James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Judges 1:1-36
JOSHUA TO SHAMGAR JUDAH’S INCOMPLETE VICTORY (Judges 1:1-20 ) After the death of Joshua the question of which tribe should lead in the subsequent campaign was answered by the Lord in the choice of Judah (Judges 1:1-2 ) which was in accordance with the divine prophecy through Jacob (Genesis 49:8 ). Doubtless the inquiry was made by Urim and Thummim on the breastplate of the high priest, to which reference was made in Exodus. Judah invites the cooperation of Simeon because the territory of... read more
L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 1:1-36
INITIAL VICTORIES, YET IMPAIRED (vv. 1-26) Joshua having died, Israel does not subside into indifference, but realizes that there is territory that should be possessed. They therefore appeal to the Lord as to who should carry the attack against the Canaanites (v. 1). The answer is "Judah shall go up," and the decisive promise of God is given that He has delivered the Canaanites into Judah's hand (v. 2). Judah means "praise," and the spirit of praise to God is surely that which rightly leads... read more