What does Judges 1:1 mean?
"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?" - Judges 1:1
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?"
The Book of Judges is the seventh book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It is a historical and religious text that tells the story of the Israelite tribes after the death of Joshua, as they struggle to establish themselves in the Promised Land. The book is named after the leaders, or "judges," who lead the Israelites during this time period.
The verse Judges 1:1 in the King James Version (KJV) states: "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?" This verse serves as the opening to the Book of Judges, setting the stage for the events that will unfold in the narrative.
The verse begins with the phrase "Now after the death of Joshua," immediately establishing the context for the story. Joshua was the successor of Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. His death marks a significant transition for the Israelite tribes, as they are now faced with the challenge of conquering and settling the land without his leadership.
The verse then describes how the children of Israel approached the LORD, seeking guidance and direction. This demonstrates the importance of faith and reliance on God for the Israelites, especially in times of uncertainty and conflict. The Israelites understood the power of the LORD and looked to Him for guidance in their decisions and actions.
The specific request made by the Israelites is also significant. They ask, "Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?" This demonstrates their recognition of the formidable challenge posed by the Canaanites, who were the inhabitants of the land that the Israelites sought to conquer. The Canaanites were a powerful and established people, and the Israelites were aware of the need for a strong leader to lead them in battle.
This verse sets the stage for the themes that will be explored throughout the Book of Judges. It highlights the importance of leadership, faith, and divine guidance in the face of adversity. The Israelites are entering a new phase of their history, and they must rely on God and their appointed leaders to navigate the challenges and conflicts that lie ahead.
The Book of Judges is also known for its exploration of the recurring cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance that the Israelites experience. The verse serves as a precursor to the cycle of sin and rebellion that will unfold throughout the book, as the Israelites struggle to remain faithful to God and His commandments.
Symbolism plays a key role in this verse as well. The death of Joshua represents the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Israelites. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human leadership and the enduring presence of God as the ultimate source of guidance and authority.
In conclusion, Judges 1:1 serves as a crucial introduction to the Book of Judges, setting the stage for the events that will unfold and establishing important themes of faith, leadership, and divine guidance. The verse foreshadows the challenges and conflicts that the Israelites will face as they seek to establish themselves in the Promised Land and underscores the enduring significance of their relationship with God.
Judges 1:1 Artwork
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?"
Matthew 7:1 - "Judge not, that ye be not judged."
Judges 17:1 - "And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was Micah."
1 Corinthians 11:31 - "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."
1 Samuel 8:1 - "And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel."
Matthew 7:1-2 - "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Judges 5:1 - "Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,"
Judges 16:1 - "Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her."
1 Corinthians 6:2 - "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?"
Judges 1:36 - "And the coast of the Amorites was from the going up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward."
Judges 14:1 - "And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines."
Judges 1:32 - "But the Asherites dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out."
Judges 4:1 - "And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead."
1 Corinthians 5:12 - "For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?"
Judges 1:22 - "¶ And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Beth-el: and the LORD was with them."
Judges 1:5 - "And they found Adoni-bezek in Bezek: and they fought against him, and they slew the Canaanites and the Perizzites."
1 Samuel 8:2 - "Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba."
Judges 1:23 - "And the house of Joseph sent to descry Beth-el. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)"
Deuteronomy 25:1 - "If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked."
Judges 1:34 - "And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley:"
1 Corinthians 4:3 - "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self."
Judges 1:20 - "And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak."
Judges 1:18 - "Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof."
1 Samuel 7:15 - "And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life."
Judges 1:9 - "¶ And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites, that dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley."
Judges 1:11 - "And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher:"
Judges 11:1 - "Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah."
1 Chronicles 26:29 - "¶ Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges."
1 Samuel 24:15 - "The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand."
Judges 1:2 - "And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand."