Judges 1:1

"After the death of Joshua, the children of Israel asked of the LORD, saying, “Who should go up for us first against the Canaanites, to fight against them?”"

Key Reflection

After Joshua's death, the Israelites sought divine guidance to determine their next steps in conquering Canaanite territories. This request reflects a time of transition and uncertainty, as the people looked to God for leadership and direction following the passing of their military leader and mentor, Joshua. The original audience would have understood this as a moment of potential vulnerability, where the need for divine guidance was paramount to ensure continued success in their conquest.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

After the death of Joshua -But fromJudges 1:1toJudges 2:9is a consecutive narrative, ending with the death of Joshua. Hence, the events in this chapter and inJudges 2:1-6are to be taken as belonging to the lifetime of Joshua. SeeJudges 2:11note. Asked the Lord -The phrase is only found in Judges and Samuel. It was the privilege of the civil ruler, to apply to the high priest to consult for him the Urim and Thummim (marginal reference). (CompareJoshua 14:1;Joshua 18:1,Joshua 18:10;Joshua 19:51).

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