What is the meaning of Judges 21:2?

The people came to Bethel

“So the people came to Bethel…” (Judges 21:2a)

• Bethel—“house of God”—was the historic place where Jacob met the LORD (Genesis 28:19) and where Israel often sought divine guidance (Judges 20:18, 26).

• By returning here after the violent civil war, the tribes acknowledge God’s authority over national matters, just as Joshua had done when he set up an altar nearby (Joshua 8:30-35).

• Their arrival together underscores unity in seeking God, even after disunity in battle (Psalm 133:1).

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Sitting before God until evening

“…and sat there before God until evening…” (Judges 21:2b)

• Sitting indicates humble waiting, unlike rushing into action (Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 40:31).

• The duration—“until evening”—shows sustained attention to the LORD, similar to Samuel’s mother who “remained there before the LORD” (1 Samuel 1:22).

• Israel had fasted and offered sacrifices the previous day (Judges 20:26); now they extend that posture, illustrating earnest perseverance in seeking God’s will (Luke 18:7).

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Lifting up their voices

“…lifting up their voices…” (Judges 21:2c)

• A collective cry signals corporate lament, not private grief alone (Nehemiah 9:4; Psalm 142:1).

• Raising the voice is a biblical way to confess helplessness and call for mercy (2 Chronicles 20:9; Exodus 2:23-24).

• Their vocal outpouring recognizes God as the only answer for the crisis created by their own oath (Judges 21:1).

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Weeping bitterly

“…and weeping bitterly.” (Judges 21:2d)

• Bitter weeping reflects deep sorrow over lost brethren—almost an entire tribe (Judges 20:48; 21:3).

• Similar intense grief marks Israel after national sin (Ezra 10:1) and David mourning Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:12).

• Such tears expose the tragic cost of unchecked sin and rash vows (Proverbs 10:22; Luke 22:62), pressing the people toward repentance and restorative action.

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summary

Judges 21:2 shows Israel gathering at a sacred place, lingering before God, raising loud cries, and weeping bitterly. Each movement highlights a heart awakened to the seriousness of sin and the necessity of divine intervention. The verse urges believers today to seek God collectively, wait patiently, express genuine lament, and allow sorrow over sin to drive earnest repentance and dependence on the LORD for restoration.