After the death of Joshua the people of Israel inquired of the LORD, of “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?” The LORD said, “Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand.” And Judah said to Simeon his brother, “Come up with me into the territory allotted to me that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with you into the territory allotted to you.” So Simeon went with him.” (Judges 1:1-3 RSV)
Am going to start by asking rhetorical questions that will help you to understand how complex the Bible is and why you really need someone to help you as you study it.
Look at the first verse. The introduction of the book of Joshua says:
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, (Joshua 1:1 RSV)
When Moses died there was a Joshua, and we should praise God for Moses’ leadership for he mentored Joshua and at least left Israel with a leader.
However, when the militant Joshua died, the people of Israel were left without a leader and they asked:
“Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?”
Normally the Lord speaks through an individual leader. Since Joshua was dead, who then did the Lord speak through to choose Judah to replace Joshua?
Again, ever since the death of Jacob’s son Judah, was there an individual by the name of Judah or a tribe? If he was an individual how come we hear no more from him any more throughout the book?
The truth is that when Joshua died, he left the Israelites with no leader at all but with more battles to fight. It was then that the largest tribe (Numbers 26:19-22) seized an opportunity for leadership. However, this tribe, in order to establish itself at the top, negotiated with the smallest tribe of Simeon (Numbers 26:12-14) to join them and henceforth Judah became the leading tribe in everything.
Besides the blessing upon Judah (Genesis 49:8-12) and the prophecy of Moses about it (Deuteronomy 33:7), Judah stepped forward and seized the opportunity when it showed up.
In the book of Judges, it is going to become the most stable and consolidated tribe of all the twelve. They were the biggest in number, they had a blessing that their ancestor prayed for, they had a prophecy upon their lives, and all they wanted was an opportunity to unleash their greatness and all of a sudden, Joshua died and Caleb ignited the fire. From that moment Judah’s success was launched and they were never the same.
Apart from the Judges, Judah will become the Royal Tribe of Israel from whom the most (in number) and best kings of Israel come. And even the lineage of Jesus Christ will be traced to the tribe of Judah. He is the lion of Judah.
Am sure I do not have to say more than I should as far as seizing an opportunity in this life is concerned. What you should keep in mind is that the Moses and the Joshuas will eventually die. Stop focusing on them and start preparing for that day. The tribe of Judah focused on only one thing: reproduction and by the time the leaders were no more, NUMBERS got them into the driving seat.
I know there is something you dream to achieve, but how prepared are you if it showed up in the next hour or tomorrow? I have seen children of wealthy families with dynasties who wish their parents died, and lo and behold, that day comes and the sons have no clue what to do.
It doesn’t matter whether your Joshua is alive or dead; my question to you is: HOW PREPARED ARE YOU?
God bless you, I invoke Truth, Reason and Faith.
Pr WHITE
The Gospel Hawker
iTiS Well of Worship Ministries (John 4:24)
iTiS Well of Worship Fellowship (John 4:24) 