1:19 the Lord was with Judah. God kept His covenant promise (v. 2). With the exception of the house of Joseph, the writer deals briefly with the rest of the tribes, describing as failures their efforts at settlement (1:27–36 note).

chariots of iron. Such chariots, with their wooden wheels overlaid with iron, were powerful weapons, especially on the level plains. In effect, Judah is excused for failing to dislodge the Canaanites.