What is the meaning of Judges 21:4? The next day “ The next day ” (Judges 21:4) signals immediate follow-through after Israel’s night of grief over the civil war with Benjamin (Judges 20:26–28). Scripture often marks decisive obedience with an early next-day response—Noah stepping out of the ark (Genesis 8:13–19), Moses confronting Pharaoh again (Exodus 10:1–13), Joshua moving the nation toward the Jordan (Joshua 3:1). Each instance shows that when conviction is fresh, delay is dangerous; prompt action keeps hearts tender and aligned with God’s revealed will. The people got up early Rising early in Scripture highlights eagerness to meet God. • Abraham “rose early” to offer Isaac (Genesis 22:3). • Job “would rise early” to intercede for his children (Job 1:5). • Jesus “very early in the morning… went out to a solitary place, where He prayed” (Mark 1:35). Israel’s early rising at Bethel contrasts with their earlier sluggishness in rooting out idolatry (Judges 2:11–19). Here they finally show zeal to restore fellowship with the LORD, reminding us that true repentance produces energetic pursuit of Him (2 Corinthians 7:10–11). Built an altar there “ Built an altar there ” echoes patriarchal worship at Bethel—Jacob built an altar in that very place after God renewed covenant promises (Genesis 35:1–7). Altars in Scripture serve to: • Memorialize God’s past faithfulness (Exodus 17:15). • Provide a sanctioned meeting point between holy God and sinful people (Exodus 20:24). • Publicly declare allegiance to the LORD (Judges 6:24). By rebuilding an altar, Israel affirms that reconciliation with God must precede reconciliation among tribes (cf. Matthew 5:23–24). Presented burnt offerings and peace offerings They “ presented burnt offerings and peace offerings .” Burnt offerings (Leviticus 1:3–9) symbolized complete surrender; the entire animal was consumed, picturing total dedication. Peace offerings (Leviticus 3:1–17) celebrated restored fellowship, portions shared in a communal meal. Together these offerings communicate: • Acknowledgment of sin and need for atonement (Psalm 51:19). • Desire for renewed communion with God and one another (1 Samuel 10:8; Romans 5:1). • Gratitude for mercy received (Psalm 107:22). Their sequence matters: first the whole-burnt surrender, then the shared peace meal—illustrating that wholehearted consecration opens the door to joyful fellowship (Romans 12:1; 1 John 1:7). summary Judges 21:4 portrays Israel’s swift, earnest return to covenant worship after devastating internal conflict. Rising early, they rebuild the altar at Bethel and offer burnt and peace sacrifices, demonstrating repentance, renewed devotion, and restored communion with the LORD. The verse teaches that genuine reconciliation—horizontal and vertical—begins with prompt, wholehearted surrender to God, followed by thankful fellowship grounded in His gracious atonement. |
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