Judges 20:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Judges 20:23
23 (And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.)
Chapter Context
Judges 20 is a cyclical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, love, redemption. Written during the pre-monarchic period (c. 1375-1050 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Without central leadership, Israel faced constant threats from surrounding peoples like the Philistines and Midianites.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-48: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Judges and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Judges 20:23
23 (And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.)
Analysis
The children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even (וַיַּעֲלוּ...וַיִּבְכּוּ לִפְנֵי־יְהוָה עַד־הָעֶרֶב)—this time they weep before Yahweh until evening, showing deeper emotion. And asked the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? (הַאוֹסִיף לָגֶשֶׁת לַמִּלְחָמָה עִם־בְּנֵי בִנְיָמִן אָחִי)—note 'my brother,' acknowledging relationship. And the LORD said, Go up against him (עֲלוּ אֵלָיו).
Israel's second inquiry shows progress—they add weeping and explicitly acknowledge Benjamin as 'brother,' questioning whether fraternal warfare should continue. Yet they still frame it as 'go up again' (הַאוֹסִיף, continuing their plan) rather than asking 'What should we do?' God's terse response 'go up' permits their approach but doesn't elaborate. This demonstrates that God may allow us to continue flawed plans to teach through consequences. The question remains whether (v. 18) focused on procedure ('which tribe first?'), this one questions continuation but not method. Not until verse 28 will they receive explicit promise of victory. Partial seeking yields partial answers.
Historical Context
Weeping 'before the LORD' at Bethel where the ark was stationed (v. 27) represents increased spiritual engagement compared to verse 18's briefer consultation. The phrase 'until evening' suggests extended prayer and mourning. Ancient Israelite warfare typically involved morning battles followed by afternoon/evening assessment and religious observance.
Reflection
- How do you progress from shallow consultation to deeper seeking of God after experiencing defeat?
- When do you question continuation of your plans without questioning the plans themselves?
- What does God's terse permission teach about the difference between allowance and full blessing?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Joshua 7:6
- Parallel theme: Hosea 5:15