Judges 1:1

KJV

¶ 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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Now after {H310} the death {H4194} of Joshua {H3091} it came to pass, that the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} asked {H7592} the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559}, Who shall go up {H5927} for us against the Canaanites {H3669} first {H8462}, to fight {H3898} against them?

Complete Jewish Bible

After the death of Y'hoshua, the people of Isra'el asked ADONAI, "Who will go up for us first to fight against the Kena'ani?"

Berean Standard Bible

After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass after the death of Joshua, that the children of Israel asked of Jehovah, saying, Who shall go up for us first against the Canaanites, to fight against them?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 1:1 serves as a critical narrative bridge, marking the profound transition in Israel's history from the unified leadership of Joshua to the decentralized era of the Judges. This foundational verse immediately reveals the Israelites' collective and immediate act of seeking divine counsel following Joshua's death. Faced with the formidable, unfinished task of dispossessing the remaining Canaanite inhabitants from their promised inheritance, the tribes of Israel humbly inquire of the LORD, seeking His specific direction on which tribe should initiate the next phase of the conquest. This opening passage powerfully underscores Israel's continued reliance on God's sovereignty and guidance in the absence of a central human leader, setting the stage for the challenges and spiritual struggles that define the subsequent period.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 1:1 functions as a pivotal narrative hinge, seamlessly connecting the book of Joshua, which meticulously details the initial conquest and tribal allocation of the land, with the subsequent era of the Judges. The opening phrase, "Now after the death of Joshua," immediately signals a profound shift from a period characterized by unified, divinely-appointed leadership under Moses and Joshua to a more fragmented, decentralized tribal structure. While Joshua's campaigns achieved significant victories, the land was explicitly not fully subdued, as noted in passages like [Joshua 13:1](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1 - Land Yet to Be Possessed"). The Israelites' immediate question, "Who shall go up for us... first?", reflects the palpable vacuum in national leadership and the ongoing divine mandate to complete the conquest, thereby setting the stage for the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that tragically characterizes the entire book of Judges.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following Joshua's death was a critical juncture, marking Israel's transition from a nomadic, wilderness generation to a settled, agrarian society within the Promised Land. Israel now found itself living amidst, and often interacting with, various Canaanite city-states and peoples who possessed technologically superior iron weaponry and well-fortified urban centers. The tribal confederacy, lacking a robust, central governmental structure, faced the daunting and complex task of securing their divinely allotted territories. Culturally, the act of "asking the LORD" was a formal, solemn, and indispensable practice, almost certainly involving the high priest consulting God through the Urim and Thummim before the Ark of the Covenant, a method of discerning divine will at critical junctures (e.g., [Numbers 27:21](/numbers/27-21 "Numbers 27:21 - Eleazar to Inquire of the Lord")). This highlights the deep-seated expectation that divine guidance was absolutely essential for military success and national well-being, especially in the absence of a clear human successor to Joshua.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse masterfully introduces several critical themes that permeate the book of Judges. Firstly, **Divine Guidance and Sovereignty** is paramount, as Israel's very first act after Joshua's death is to seek God's explicit direction, acknowledging His ultimate authority over their military endeavors and their national destiny. Secondly, the **Continuity of the Conquest** is powerfully emphasized; despite Joshua's passing, the divine command to completely dispossess the Canaanites, initially given to Abraham and forcefully reiterated in passages such as [Numbers 33:53](/numbers/33-53 "Numbers 33:53 - Command to Dispossess the Land"), remains in full effect. Thirdly, the theme of **Leadership Transition and Vacuum** is vividly evident; the direct question "Who shall go up for us... first?" starkly highlights the immediate need for a designated leader, foreshadowing the fragmented and often chaotic nature of leadership during the Judges period, where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Asked (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** This term (H7592) signifies more than a casual inquiry; it denotes a formal, solemn consultation, often implying the seeking of a divine oracle or specific instruction. In this context, it strongly suggests the use of the Urim and Thummim by the high priest, a divinely appointed method for discerning God's will for the nation. It underscores Israel's profound recognition of God's absolute sovereignty and their dependence on His direct revelation for strategic decisions, particularly in matters of war and national direction.
* **Go up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** This verb (H5927) frequently carries strong military connotations, meaning "to ascend" or "to go up against" an enemy in battle. It implies an aggressive, forward movement into enemy territory, often involving an ascent to a fortified city or a higher, strategically advantageous position. Here, it specifically refers to initiating the renewed military campaign against the Canaanites, emphasizing the active, offensive role Israel was expected to play in fulfilling the divine mandate to possess the land.
* **Canaanites (Hebrew, _Kᵉnaʻanîy'_):** This term (H3669) refers to the diverse indigenous peoples inhabiting the land promised to Israel. They represent not only a formidable physical and military threat but also a profound spiritual and cultural danger, as their pervasive idolatrous practices and immoral customs posed a constant, insidious temptation to Israel, leading them away from covenant faithfulness. The ongoing, often unsuccessful, struggle against the Canaanites is central to the narrative of Judges, symbolizing the spiritual warfare Israel was called to wage against the forces of ungodliness and apostasy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass":** This introductory clause serves as a precise chronological and profound thematic marker. It signals a momentous turning point in Israel's history, marking the definitive end of the unified, largely successful conquest under Joshua's exceptional leadership and the commencement of a new, significantly more challenging and fragmented era characterized by tribal autonomy and often uncoordinated efforts. It sets a somber, transitional tone, indicating a period of potential vulnerability and shifting dynamics.
* **"that the children of Israel asked the LORD":** This crucial phrase immediately establishes Israel's initial, commendable posture of dependence on God. Despite the profound absence of Joshua, the nation collectively recognized the absolute necessity of divine guidance before undertaking any significant action. This deliberate act of "asking the LORD" underscores their covenant relationship and the unwavering expectation that God would continue to direct His people, particularly in matters of warfare and the fulfillment of His promises regarding their inheritance of the land.
* **"saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?":** This direct, urgent question reveals the immediate dilemma confronting Israel: the palpable lack of a designated, unifying leader and the strategic imperative for a coordinated military effort. The emphasis on "first" indicates a clear desire for a vanguard, a spearhead for the renewed campaign against the formidable and entrenched Canaanite presence. It highlights both their resolve to continue the divine mandate of conquest and their profound reliance on divine appointment for both leadership and strategic direction.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 1:1 employs several potent literary devices to establish its narrative and thematic foundations. The opening phrase, **Transition**, immediately signals a significant shift in the historical narrative, moving from the era of unified leadership under Joshua to a new, less structured, and often chaotic period. This transition is marked by a palpable sense of **Leadership Vacuum**, as the direct question "Who shall go up for us... first?" powerfully underscores the absence of a clear, divinely appointed successor to Joshua, highlighting the immediate leadership void that the tribes collectively faced. The verse also utilizes **Direct Question** as a narrative technique, placing Israel's immediate dilemma and their reliance on divine oracle at the forefront of the story. This question serves as a potent form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the fragmented and often uncoordinated efforts of the individual tribes that will characterize the period of the Judges, where larger national unity frequently falters. Finally, the very act of "asking the LORD" functions as a crucial **Thematic Introduction**, immediately establishing the central theme of Israel's fluctuating faithfulness and their constant, desperate need for divine guidance throughout the tumultuous book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 1:1 powerfully illustrates the enduring principle of God's unwavering sovereignty and the absolute necessity of His people's humble dependence on Him, particularly during times of profound transition or formidable challenge. Even after the death of a great and unifying leader like Joshua, God's eternal purposes for Israel remained unchanged, and their divine mandate to possess the land was still unequivocally in effect. The Israelites' immediate and commendable response—to "ask the LORD"—demonstrates a foundational theological understanding that true success and victory come not from human strength, strategic brilliance, or charismatic leadership alone, but fundamentally from divine direction and empowering presence. This act of seeking God's will before engaging in battle sets a timeless precedent for all subsequent endeavors, profoundly reminding believers that our first recourse in any significant undertaking, whether personal or corporate, should always be to consult the Lord. It underscores that God Himself remains the constant, faithful Leader of His people, even when human leadership changes or falters, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises endures through every generation.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots, Some in Horses, But We Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous, for the Lord Your God Is With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 1:1 offers a profound and timeless lesson for believers navigating life's inevitable transitions, uncertainties, and challenges. Just as ancient Israel faced a new and daunting era without their established, unifying leader, we too frequently encounter seasons of uncertainty, new responsibilities, or the painful loss of familiar support structures and guidance. This verse powerfully calls us to emulate Israel's initial, commendable response: to immediately and instinctively turn to the Lord for guidance. It serves as a potent reminder that our very first instinct in any significant decision, daunting undertaking, or period of transition should be fervent prayer and humble seeking of God's counsel through His inspired Word and the leading of His Holy Spirit, rather than relying solely on our own limited wisdom, past experiences, or the fluctuating circumstances around us. God remains eternally faithful to His call on our lives, and His perfect wisdom is always abundantly available to those who humbly and persistently seek it. This passage deeply encourages us to persevere with unwavering faith in the tasks God has set before us, even when the path ahead seems daunting, the resources scarce, or human leadership appears unclear, knowing with certainty that He is our ultimate Guide, our unfailing Commander, and the One who empowers us to fulfill His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently experiencing a significant "transition" or a perceived "leadership vacuum"?**
* **What is your immediate, default instinct when faced with overwhelming challenges or profound uncertainties? Do you instinctively "ask the LORD" first, or do you tend to rely on other resources?**
* **How does intentionally seeking God's guidance through consistent prayer and diligent study of His Word practically inform and shape your daily decision-making process?**
* **What ongoing "battles" or specific tasks has God called you to persevere in, even when human support or clarity may be lacking, trusting solely in His divine provision and direction?**

### FAQ
**How did the children of Israel "ask the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, particularly during this period of Israel's history, "asking the LORD" for specific guidance on national matters, especially military ones, typically involved a formal and sacred consultation through the high priest. This was most commonly done using the Urim and Thummim, two mysterious objects kept within the breastplate of the high priest, which were utilized to discern God's "yes" or "no" or to reveal His specific will in crucial situations. This divinely sanctioned method of inquiry is explicitly mentioned in various places throughout the Pentateuch and historical books, such as in [Numbers 27:21](/numbers/27-21 "Numbers 27:21 - Eleazar to Inquire of the Lord") concerning Joshua's leadership, and later in [1 Samuel 23:9-12](/1_samuel/23-9 "1 Samuel 23:9-12 - David Inquires of the Lord of the Lord") where David consults the ephod. It was a solemn act of national humility and profound dependence on divine revelation, often performed before the Ark of the Covenant, signifying that God Himself was their ultimate Commander, Strategist, and King.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 1:1, with its poignant depiction of Israel's desperate need for a leader to continue the divinely mandated conquest, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Israel sought a "first" to "go up" against their formidable earthly enemies, humanity, lost and enslaved by sin, desperately needed a divine champion to conquer the ultimate spiritual foes of sin, death, and the devil. Jesus is the true and perfect Leader, the greater Joshua (whose name, Yeshua, is the Greek equivalent of Joshua), who leads His people not merely into a physical land, but into a spiritual inheritance and eternal rest ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - Jesus, Our True Rest")). He is the One who has already definitively "gone up" to heaven, having triumphed decisively over all principalities and powers, leading captivity captive ([Ephesians 4:8-10](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8-10 - Christ's Ascension and Gifts to Men")). While ancient Israel struggled imperfectly and often failed to fully dispossess the Canaanites, Christ, by His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, definitively conquered the spiritual enemies that held all humanity captive, delivering us from the dominion of darkness and miraculously transferring us into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). He is the spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the King who must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign Until All Enemies Are Under His Feet")). Thus, the ancient question of "Who shall go up for us?" is definitively and eternally answered in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, our victorious Commander, our faithful Guide, and the Giver of our eternal inheritance.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 27:21

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

Judges 20:18

¶ And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah [shall go up] first.

Judges 20:28

And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days,) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the LORD said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand.

1 Samuel 22:9

Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.

1 Samuel 22:10

And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.

1 Samuel 23:9

And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.

1 Samuel 23:10

Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.