Problem: Judges 1:10 explains that Judah “struck” the sons of Anak; however, verse 20 explains that they were merely driven out. Which is true?
Solution: The Hebrew word for “struck” is nakah (pronounced nuh-HAH). It can be translated as “slew” (Judg. 9:44) or “struck down” (Judg. 3:29). However, it doesn’t always carry the connotation of exterminated –simply defeated. For instance, the Jews were “defeated,” but they were not exterminated (Judg. 3:13). Judges 1 is very similar to Joshua 15:13-19. Some argue that these are describing two separate attacks on the sons of Anak. One earlier and one later. Since Judges is not written in chronological order, this is possible.
Judges 1:20 – Were the sons of Anak killed or driven out?
