God's 42nd Killing: Ten massacres, a wedding, and some God-proof iron chariots

This is hodgepodge of killings from the rest of Judges 1.

After the Jerusalem Massacre, the "children of Judah" go on a God-assisted a smiting spree, wiping out a ten or so kingdoms "with the edge of the sword."

You can read all about it in Judges 1:9-25, if you really want to. But I recommend that you read the Brick Testament stories instead.

Four Massacres and a Wedding

Iron Chariots

Massacre at Bethel

It's hard to say how many kingdoms were massacred. But here is my attempt to number them.

1. Negeb Judges 1:9
2. Hebron Judges 1:10
3. Debir Judges 1:11
4. Zephath Judges 1:17
5. Gaza Judges 1:18
6. Askelon Judges 1:18
7. Ekron Judges 1:18
8. The inhabitants of the mountain Judges 1:19
9. Hebron Judges 1:20
10. Bethel Judges 1:22-25

And there would have been a lot more if it weren't for those damned iron chariots. Some things are just too hard, even for God.

The LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. Judges 1:19

These killings also contain an important message about Biblical Family Values. Look at the timeless example that Caleb gives to fathers everywhere.

And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. Judges 1:12-13

Isn't that a sweet story? God's special hero gave his daughter to the man who could kill the most people. Now that's Biblical Family Values for you!