Judges 20:26

Authorized King James Version

Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיַּעֲל֛וּ

H5927

and offered

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנֵי֩

H1121

Then all the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֜ם

H5971

and all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ

H935

and came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בֵֽית

H1004

unto the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֵ֗ל

H1008

beth-el, a place in palestine

#10

וַיִּבְכּוּ֙

H1058

and wept

to weep; generally to bemoan

#11

וַיֵּ֤שְׁבוּ

H3427

and sat

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#12

שָׁם֙

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#13

לִפְנֵ֥י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#14

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#15

וַיָּצ֥וּמוּ

H6684

and fasted

to cover over (the mouth), i.e., to fast

#16

בַיּוֹם

H3117

that day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#17

הַה֖וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#18

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#19

הָעָ֑רֶב

H6153

until even

dusk

#20

וַֽיַּעֲל֛וּ

H5927

and offered

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#21

עֹל֥וֹת

H5930

burnt offerings

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

#22

וּשְׁלָמִ֖ים

H8002

and peace offerings

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

#23

לִפְנֵ֥י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#24

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding peace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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