We have here record of the ongoing conquest of the Promised Land with some curious eye-witness details along the way. We have a record of the defeat, capture, cutting off of the thumbs and big toes and then death of this king Adoni-bezek (v4-7). This speaks of the cruelty of those days, but also how Israel, at God’s command was bringing down justice on a very wicked people as they took the Promised Land.

The account of Caleb’s capture of Kiriath-sepher (Debir), may raise questions about his parenting (v11-15), but it also shows his amazing commitment to this task. This elderly man has not waned in his passion in doing the Lord’s work and this should challenge us all. He took Hebron (v20) where the Anak, this giant of a people lived, and who presence had originally caused Israel not to enter the Promised Land in the days of Moses.

We have a record of the tribe of Judah taking Jerusalem (v8), but the inhabitants must have been allowed to return and then the tribe of Benjamin failing to drive them out (v21). This failure is recorded immediately after the victory of Caleb (v20). Did they lack the commitment and resolve of Caleb?

Much of the rest of the chapter highlights the failure of the Israelites in completely driving out these nations as they were commanded to. Are there areas of your life where you fail to see through the victory that God calls you to, because of a lack of commitment? Please pray about this.