Judges 20:18
The people of Israel arose and went up to Bethel and inquired of God, “Who shall go up first for us to fight against the people of Benjamin?” And the LORD said, “Judah shall go up first.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The Israelites didn't ask if they should go to battle, but only who should lead. This subtle omission reveals their confidence in the righteousness of their cause, rather than a humble seeking of God's will for initiating conflict. They bypassed crucial questions of divine approval, focusing solely on the logistics of their pre-determined military action.
Following a horrific crime in Gibeah and the subsequent refusal of the tribe of Benjamin to surrender the perpetrators, all of Israel has gathered in Mizpeh, united in their outrage. Before launching an attack against their own kinsmen, they first seek divine direction, inquiring of God which tribe should lead the charge. The Lord designates Judah to go first, setting the stage for a costly and difficult campaign.
When facing a serious conflict, the Israelites didn't ask if they should fight, but who should lead the charge. What does this reveal about their confidence and their understanding of God's will?
The Israelites had already determined that war with Benjamin was necessary. Their assembly at Mizpeh, unified and resolute (Judges 20:1-3), was a response to the heinous crime committed in Gibeah. They weren't seeking God's permission to engage in battle; they were seeking His direction within the battle they had already decided upon.
This is evident in their question: "Who shall go up first for us to fight against the people of Benjamin?" They assumed the righteousness of their cause and relied on their overwhelming numbers (Judges 20:15). Their focus was on tactical leadership, not on questioning the fundamental decision to go to war. This shows a people acting with conviction, but also highlights a potential pitfall: assuming God's endorsement without always seeking His broader counsel.
God answers their question about who goes first, but did He endorse their entire approach to this conflict?
The Lord responds clearly: "Judah shall go up first." This is a direct answer to their specific question, guiding their initial military movement. However, it's crucial to understand that this divine instruction isn't necessarily a blanket endorsement of every aspect of their campaign.
While Judah was designated to lead, the subsequent battles revealed that Israel's confidence in their numbers and cause didn't guarantee immediate victory (Judges 20:21-22, 25). God gave them tactical direction, but their subsequent defeats were a severe wake-up call. It underscores that seeking God's guidance is vital, but it doesn't negate the need for humility, prayer, and perhaps a deeper examination of our motives and methods, especially when dealing with fellow Israelites.
Understand the original words
sha'al · Hebrew Verb
To seek counsel, direction, or revelation from the Lord; often involves prayer or consulting the priesthood to determine God's will before major decisions.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God (Yahweh); the personal, self-existent God who reveals Himself to His people and enters into relationship with them.
This verse shows Israel, united in righteous anger, turning to God for direction even in warfare. Their query isn't *if* they should fight, but *how* to best proceed, highlighting a desire for divine order in their actions.
c. 1100 BC
Crime at Gibeah
A violent and horrific crime against a Levite's concubine occurs in Gibeah, a town belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. This event sparks outrage across all the tribes of Israel.
c. 1100 BC
Assembly at Mizpeh
Representatives from all the tribes of Israel gather at Mizpeh to address the crime at Gibeah, demanding justice against the perpetrators.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
War Declared on Benjamin
When the tribe of Benjamin refuses to surrender the guilty men, the other tribes declare war, gathering at Bethel to seek God's guidance.
c. 1100 BC
First Battle Against Benjamin
The Israelites engage in their first battle against Benjamin but suffer a significant defeat, prompting them to return to Bethel to seek God's counsel again.
This passage describes Joshua inquiring of the Lord through Eleazar the priest using the Urim, showing a consistent pattern of seeking divine direction before military action.
Joshua 7:14-18This narrative illustrates how lots were used to discern God's will when seeking out sin within the camp, paralleling the Israelites' need for divine guidance in determining their next steps.
1 Samuel 14:36-37Here, Saul inquires of God before a battle, and the Lord's response is delayed, highlighting the gravity of seeking God's counsel and the potential for divine silence when sin is present.
1 Samuel 30:7-8David, facing a crisis, asks the priest to bring the ephod so he can inquire of the Lord, demonstrating the importance of seeking God's guidance for both tactical and strategic decisions in times of need.
gillJudges 20:18: "And 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."
And the children of Israel arose,.... From Mizpeh, where they were assembled, having heard that the Benjaminites were gathered together to defend the men of Gibeah: and went up to the house of God; to the tabernacle which was in Shiloh, Judges 18:31, see Jos…
clarkeJudges 20:18: "And 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."
Went up to the house of God - Some think that a deputation was sent from Shiloh, where Phinehas the high priest was, to inquire, not concerning the expediency of the war, nor of its success, but which of the tribes should begin the attack. Having so much rig…
The Israelites didn't ask if they should go to battle, but only who should lead. This subtle omission reveals their confidence in the righteousness of their cause, rather than a humble seeking of God's will for initiating conflict. They bypassed crucial questions of divine approval, focusing solely on the logistics of their pre-determined military action.
Following a horrific crime in Gibeah and the subsequent refusal of the tribe of Benjamin to surrender the perpetrators, all of Israel has gathered in Mizpeh, united in their outrage. Before launching an attack against their own kinsmen, they first seek divine direction, inquiring of God which tribe should lead the charge. The Lord designates Judah to go first, setting the stage for a costly and difficult campaign.
Following a horrific crime in Gibeah and the subsequent refusal of the tribe of Benjamin to surrender the perpetrators, all of Israel has gathered in Mizpeh, united in their outrage. Before launching an attack against their own kinsmen, they first seek divine direction, inquiring of God which tribe should lead the charge. The Lord designates Judah to go first, setting the stage for a costly and difficult campaign.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Judges 20:18 is available in the Sola app.
c. 1100 BC
Second Battle and Defeat
After a period of fasting and prayer, the Israelites consult God again and fight a second battle, only to be defeated once more.
c. 1100 BC
Third Battle and Victory
The Israelites, having learned from their mistakes and following God's renewed guidance, finally achieve victory in a decisive third battle against Benjamin.
"The people of Israel arose and went up to Bethel and inquired of God, “Who shall go up first for us to fight against the people of Benjamin?” And the LORD said, “Judah shall go up first.”" — The Israelites didn't ask if they should go to battle, but only who should lead. This subtle omission reveals their confidence in the righteousness of their cause, rather than a humble seeking of…
