Should You Fight Alone or Together? | Judges 1:3-7

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Our text today is Judges 1:3–7:

"And Judah said to Simeon his brother, 'Come up with me into the territory allotted to me, that we may fight against the Canaanites. And I likewise will go with you into the territory allotted to you.' So Simeon went with him. Then Judah went up and the Lord gave the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand, and they defeated 10,000 of them at Bezek. They found Adoni-bezek at Bezek and fought against him and defeated the Canaanites and the Perizzites. Adoni-bezek fled, but they pursued him and caught him and cut off his thumbs and his big toes. And Adoni-bezek said, 'Seventy kings with their thumbs and their big toes cut off used to pick up scraps under my table. As I have done, so God has repaid me.' And they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there." — Judges 1:3–7

When Judah was chosen to go first, he didn’t march into battle solo. He turned to Simeon—his brother—and asked him to come fight alongside him. That was humility. That was wisdom.

And the result? Victory. God gave them the Canaanites and Perizzites. Ten thousand defeated. One wicked king was brought to justice. One battle won together.

We weren’t made to fight alone. Even though God had given Judah the land, he didn’t try to earn a solo trophy. He invited his brother to share the mission and share the victory. In our culture, self-made individuals often receive the spotlight. But in God’s kingdom, brotherhood and sisterhood are the power move. Real believers know they need backup—because pride isolates, but humility unites.

And in this gritty passage, there’s also a moment of brutal irony. Adoni-bezek—the cruel king who mutilated others—acknowledges God’s justice.

“As I have done, so God has repaid me.”

Justice finds him. And that's not karma, that divine providence. Even evil kings understand God's justice when they see it.

So what do we learn? Spiritual victory requires two things: dependence on God and interdependence with others. Who are you walking with? Who’s fighting with you? Or have you been white-knuckling your battles in silence, hoping you can just push through?

If so, it’s time to humble yourself, link arms with a believer, and face the fight together. Because when we unite in obedience and courage, God always moves in power.

ASK THIS:

Who’s fighting with me in my spiritual battles?
Have I let pride keep me from asking for help?
How does God use brotherhood to bring victory?
What justice from God do I need to trust Him with?
DO THIS:

Reach out to one stronger believer today. Ask them to pray with you and fight with you spiritually.

PRAY THIS:
Father, thank you for believers in the battle. Keep me humble enough to ask for help and faithful enough to fight with others by my side. Amen

PLAY THIS:
"Brother."