A Subtle Change. Judges 1 (1:1) "After the death of Joshua." No new leader was appointed because God intended for each person to inhabit the designated land and to be willing to obey Him and do what He desired. Some of the events in the introduction of the book might have occurred before Joshua's death, such as Caleb giving Achsah to Othniel as his wife. Due to the partial conquest of Canaan, political chaos ensued.
The Lord said, perhaps through a prophet or the casting of lots, that the tribe of Judah was to go ahead and claim what had been designated as theirs. Simeon and Judah descended from the same mother, so their land was connected. The tribe of Simeon was given cities within Judah's territory. The battles under Joshua's leadership broke the Canaanites' power to defeat Israel, but the actual occupation of the land was not accomplished. The Israelites failed to claim the land by walking over it, and the Lord had said so, and therefore they suffered the consequences for centuries. It is not uncommon for us, as God's people, to go through a "dry spell' in our spiritual lives right after moments of victory and blessing. One reason is that we often think victory comes from our own strength, without realizing or admitting that God's "strength is made perfect in weakness,' which includes our weakness. Israel had entered the promised land, and the Lord drove their enemies out before them with hornets and, through His mighty power, used His people in remarkable ways. However, partial obedience is disobedience; they left enough pro-idolatry and anti-God people behind that they became attracted to their sensual and ungodly ways.
In serving God, we may sometimes become sidetracked by weariness, self-interest pulling us away, a lack of discipline, and a lack of faith. It is crucial to make each day meaningful instead of dwelling on what we've been through or speculating about what might come. “The just live by faith,” and faith in God keeps us moving forward in our commitment to Him and the role He has given us. Living for God demonstrates our love for Him.
The book of Judges remains relevant today because it offers real examples of people who served God and thrived in a similar time. It also tells the stories of those who resisted the pull of sin. It clearly shows what happens when a community steps back from full commitment to the Lord. God has given us guidelines to live by that protect us morally, spiritually, and even as a nation.
It was common for a conquering tribe to cut off the thumbs and big toes of prisoners of war. They could never use a sword again without thumbs and couldn’t run in battle without big toes. Jerusalem was taken and burned, but not occupied. Jerusalem had to be retaken when David was king centuries later.
Leaving work partially unfinished leaves it vulnerable to those who take advantage of our neglect. Lack of responsibility can force others to redo what we were meant to complete. Living consistently by God's Word, guided by the Holy Spirit and faithfulness in life and testimony are interconnected. Spiritual commitment and the desire to please God enable Him to show His love and mercy to us. Even when we fail, if we repent and turn to Him in faith, He is willing and able to offer mercy and forgiveness. He is a just God who desires the best for His children, even when they fail and turn away from Him.
The core issue in the Book of Judges is God's lordship over Israel and their acknowledgment of His rule and loyalty to Him. By His sovereign will, the Lord used other nations to bring them back to repentance. He raised up hesitant judges to display His power and deliver them when they cried out for divine help. God's patience and long-suffering are shown repeatedly in Judges. The book focuses on individual tribes rather than the entire nation. The nation became split despite Joshua's warning because the Canaanites were not fully driven out. As a result, the Israelites adopted Canaanite customs, lifestyles, and idolatry.
Israel forgot God's acts on their behalf and their origin as a nation. They lost sight of their identity as God’s chosen people, called to be His army and citizens of His kingdom. Instead, they adopted the morals, gods, lifestyles, and religious practices of the Canaanites, along with their social and business customs, which involved idol worship. The covenant God made with Israel was weakened by their apostasies.