Judges 1:34 Meaning and Explanation
“And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Amorites press the tribe of Dan back into the hills, refusing to let them settle the valley.
What Does Judges 1:34 Mean?
The chapter reaches its lowest point with Dan. Here it is not Israel pressing the inhabitants but the Amorites forcing the children of Dan up into the hill country, barring them from the valley they were meant to possess. The expected order is reversed: the tribe is driven rather than driving.
This is the sharpest picture of conquest gone awry. Where Judah had begun by going up at the LORD's command and prevailing, Dan is pushed back and hemmed in. The contrast between the chapter's confident opening and this hard-pressed close is striking. The verse shows what becomes of God's people when His presence is not sought and His commands left unkept: ground that should have been theirs is lost, and they find themselves cornered rather than triumphant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 1:34
What does Judges 1:34 mean?
The Amorites press the tribe of Dan back into the hills, refusing to let them settle the valley.