New International VersionAfter the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the LORD, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?”
New Living TranslationAfter the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the LORD, “Which tribe should go first to attack the Canaanites?”
English Standard VersionAfter the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the LORD, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?”
Berean Standard BibleAfter 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?”
King James BibleNow 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?
New King James VersionNow after the death of Joshua it came to pass that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, “Who shall be first to go up for us against the Canaanites to fight against them?”
New American Standard BibleNow it came about after the death of Joshua that the sons of Israel inquired of the LORD, saying, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?”
NASB 1995Now it came about after the death of Joshua that the sons of Israel inquired of the LORD, saying, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?”
NASB 1977Now it came about after the death of Joshua that the sons of Israel inquired of the LORD, saying, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?”
Legacy Standard BibleNow it happened after the death of Joshua that the sons of Israel asked of Yahweh, saying, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?”
Amplified BibleNow it came about after the death of Joshua, that the sons (descendants) of Israel (Jacob) asked the LORD, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?”
Christian Standard BibleAfter the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to fight for us against the Canaanites? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleAfter the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to fight for us against the Canaanites?”
American Standard VersionAnd 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?
Contemporary English VersionAfter the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the LORD, "Which of our tribes should attack the Canaanites first?"
English Revised VersionAnd it came to pass after the death of Joshua, that the children of Israel asked of the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us first against the Canaanites, to fight against them?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAfter Joshua's death the Israelites asked the LORD, "Who will go first to fight the Canaanites for us?"
Good News TranslationAfter Joshua's death the people of Israel asked the LORD, "Which of our tribes should be the first to go and attack the Canaanites?"
International Standard VersionSometime after Joshua had died, the Israelis asked the LORD, "Who is to lead us against the Canaanites in our opening attack against them?"
NET BibleAfter Joshua died, the Israelites asked the LORD, "Who should lead the invasion against the Canaanites and launch the attack?"
New Heart English BibleIt happened after the death of Joshua, the children of Israel asked of the LORD, saying, "Who should go up first to fight for us against the Canaanites?"
Webster's Bible TranslationNow 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? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAfter 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?”
World English BibleAfter the death of Joshua, the children of Israel asked of Yahweh, saying, “Who should go up for us first against the Canaanites, to fight against them?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it comes to pass after the death of Joshua, that the sons of Israel ask of YHWH, saying, “Who goes up for us to the Canaanite, at the commencement, to fight against it?”
Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass, after the death of Joshua, that the sons of Israel ask at Jehovah, saying, 'Who doth go up for us unto the Canaanite, at the commencement, to fight against it?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd it will be after the death of Joshua, and the sons of Israel will ask of Jehovah, saying, Who will go up for us against the Canaanites in the beginning to war against them? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAfter the death of Josue the children of Israel consulted the Lord, saying: Who shall go up before us against the Chanaanite, and shall be the leader of the war?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAfter the death of Joshua, the sons of Israel consulted the Lord, saying, “Who will ascend before us, against the Canaanite, and who will be the commander of the war?”
New American BibleAfter the death of Joshua the Israelites consulted the LORD, asking, “Who shall be first among us to attack the Canaanites and to do battle with them?”
New Revised Standard VersionAfter the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNOW after the death of Joshua, the servant of the LORD, the children of Israel inquired of the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd it happened after Yeshua son of Nun the Servant of LORD JEHOVAH was dead, the sons of Israel asked of LORD JEHOVAH and they said: “Who will go up for us against the Canaanites at first to fight with them in battle?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917AND IT came to pass after the death of Joshua, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying: 'Who shall go up for us first against the Canaanites, to fight against them?'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd it came to pass after the death of Joshua, that the children of Israel enquired of the Lord, saying, Who shall go up for us first against the Chananites, to fight against them?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Conquest of Canaan Proceeds1Afterthe deathof Joshua,the Israelitesinquiredof the LORD,“Whowill be the firstto go upand fightfor usagainstthe Canaanites?”2“Judah shall go up,” answered the LORD. “Indeed, I have delivered the land into their hands.”…
Cross References Joshua 24:29-31Some time later, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of 110. / And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. / Israel had served the LORD throughout the days of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced all the works that the LORD had done for Israel.
Judges 2:6-9After Joshua had dismissed the people, the Israelites went out to take possession of the land, each to his own inheritance. / And the people served the LORD throughout the days of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him, who had seen all the great works that the LORD had done for Israel. / And Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of 110. ...
Joshua 1:1-2Now after the death of His servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, / “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel.
Deuteronomy 34:5-9So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said. / And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab facing Beth-peor, and no one to this day knows the location of his grave. / Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not diminished. ...
Joshua 23:1-3A long time after the LORD had given Israel rest from all the enemies around them, when Joshua was old and well along in years, / he summoned all Israel, including its elders, leaders, judges, and officers. “I am old and well along in years,” he said, / “and you have seen everything that the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake, because it was the LORD your God who fought for you.
1 Samuel 12:9-11But they forgot the LORD their God, and He sold them into the hand of Sisera the commander of the army of Hazor, and into the hands of the Philistines and the king of Moab, who fought against them. / Then they cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths. Now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, that we may serve You.’ / So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.
Hebrews 11:32-34And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.
Acts 13:20All this took about 450 years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.
Joshua 13:1Now Joshua was old and well along in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and well along in years, but very much of the land remains to be possessed.
Joshua 11:23So Joshua took the entire land, in keeping with all that the LORD had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to the allotments to their tribes. Then the land had rest from war.
1 Samuel 4:1Thus the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now the Israelites went out to meet the Philistines in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek.
1 Samuel 28:3Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land.
2 Samuel 2:1Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD.
2 Samuel 5:19So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”
1 Chronicles 10:13-14So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, / and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Treasury of Scripture 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 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 Joshua 24:29,30 And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died,being an hundred and ten years old… asked Judges 20:18,28 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, Judahshall go up first… Exodus 28:30 And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually. Numbers 27:21 And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall askcounsel 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. Jump to Previous CanaaniteCanaanitesChildrenCommencementDeathInquiredIsraelIsraelitesJoshuaRequestWarJump to Next CanaaniteCanaanitesChildrenCommencementDeathInquiredIsraelIsraelitesJoshuaRequestWarJudges 1 1.The acts of Judah and Simeon4.Adonibezek justly requited8.Jerusalem taken10.Hebron taken11.Othniel has Achsah to wife for taking of Debir16.The Kenites dwell in Judah17.Hormah, Gaza, Askelon, and Ekron taken21.The acts of Benjamin22.Of the house of Joseph, who take Bethel30.Of Zebulun31.Of Asher33.Of Naphtali34.Of DanAfter the death of JoshuaThe death of Joshua marks a significant transition in Israel's history. Joshua, the successor of Moses, led the Israelites into the Promised Land and oversaw the initial conquests. His leadership was pivotal in uniting the tribes and establishing them in Canaan. With his passing, the Israelites faced a leadership vacuum, highlighting the need for continued reliance on God. This period is characterized by a lack of centralized leadership, setting the stage for the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance seen throughout the Book of Judges. the Israelites inquired of the LORD
This phrase indicates the Israelites' dependence on divine guidance, a practice rooted in their covenant relationship with God. Inquiring of the LORD often involved consulting the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots used by the high priest to discern God's will (Exodus 28:30). This act of seeking God's direction underscores the importance of divine guidance in decision-making and reflects a moment of faithfulness before the recurring apostasy in Judges. “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?”
The Canaanites were the inhabitants of the land promised to the Israelites, representing both a physical and spiritual challenge. The question reflects the ongoing struggle to fully possess the land, as commanded by God (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). This inquiry also foreshadows the tribal conflicts and the need for unity among the Israelites. The request for a leader to initiate the battle can be seen as a type of Christ, who leads His people in spiritual warfare. The struggle against the Canaanites symbolizes the Christian's battle against sin and the forces of evil, with victory assured through faith and obedience to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of Israel who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. His death marks a transition in leadership and a new phase for the Israelites. 2. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are now tasked with continuing the conquest of Canaan. 3. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who guides and directs His people. The Israelites seek His guidance for their next steps. 4. The CanaanitesThe inhabitants of the land of Canaan, whom the Israelites are commanded to drive out as they take possession of the land promised to them by God. 5. The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, a central focus of Israel's journey and conquest. Teaching Points Seeking Divine GuidanceThe Israelites' inquiry of the LORD demonstrates the importance of seeking God's direction in our decisions and actions. We should prioritize prayer and discernment in our lives. Leadership TransitionThe death of Joshua signifies a change in leadership, reminding us of the need for continuity in faith and obedience, regardless of who leads. Obedience to God's CommandsThe task of driving out the Canaanites underscores the necessity of complete obedience to God's instructions, even when they are challenging. Faith in God's PromisesThe Israelites' situation calls us to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill what He has spoken. Community ResponsibilityThe collective inquiry of the Israelites highlights the importance of community in seeking God's will and working together to accomplish His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Judges 1:1?
2.How does Judges 1:1 demonstrate reliance on God's guidance after Joshua's death?
3.What can we learn about leadership transitions from Judges 1:1?
4.How does Judges 1:1 connect to God's promises in Joshua 1:5-6?
5.In what ways can we seek God's direction in our daily decisions?
6.How does seeking God's will, as in Judges 1:1, strengthen our faith?
7.What does Judges 1:1 reveal about Israel's leadership transition after Joshua's death?
8.How does Judges 1:1 set the stage for the rest of the book?
9.What theological implications arise from Israel seeking God's guidance in Judges 1:1?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 1?
11.Why does archaeological evidence show that the Israelites were originally Canaanites rather than an invading force?
12.Why does Judges 1 focus on partial victories and failures if God had promised total victory, raising questions about divine promises versus historical outcomes?
13.In Judges 1:27-28, why did the Israelites coexist with the Canaanites instead of fully driving them out, contradicting earlier commands for total conquest?
14.Judges 2:6 describes Joshua sending the people away, yet Joshua appears to have died in the previous book; how can this timeline be reconciled?What Does Judges 1:1 Mean After the death of Joshua“After the death of Joshua” (Judges 1:1) • This opening clause anchors the narrative at a decisive moment: Israel has just lost its faithful leader who finished Moses’ work (Joshua 24:29–31;Judges 2:8). • The phrase signals both continuity and vulnerability. God’s promise to give the land remains (Genesis 15:18–21), yet the human commander who led previous victories is gone. • Scripture repeatedly shows that when a godly leader dies, God’s purposes continue unhindered (Deuteronomy 31:6–8;Psalm 90:1–2).
The Israelites inquired of the LORD“The Israelites inquired of the LORD” (Judges 1:1) • Israel turns immediately to God rather than to another human hero, reflecting obedience toExodus 18:15 andNumbers 27:21. • Seeking God first underscores their dependence on divine guidance, fulfilling Moses’ charge inDeuteronomy 4:7. • This act contrasts sharply with later periods when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).
Who will be the first to go up“Who will be the first to go up” (Judges 1:1) • “Go up” conveys military movement toward higher terrain, a common biblical idiom (Joshua 15:15;1 Samuel 14:1). • The question shows orderly strategy—identifying an initial tribe for battle—echoing God’s earlier allotment process (Numbers 34:18–29). • It also reveals humility: Israel does not presume but waits for God’s specific assignment (Proverbs 3:5–6).
And fight for us against the Canaanites?“…and fight for us against the Canaanites?” (Judges 1:1) • The target remains the same foes God had judged for persistent wickedness (Genesis 15:16;Deuteronomy 9:4–5). • Israel recognizes corporate responsibility—“for us”—affirming covenant solidarity (Joshua 7:25; 22:33). • The question frames the coming chapters: partial obedience brings lingering conflict, while full trust secures victory (Judges 2:1–5).
summaryJudges 1:1 portrays a nation at a crossroads: their revered leader is gone, yet their covenant God remains. Israel rightly seeks divine direction, asking which tribe should launch the continued conquest of Canaan. The verse teaches that God’s guidance is essential in every transition, that dependence on Him precedes success, and that collective faithfulness influences the whole community’s future. (1) Now.--The "now" should rather be rendered And,as in Leviticus 1:1, Numbers 1:1, Joshua 1:1, 1Samuel 1:1, 2Samuel 1:1, 2Kings 1:1. The word connects this book with the last, "as a link in the chain of books which relate in unbroken connection the sacred history of the world from the Creation to the Exile" (Bertheau). . . . Verse 1. - After the death of Joshua. The events narrated in chs. 1. and Deuteronomy 2:1-9 all occurred before the death of Joshua, as appears by Judges 2:8, 9, and by a comparison of Joshua 14:6-15 and Joshua 15:13-20. The words, and it came to pass after the death of Joshua, must therefore be understood (if the text is incorrupt) as the heading of the whole book, just as the Book of Joshua has for its heading, "Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass." Asked the Lord. The same phrase as Judges 18:5; Judges 20:18, where it is rendered asked counsel of. So also Numbers 27:21, where a special direction is given to Joshua to make such inquiries as that mentioned in this verse before Eleazar the priest, through the judgment of Urim and Thummim (cf. 1 Samuel 23:10, 12). A still more common rendering of the Hebrew phrase in the A.V. is "to inquire of God" (see, e.g.Judges 20:27, 28; 1 Samuel 22:13, 15; 1 Samuel 23:2, 4; 1 Samuel 28:6, and many other places). Such inquiries were made (1) by Urim and Thummin, (2) by the word of the Lord through a prophet (1 Samuel 9:9), or (3) simply by prayer, (Genesis 25:22), and improperly of false gods (2 Kings 1:2, 16), of teraphim, and semi-idolatrous priests (Judges 18:5, 14).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Afterאַחֲרֵי֙(’a·ḥă·rê)Preposition
Strong's 310:The hind or following partthe deathמ֣וֹת(mō·wṯ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4194:Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruinof Joshua,יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ(yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091:Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelitesthe Israelitesבְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A soninquiredוַֽיִּשְׁאֲלוּ֙(way·yiš·’ă·lū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7592:To inquire, to request, to demandof the LORD,בַּיהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel“Whoמִ֣י(mî)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixwill be the firstבַּתְּחִלָּ֖ה(bat·tə·ḥil·lāh)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8462:A commencement, rel, originalto go upיַעֲלֶה־(ya·‘ă·leh-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyand fightלְהִלָּ֥חֶם(lə·hil·lā·ḥem)Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3898:To feed on, to consume, to battlefor usלָּ֧נוּ(lā·nū)Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrewagainstאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe Canaanites?”הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֛י(hak·kə·na·‘ă·nî)Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3669:Canaanite -- inhabitant of Canaan
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OT History: Judges 1:1 It happened after the death of Joshua (Jd Judg. Jdg) |
