Judges 20:18

KJV

¶ And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah [shall go up] first.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} arose {H6965}, and went up {H5927} to the house {H1004} of God {H430}{H1008}, and asked {H7592} counsel of God {H430}, and said {H559}, Which {H4310} of us shall go up {H5927} first {H8462} to the battle {H4421} against the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144}? And the LORD {H3068} said {H559}, Judah {H3063} shall go up first {H8462}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The army of Isra'el began by going up to Beit-El, where they asked God, "Who should go up first to attack the army of Binyamin?" ADONAI said, "Y'hudah first."

Berean Standard Bible

The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied.

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel arose, and went up to Beth-el, and asked counsel of God; and they said, Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin? And Jehovah said, Judah shall go up first.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:18 chronicles a critical juncture in the inter-tribal conflict against Benjamin, portraying the unified tribes of Israel ascending to a sacred site to seek divine guidance before engaging in battle. This verse underscores the Israelites' persistent, albeit often inconsistent, acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and their reliance on His direction, even amidst the profound moral decline and internal strife characteristic of the Judges period, as the LORD directly responds to their inquiry by designating Judah to lead the initial assault.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:18 is embedded within the climactic civil war narrative against the tribe of Benjamin, which spans [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite's Concubine and the Atrocity in Gibeah") through [Judges 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - The Aftermath and Resolution of the War"). The preceding chapter, [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite's Concubine and the Atrocity in Gibeah"), vividly recounts the horrific crime committed by Benjamites in Gibeah against a Levite's concubine—an act of extreme depravity that elicits outrage across Israel. The Levite's gruesome act of dismembering her body and distributing its pieces to all the tribes serves as a shocking catalyst, uniting the other eleven tribes in righteous indignation and a demand for justice. [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - The War Against Benjamin") opens with the assembly of these tribes at Mizpah, where they recount the atrocity and resolve to punish the perpetrators. Verse 18 marks their transition from strategic planning to seeking divine counsel for the impending conflict, highlighting their understanding that even in a war of retribution, God's approval and direction were paramount.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Judges portrays a tumultuous and decentralized era in Israelite history, following the conquest of Canaan but preceding the establishment of the monarchy. This period is famously encapsulated by the recurring refrain: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (e.g., [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes") and [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")). This pervasive moral and political anarchy forms the backdrop for the Gibeah incident and the subsequent civil war. The phrase "went up to the house of God" most likely refers to Bethel (meaning "house of God"), a significant sanctuary and place of worship with deep historical roots (e.g., Jacob's dream in [Genesis 28](/genesis/28 "Genesis 28 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")), or potentially Shiloh, where the tabernacle was located. It served as a central location for the tribes to assemble and seek divine counsel, often through the high priest consulting God via the Urim and Thummim. This practice underscores the Israelite belief that divine guidance was indispensable for major undertakings, particularly warfare, even when the cause appeared self-evidently just.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several foundational themes within Judges and broader Israelite theology. Firstly, it emphasizes the **necessity of seeking divine counsel**, even amidst human depravity and the complexities of civil war. Despite their moral failings, the Israelites still recognized God as the ultimate authority, demonstrating a foundational principle of seeking God's direction in all significant endeavors, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"). Secondly, it affirms **God's active involvement and sovereignty** in the nation's affairs. The LORD's direct and immediate answer, "Judah [shall go up] first," underscores His dominion over the outcomes of battles and the leadership roles within the tribes, reflecting His sovereign control over history. Thirdly, the selection of **Judah's leadership role** is profoundly significant; this tribe was consistently at the forefront of Israel's military endeavors, as seen in [Judges 1:1-2](/judges/1-1-2 "Judges 1:1-2 - Judah Leads the Conquest"), and was destined for a prominent role in Israel's history, including the lineage of King David and, ultimately, the Messiah. Finally, the verse is set within a narrative of the Israelites pursuing **justice and retribution** for a grave injustice, though the tragic and complex outcomes of this war, detailed in [Judges 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - The Aftermath and Resolution of the War"), reveal the profound cost of sin and the limits of human justice without true spiritual revival.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **House of God (Hebrew, _Bêyth-ʼÊl'_):** The Hebrew phrase בֵּית־אֵל ( _Bêyth-ʼÊl_ ), derived from H1004 (bayith, "house") and H430 (ʼĕlôhîym, "God"), literally means "house of God." While it can refer to any sanctuary, in this context, it specifically designates the city of Bethel, a significant cultic site with a long history in Israel, known for Jacob's dream ([Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")). Its mention here underscores the tribes' intention to seek legitimate divine guidance from a recognized sacred place, highlighting the formal and religious nature of their inquiry.
* **Asked counsel (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** The verb שָׁאַל ( _shâʼal_ ) (H7592) means "to inquire, consult, ask." This term is frequently used in the Old Testament for seeking an oracle or divine guidance, often through the high priest using the Urim and Thummim. The act of "asking counsel of God" indicates a formal, ritualized inquiry, demonstrating the Israelites' belief that God could and would provide direct answers to their questions regarding military strategy and leadership.
* **Judah (Hebrew, _Yᵉhûwdâh'_):** The tribe of יְהוּדָה ( _Yᵉhûwdâh_ ) (H3063), meaning "celebrated," is consistently portrayed as a leading tribe in Israelite history. Its selection here to lead the battle echoes its initial leadership role in the conquest of Canaan ([Judges 1:1-2](/judges/1-1-2 "Judges 1:1-2 - Judah Leads the Conquest")) and profoundly foreshadows its future prominence as the tribe from which King David and ultimately the Messiah would descend. God's designation of Judah affirms its divinely appointed preeminence, even in a period of chaos and moral decline.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God":** This clause emphasizes the unified, collective action of the other eleven tribes. Their "arising" signifies a decisive movement, and "going up" implies a journey to a higher, sacred place, indicating the solemnity and religious significance of their assembly. The "house of God" (Bethel) serves as the designated place for divine consultation, reinforcing the idea that this was not merely a human strategic meeting but a spiritual inquiry, demonstrating their continued, albeit imperfect, adherence to seeking divine will.
* **"and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin?":** This segment highlights the specific nature of their inquiry. They are not asking *if* they should go to battle (that decision has already been made in response to the atrocity), but *how* they should proceed, specifically concerning leadership and strategy. This demonstrates their recognition of God's sovereignty over military endeavors and their desire for divine strategy, even in a conflict against a fellow Israelite tribe, showing a residual understanding of God's authority.
* **"And the LORD said, Judah [shall go up] first.":** This concise and direct response from God underscores His active involvement in Israel's affairs. The divine oracle is unambiguous, immediately identifying Judah as the lead tribe. This divine directive sets the stage for the subsequent battles, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in directing the course of events, even when the human participants are morally compromised and the situation is fraught with internal conflict.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 20:18 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Direct Discourse** is prominently featured, as the Israelites' specific question and the LORD's immediate, unequivocal answer are presented verbatim. This technique lends immediacy and undeniable authority to the divine pronouncement, underscoring God's direct and active involvement in the nation's affairs. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as God's selection of Judah to lead the charge anticipates the tribe's enduring prominence throughout Israelite history, culminating in the Davidic monarchy and the lineage of the Messiah. There is also a powerful element of **Irony** present; despite the horrific moral decay and spiritual apostasy described in the preceding chapters, the Israelites still instinctively turn to God for guidance in their military endeavors. This highlights the complex spiritual state of the nation during the Judges period—a people who had largely abandoned God's laws yet still acknowledged His power and authority in specific, often self-serving, instances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:18 profoundly illustrates the tension between human depravity and divine sovereignty. Even in a period marked by moral anarchy ("everyone did what was right in his own eyes"), the Israelites retained a fundamental understanding of the need to consult God, particularly before significant undertakings like warfare. This act of seeking counsel, despite the flawed context of a civil war born of horrific sin, reveals God's enduring willingness to engage with His people, even when they are far from perfect. It underscores that God's authority and involvement transcend human chaos and sin. His direct answer signifies His active governance over the affairs of humanity, even in their conflicts, and His sovereign choice in designating leadership. The verse implicitly teaches that while human actions have consequences, God remains the ultimate arbiter of outcomes, and seeking His will is always the proper posture for His people.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [1 Samuel 23:2](/1_samuel/23-2 "1 Samuel 23:2 - David Inquires of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 30:1-2](/isaiah/30-1-2 "Isaiah 30:1-2 - Woe to Rebellious Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 20:18 offers a timeless lesson on the critical importance of seeking God's counsel in all aspects of life, regardless of the circumstances. Even when faced with daunting challenges, complex decisions, or morally ambiguous situations, believers are called to consult God through prayer, diligent study of His Word, and seeking wise, godly counsel from the community of faith. The Israelites, despite their profound spiritual and moral decline, still instinctively turned to God before engaging in a civil war. This should challenge us: if they, in their brokenness, sought God's guidance, how much more should we, who live under a better covenant, earnestly and consistently seek the Lord's will? It reminds us that God is willing to provide direction when we earnestly seek Him, even if His answers are not always what we expect or are easy to follow. Our reliance on Him demonstrates our trust in His sovereignty and wisdom, acknowledging that His ways are higher than our ways and that true wisdom begins with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we genuinely "go up to the house of God" and "ask counsel of God" in our contemporary lives? What are the practical steps for seeking divine guidance?**
* **What does God's willingness to answer, even in a context of profound sin and civil strife, reveal about His character and His relationship with His people?**
* **In what specific areas of your life (personal, professional, relational) are you most prone to act without first seeking divine guidance? How can you cultivate a greater dependency on God's direction?**

### FAQ

**Where exactly was the "house of God" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While the exact location is not explicitly stated in Judges 20:18, biblical scholars generally agree it refers to Bethel (meaning "house of God"), a significant sanctuary and cultic site located north of Jerusalem. Bethel had a long history as a place of divine encounter, dating back to Jacob's dream in [Genesis 28](/genesis/28 "Genesis 28 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel"). It served as a central gathering place for the tribes of Israel during this period. Some scholars also suggest Shiloh, where the tabernacle was located, but the narrative flow in [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - The War Against Benjamin") seems to favor Bethel, which is mentioned again in [Judges 20:26](/judges/20-26 "Judges 20:26 - Israel Weeps and Offers Sacrifices at Bethel").

**Why did God choose Judah to go first?**

Answer: God's selection of Judah to lead the charge is significant for several reasons. Firstly, Judah was already a prominent and powerful tribe, having previously been designated to lead the initial conquests of Canaan in [Judges 1:1-2](/judges/1-1-2 "Judges 1:1-2 - Judah Leads the Conquest"). This established a precedent for their military leadership. Secondly, this choice profoundly foreshadows Judah's enduring preeminence in Israel's history. From Judah would come the lineage of King David, the greatest king of Israel, and ultimately, the Messiah. God's designation here underscores His sovereign plan for Judah's pivotal role in the unfolding narrative of salvation history.

**Does God always approve of war when He gives counsel for it?**

Answer: Not necessarily. In Judges 20:18, God's counsel is a direct response to Israel's specific inquiry about *who* should lead the battle, not an endorsement of the war itself or the tragic circumstances that led to it. The Book of Judges consistently highlights Israel's moral failures, and this civil war is a direct consequence of the depravity described in [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite's Concubine and the Atrocity in Gibeah"). God, in His sovereignty, can guide and direct events even within the context of human sin and conflict, without necessarily sanctioning the sin itself. His response here acknowledges their inquiry and provides a strategic directive, demonstrating His active involvement in the affairs of His people, even when those affairs are marred by their own disobedience and violence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 20:18, with its depiction of a flawed people seeking divine counsel for a civil war, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Israelites sought a leader from Judah for a physical battle against a human enemy, Christ, the true Lion of the tribe of Judah ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), is the ultimate leader of God's people in a spiritual warfare against sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")). Unlike the temporary and often tragic outcomes of human conflicts in Judges, Jesus is the "Wonderful Counselor" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor")) who perfectly embodies God's wisdom and provides the definitive solution to humanity's deepest moral failures. The chaotic period of Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes," starkly contrasts with the reign of Christ, who brings true order, justice, and peace through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering reconciliation and a new covenant that transcends the cycles of sin and judgment seen in Judges. In Him, we find not just counsel for a battle, but the very embodiment of God's will and the ultimate victory over all darkness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 20:23

(And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.)

Judges 20:26

¶ Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

Judges 20:27

And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God [was] there in those days,

Numbers 27:21

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

Joshua 9:14

And the men took of their victuals, and asked not [counsel] at the mouth of the LORD.

Genesis 49:8

¶ Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].