Judges 1:1

¶ 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?

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?

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?"

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?”

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

Judges 1:1 KJV Commentary

Context

Judges 1:1 marks a significant transition in Israel's history, immediately following the period of conquest led by Joshua. The book opens "after the death of Joshua," signaling the end of an era of unified national leadership and the beginning of a more decentralized tribal governance. Despite Joshua's successful campaigns, large portions of the promised land remained under the control of the indigenous Canaanite peoples. This verse sets the stage for a new phase of the conquest, highlighting the Israelites' immediate need for divine direction as they faced continued opposition and sought to fully inherit their land. It underscores the ongoing challenges of securing their inheritance, as seen in Joshua 13:1, where God Himself states there was still much land to be possessed.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance: The very first action recorded after Joshua's death is the children of Israel "asked the LORD." This demonstrates their understanding of God's sovereignty and their dependence on His direction for success in battle and life. It emphasizes the critical importance of seeking God's will before undertaking any major endeavor.
  • Continuity of the Conquest: Even without Joshua, the divine mandate to dispossess the Canaanites remained. This verse shows the Israelites taking proactive steps to continue the mission God had given their ancestors, a mission first articulated to Abraham and reinforced throughout the wilderness wanderings, such as in Numbers 33:53, where God commands them to drive out the inhabitants.
  • Leadership Transition: With Joshua gone, there was a vacuum in national leadership. The question "Who shall go up for us... first?" reflects the need for clear direction and a designated leader for the upcoming military campaigns. This period would ultimately highlight Israel's fluctuating faithfulness and the cyclical need for judges.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "asked the LORD" translates the Hebrew sha'al YHWH. This was not a casual inquiry but a formal consultation, likely performed through the high priest using the Urim and Thummim (sacred lots) before the ark of the covenant, to discern God's specific will. It signifies a profound act of national humility and reliance on divine revelation, seeking the Lord's direct counsel on who should lead the charge against the Canaanites.

Practical Application

Judges 1:1 offers timeless lessons for believers today. When facing new seasons of life, significant challenges, or transitions, our first instinct should be to "ask the LORD." Just as the Israelites needed divine strategy for their battles, we need God's wisdom and guidance for ours. This verse encourages us to:

  • Seek God First: Before making major decisions or embarking on new projects, prioritize prayer and seeking God's counsel through His Word and spiritual discernment.
  • Trust in His Leadership: Even when human leaders or circumstances change, God remains constant and faithful to His promises. Our ultimate reliance should always be on Him, as the ultimate leader of His people.
  • Persevere in God's Call: The work God has given us may require sustained effort and multiple "battles." This verse reminds us that the divine commission continues, and we are called to persevere in faith until God's purposes are fully realized.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 27:21 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.