their willingness to carry out His commands, even in the face of strong opposition.

One theological interpretation of the verse in which Judah and Simeon join forces to defeat the Canaanites in the city of Zephath is the idea of unity among brothers. The fact that Judah and Simeon, who were brothers, came together to fight a common enemy highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among family members. This unity enabled them to successfully carry out their mission and achieve victory. Additionally, the word "Hormah" mentioned in the verse is significant as it means "devoted to destruction." This indicates the severity of the judgment executed upon the Canaanites by the Israelites. The city was utterly destroyed, symbolizing the complete eradication of evil. This event can be interpreted as a demonstration of God's justice and victory over the enemies of His people. Overall, this passage serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, faith, and God's power in overcoming obstacles and evil forces.