Introducing the Era of the Judges (1:1–3:6): The book of Joshua ends with the death and burial of Joshua (Josh. 24:29–30). The book of Judges begins with an extended report of Israel’s military progress after Joshua’s death (1:1–36). Having received prior instructions to destroy the Canaanites and take possession of their land (Num. 33:51–53; Deut. 1:8; 7:1–4, 16), Israel begins by asking the Lord which tribe should lead the way in battle. After Judah is chosen and promised victory, the tribe takes leadership by inviting Simeon, whose allotted land falls within Judah’s boundary (cf. Josh. 19:1–9), to join them in battle.

Judah meets with a string of initial successes, including at Bezek, where they capture its leader and become the instrument of divine vengeance by doing to him what he had …