John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. And Judah said unto Simeon his brother , etc.] The men of the tribe of Judah said to those of the tribe of Simeon, they being not only brethren by father’s and mother’s side, which was not the case of all the sons of Jacob, but their possessions and inheritances lay near together; and indeed those of Simeon were within the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, ( Joshua 19:1); so that as they lived in great nearness and familiarity with each other, their interests were closely united together: come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites ; conjunctly: the meaning is, that the tribe of Simeon, as many of their warlike men as could, would come and join their forces with those of the tribe of Judah, in order to reduce such cities, in the lot of that tribe, the Canaanites as yet were in the possession of: and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot : the cities being conquered which were in the lot, of the tribe of Judah, that tribe proposed to bring their united forces into the lot of the tribe of Simeon, and reduce such cities as were in that lot: so Simeon went with him : the tribe of Simeon agreed to the proposal, and went along with the tribe of Judah against their common enemy.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites wa to be continued; but they were in doubt as to the manner in which it was to be carried on after the death of Joshua. In these respects the inquired of the Lord. God appoints service according to the strength he has given. From those who are most able, most work is expected. Juda was first in dignity, and must be first in duty. Judah's service wil not avail unless God give success; but God will not give the success unless Judah applies to the service. Judah was the most considerable of all the tribes, and Simeon the least; yet Judah begs Simeon' friendship, and prays for aid from him. It becomes Israelites to hel one another against Canaanites; and all Christians, even those of different tribes, should strengthen one another. Those who thus hel one another in love, have reason to hope that God will graciously hel both. Adoni-bezek was taken prisoner. This prince had been a sever tyrant. The Israelites, doubtless under the Divine direction, made his suffer what he had done to others; and his own conscience confesse that he was justly treated as he had treated others. Thus the righteou God sometimes, in his providence, makes the punishment answer the sin.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 יהודה3063 לשׁמעון8095 אחיו251 עלה5927 אתי854 בגורלי1486 ונלחמה3898 בכנעני3669 והלכתי1980 גם1571 אני589 אתך854 בגורלך1486 וילך1980 אתו854 שׁמעון׃8095
