Judges 1:1 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

After the death — Not long after it; for Othniel, the first judge, lived in Joshua's time. Asked the Lord — Being assembled together at Shiloh, they enquired of the high — priest by the Urim and the Thummim. Against the Canaanites first — Finding their people multiply exceedingly, and consequently the necessity of enlarging their quarters, they renew the war. They do not enquire who shall be captain general to all the tribes; but what tribe shall first undertake the expedition, that by their success the other tribes may be encouraged to make the like attempt upon the Canaanites in their several lots.