Judges 1:1
Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them? Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?
The verse opens the book of Judges, whose name comes from the leaders God raised up from time to time to serve during national crises. It begins the introduction to the book, comprising chapters 1, 2, and 3:1-6. That introductory record is explanatory, showing that Israel had not possessed all of the country. It reverts to the last days of Joshua as outlined in Joshua 24:28-31.
It stands at the beginning of Judges right after Joshua died at 110 years old after giving his closing counsel to Israel. In that place it continues the history of the division and settling of the Promised Land among the tribes. It comes after Joshua draws near to his end, rehearses God's dealings before Israel, and solemnly charges them to choose. It comes after he declares that he and his house will serve the Lord whatever they do.
It marks the beginning of a new period in Israel's history after Joshua's death. That period extends down to 1 Samuel and to the raising up of Samuel, and is commonly placed at about 350 years, though some reckon it longer. In it Israel as a nation is free to continue and to choose obedience or self-will, with those choices shaping its character and national future. The opening chapters beginning here deal with its failure to carry out the instructions God gave, its consequent captivity, and the help that came through the judges whom the Lord raised up in its behalf. Those judges were defenders raised in crisis to contend for the independence of the people and called saviours, who also judged in administering law.