Judges 20:27
And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁאֲל֥וּ
enquired
H7592
וַיִּשְׁאֲל֥וּ
enquired
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
1 of 10
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
בְנֵֽי
And the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בַּֽיהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְשָׁ֗ם
H8033
בְּרִ֣ית
of the covenant
H1285
בְּרִ֣ית
of the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
7 of 10
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Joshua 18:1And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.Judges 20:18And 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.
Historical Context
The ark's presence at Bethel rather than Shiloh (where the tabernacle stood, Joshua 18:1) is unusual and unexplained. It was possibly brought for this national emergency. The ark represented Yahweh's throne and contained the tablets of the covenant (Deuteronomy 10:1-5). Its presence made Bethel the legitimate place for national inquiry, similar to how Israel later carried the ark into battle (1 Samuel 4:3-11—with disastrous results when done presumptuously).
Questions for Reflection
- How does approaching God 'where He is' rather than on your terms change your seeking?
- What does it mean to come before God's manifest presence with proper humility?
- How has progressive brokenness led you to progressively proper worship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days (וְשָׁם אֲרוֹן בְּרִית־הָאֱלֹהִים בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם)—parenthetical note explaining why Bethel: the ark was stationed there. The ark represented God's presence, His throne (1 Samuel 4:4), and the place where He met with Israel (Exodus 25:22). Its mention emphasizes that this inquiry occurs in God's manifest presence, unlike earlier perfunctory consultations.
The reference to the ark underscores the theological significance: Israel finally approaches God at the proper place, with proper attitude, seeking genuine guidance rather than procedural approval. Earlier inquiries may have been conducted without the ark present or without approaching it properly. Now, broken by defeat, they come to the very throne of God. This illustrates that location matters—not because God is confined to places, but because designated places of His presence require approaching Him on His terms, not ours. The chapter's structure moves from casual consultation → weeping → weeping with fasting and sacrifice at the ark. Progressive brokenness leads to progressively proper worship.