Are there things God cannot do according to Judges 1:19?

by furaha nchimbi | 17 February 2023 08:46 am02

Answer: Let’s explore this question carefully, using the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.

Judges 1:19 (NIV) says,

“The Lord was with Judah, and He gave them victory, so they took possession of the hill country, but they were unable to drive out the people living in the plains, because they had iron chariots.”

At first glance, this verse might suggest a limitation on God’s power. However, the theological understanding is deeper: God’s inability here is not due to a lack of omnipotence but is related to the human response particularly the faith and obedience of His people.

To grasp this fully, let’s read the context starting from Judges 1:17-19 (NIV):

“Then Judah went with Simeon his brother and attacked the Canaanites living in Zephath, and they completely destroyed the city. So the city was called Hormah.
Judah also captured Gaza with its territory, Ashkelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory.
The Lord was with Judah, and He gave them victory, so they took possession of the hill country, but they were unable to drive out the people living in the plains because they had iron chariots.”

Theological insights:

God’s Presence and Human Faith: The phrase “The Lord was with Judah” confirms God’s presence and support in battle. God’s power is not limited, but His blessings are often contingent on the faith and obedience of His people (see Deuteronomy 11:26-28; Joshua 1:7-9). Here, Judah’s hesitation to fight the stronger tribes those with iron chariots reflected a lack of faith in God’s promise to give them the land (see Numbers 13-14 for similar episodes).

Iron Chariots as a Symbol of Military Might: The Canaanites’ iron chariots symbolized advanced military technology and strength (Judges 4:3; 1 Samuel 13:5). For the Israelites, who relied on God’s help rather than superior weapons, these chariots represented a significant challenge. Judah’s fear indicates how human fear can hinder God’s deliverance.

God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: While God is sovereign and powerful (Psalm 115:3; Jeremiah 32:17), He often works through human agency and faith. The inability to drive out the inhabitants was not because God couldn’t, but because the people were unwilling to fully trust and act in faith. Hebrews 11:6 teaches, “without faith it is impossible to please God.”

The Role of Faith in God’s Work: James 1:6-8 (NIV) warns against doubting faithfully.

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

This applies here God cannot act on behalf of those who do not fully trust Him.
God Does Not Act Apart From His Covenant People’s Faith: The episode demonstrates that God’s miracles and victories are often contingent on His people’s faithfulness. He is not limited in power but respects human free will and faith. This also points to the deeper biblical truth that sin and disobedience limit blessings and victory (Isaiah 59:1-2).

Additional cross-references:Joshua 17:17-18 (NIV) affirms that despite the presence of iron chariots, God’s people were to trust Him to drive out their enemies.Numbers 13:33 and Judges 4:3 show other instances where Israel feared stronger enemies, resulting in setbacks.Psalm 20:7 contrasts trust in weapons with trust in God: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

May the Lord bless you.

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Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2023/02/17/are-there-things-god-cannot-do-according-to-judges-119/