Judges 1:28 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When Israel grew strong they made the Canaanites pay tribute rather than driving them out.
What Does Judges 1:28 Mean?
When Israel gained the upper hand, they chose a compromise: instead of driving out the Canaanites as commanded, they subjected them to forced labor and tribute. Strength that could have completed the task was used instead to extract benefit from those who should have been displaced.
Here lies a subtle and very human failure. Israel was strong enough to obey fully, yet found it more convenient to settle for partial control and the profit it brought. The half-measure looked like success but planted a lasting snare. The verse warns against trading full obedience for present advantage; what seems a shrewd arrangement can quietly compromise the heart, leaving in place the very influences God meant His people to be free of.
Judges 1:28 in the Original Language
mas (מַס), 'tribute' -- forced labor or compulsory service exacted from a subject people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 1:28
What does Judges 1:28 mean?
When Israel grew strong they made the Canaanites pay tribute rather than driving them out.