After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?” 2 The Lord said, “Judah shall go up.” (Judges 1:1,2 ESV)
Judah
Joshua, Israel’s leader for many decades was from the tribe of Ephraim. The Ephraimites were prominen in Israel. Descended from Joseph’s younger son, when Joseph was giving his boys blessings, he blessed Ephraim as if he were the older boy.
People expected great things from Ephraim… and Ephraim usually succeeded.
The tribe of Ephraim was numerous, wealthy, respected, and great fighters.
And JOSHUA was one of them! No doubt, the greatness would continue.
But God had already promised that the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah. And God reminded the Israelites, newly settled in the Promised Land, that the promise still held.
No matter how powerful ANYone is… the Messiah is more.
No matter how respected ANYone is… the Messiah is more.
No matter how wealthy ANYone is… the Messiah is more.
Because the Messiah brings not just power, respect, and wealth… but salvation.