“Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?”
Historical Context: The book of Judges takes place after the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. Joshua, the servant of Moses, had led the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the land of Canaan. However, following Joshua’s death, the Israelites found themselves in a transitional period without a central leader.
The Death of Joshua: The verse begins by stating, “Now after the death of Joshua.” Joshua, who had served as the leader and military commander of Israel, had passed away. His death marked a significant change in the leadership structure of the Israelite community.
The Israelites’ Inquiry: After Joshua’s death, the children of Israel approached the LORD with a question, “Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?” The Israelites recognized the need to continue their conquest of the land and sought divine guidance on which tribe or leader should take the initiative in battling the remaining Canaanite inhabitants.
Dependence on the LORD: The Israelites’ inquiry demonstrates their reliance on the LORD for guidance and direction. They understood the importance of seeking God’s will before engaging in any military campaigns or endeavors. This highlights the significance of seeking God’s counsel and not relying solely on human wisdom or strength.
Importance of Unity: The question posed by the Israelites implies a collective decision-making process. The unity of the Israelite tribes is seen in their joint request to the LORD. They understood that their strength and success depended on their unity as they faced the remaining Canaanite adversaries.
Lessons for Today: From this verse, we can learn the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our endeavors. Whether it be in matters of leadership, decision-making, or facing challenges, seeking the LORD’s direction is vital. Additionally, unity among believers is crucial for accomplishing God’s purposes and overcoming obstacles.
Overall, Judges 1:1 sets the stage for the book of Judges, highlighting the transition of leadership and the Israelites’ reliance on the LORD for guidance as they continue their conquest of the Promised Land.
