Judges 20:18

Judges 20:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied.

King James Version KJV

¶ And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first.

American Standard Version ASV

And the children of Israel arose, and went up to Beth-el, and asked counsel of God; and they said, Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin? And Jehovah said, Judah shall go up first.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And they got up and went up to Beth-el to get directions from God, and the children of Israel said, Who is to be the first to go up to the fight against the children of Benjamin? And the Lord said, Judah is to go up first.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Israelites went to Bethel and asked God, “Which ones of us should be the first to go and fight the Benjamites?” “Judah is to go first,” the Lord replied.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the children of Israel arose, and went vp to the house of God, and asked of God, saying, Which of vs shall goe vp first to fight against the children of Beniamin? And the Lord said, Iudah shalbe first.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And they rise and go up to Beth-El, and ask of God, and the sons of Israel say, 'Who doth go up for us at the commencement to battle with the sons of Benjamin?' and Jehovah saith, 'Judah — at the commencement.'

World English Bible WEB

The children of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and asked counsel of God. They asked, “Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin?” The LORD said, “Judah first.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they arose and came to the house of God, that is, to Silo: and they consulted God, and said: Who shall be in our army the first to go to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the Lord answered them: Let Juda be your leader.

Translation for Translators T4T

Those other Israelis went up to Bethel and asked God, “Which tribe should be the first to attack the men from the tribe of Benjamin?” Yahweh answered, “The men from the tribe of Judah should go first.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 20:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּקֻ֜מוּ וַ/יַּעֲל֣וּ בֵֽית אֵל֮ וַ/יִּשְׁאֲל֣וּ בֵ/אלֹהִים֒ וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל מִ֚י יַעֲלֶה לָּ֣/נוּ בַ/תְּחִלָּ֔ה לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה עִם בְּנֵ֣י בִנְיָמִ֑ן וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה יְהוּדָ֥ה בַ/תְּחִלָּֽה

וַ/יָּקֻ֜מוּ qûwm H6965 -kamai Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

וַ/יַּעֲל֣וּ ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

בֵֽית Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 Bethel N-proper

אֵל֮ Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 Bethel N-proper

וַ/יִּשְׁאֲל֣וּ shâʼal H7592 to ask Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

בֵ/אלֹהִים֒ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Prep | N-mp

וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

מִ֚י mîy H4310 who? Part

יַעֲלֶה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לָּ֣/נוּ Prep | Suff

בַ/תְּחִלָּ֔ה tᵉchillâh H8462 beginning Prep | N-fs

לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Prep | N-fs

עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep

בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp

בִנְיָמִ֑ן Binyâmîyn H1144 Benjamin N-proper

וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

יְהוּדָ֥ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

בַ/תְּחִלָּֽה tᵉchillâh H8462 beginning Prep | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:18

וַ/יָּקֻ֜מוּ qûwm H6965 "-kamai" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.

וַ/יַּעֲל֣וּ ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

בֵֽית Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 "Bethel" N-proper

Bethel, meaning house of God, is a significant location in the Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis. It was a place of worship and sacrifice, where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. The name Bethel signifies its importance as a spiritual site, where God was believed to dwell.

Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah

Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.

אֵל֮ Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 "Bethel" N-proper

Definition: § Bethel = "house of God" a place in south country of Judah

Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Beth-el. See also: Genesis 12:8; 1 Samuel 30:27; Jeremiah 48:13.

וַ/יִּשְׁאֲל֣וּ shâʼal H7592 "to ask" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.

Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.

בֵ/אלֹהִים֒ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

מִ֚י mîy H4310 "who?" Part

This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.

יַעֲלֶה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

לָּ֣/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

בַ/תְּחִלָּ֔ה tᵉchillâh H8462 "beginning" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word means the start of something, like the beginning of a project or a new phase of life, as seen in Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) beginning, first 1a) the first time 1b) from the beginning, in the beginning (with prep)

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begin(-ning), first (time). See also: Genesis 13:3; 2 Kings 17:25; Proverbs 9:10.

לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Prep | N-fs

This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.

Definition: battle, war

Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.

עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" N-mp

Definition: : child/son

בִנְיָמִ֑ן Binyâmîyn H1144 "Benjamin" N-proper

Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.

Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem

Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.

וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

יְהוּדָ֥ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

בַ/תְּחִלָּֽה tᵉchillâh H8462 "beginning" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word means the start of something, like the beginning of a project or a new phase of life, as seen in Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) beginning, first 1a) the first time 1b) from the beginning, in the beginning (with prep)

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begin(-ning), first (time). See also: Genesis 13:3; 2 Kings 17:25; Proverbs 9:10.

Study Notes — Judges 20:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 20:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:18
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 20:18
Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:18
Barnes' Notes on Judges 20:18
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:18
Sermons on Judges 20:18

Context — Civil War against Benjamin

16Among all these soldiers there were 700 select left-handers, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair without missing. 17The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.

18The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied.

19The next morning the Israelites set out and camped near Gibeah. 20And the men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin and took up their battle positions at Gibeah.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 20:23	They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, “Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?” And the LORD answered, “Go up against them.”
2	Judges 20:26–27	Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, where they sat weeping before the LORD. That day they fasted until evening and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there,
3	Numbers 27:21	He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.”
4	Joel 1:14	Consecrate a fast; proclaim a solemn assembly! Gather the elders and all the residents of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.
5	Judges 1:1–2	After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?” “Judah shall go up,” answered the LORD. “Indeed, I have delivered the land into their hands.”
6	Judges 18:31	So they set up for themselves Micah’s graven image, and it was there the whole time the house of God was in Shiloh.
7	Joshua 18:1	Then the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. And though the land was subdued before them,
8	Numbers 27:5	So Moses brought their case before the LORD,
9	Judges 20:7	Behold, all you Israelites, give your advice and verdict here and now.”
10	Judges 19:18	The Levite replied, “We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote hill country of Ephraim, where I am from. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and now I am going to the house of the LORD; but no one has taken me into his home,

Judges 20:18 Summary

In this verse, the Israelites are seeking God's guidance on who should lead the battle against the Benjamites. God responds by saying that the tribe of Judah will go first, demonstrating His sovereignty and involvement in the lives of His people. This reminds us that, just like the Israelites, we can seek God's will and guidance in our own lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:12-13. By doing so, we can trust in His wisdom and direction, even in uncertain or challenging situations, and remember that He is our rock and our salvation, as stated in Psalm 18:2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Israelites go to Bethel to inquire of God?

The Israelites went to Bethel to seek God's guidance and direction, as it was a place of worship and a location where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, symbolizing God's presence among them, similar to how they inquired of God in Exodus 33:7-11 and Numbers 9:15-23.

What does it mean that the LORD replied 'Judah will be first'?

The LORD's response indicates that He has chosen the tribe of Judah to lead the battle against the Benjamites, possibly due to their courage and faithfulness, as seen in the example of Caleb in Numbers 13:6 and 14:24, who demonstrated trust in God's promise.

Is this an example of seeking God's will through prayer?

Yes, the Israelites' action of inquiring of God at Bethel demonstrates their desire to seek God's will and guidance, similar to how the apostle Paul sought God's will in Acts 16:6-10, and is an example for believers today to follow in their own decision-making processes, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Does this verse imply that God is involved in human conflicts?

While God is sovereign over all things, including human conflicts, this verse highlights His involvement in guiding and directing His people, as seen in Judges 20:18, and is reminiscent of His guidance in other battles, such as in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, where He gave victory to King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and direction, just like the Israelites did in this verse?
How can I demonstrate faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of uncertainty or conflict, like the Israelites did when they accepted God's answer?
What are some ways I can prioritize seeking God's will in my decision-making processes, and what role does prayer play in this?
How can I apply the principle of seeking God's guidance, as seen in this verse, to my own relationships and conflicts with others?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:18

And the children of Israel arose,.... From Mizpeh, where they were assembled, having heard that the Benjaminites were gathered together to defend the men of Gibeah: and went up to the house of God;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:18

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:18

The children of Israel, i.e. some sent in the name of all. To the house of God, to wit, to Shiloh, which was not far from Mizpeh, where they were. Which of us shall go up first to the battle? this they ask to prevent emulations and contentions; but they do not ask whether they should go against them, or no, for that they knew they ought to do by the will of God already revealed. Nor yet do they seek to God for his help by prayer, and fasting, and sacrifice, as in all reason they ought to have done; but were confident of success, because of their great numbers, and righteous cause.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:18

Judges 20:18 And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah [shall go up] first.Ver. 18. Which of us shall go up?] They asked not, Shall we go up? and shall we prosper? for of that they were over confident, because of the equity of their cause and their great strength. They slighted the Benjamites also for their paucity and folly, as the Spaniards were wont to do the Portuguese for pocos y locos, that is, few and foolish. Hence they miscarried.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:18

(18) To the house of God.—Rather, to Bethel (as in the LXX., Syriac, Arabic, and Chaldee). The reason why our translators adopted their translation is shown by the Vulgate, which renders it “to the house of God that is in Shiloh.” But Beth El cannot mean “house of God,” which is always either Beth ha-Elohim or Beth Adonai (house of the Lord). Why they did not meet at the more central Shiloh we cannot say. Asked counsel of God.—Namely, by the Urim and Thummim. Apparently the high priest was not prevented by any scruple from taking the ephod, with its jewelled breastplate and Urim and Thummim, to any place where its use was needed. The ark was similarly carried from place to place, and had been brought (Judges 20:27) to the venerable sanctuary of Bethel with the high priest. It is not necessary to suppose that the tabernacle was itself removed. It may have been—for Shiloh was never understood to be more than its temporary resting-place. Bethel—as being a sacred place and near Gibeah—would be a convenient place of rendezvous. Which of us . . .?—Judges 1:1-2. Judah . . . first.—This is remarkable as indicating that the Urim and Thummim were something more than a pair of lots, and that the questions with which God was consulted by its means were other than those which admitted a mere positive or negative answer.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 20:18

Verse 18. Went up to the house of God] Some think that a deputation was sent from Shiloh, where Phinehas the high priest was, to inquire, not concerning the expediency of the war, nor of its success, but which of the tribes should begin the attack. Having so much right on their side, they had no doubt of the justice of their cause. Having such a superiority of numbers, they had no doubt of success. See Clarke on Jude 20:1. And the Lord said, Judah] But he did not say that they should conquer.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:18

18. The Israelite host is mustered (Judges 20:17), and all is ready for an advance against Gibeah (Judges 20:19 f.), when the entire army marches off to Beth-el, 10 m. distance from Mizpah (if = Nebî Samwîl), to consult the divine oracle. Such a change of position at such a moment is almost incredible, and unnecessary, one would think, inasmuch as Mizpah itself was a sanctuary (Judges 20:1). Although Beth-el has a place in the B narrative (Judges 20:26 f.), this verse can hardly belong to the original form of it. And there are indications which confirm the impression that the verse is a gloss; contrast ‘asked counsel of God’ with ‘asked counsel of Jehovah’ Judges 20:23; Judges 20:27; the question and response of the oracle are imitated from Judges 1:1-2; in the account which follows all Israel acts together, not under the initiative of Judah; in the Hebr. Judges 20:18-19 begin with the same word and they arose. went up to Beth-el] Vulgate they came to the house of God, that is to Shiloh: an interesting attempt to get over a theoretical difficulty; see on Judges 20:27, and cf. Judges 21:2 n.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 20:18

Went up to the house of God - It should be “to Bethel.” At this time the ark was at Bethel (compare 1 Samuel 10:3), and not at Shiloh.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:18

18. Went up to the house of God — Rather, went up to Beth-el, because, as Judges 20:27 informs us, the ark of God was there at that time. See note on Judges 20:27.

Sermons on Judges 20:18

	Sermon	Description
	From the Death of Moses to the Death of Eli by Flavius Josephus	Flavius Josephus recounts the period after the death of Joshua, where the Israelites faced challenges due to their disobedience and neglect of God's laws. The tribe of Benjamin fac
	Levi's Urim and Thummim Found With Christ. by John Gill	John Gill preaches on the significance of the Urim and Thummim, emphasizing that they represent the light and perfection found in Christ. He explains how these ancient tools were u
	The Reproach of the Solemn Assembly by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the negative effects of the prosperity gospel and false prophets on believers. He describes witnessing people engaging in strang
	An Urgent Call to Prayer by Al Whittinghill	Al Whittinghill emphasizes the urgent need for prayer within the church, highlighting the significance of a Solemn Assembly as a time for believers to come together, set aside pers
	Forgiveness by Don McClure	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of forgiveness and how it relates to our relationship with God. He emphasizes that forgiveness is not a suggestion, but a commandm
	Ireland Etc. & Revival by James A. Stewart	In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of witnessing powerful prayer warriors who were deeply devoted to God. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and recounts a dange
	Call a Sacred Assembly by Shane Idleman	This sermon emphasizes the need to call a sacred assembly, to gather together in prayer, fasting, and mourning for the direction of the church and the nation. It highlights the imp