שופטים, פרק א׳, פסוק כ״ב

The descendants of Joseph embarked on a military campaign to conquer the city of Bethel, a territory granted to them during the division of the land [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Their mobilization directly mirrored the actions of the tribe of Judah. Just as Judah launched a vigorous offensive to secure their inheritance, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh rallied to fight for their own territory [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל].

Central to this campaign is the reality that God was with them, a fact that carries practical, critical, and theological meaning. On a practical level, this Divine assistance enabled their scouts to discover the city's hidden entrance, leading to a successful conquest [אברבנאל, אלשיך].

However, this initial triumph and the clear proof of God's support also serve as the foundation for a critique of their later choices. Despite experiencing firsthand that God was aiding their battles, the descendants of Joseph eventually grew lazy in completing the conquest of the land. Much like the tribe of Judah, who retreated when faced with the iron chariots of the valley dwellers, Joseph's descendants failed to completely drive out the Canaanites from their remaining cities. Instead, they compromised, choosing to leave the inhabitants in place and impose a tax on them. This hesitation to fully carry out the Divine command eventually spread to other tribes as well [מלבי״ם, אלשיך].

From a spiritual perspective, the fact that God remained with them highlights an act of extraordinary grace. During this period, the tribe of Ephraim was already harboring the idol of Micah, a clear sign of deep spiritual decline. Yet, God did not turn away from them; He continued to assist them in battle. This enduring presence serves to demonstrate God's profound righteousness and kindness toward the Israelites, supporting them even when their spiritual condition had deteriorated and their actions were a source of shame [רש״י].