Meaning of Judges 2:6

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the book of Judges, signifying the transition from the leadership of Joshua to the subsequent generations of Israelites who were tasked with fully conquering and settling the Promised Land. Following Joshua's death and the completion of his military campaigns, the people were finally free to inherit the territories allotted to their tribes. This was not merely a geographical relocation but a fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and his descendants, a tangible manifestation of their covenant relationship with the Divine. The act of each Israelite going to their "own inheritance" underscores the individual and tribal responsibilities inherent in this divine inheritance, a land promised to be their dwelling place and a testament to God's faithfulness.

Context and Background

The preceding chapters of Judges detail Joshua's leadership in dividing the land among the twelve tribes of Israel after their successful conquest of Canaan. Joshua 24 concludes with Joshua's final address and death. Judges 2:6, therefore, serves as a bridge, initiating the period where the Israelites are to actively occupy and secure their allotted lands, a task that would prove far more challenging than initially anticipated. This verse sets the stage for the recurring cycle of disobedience and divine discipline that characterizes the rest of the book.

Key Themes and Messages

• Fulfillment of Promise: The verse highlights the ongoing fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land of Canaan.
• Responsibility and Inheritance: It emphasizes that receiving an inheritance requires active participation and responsibility from the recipients. The land was given, but it needed to be possessed and maintained.
• Transition of Leadership: This verse marks the end of a divinely appointed leader's era and the beginning of a new phase where the people are expected to live out their faith independently.
• Individual and Collective Duty: The phrase "each to their own inheritance" points to both individual responsibility for claiming one's portion and the collective undertaking of securing the entire land.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse speaks to the ongoing process of claiming our inheritance in Christ. Just as the Israelites had to actively take possession of the physical land, believers are called to actively embrace and live in the spiritual blessings God has provided through Jesus. This includes cultivating a deeper relationship with God, exercising faith, and living according to His word. The failure of the Israelites to fully dispossess the Canaanites serves as a cautionary tale about complacency and the dangers of allowing sin and ungodly influences to remain in our lives, hindering our full experience of God's blessings.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This passage is a crucial link in the narrative of God's redemptive plan. It represents the establishment of Israel as a nation in the land God promised, a precursor to the establishment of the Davidic kingdom and ultimately, the coming of the Messiah. The land of Canaan was a tangible representation of God's presence and favor, and its possession was a sign of His covenant faithfulness. The subsequent struggles in Judges highlight the human tendency to stray from God, setting the stage for the need for a divine king who would truly lead His people.

Analogies

One analogy for this verse is a soldier receiving orders to occupy a territory. The territory is theirs by right of conquest and command, but they must actively move in, secure it, and establish their presence. Another analogy is a student receiving a scholarship to a prestigious university. The scholarship is granted, but the student must then attend classes, study diligently, and complete their degree to fully realize the benefits of that inheritance.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 15:18-21: This passage records God's initial promise of land to Abraham, outlining the boundaries and the inhabitants. Judges 2:6 signifies the beginning of the fulfillment of this ancient promise.
• Deuteronomy 11:24: Moses instructs the Israelites that "Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours." This echoes the active possession required in Judges 2:6.
• Joshua 23:10: Joshua warns them, "One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God fights for you, as he promised you." This highlights the divine assistance promised for the conquest, a promise that would be tested in the subsequent chapters of Judges.
• Judges 2:11-15: This immediately following section details the Israelites' failure to obey God, leading to cycles of oppression, demonstrating the consequence of not fully possessing their inheritance as commanded.