Judges 21:4

The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings.

Study Bible

The next day
This phrase indicates a continuation of events following the previous day's assembly and mourning over the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin. It reflects the urgency and seriousness with which the Israelites approached the situation, emphasizing their commitment to seeking God's guidance and favor.

the people got up early
Rising early is often associated with diligence and earnestness in seeking God, as seen in other biblical narratives such as Abraham's early rising in Genesis 22:3. It underscores the people's desire to address the crisis promptly and with dedication.

built an altar there
Building an altar signifies a place of worship and sacrifice, a common practice in the Old Testament for seeking atonement and divine intervention. This act reflects the Israelites' recognition of their need for reconciliation with God and their dependence on His mercy. Altars were central to Israelite worship, as seen in the altars built by patriarchs like Noah, Abraham, and Jacob.

and presented burnt offerings
Burnt offerings were a form of sacrifice that symbolized complete surrender to God, as the entire offering was consumed by fire. This act of worship was intended to atone for sin and seek God's favor, as outlined in Leviticus 1. It highlights the Israelites' acknowledgment of their need for purification and forgiveness.

and peace offerings
Peace offerings, described in Leviticus 3, were sacrifices made to express gratitude and fellowship with God. They often accompanied burnt offerings to signify restored relationship and communion with the Lord. This dual offering indicates the Israelites' desire not only for atonement but also for renewed peace and harmony within the community and with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The collective group of the twelve tribes of Israel, who are dealing with the aftermath of a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin.

2. The Altar
A structure built by the Israelites as a place of worship and sacrifice to God, signifying repentance and seeking divine guidance.

3. Burnt Offerings
Sacrifices that were completely consumed by fire, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God.

4. Peace Offerings
Sacrifices that were shared between the altar, the priests, and the offerer, symbolizing fellowship and thanksgiving to God.

5. Mizpah
The location where the Israelites gathered, which served as a significant place for assembly and decision-making.

Teaching Points

Repentance and Restoration
The Israelites' actions demonstrate the importance of repentance and seeking restoration with God after sin and conflict. We, too, must prioritize repentance in our spiritual lives.

The Role of Sacrifice
Sacrifices in the Old Testament were a means of atonement and fellowship with God. Today, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices through our lives and actions.

Community and Worship
The gathering of the Israelites at Mizpah underscores the importance of communal worship and decision-making in the life of believers.

Seeking Divine Guidance
Building an altar and offering sacrifices was a way for the Israelites to seek God’s guidance. We should also seek God’s direction through prayer and scripture.

Peace and Fellowship
The peace offerings symbolize the importance of maintaining peace and fellowship with God and others, a principle that remains vital for Christians today.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the building of an altar and offering sacrifices reveal about the Israelites' relationship with God at this point in their history?

2. How do the concepts of burnt offerings and peace offerings in Judges 21:4 relate to the New Testament understanding of sacrifice and worship?

3. In what ways can we, as modern believers, build "altars" in our lives to seek God’s presence and guidance?

4. How does the communal aspect of the Israelites' worship at Mizpah inform our understanding of the importance of community in the church today?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought peace and restoration in a relationship. How can the principles of peace offerings guide us in maintaining harmony with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1 & 3
These chapters provide detailed instructions on burnt offerings and peace offerings, highlighting their significance in the Israelite sacrificial system.

1 Samuel 7:5-9
Samuel calls Israel to Mizpah for repentance and offering sacrifices, showing a pattern of seeking God’s favor through sacrifice.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the concept of dedication and worship seen in the Old Testament sacrifices.