What is the meaning of Judges 1:1? After the death of Joshua “After the death of Joshua” (Judges 1:1) • This opening clause anchors the narrative at a decisive moment: Israel has just lost its faithful leader who finished Moses’ work (Joshua 24:29–31; Judges 2:8). • The phrase signals both continuity and vulnerability. God’s promise to give the land remains (Genesis 15:18–21), yet the human commander who led previous victories is gone. • Scripture repeatedly shows that when a godly leader dies, God’s purposes continue unhindered (Deuteronomy 31:6–8; Psalm 90:1–2). The Israelites inquired of the LORD “The Israelites inquired of the LORD” (Judges 1:1) • Israel turns immediately to God rather than to another human hero, reflecting obedience to Exodus 18:15 and Numbers 27:21. • Seeking God first underscores their dependence on divine guidance, fulfilling Moses’ charge in Deuteronomy 4:7. • This act contrasts sharply with later periods when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Who will be the first to go up “Who will be the first to go up” (Judges 1:1) • “Go up” conveys military movement toward higher terrain, a common biblical idiom (Joshua 15:15; 1 Samuel 14:1). • The question shows orderly strategy—identifying an initial tribe for battle—echoing God’s earlier allotment process (Numbers 34:18–29). • It also reveals humility: Israel does not presume but waits for God’s specific assignment (Proverbs 3:5–6). And fight for us against the Canaanites? “…and fight for us against the Canaanites?” (Judges 1:1) • The target remains the same foes God had judged for persistent wickedness (Genesis 15:16; Deuteronomy 9:4–5). • Israel recognizes corporate responsibility—“for us”—affirming covenant solidarity (Joshua 7:25; 22:33). • The question frames the coming chapters: partial obedience brings lingering conflict, while full trust secures victory (Judges 2:1–5). summary Judges 1:1 portrays a nation at a crossroads: their revered leader is gone, yet their covenant God remains. Israel rightly seeks divine direction, asking which tribe should launch the continued conquest of Canaan. The verse teaches that God’s guidance is essential in every transition, that dependence on Him precedes success, and that collective faithfulness influences the whole community’s future. |
    |