Both Judah and Simeon were sons of Leah (Gen. 29:33, 35). It was natural that the two tribes should help each other, for their lots were contiguous; indeed, the lot of Simeon is said to lie “within the inheritance of the children of Judah” (Joshua 19:1). The portion of the two tribes fell roughly within two lines drawn to the Mediterranean from the northern and southern extremities of the Dead Sea. Although the federation of southern Canaanites had been defeated during the campaigns of Joshua, there remained many strongholds that the individual tribes needed to conquer.

Cooperation between brethren is the wisest course when there are difficult tasks to do. The strongest should not despise but desire the assistance of others, even of those who may be weaker. Judah was the largest and Simeon the smallest of the tribes, yet Judah asked Simeon’s aid. We should also note that those who ask assistance must be ready to give it in return, just as Judah in this instance offered to help Simeon later. Christians should strengthen one another’s hands against the destructive devices of Satan’s kingdom. Those who thus help one another in the spirit of love have reason to hope that God will graciously bless their combined efforts.