Judges 1:36 - The border of the Amorites was from the ascent of Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.

Generated Verse: Judges 1:36

What does "Judges 1:36" mean?


Judges 1:36 is a brief but important geographical statement within the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. To understand it, let's break it down:

"The border of the Amorites": The Amorites were a powerful group of people inhabiting parts of Canaan. This verse is delineating the southern edge of their territory.
"was from the ascent of Akrabbim": The "ascent of Akrabbim" (also translated as "Scorpion Pass" or "Scorpion Ascent") was a steep, difficult mountain pass in the southern Negev desert. It served as a natural boundary. The name "Akrabbim" (scorpions) likely refers to the hazardous nature of the pass.
"from the rock": This is a bit ambiguous, but "the rock" likely refers to Sela, a prominent rock fortress in Edom (later known as Petra). It represents a key defensive location.
"and upward": This indicates that the Amorite territory extended northwards from the ascent of Akrabbim and Sela.

In summary:

Judges 1:36 defines the southern boundary of Amorite territory as starting at the ascent of Akrabbim and Sela and then continuing northwards from there. This verse helps to give us a geographical understanding of the region and where the Amorites lived in relation to the Israelites.

Significance:

Territorial Definition: It helps define the extent of the Amorite presence and thus the challenges faced by the tribes of Israel during their conquest.
Strategic Importance: The Ascent of Akrabbim was a key strategic point, a difficult pass to control and a natural border. Whoever controlled it had significant power over trade and movement in the region.
Context of Conquest: This verse is part of a larger narrative about the tribes of Israel inheriting their allotted lands. Knowing the Amorite boundaries helps understand what territory the tribes still needed to conquer.
Relationship to other tribes: It could also indicate potential alliances or conflicts with other neighboring groups, as the Amorites' territory bordered other tribes.

In short, Judges 1:36 is a concise geographical marker that sheds light on the political landscape of Canaan during the time of the Judges, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that faced the Israelites as they sought to establish themselves in the Promised Land.