Judges 1:1–15 Establishing the Kingdom Without a King

Judges 1:1–15 Establishing the Kingdom Without a King

Introduction

There was a time in Israel’s history when there was no king and no earthly leader. The God of Israel, Yahweh, ruled directly over His people through the law He gave to Moses. This form of government—where God reigns as King and His Word is the standard—is called a theocracy.

Some today misunderstand this idea and accuse Christians of wanting to return to a theocratic system, where Old Testament laws are enforced as civil law over entire nations. But this misrepresents God’s purpose. The law was never meant to bring salvation apart from Christ. It was always pointing forward to something greater—the arrival of the true King who would bring grace, forgiveness, and lasting peace. That King is Jesus Christ, who now reigns over His people not through tablets of stone, but by His Spirit and His gospel.

The book of Judges gives us a picture of what life looked like when God was King—but also what happened when His people began to reject Him. The law was present, the land was given, and the people had access to God—but they slowly traded the promises of God for the patterns of the world. As we begin this journey through Judges, we’ll see clearly: the issue was never with God’s rule—it was with the hearts of the people.

What we find in this book isn’t just ancient history. It’s a sobering mirror. It shows what happens when people do what is right in their own eyes and turn away from the God who saves.

Background & Context

The book of Judges picks up right after the death of Joshua, who had faithfully led Israel into the Promised Land. With no new leader appointed, Israel entered a time of transition. Moses was gone. Joshua was gone. The land had been entered, but the conquest was not complete. God had given His people the law through Moses and had confirmed His covenant with them through Joshua. Now, they were to live as a people under God's direct rule.

This is a unique moment in Israel’s history—a brief glimpse of what it looks like when God is King, but also the beginning of a long decline. Without a human leader, the tribes of Israel were supposed to inquire of the Lord and follow His commands together. But the seeds of compromise had already begun to take root. The people would gradually stop asking what God wanted and start doing what seemed right to them.

Judges 1 introduces us to that tension. On the surface, it begins well: the people seek God’s guidance. But by the end of the chapter, cracks begin to show. This chapter serves as a bridge between the faithful leadership of Joshua and the chaotic, fractured period that will soon follow. It reminds us that God's presence and direction are always enough—but only if His people actually listen.

Narrative Walkthrough

(Verses 1–7)

Israel begins in the right place: by seeking the Lord. With Joshua gone, the people don’t try to rely on human strength or new leadership—they go to God for direction. This is a powerful image of dependence. They ask, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?” and God responds, “Judah shall go up… I have given the land into his hand.” Already, we’re reminded that the victories ahead will not come by military strategy or human strength, but by the direction and power of Yahweh.

Judah doesn’t act alone, either. The tribe invites their brother Simeon to join them, and the two tribes cooperate in faith and obedience. This partnership isn’t about politics or power—it’s about shared faith and mutual trust in God’s promises.

This is more than a military campaign. It’s a picture of what healthy spiritual life should look like: seeking God’s guidance, working together, and trusting in His promises. Even though the New Testament church is not a physical tribe or army, we’re given the same pattern. Jesus is the head of the church (Colossians 1:15–20), and we—His people—are members of one body, each gifted and called to serve (Romans 12:3–8). We don’t walk alone. We labor side by side, equipped and joined together by the Holy Spirit to become a dwelling place for God (Ephesians 2:18–22).

Victory comes when God is at the center. Judah and Simeon defeat 10,000 men at Bezek, and soon they capture a cruel and powerful enemy—Adoni-bezek. His name means “lord of Bezek,” and he had ruled by humiliating and crippling other kings—cutting off their thumbs and big toes and making them beg under his table. But when Israel captures him, he acknowledges that God has repaid him for what he has done. He knows this is justice.

This is not just about military conquest—it’s a picture of God’s justice and sovereignty. Israel wasn’t a powerhouse nation. They were wilderness wanderers, newly settled and still learning to live under God’s rule. But by God's strength, they took down a tyrant.

In the same way, Christ’s church does not conquer the world by force, but by the power of the gospel. Jesus promised, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The victory belongs to Him, and He invites us to join in the work—not through violence, but through the message of mercy and salvation.

We declare that forgiveness is available to all who repent and believe. This world may be hostile, and the mission may seem impossible, but the church marches forward—not by might or brilliance, but by the Word and Spirit of Christ.

(Verses 8–10)

These verses are intense: Judah captures Jerusalem, destroys it, and continues their conquest of Canaanite cities. It’s violent. It’s unsettling. And for many modern readers, this kind of passage raises hard questions: Why would God command judgment like this? How is this compatible with love?

We need to remember that the judgment of the Canaanites was not random or unjust. God had given the land to Israel, and He had waited patiently for generations, giving the nations time to repent (Genesis 15:16). But they persisted in idolatry, child sacrifice, and deep moral corruption. What we see in Judges is not a ruthless God—but a righteous one. The same God who shows mercy also brings justice.

For Israel, this judgment was also salvation. The conquest wasn’t about expanding territory for political gain. It was about God keeping His promises to His people and protecting them from the influence of the nations that surrounded them. Their survival depended on their faithfulness to Him.

Still, this kind of judgment points forward to something even greater—and more final. The New Testament shows us that Jesus will one day return, not just as Savior, but as Judge (Revelation 19:11–16). For believers, that day will be the beginning of the new creation, where God dwells with His people and all sorrow is removed (Revelation 21:1–4). But for those who rejected His grace, it will be a day of dread (Isaiah 2:20–22).

This section of Judges reminds us that salvation and judgment go hand in hand. The same God who welcomes sinners into His family also promises to remove evil from His world. That’s not a contradiction—it’s the fulfillment of justice.

(Verses 11–15)

From the battlefield, the narrative shifts to something quieter—but no less important. Caleb offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to the one who will capture Kiriath-sepher. His nephew Othniel steps forward in courage and obedience. Achsah, in turn, asks her father not only for land, but for springs of water to make it flourish.

It may seem like a small family detail, but this moment shows something rare in Judges: faith, trust, and forward-thinking leadership. Caleb, Othniel, and Achsah are working within God’s promises, not rejecting them. Their actions lay foundations for the future—not just of Israel’s land, but of its spiritual health.

Jesus taught us to seek treasure in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19–21). Paul reminded the church that we labor together as God’s field and God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:5–9). Like Othniel and Achsah, we don’t know the full weight of what our faithfulness may produce. But we do know this: what we build in obedience to Christ will last forever.

Christ-Centered Reflection

The opening chapter of Judges reminds us that God's people need more than land, laws, and leaders—we need a King who reigns in righteousness and brings lasting peace. At first, Israel seems to understand this. But without a transformed heart, even divine guidance can be ignored.

The story of Judges is not ultimately about tribal conquest—it’s about human nature. Even in a land flowing with promise, people drift. Even with God's Word in hand, they rebel. This longing for someone greater is embedded in every page. And it all points to Jesus.

Jesus is the true and final King. He is the fulfillment of God’s promise, the One who delivers not just land but souls. And unlike every leader in Judges, He never fails. He reigns now from heaven, and He will return to complete what He began.

Until that day, we are His church—unified under His headship, empowered by His Spirit, and called to proclaim His mercy to a broken world.

Contemplation

We live in a time not unlike the days of the judges. People still do what is right in their own eyes. But for those who belong to Christ, the call remains the same: seek the Lord, trust His promises, and walk in obedience—even when the world doesn’t.

• Am I living as if Christ is truly my King?
• Do I seek His direction first, or act on impulse?
• Do I view the church as essential to God’s mission—or optional?

Faith isn’t a spectator event. It’s a daily response to the King who saves. What we do today echoes in eternity. Don’t trade the kingdom for the world. Christ is coming. Will you be ready?

Conclusion

God was faithful. He gave His people the land He promised. And He has given us something even greater—salvation through His Son.

We have the joy of participating in God’s work: building up the church, spreading the gospel, and living as faithful citizens of a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Our lives matter. Our works matter. And Christ will return to reward every act of faith done in His name.

Will you participate in the life of the church?
Will you repent of your sins and believe in the person of Christ?

Scripture References

• Colossians 1:15–20 – Describes the supremacy of Christ, who is the image of the invisible God and the head of the church.
• Romans 12:3–8 – Teaches that believers are one body in Christ, each with different gifts for serving the church.
• Ephesians 2:18–22 – Explains how Christians are being built together as a spiritual temple, with Christ as the cornerstone.
• Matthew 16:15–18 – Jesus promises to build His church, and that even the gates of hell will not overcome it.
• Revelation 19:11–16 – A vision of Christ returning as a righteous warrior to judge and rule the nations.
• Revelation 21:1–4 – A glimpse of the new heaven and new earth, where God will dwell with His people and remove all sorrow.
• Isaiah 2:20–22 – A prophecy about the day of the Lord, when people will abandon their idols in fear of God’s majesty.
• Matthew 6:19–21 – Jesus urges His followers to store up treasure in heaven, where it cannot be destroyed.
• 1 Corinthians 3:5–9 – Paul describes the church as God’s field and building, where believers labor but God brings the growth.
• Genesis 15:16 – God explains that the judgment of the Amorites would come when their sin reached its full measure.