God's decision establishes the vanguard that will lead the military campaign. There is widespread agreement that the selection of Judah refers not to a single person, but to the entire tribe. This group is chosen to advance first and conquer its allotted land because of its high standing and the fact that it was the first to take its inheritance [רש״י, מלבי״ם].
God guarantees success in this initial battle, but His promise extends far beyond a single victory for one tribe. The triumph is designed to impact the broader war, as their success will strike fear and dread into the hearts of all the enemies [מצודת דוד].