שופטים, פרק א׳, פסוק י״ז

The military alliance between the tribes of Judah and Simeon culminates in a united front against the Canaanites, honoring a deep brotherly pact. Judah steps in to assist Simeon in conquering his designated land, fulfilling an earlier agreement between the two tribes. This joint operation takes place only after Judah has successfully secured his own central cities [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The timing of the attack is precise, occurring immediately after the Kenite people evacuate the Canaanite vicinity. They depart safely because they know in advance about Judah's plans to launch a war [אברבנאל].

The resulting military success does not rely on physical strength alone. The fighters of Judah are sustained by a profound spiritual merit. Othniel the son of Kenaz, a member of their tribe, is deeply immersed in Torah study during this time, and it is the power of his spiritual dedication that ensures the fighters' victory on the battlefield [חומת אנך]. The target of their joint strike is a city called Zephath, a location completely distinct from the well-known modern city of Safed located in the Galilee region [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The battle ends in absolute devastation and total annihilation [מצודת ציון]. In practical terms, this level of destruction means that every inhabitant of the city is killed, yet the conquering tribes strictly refrain from taking any spoils or loot from the ruins [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Because of this complete obliteration, the city is permanently renamed Hormah, a title directly reflecting the absolute destruction carried out within its walls [ביאור שטיינזלץ].