Judges 1:1-2 – Taking initiative to progress

The era of Joshua has ended. He led them into Canaan and apportioned the land to the 12 tribes. Though the land had been distributed to them, the detail work remained to be done. Fortunately, the instruction of the Lord through Joshua was still lingering in their mind. A new generation had emerged and the land of Canaan still had not been fully conquered. And the need to drive out the Canaanites from the land remained a very critical step to fully claim the promised land. It appears that no one came forward to take the lead. So, we are told that the sons of Israel came to consult the Lord. It is likely that they came to Eleazar the priest to inquire of the Lord. Remember the Urim and Thummim that the priest would carry in a pouch in the breastplate of the priestly garment. Using the Urim and Thummim Judah was indicated as the tribe to go first.

The question “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?” tells us that no tribe took the initiative. No one came to the fore to assume leadership. Yet they knew that one tribe had to take the lead. They procrastinated. It could well be that each was waiting for the other to go out and test the water for them. Eventually, they decided to leave it to the Lord to show them who should take the lead.

Didn’t the Lord promise to be with them even as they go about possessing the land? Could it be that lacking a clear-cut leader like Joshua, they became hesitant? At least we see two encouraging developments. Firstly, their interest in conquering the land was still there. Secondly, they were concerned enough to seek the Lord. The reason why God chose Judah to lead the way was not stated. Perhaps it’s because this was the tribe where the eventual king would hail from. So, God indicated that Judah should go first and then assured them that the Land had already been given into their hand.  

From these two verses, we learn that to attain our God-given promises, there is a need for us to act swiftly on God’s instruction. The longer we wait, and the longer we procrastinate, the less inclined we are to obey God’s instruction. Because we love God, we must be sure to hear carefully and take the initiative to act swiftly. Every promise of God requires discipline, let’s be sure to rise up to the occasion.