שופטים, פרק ב׳, פסוק ו׳

The narrative steps back in time to the final days of Joshua's leadership, capturing a profound transition for the Israelites. After functioning as a single, unified army, the people were dispersed to establish their tribal and family settlements [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Joshua sent them out to inhabit the vast territories he had already conquered [אלשיך]. The primary approach among commentators notes that this moment was previously recorded, but it is revisited here to establish a sharp contrast. At the time of this dispersal, the Israelites committed themselves to serving God. They remained completely devoted throughout Joshua's life and the lives of the elders who outlived him and remembered God's great miracles. Recalling this golden era serves to highlight the severe spiritual collapse of the following generation, who eventually corrupted their ways and did evil in the eyes of God [רש״י, רלב״ג, רד״ק, אברבנאל].

During this initial stage, the Israelites set out to take possession of the land driven by loyalty to the Torah and a strong dedication to God [מלבי״ם]. Their ultimate goal was to settle into their new homes in peace and security [מצודת דוד]. The circumstances of their departure also address a potential criticism regarding why Joshua did not completely clear the land of its previous inhabitants before his leadership ended. When the Israelites departed for their territories, they were filled with motivation and self reliance, fully intending to finish conquering the few remaining areas. They trusted that God was with them and believed they could secure the land on their own without Joshua's direct military support. Consequently, the ultimate failure to complete the conquest and the resulting presence of foreign nations rested squarely on the shoulders of each individual tribe, rather than on Joshua's leadership [אלשיך].