Judges 1 · Grade 4
A Good Start, an Unfinished Job
Read and Think
The book of Judges begins after the death of Joshua. Israel still had land to take, so they asked God who should go first. God chose Judah and promised to give the land into his hand. Judah asked Simeon to fight beside them.
Judah won many battles. They captured a king named Adoni-Bezek and cut off his thumbs and big toes, the same thing he had done to seventy kings. Othniel the son of Kenaz captured Kiriath Sepher and married Caleb's daughter Achsah. She boldly asked for springs of water, and Caleb gave them.
But the chapter ends with a warning. Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan did not drive out the Canaanites. God's people settled for living beside those who did not worship Him.
Show What You Know
Who did God choose to go first?
What had Adoni-Bezek done to seventy kings?
What did Achsah ask Caleb for?
What did many tribes fail to do?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- Israel still had land to take, so they asked who should go first.
- God chose and promised to give the land into his hand.
- They captured a king named Adoni- and cut off his thumbs and big toes, the same thing he had done to seventy kings.
- She boldly asked for of water, and Caleb gave them.
Think About It
Israel asked God first. What decision could you pray about before you start?
The tribes stopped before the job was done. Where are you tempted to obey God only halfway?
Memory Verse
“Yahweh said, “Judah shall go up. Behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.””
Judges 1:2 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for always keeping Your promises. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- Why do you think the tribes let the Canaanites stay?
- How can a small compromise grow into a bigger problem?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.