MPV Commentary

The Acts of Judah and Simeon.

After Joshua's death, the Israelites sought God's guidance on their next move against the Canaanites. They asked the Lord who should lead them in this new battle. The high priest, Phinehas, was consulted using the Urim and Thummim, a method of seeking divine counsel.

The elders recognized that choosing a leader for such an important expedition required God's appointment. By consulting the oracle, they demonstrated wisdom, whether their inquiry concerned selecting a commander or determining which tribe should take the lead.

The Lord instructed Judah to go up first against the Canaanites. This decision was significant, as it fulfilled the prophecy in Genesis 49:8 and gave Judah precedence in the battle. The success of Judah's efforts would likely inspire other tribes to fight against their own Canaanite neighbors.

God had already given Judah control over a specific territory, which he now entrusted to them for this campaign.