Why did Israel seek God's guidance before battling Benjamin in Judges 20:18? Setting the Crisis Israel has just discovered the horrific crime committed in Gibeah (Judges 19). Eleven tribes gather at Mizpah, determined to purge the evil from their midst. Before a single sword is drawn, however, the people turn to the LORD. Israel’s First Action “Then the Israelites went up to Bethel and inquired of God, ‘Who shall go up first to fight for us against the Benjamites?’ And the LORD replied, ‘Judah shall go first.’ ” (Judges 20:18) Why Seek God’s Guidance? • Obedience to covenant order – Deuteronomy 17:8-13 directs Israel to consult the priests for difficult cases; warfare against a fellow tribe was a grave judicial matter. • Recognition of God as King – “In those days there was no king in Israel” (Judges 21:25). Seeking the LORD acknowledged His rightful rule and avoided self-appointed vengeance (cf. 1 Samuel 8:7). • Dependence on divine strategy – Past defeats (Numbers 14:40-45; Joshua 7:2-5) warned them that battle without God’s direction courts disaster. • Desire for moral legitimacy – Their aim was not personal revenge but to “purge the evil from among you” (Deuteronomy 13:12-18). Asking God ensured the campaign remained an act of righteous discipline, not tribal bloodlust. • Pattern established in earlier conquests – Judges 1:1-2 shows the same question at the start of the Canaan conquest. By repeating it here, Israel signals that cleansing internal sin is as serious as defeating external foes. The Place and Means of Inquiry • Bethel (“house of God”) housed the ark and altar at this point in history (Judges 20:26-27). • Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, served as priest (Judges 20:28). His presence confirmed legitimate, priestly mediation. • Likely use of the Urim and Thummim (Numbers 27:21), divinely appointed for decisions of national importance. The LORD’s Answer and Its Significance • “Judah shall go first.” – Mirrors Judges 1:2; continuity affirms that God’s covenant order still stands despite Israel’s moral chaos. – Judah, the messianic tribe (Genesis 49:10), leads the charge against unrighteousness, foreshadowing the future King who will ultimately judge and save. Lessons for Today • God’s people confront sin only under His direction and for His glory, not personal retaliation (Romans 12:19). • National or communal crises call for humble, corporate seeking of God’s will before action (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). • The LORD’s guidance is specific, timely, and rooted in His unchanging Word; He still speaks through Scripture for every decisive step (Psalm 119:105). |
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