Judges 20:9
But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it;
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֕ה
H6258
הַדָּבָ֔ר
But now this shall be the thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֔ר
But now this shall be the thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נַֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה
which we will do
H6213
נַֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה
which we will do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
The practice of casting lots for military organization had precedent in Israelite warfare (1 Samuel 14:41-42; Joshua 7:14-18). However, proper consultation of God included inquiring through the Urim and Thummim via the high priest (Exodus 28:30; Numbers 27:21). The contrast between Israel's minimal consultation here and their eventual fuller inquiry (v. 27-28 mentions Phinehas and the ark) shows their spiritual progression through suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- When do you consult God about 'how' while never questioning 'whether' your basic approach aligns with His will?
- How do you use spiritual practices (prayer, seeking counsel) as validation rather than genuine submission?
- What would it mean to truly surrender your predetermined plans and let God redirect your entire approach?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it (נַעֲלֶה עָלֶיהָ בְּגוֹרָל, na'aleh aleha begoral)—'by lot' (גּוֹרָל, goral) typically indicated seeking divine direction (Joshua 18:6; 1 Samuel 14:41-42; Proverbs 16:33). Israel's use of lots suggests some attempt at divine consultation, yet their implementation reveals they predetermined the outcome. They decided on war before casting lots; the lots merely determined tactical order.
This demonstrates the difference between consulting God and informing Him of decisions already made. True divine inquiry means submitting the 'whether' to God, not merely the 'how.' Israel asks 'Who shall go up first?' (v. 18) but never asks 'Should we go up at all?' or 'How should we approach Benjamin to bring them to repentance?' Their entire strategic framework assumes military assault is the right response, seeking God only for implementation details. This pattern persists throughout the chapter: repeated inquiries that never question their fundamental approach. When we've already decided our course of action, our 'seeking God' becomes ritual validation rather than genuine submission. God may answer such prayers (v. 18, 23, 28) while still allowing our predetermined plans to exact terrible costs that teach humility.