What is the meaning of Judges 20:27?

And the Israelites inquired of the LORD

“And the Israelites inquired of the LORD.” (Judges 20:27a)

• The people did not presume to fight in their own strength; they paused to seek God’s will first, just as their ancestors had done (Judges 1:1; Numbers 27:21).

• Inquiring of the LORD involved sacrifice, worship, and waiting for a clear answer—echoed later when David “inquired of the LORD” before battle (1 Samuel 23:2; 30:8).

• The verse underscores a pattern of dependence: God’s covenant people turn to Him, expecting real guidance (Psalm 34:4; Proverbs 3:5-6).

• Their approach reminds us that spiritual victories depend on obedience and relationship, not merely on numbers or strategy (2 Chronicles 20:3-15).

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(In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there)

“(In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there,” (Judges 20:27b)

• The parenthetical note fixes the scene at Bethel, where the ark was temporarily located after Shiloh (cf. Joshua 18:1; Judges 20:18).

• The ark represented the visible throne of God on earth (Exodus 25:22); its presence affirmed that the people were seeking counsel at God’s appointed place.

• Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, is ministering before the ark in the next verse (Judges 20:28), highlighting continuity with the priesthood established in Exodus 28.

• The writer’s reminder, “in those days,” hints at later changes—eventually the ark will be moved, even captured (1 Samuel 4:3-11)—but for now it remains the covenant center for worship and guidance.

• God’s holiness, symbolized by the ark, required reverence; when Israel treated it casually, judgment followed (2 Samuel 6:6-7). Here, however, they honor His presence.

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summary

Judges 20:27 shows Israel doing the right thing in a dark episode of civil war: they pause, humble themselves, and seek God’s direction at the very place He chose to meet with them. The ark’s presence signals divine authority; their inquiry reflects genuine dependence. Together, these details remind us that even in crisis God guides those who earnestly seek Him, and His covenant presence remains the sure foundation for faithful decision-making.