Judges 21:19

Judges 21:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“But look,” they said, “there is a yearly feast to the LORD in Shiloh, which is north of Bethel east of the road that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah.”

King James Version KJV

Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly in a place which is on the north side of Beth-el, on the east side of the highway that goeth up from Beth-el to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.

American Standard Version ASV

And they said, Behold, there is a feast of Jehovah from year to year in Shiloh, which is on the north of Beth-el, on the east side of the highway that goeth up from Beth-el to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And they said, See, every year there is a feast of the Lord in Shiloh, which is to the north of Beth-el, on the east side of the highway which goes up from Beth-el to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then they said, “Look! Every year there's the Lord's festival in Shiloh. It's held north of Bethel, and east of the road that goes from Bethel to Shechem, south of Lebonah.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore they said, Beholde, there is a feast of the Lord euery yere in Shiloh in a place, which is on the Northside of Beth-el, and on the Eastside of the way that goeth vp from Beth-el to Shechem, and on the South of Lebonah.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And they say, 'Lo, a festival of Jehovah [is] in Shiloh, from time to time, which [is] on the north of Beth-El, at the rising of the sun, by the highway which is going up from Beth-El to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.'

World English Bible WEB

They said, “Behold, there is a feast of the LORD from year to year in Shiloh, which is on the north of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

So they took counsel, and said: Behold there is a yearly solemnity of the Lord in Silo, which is situate on the north of the city of Bethel, and on the east side of the way, that goeth from Bethel to Sichem, and on the south of the town of Lebona.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then one of them ◄had an idea/thought of something that they could do►. He said, “Every year there is a festival to honor Yahweh at Shiloh, which is north of Bethel and east of the road that extends from Bethel to Shechem, and it is south of Lebonah city.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 21:19

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 21:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּאמְר֡וּ הִנֵּה֩ חַג יְהוָ֨ה בְּ/שִׁל֜וֹ מִ/יָּמִ֣ים יָמִ֗ימָ/ה אֲשֶׁ֞ר מִ/צְּפ֤וֹנָ/ה לְ/בֵֽית אֵל֙ מִזְרְחָ֣/ה הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ לִ/מְסִלָּ֔ה הָ/עֹלָ֥ה מִ/בֵּֽית אֵ֖ל שְׁכֶ֑מָ/ה וּ/מִ/נֶּ֖גֶב לִ/לְבוֹנָֽה

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

הִנֵּה֩ hinnêh H2009 behold Part

חַג chag H2282 feast N-ms

יְהוָ֨ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

בְּ/שִׁל֜וֹ Shîylôh H7887 Shiloh Prep | N-proper

מִ/יָּמִ֣ים yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-mp

יָמִ֗ימָ/ה yôwm H3117 day N-mp | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֞ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

מִ/צְּפ֤וֹנָ/ה tsâphôwn H6828 Zaphon Prep | N-fs | Suff

לְ/בֵֽית Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 Bethel Prep | N-proper

אֵל֙ Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 Bethel N-proper

מִזְרְחָ֣/ה mizrâch H4217 east N-ms | Suff

הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 sun Art | N-cs

לִ/מְסִלָּ֔ה mᵉçillâh H4546 highway Prep | N-fs

הָ/עֹלָ֥ה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Art | V-Qal

מִ/בֵּֽית Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 Bethel Prep | N-proper

אֵ֖ל Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 Bethel N-proper

שְׁכֶ֑מָ/ה Shᵉkem H7927 Shechem N-proper | Suff

וּ/מִ/נֶּ֖גֶב negeb H5045 Negeb Conj | Prep | N-ms

לִ/לְבוֹנָֽה Lᵉbôwnâh H3829 Lebonah Prep | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 21:19

וַ/יֹּאמְר֡וּ 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.

הִנֵּה֩ hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

חַג chag H2282 "feast" N-ms

A festival or feast is what this Hebrew word describes. It is used in Leviticus 23:2 to describe the festivals of the Lord. The word implies a time of celebration or sacrifice.

Definition: 1) festival, feast, festival-gathering, pilgrim-feast 1a) feast 1b) festival sacrifice

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (solemn) feast (day), sacrifice, solemnity. See also: Exodus 10:9; 2 Chronicles 7:8; Psalms 81:4.

יְהוָ֨ה 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.

בְּ/שִׁל֜וֹ Shîylôh H7887 "Shiloh" Prep | N-proper

Shiloh means place of rest, a city where the Ark of the Covenant and Tabernacle were kept, and where Samuel grew up. It is mentioned in the Bible as a significant location in Ephraim. The city was a temporary home for the Israelites.

Definition: Shiloh = "place of rest" a city in Ephraim and temporary home of the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle, the place where Samuel grew up Also named: shi.lo.ni (שִׁילֹנִי "Shilonite" H7888)

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Shiloh. See also: Joshua 18:1; 1 Samuel 2:14; Psalms 78:60.

מִ/יָּמִ֣ים yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

יָמִ֗ימָ/ה yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֞ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

מִ/צְּפ֤וֹנָ/ה tsâphôwn H6828 "Zaphon" Prep | N-fs | Suff

This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.

Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)

Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.

לְ/בֵֽית Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 "Bethel" Prep | 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.

אֵל֙ 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.

מִזְרְחָ֣/ה mizrâch H4217 "east" N-ms | Suff

This word means the direction of the sunrise, or east. It is used in the Bible to describe the direction of the sun and the east side of something.

Definition: 1) place of sunrise, east 1a) sunrise, east (with 'sun') 1b) the east (without 'sun') 1b1) to or toward the place of sunrise 1b2) to the east, eastward

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: east (side, -ward), (sun-) rising (of the sun). See also: Exodus 27:13; 1 Kings 7:25; Psalms 50:1.

הַ/שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 "sun" Art | N-cs

The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.

Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)

Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.

לִ/מְסִלָּ֔ה mᵉçillâh H4546 "highway" Prep | N-fs

This word means a raised highway or public road, like the ones built by King Solomon. It is used in books like Numbers and Isaiah to describe paths and roadways.

Definition: highway, raised way, public road

Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: causeway, course, highway, path, terrace. See also: Numbers 20:19; Psalms 84:6; Proverbs 16:17.

הָ/עֹלָ֥ה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Art | V-Qal

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.

מִ/בֵּֽית Bêyth-ʼÊl H1008 "Bethel" Prep | 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.

אֵ֖ל 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.

שְׁכֶ֑מָ/ה Shᵉkem H7927 "Shechem" N-proper | Suff

Shechem refers to a city in Palestine and a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 33:19. He was the son of Hamor, a Hivite chieftain. The city was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; son of: Hamor (H2544) § Shechem = "back" or "shoulder" 1) son of Hamor, the chieftain of the Hivites at Shechem at the time of Jacob's arrival 2) a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) south- east of Samaria

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.

וּ/מִ/נֶּ֖גֶב negeb H5045 "Negeb" Conj | Prep | N-ms

The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.

Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country

Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.

לִ/לְבוֹנָֽה Lᵉbôwnâh H3829 "Lebonah" Prep | N-proper

Lebonah is a town in Palestine, near Shiloh, and its name means frankincense. It is mentioned in the book of Judges. The KJV translates it as Lebonah.

Definition: § Lebonah = "frankincense" a town in Ephraim 3 miles (5 km) west northwest of Shiloh

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Lebonah. See also: Judges 21:19.

Study Notes — Judges 21:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 21:19 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 21:19
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 21:19
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 21:19
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 21:19
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 21:19
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 21:19
Cambridge Bible on Judges 21:19
Barnes' Notes on Judges 21:19
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 21:19
Sermons on Judges 21:19

Context — Wives for the Benjamites

17They added, “There must be heirs for the survivors of Benjamin, so that a tribe of Israel will not be wiped out. 18But we cannot give them our daughters as wives.” For the Israelites had sworn, “Cursed is he who gives a wife to a Benjamite.”

19“But look,” they said, “there is a yearly feast to the LORD in Shiloh, which is north of Bethel east of the road that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah.”

20So they commanded the Benjamites: “Go, hide in the vineyards 21and watch. When you see the daughters of Shiloh come out to perform their dances, each of you is to come out of the vineyards, catch for himself a wife from the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 16:10	And you shall celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with a freewill offering that you give in proportion to how the LORD your God has blessed you,
2	Deuteronomy 16:1	Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night.
3	Deuteronomy 16:13	You are to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress.
4	Leviticus 23:2	“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD that you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.
5	Numbers 10:10	And on your joyous occasions, your appointed feasts, and the beginning of each month, you are to blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to serve as a reminder for you before your God. I am the LORD your God.”
6	Numbers 29:12	On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work, and you shall observe a feast to the LORD for seven days.
7	Numbers 28:16	The fourteenth day of the first month is the LORD’s Passover.
8	John 7:2	However, the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near.
9	Leviticus 23:6	On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread.
10	Numbers 28:26	On the day of firstfruits, when you present an offering of new grain to the LORD during the Feast of Weeks, you are to hold a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work.

Judges 21:19 Summary

Judges 21:19 talks about a big gathering where the Israelites would come together to worship and celebrate the Lord. This feast was a special time for the people to connect with God and with each other, similar to the way we gather for church services today (Hebrews 10:24-25). The location of the feast, in Shiloh, was important because it was a place where the Israelites could come together and worship the Lord, and it played a key role in the events that followed in Judges 21:20-21. By looking at this verse, we can see the importance of gathering together to worship and celebrate God, and how it can bring us closer to Him and to each other (Psalm 100:1-5).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the yearly feast to the Lord in Shiloh mentioned in Judges 21:19?

The feast in Shiloh was a gathering of the Israelites to worship and celebrate the Lord, similar to the feasts mentioned in Leviticus 23:1-44 and Deuteronomy 16:1-17, and it played a crucial role in the events that unfolded in Judges 21:20-21.

Where is Shiloh located in relation to other biblical cities?

According to Judges 21:19, Shiloh is north of Bethel, east of the road that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah, which helps to establish its geographical location in relation to other important biblical sites like Bethel, which is also mentioned in Genesis 28:19 and Joshua 18:1.

What can we learn from the Israelites' actions in this verse about their relationship with God?

The Israelites' decision to attend the yearly feast in Shiloh shows that they still acknowledged and worshiped the Lord, even in the midst of their sinful and rebellious behavior, as seen in Judges 21:25 and Romans 1:21-25.

How does this verse relate to the larger story of the Bible?

Judges 21:19 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' conquest and settlement of the Promised Land, which is a central theme in the book of Joshua and the book of Judges, and ultimately points to the need for a Savior and the coming of Jesus Christ, as seen in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38.

Reflection Questions

What role do gatherings and celebrations play in our own relationship with God, and how can we use them to deepen our faith and community?
How can we balance our desire for community and connection with our need to follow God's commands and principles, as seen in Judges 21:18 and 1 Corinthians 11:1?
What can we learn from the Israelites' example about the importance of worship and celebration in our lives, and how can we apply this to our own walk with God, as seen in Psalm 100:1-5 and Hebrews 10:24-25?
In what ways can we use our gatherings and celebrations to point others to God and to share the love of Christ, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20 and 1 Peter 3:15?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 21:19

Then they said,.... Some of the elders that sat in council debating this matter, and considering of ways and means to assist their brethren the Benjaminites, and preserve their tribe from being lost:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 21:19

Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly in a place which is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goeth up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 21:19

Yearly; on the three solemn feasts, in which they used some honest and holy recreations; among which dancing was one, ; and probably it was the feast of tabernacles, which they did celebrate with more than ordinary joy, . Which is on the north side of Beth-el, Heb. which is on the north of Beth-el. Which doth not relate to Shiloh, which was so known a place, that it was frivolous to describe it by such circumstances, even by places much less known than itself; but to the feast, which as to that part or exercise of the feast here especially concerned and mentioned, to wit, the dancing of the virgins, was not celebrated in Shiloh, but in a neighboring place more convenient for that purpose.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 21:19

Judges 21:19 Then they said, Behold, [there is] a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly [in a place] which [is] on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goeth up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.Ver. 19. Behold, there is a feast of the Lord in Shiloh.] What feast this was is much controverted; some say, the feast of tabernacles; others, the feast of blowing trumpets, the seventh of the first month. Others again, that it was some singular feast kept in Shiloh only to the honour of God in way of thankfulness for choosing it to set his tabernacle there; and that, haply, upon the day that it was first set up there, from year to year. Such a feast as is yet kept in Switzerland for joy of the Reformation: or as Bugenhagius kept yearly on the day that Luther and other divines finished the translation of the Holy Scriptures into the Dutch, calling it, The feast of the translation of the Bible.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 21:19

(19) A feast of the Lord in Shiloh.—It is unlikely that the reference is to a local feast; but it is impossible to say which of the three yearly feasts is meant. The most natural would be the Feast of Tabernacles. We see from 1 Samuel 1:3 that even among pious families the trying custom of going up to the Tabernacle three times a year had fallen into complete abeyance. A place which is on the north side of Beth-el . . .—This elaborate description of the site of Shiloh, a place which is so often mentioned elsewhere without any addition, is extremely curious. There can be little doubt that it is due to the marginal gloss of some Masoretic scribe, perhaps in the editing of the sacred books by Ezra. That it is a gloss seems clear, because it comes in as a parenthesis in the speech of the elders, and, of course, in their day such a description was needless. Indeed, it was spoken at Shiloh itself, and the site was well known to all Israel. But by the time that the story was committed to writing in the days of the kings, or finally edited in the days of Ezra, Shiloh had long been desolate, and probably the very site was unknown to thousands. Hence this very valuable and interesting description was added, which has alone enabled us to identify Shiloh in the modern Seilûn.South of Lebonah.—Lebonah, now Lubban, is not mentioned elsewhere.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 21:19

Verse 19. There is a feast of the Lord] What this feast was is not known: it might be either the passover, pentecost, or the feast of tabernacles, or indeed some other peculiar to this place. All the above feasts were celebrated at that time of the year when the vines were in full leaf; therefore the Benjamites might easily conceal themselves in the vineyards; and the circumstances will answer to any of those feasts. On the east side of the highway, c.] I can see no reason for this minute description, unless it intimates that this feast was to be held this year in rather a different place to that which was usual: and, as the Benjamites had been shut up in their strong hold in Rimmon, they might not have heard of this alteration and it was necessary, in such a case, to give them the most circumstantial information, that they might succeed in their enterprise without being discovered.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 21:19

19. there is a feast] the feast (marg.). The word rendered feast (ḥ ?ag) strictly implies a pilgrimage to a sanctuary; the three chief ḥ ?aggim were festivals at which every male Israelite was required to appear before Jehovah (Exodus 23:14-17); cf. also the Mohammedan ḥ ?aj = the pilgrimage to Mecca. What the particular feast here was we are not told; most probably it was a vintage festival to celebrate the ingathering; for this was an occasion of special rejoicing, cf. the Canaanite feast at Shechem Judges 9:27, and marked the end of the year (September); note that the vines were still in leaf, Judges 21:20. of the Lord … in Shiloh] Shiloh was a centre of Jehovah-worship at this early period, Judges 18:31. A topographical gloss (cf. Judges 21:12, Judges 20:31) defines the situation in such a way as to leave no doubt that Shiloh is to be identified with the modern Seilûn, some 2 miles E.S.E. of Lubbân = Lebonah; in later times, after the exile, it was probably necessary to tell readers where the ancient sites were. Obviously this addition cannot come from the author of Jdg 21:12, where Shiloh is first mentioned. 19a may be taken as addressed to the Benjamites: 20b gives the rest of the speech.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 21:19

The Feast was probably the Passover, or one of the three great Jewish Feasts.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 21:19

19. A feast of the Lord in Shiloh — One of the great yearly festivals, which, notwithstanding the irregularities of the age, were still observed at the seat of the tabernacle. Compare 1 Samuel 1:3, note.

Sermons on Judges 21:19

	Sermon	Description
	Thou Shalt Surely rejoice." Deut. 16:1 - 15 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of the three great feasts in Deuteronomy, which symbolize the journey of God's people from deliverance to spiritual fulfillment. He ex
	The Feasts and the Names by Arno Clemens Gaebelein	Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the significance of the seven yearly feasts commanded by the Lord to His people Israel, which not only held historical and worship importance
	Israel's Communication by Charles Anderson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. He emphasizes that the Israelites were not skille
	Letter 1 by St. Athanasius	Athanasius preaches about the importance of observing the season of feasts, fasting, and trumpets, emphasizing the need to discern the time for celebrating the salvation of God. He
	The Feasts of Jehovah 10 the Millenium by John W. Bramhall	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the lessons found in the Old Testament and how they are relevant to our lives today. He shares a personal anecdote about his young son's fa
	(Through the Bible) Numbers 29-36 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for the listeners to understand and remember the teachings they have studied. He emphasizes the importance of sowing good seeds and wa
	Ever Increasing River by Dennis Kinlaw	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a generous person who donated a large sum of money to a missionary organization. Despite lacking formal education and considering h