82 BATTLES OF THE BIBLE.

Grandfather. There were many. They had managed
to get possession of several of the strongholds in the
country ; but they dreaded the name of Joshua, and so
long as he lived they gave no annoyance to the Israelites.
On the great general’s death, the people of Israel saw
it to be necessary to go to war with their heathen
neighbours, either because they were threatened by them,
or because their increased population made more space
necessary. They enquired of the Lord which of the
tribes should first go up against the enemy. The Lord
appointed that it was Judah who was to have the hon-
ourable post of first facing the foe. Judah asked
Simeon to accompany him, and promised in return to
assist Simeon in expelling the foe from his territory.
Those that ask assistance ought to be ready to give it.
Judah was the largest and most powerful tribe—Simeon
was the least formidable of the whole ; yet Judah asked
his brother’s assistance in fighting against the heathen,
and that assistance was given. We learn from this that
all Christians ought to unite against the common enemies
of their faith, These two tribes were completely
victorious over the Canaanites and Perizzites in a battle
near Bezek. Adonibezek, the king of Bezek, fled,—
they pursued and took him; and as a punishment for
his crimes, they mutilated him by cutting off his thumbs
and great toes.

Marianne. Was not that very cruel, grandfather ?

Grandfather. It would have been barbarous, had not
Adonibezek brought it upon himself He acknowledged