Judges 20:18

¶ 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.

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}.

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."

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.

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

Judges 20:18 captures a pivotal moment in the dramatic inter-tribal war against the tribe of Benjamin, following the horrific events detailed in the preceding chapters. This verse highlights the Israelites' continued, albeit sometimes inconsistent, reliance on divine guidance even amidst intense conflict and moral chaos.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Book of Judges describes a tumultuous period in Israelite history before the monarchy, characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance through divinely appointed "judges." Chapter 20 specifically details the collective response of the other eleven tribes of Israel to the heinous crime committed by Benjamites in Gibeah, a narrative often referred to as the Levite's concubine incident. The tribes gather to seek justice and retribution, culminating in a declaration of war against Benjamin.

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 in early Israel. It served as a central location for the tribes to assemble and seek divine counsel, often through the high priest and the Urim and Thummim, a method for discerning God's will. Their act of "asking counsel of God" underscores the Israelite understanding that even in warfare, especially one involving fellow Israelites, divine approval and strategy were essential.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Seeking Divine Counsel: Despite the grim circumstances and the impending civil war, the Israelites recognized the necessity of consulting God before initiating hostilities. This demonstrates a foundational principle of seeking God's direction in all significant undertakings, even when human reason seems sufficient.
  • God's Involvement in Israel's Affairs: The LORD's direct answer, "Judah [shall go up] first," affirms His active involvement in the nation's affairs, even in their internal disputes. It highlights God's sovereignty over the outcomes of battles and the leadership roles within the tribes.
  • Judah's Leadership Role: The selection of Judah to lead the charge is significant. This tribe was often at the forefront of Israel's military endeavors and was destined for a prominent role in Israel's history, including the lineage of King David and ultimately, the Messiah. This echoes an earlier instance where Judah was chosen to lead the initial conquests of Canaan.
  • Justice and Retribution: The verse is set within a narrative of the Israelites pursuing justice for a grave injustice. While the methods and outcomes of this war are complex and tragic (as seen in Judges 21), the initial impulse was to address a profound moral failing within their own nation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "house of God" is Beth-el (בֵּית־אֵל), a place name that became synonymous with a sacred sanctuary. Its mention here reinforces its importance as a gathering place for the tribes to interact with the divine.

Practical Application

Judges 20:18 offers a timeless lesson on the importance of seeking God's will. Even when facing daunting challenges or making difficult decisions, believers are called to consult God through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking wise counsel. While the specific context involves warfare, the principle of acknowledging God's sovereignty and requesting His guidance remains vital for navigating personal and collective struggles today. It reminds us that despite the chaos or confusion in our lives, the Lord is willing to provide direction when we earnestly seek Him, encouraging us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 20:23 (5 votes)

    (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 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Genesis 49:8 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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].