Matthew Henry Commentary Judges 1:1-8

"And it came to pass after the death of Joshua, that the children of Israel asked of Jehovah, saying, Who shall go up for us first against the Canaanites, to fight against them? And Jehovah said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand. And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him. And Judah went up; and Jehovah delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they smote of them in Bezek ten thousand men. And they found Adoni-bezek in Bezek; and they fought against him, and they smote the Canaanites and the Perizzites. But Adoni-bezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes. And Adoni-bezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered [their food] under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there. And the children of Judah fought against Jerusalem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire." — Judges 1:1-8 (ASV)

The Israelites were convinced that the war against the Canaanites was to be continued, but they were in doubt about how it should be carried on after the death of Joshua. Concerning these matters, they sought guidance from the Lord. God appoints service according to the strength he has given.

From those who are most able, most work is expected. Judah was first in dignity and must be first in duty. Judah's service will not be effective unless God gives success, but God will not give success unless Judah undertakes the service. Judah was the most prominent of all the tribes, and Simeon the least; yet Judah begs for Simeon's friendship and pleads for his aid.

It is fitting for Israelites to help one another against Canaanites, and all Christians, even those of different groups, should strengthen one another. Those who in this way help one another in love have reason to hope that God will graciously help them both. Adoni-bezek was taken prisoner. This prince had been a severe tyrant.

The Israelites, undoubtedly under divine direction, made him suffer what he had inflicted on others; and his own conscience confessed that he was justly treated as he had treated others. In this way, the righteous God sometimes, in his providence, makes the punishment fit the sin.