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Joshua 10:36
And Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, unto Hebron; and they fought against it:

Joshua 11:21
And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.

Joshua 15:13-20
And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua,even the city of Arba the father of Anak, whichcity is Hebron…

valley.

to fight against the Canaanites
The Canaanites were the original inhabitants of the land, known for their idolatrous practices and opposition to Israel. The command to fight them was part of God's directive to Israel to possess the land He had promised to their ancestors (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). This battle represents the ongoing struggle between the people of God and the forces of paganism and sin.

living in the hill country
The hill country refers to the central mountainous region of Canaan, which includes areas like Hebron. This region was significant for its strategic and fertile land. The hill country was also the location of many significant biblical events, such as Abraham's sojourn and David's early reign. The conquest of this area was crucial for establishing a stronghold in the land.

in the Negev
The Negev is a desert region in the southern part of Israel. It was less fertile but strategically important for controlling trade routes and access to Egypt. The inclusion of the Negev in the conquest highlights the comprehensive nature of Judah's campaign, ensuring control over diverse geographical areas.

and in the foothills
The foothills, or Shephelah, are the lowland regions between the hill country and the coastal plains. This area was agriculturally rich and often contested due to its proximity to Philistine territories. The conquest of the foothills was essential for securing the western borders of Judah's territory. This region later becomes significant in the narratives of Samson and David, illustrating its ongoing strategic importance.

–Judges 1:9 opens with “Afterward,” signaling a continuation of action.

• It follows Judah’s earlier victory over Jerusalem (Judges 1:7-8) and the Lord’s directive that Judah take the lead in battle (Judges 1:2).

• The word reminds us that God’s plans unfold step by step; obedience yesterday calls for obedience today (Joshua 24:31).

• It underscores momentum—Israel is not settling for partial conquest (Numbers 33:55-56).

– The focus narrows to the tribe entrusted with leadership.

• Jacob’s blessing foretold Judah’s dominance (Genesis 49:8-10).

• Judah had already partnered with Simeon (Judges 1:3), modeling unity while still bearing primary responsibility.

• Their prominence prefigures the royal line culminating in David (Ruth 4:18-22) and ultimately Christ (Revelation 5:5).

– “Marched down” highlights deliberate, covenant-driven movement.

• Obedience is active, not passive (Deuteronomy 1:21).

• The phrase suggests descending from the hilltop areas around Jerusalem toward lower elevations, reflecting real geography (Joshua 15:10-12).

• God’s people move at His command, trusting His presence on the journey (Exodus 13:21-22).

– Their purpose is explicit: battle.

• Warfare was part of Israel’s divine assignment to cleanse the land of idolatry (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).

• Victory depended on the Lord, not numbers or skill (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

• Spiritual application: believers still “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12), relying on God’s strength.

– The enemy is named.

• The Canaanites symbolize entrenched pagan culture opposed to God (Exodus 23:31-33).

• Earlier failures to expel them led to compromise (Judges 2:1-3).

• Complete obedience requires confronting, not coexisting with, sin (Romans 8:13).

– First target: the rugged central highlands.

• These ridges were fortified strongholds (Numbers 13:28-29).

• Conquering high places cleared space for Israel’s cities such as Hebron (Joshua 14:13-15).

• Removing lofty defenses mirrors tearing down proud thoughts that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

– Next, the arid southern region.

• The Negev had been traversed by patriarchs like Abraham (Genesis 12:9).

• Judah’s inheritance included desert stretches that required faith to inhabit (Joshua 15:21-32).

• God equips His people to flourish even in barren places (Isaiah 35:1-2).

– Finally, the fertile lowlands (Shephelah).

• These rolling hills formed a buffer between coastal plains and highlands, often contested territory (1 Samuel 17:1).

• Securing the foothills protected interior cities and trade routes (2 Chronicles 28:18).

• Spiritually, it speaks of claiming every area of life—high, low, and in between—for the Lord (Colossians 3:17).

Judges 1:9 portrays Judah’s continuing, God-directed advance: they move immediately after prior victories, rally under their divinely appointed role, step out decisively, engage the enemy, and methodically secure every terrain—mountain, desert, and lowland. The verse models steady obedience, reliance on God in battle, and the call to leave no stronghold of opposition unchallenged until the full inheritance promised by the Lord is enjoyed.

In the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley.--These are three marked regions of Palestine--the "hill-country" (ha-Har,Joshua 9:1), in which were Hebron and Debir (Judges 1:10-11); the south orNegeb(Joshua 15:21), in which were Arad and Zephath; and the valley, or rather low lands (Shephelah,Joshua 11:16;Joshua 15:33), in which were the three Philistian towns of Gaza, Askelon, and Ekron (Judges 1:18). TheHaris the central or highland district of Palestine, which runs through the whole length of the country, broken only by the plain of Jezreel. TheNegeb,derived from a root which means "dry," was the region mainly occupied by the tribe of Simeon. TheShephelah,or low maritime plains (of which the root is perhaps also found inHi-Spalis, Seville--see Stanley,Sin. and Pal.485), is Palestine proper,i.e.,the region of Philistia, the sea-coast south of the Plain of Sharon. In the E.V. the name is sometimes rendered as here, "the valley" (Deuteronomy 1:7;Joshua 9:1, &c.), sometimes we find it as "the plain" (Obadiah 1:19, &c.), or "the low plains" (1Chronicles 27:28). . . .