The fullness of God’s Blessing Beckons (Judges 1:1-2:5)
Judges covers the 300+ years (1390-1055 BC) between Joshua & Saul: it describes a vicious downward spiritual cycle.

1. Beginning to Seize God’s Blessing (vs. 1-18)

a) “after the death of Joshua”- Joshua successfully led Israel to win the big battles with taking the promise land. Each tribe was to destroy the remaining pockets of resistance in their allotted territory & enjoy their new possession. These tribes were depraved & the Judge determined it was time for their destruction (Gen. 15:16). Co-existing would lead to spiritual compromise for Israel (Deut. 7:1-6).

b) “inquired of the Lord”- through the high priest using stones (Num. 27:21). The Lord indicated Judah (Gen. 49:8) with the confidence boost, “I have given/land/into his hand.”

c) Judah wisely approached Simeon (whose territory was within Judah’s, Joshua 19:9). Their first battle was against a large force at Bezek (I Sam. 11:8?). Their king admitted he got the justice he deserved (vs. 7). They headed south defeating but not possessing Jerusalem & then the hill country including Hebron (which petrified 10 spies because of the giants, defeated earlier- Josh. 10:36-39). Caleb gave his daughter in marriage to his nephew (or younger brother) Othniel who took Debir (introducing the 1st Judge). Upon request, Caleb also gave her two springs for a water supply. This action contrasts with deplorable treatment of women by men that will follow. Others could have enjoyed such blessings.

d) Judah then helped Simeon take their cities (vs. 17f) & then conquered but did not occupy cities along the coast. “the house of Joseph” (vs. 23 Ephraim & Manasseh) teamed up to take Bethel with spies obtaining from an occupant of Bethel the way to their secret entrance (vs, 24).

e) It is wise to team up to conquer strongholds & trust God gives as you take what He has for you.

2. Partial taking of God’s Blessing (vs. 19-36)

a) Eight of the nine tribes living west of the Jordan did not drive out the occupants of cities allotted to them (Issachar is not mentioned). In many cases this was because they were cities on the plains with the superior technology of iron chariots (v19, Joshua 17:16). Some were defeated by Joshua (Josh. 12:21,23). Dan was confined to the hill country, and many of them migrated north. In other cases, they were tough strongholds (vs. 21 Jerusalem, vs. 33 shrines to the sun-god & goddess of fertility).

b) When Israel became strong, they put these Canaanite groups to forced labor (vs. 28,30,33,35). The Lord indicated He would drive these peoples out slowly so the land would not become desolate (Ex. 23:27-33), but commanded Israel to make no covenants with these nations/their gods.

c) It seems the tribes settled for partial obedience with partial enjoyment of God’s blessing.

3. Disobedience limits God’s Blessing (2:1-5)

a) “Angel of the Lord”- Many passages indicate this person shared deity. Likely this was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.

b) “Gilgal”- near Jericho where they first set up camp & from which the Lord directed them. “Bochim” vs. 5 “weepers”). Some suggest Bethel (20:18,26, Gen. 35:8).

c) The Lord recounts what He did for Israel: “brought you up…led you into…” He emphasized He is true to His word: “I have sworn…I will never break My covenant…” (Ex. 34:10-17, Lev. 26:44).

d) He charged them with breaking their side of the covenant. They were to make no covenant with the  inhabitants/land and tear down their altars. Because of this God the Lord said He would not drive out these nations before Israel: this would become a source of great pain: with these remaining peoples becoming thorns in Israel’s sides & their gods a snare/trap with deceptive bait (Josh. 23:12-13).

e) The people’s response was to weep with remorse & offer sacrifices to the Lord. However, it did not lead to repentance that would remove the peoples & their idolatrous worship.

f) There are serious consequences to partial obedience for which we are sorrowful, but not repentant. We miss out on the fullness of God’s blessing. This is why some Christians do not grow spiritually.