The answer is: Judah

Judges 1:2

In the openers of the Book of Judges, we find a thrilling moment right after Joshua’s leadership. With Joshua’s passing and the Israelites weighing their national identity, the tribe of Judah boldly steps forward to lead the charge against the Canaanites. Joshua, remember, was from the tribe of Ephraim, but Judah takes the baton here and symbolizes a significant shift as they assert their dominance in the conquest for the Promised Land.

Judah’s military success isn’t just about pointed machines and strategies; it's also poetically tied to the prophetic blessings of Jacob in Genesis, where Judah is likened to a lion (Genesis 49:10). This resonance adds a layer of expectation and legacy to Judah’s actions–fighting evil sounds simple, but there’s a depth of divine favor at work too.

Fun fact: The name Judah literally means "praise." So here at the beginning of Judges, it’s almost like an echoing of unshakable identity forming as they stand off against fearsome foes, proving that valor and faith are woven tightly in their story.

Moreover, while Judah's initial victories are notable, readers see a transition throughout the book, a shift that challenges us to ponder what leadership truly means—in times of triumph and struggle alike. The lessons from Judah's fight show that new beginnings often arise amidst adversity, and there is a collective hope resonating through their victories both then and even today.