Judges 21:2

KJV

And the people came to the house of God, and abode there till even before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the people {H5971} came {H935} to the house {H1004} of God {H430}{H1008}, and abode {H3427} there till even {H6153} before {H6440} God {H430}, and lifted up {H5375} their voices {H6963}, and wept {H1058}{H1065} sore {H1419};

Complete Jewish Bible

The people came to Beit-El and stayed there before God till evening crying out and weeping.

Berean Standard Bible

So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, lifting up their voices and weeping bitterly.

American Standard Version

And the people came to Beth-el, and sat there till even before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 21:2 captures the profound national lament of the Israelite tribes following their devastating civil war against Benjamin. Gathered at the tabernacle, the central "house of God," they remained until evening, overwhelmed by sorrow and weeping bitterly over the near-annihilation of one of their own tribes. This moment of deep collective grief reflects a dawning realization of the catastrophic consequences of their unchecked vengeance and rash oaths, highlighting the tragic irony of their pursuit of justice leading to the brink of tribal extinction and the desperate need for divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 21:2 opens the final, poignant chapter of the Book of Judges, serving as the immediate aftermath of the horrific civil war detailed in [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite's Concubine") and [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - War Against Benjamin"). The preceding narrative describes the heinous crime committed by Benjamite men in Gibeah, leading the other Israelite tribes to retaliate with extreme, almost genocidal, force. Having sworn a solemn oath at Mizpah (as recorded in [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Israelites Gather at Mizpah")) not to give their daughters in marriage to Benjamin, the Israelites now face the grim reality: one of the twelve tribes is on the verge of extinction, threatening the very fabric of their covenant nation. This verse marks a crucial pivot from the brutal execution of vengeance to a desperate, sorrowful reckoning with its devastating outcomes, setting the stage for the desperate measures taken in the rest of [Judges 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - Wives for Benjamin") to preserve the tribe.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a severe lack of central authority and widespread moral decay, where "everyone did what was right in their own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")). This era was marked by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and inter-tribal strife. The "house of God" mentioned in this verse almost certainly refers to the tabernacle, which was situated at Shiloh during much of the Judges period, serving as the central place of worship and divine presence for the nation. The act of gathering there, abiding "till even before God," underscores the cultural practice of seeking divine counsel and expressing national lament in the presence of the Lord, particularly in times of profound crisis. The near-extinction of a tribe was a catastrophic event in ancient Israelite culture, as tribal identity was foundational to their national, religious, and social structure, rooted in the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants (e.g., the tribal allotments described in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Division of the Land")).

* **Key Themes:** Judges 21:2 powerfully introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the book and beyond. Foremost is the theme of **unintended consequences of unchecked vengeance**. What began as a pursuit of justice against a grave evil spiraled into an act of near-destruction, revealing the destructive power of unbridled human anger and the severe outcomes of operating without clear divine direction. Another prominent theme is **national unity and its fragility**. Despite the recent conflict, there is an underlying concern for the preservation of the twelve tribes, reflecting a deeper understanding of their shared covenant identity and the importance of each tribe to the collective future of the nation. The act of "weeping sore" also highlights the theme of **profound grief and lament**, signaling a form of collective repentance and a desperate turning to God in their distress, acknowledging the tragic outcome of their rash actions and the desperate need for divine intervention in a situation they themselves created. This lament underscores the spiritual brokenness of the nation, a pervasive theme throughout the entire Book of Judges.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House of God (Hebrew, _bayith ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This phrase combines the Hebrew words `H1004 (bayith)`, meaning "house" or "temple," and `H430 (ʼĕlôhîym)`, referring to "God" (the supreme God, often with the article). Together, "house of God" designates the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that served as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites before the construction of the Temple. Its location was likely Shiloh at this time. The people coming to the "house of God" signifies their desperate attempt to seek divine counsel, express their grief, and perhaps atone for their actions in the presence of the Lord, acknowledging His ultimate authority and sovereignty even in their self-inflicted crisis. It underscores that their lament was directed towards God Himself, seeking His counsel and comfort.

* **Abode (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** The Hebrew word `H3427 (yâshab)` means "to sit down," "to dwell," or "to remain." In this context, it signifies a prolonged, intentional stay. The people did not merely visit but "abode there till even," indicating a sustained period of waiting, reflection, and supplication. This duration emphasizes the depth of their distress and their commitment to bringing their national crisis before God, not in a fleeting moment, but in an enduring posture of lament and seeking.

* **Wept sore (Hebrew, _bâkâh bᵉkîy gâdôwl'_):** This powerful phrase is a cognate accusative, where the verb `H1058 (bâkâh)`, "to weep," is intensified by the noun `H1065 (Bᵉkîy)`, "a weeping," derived from the same root. The addition of the adjective `H1419 (gâdôwl)`, "great" or "sore," further amplifies the meaning, literally translating to "and they wept a great weeping." This is not a casual shedding of tears but an overwhelming, profound, and public outpouring of anguish and sorrow. It conveys a deep, visceral lament, indicating a collective recognition of the immense tragedy and the severity of their national predicament, bordering on despair.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the people came to the house of God":** This clause establishes the setting and the collective action of the Israelite tribes. Their gathering at the tabernacle (the "house of God," likely Shiloh) indicates a formal, communal act of seeking divine presence and intervention. It suggests a recognition of their spiritual crisis and the desperate need to bring their distress before the Lord, the ultimate authority and source of wisdom in Israel, as they had done at Mizpah (cf. [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Israelites Gather at Mizpah")).
* **"and abode there till even before God":** This phrase emphasizes the duration and intensity of their lament. Remaining "till even" (i.e., until sunset) signifies a prolonged period of prayer, reflection, and mourning, indicating the depth of their national crisis. The phrase "before God" reiterates that their presence at the tabernacle was not merely a physical gathering but a spiritual posture of humility and supplication, directly appealing to the Lord for guidance and mercy in their dire situation.
* **"and lifted up their voices, and wept sore;":** This final clause vividly describes the nature of their lament. "Lifted up their voices" indicates an audible, public, and unrestrained expression of grief, a common biblical posture for intense sorrow or prayer. Coupled with "wept sore" (a "great weeping"), it conveys the profound depth of their national sorrow, anguish, and perhaps even remorse over the devastating consequences of their actions and the near-extinction of a covenant tribe. It is a raw, emotional outpouring of a people confronted with the tragic outcome of their own choices.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of the Israelites' despair. **Hyperbole** and **Intensification** are evident in the phrase "wept sore" (Hebrew: _bekhi gadol_), which literally means "wept a great weeping." This repetition of the verb and noun from the same root (`bâkâh` and `bᵉkîy`), coupled with the adjective "great" (`gâdôwl`), emphasizes the overwhelming and profound nature of their sorrow, making it clear this was no ordinary lament but a national outpouring of anguish. The **Setting** at the "house of God" (the tabernacle) is crucial, transforming a physical location into a symbolic space of divine encounter, judgment, and appeal. This sacred space underscores the spiritual dimension of their crisis and their desperate plea to God. Furthermore, there is a profound **Irony** present: the very people who had just executed a brutal, almost annihilating war in the name of justice now find themselves weeping over its devastating success. Their victory has turned into a national tragedy, highlighting the bitter fruits of human vengeance unchecked by divine wisdom. The verse also evokes strong **Pathos**, drawing the reader into the emotional turmoil of the Israelites, compelling sympathy for their self-inflicted plight and the tragic consequences of their actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 21:2 serves as a stark theological commentary on the consequences of human sin, particularly unchecked anger and the pursuit of justice outside of divine wisdom. The Israelites, in their zeal to punish evil, became agents of near-destruction, demonstrating how even righteous indignation can lead to catastrophic outcomes when unguided by God's Spirit. Their "great weeping" is a form of national lament and, implicitly, a corporate confession of their tragic error. It underscores the biblical principle that true justice must always be tempered with mercy and wisdom, and that human actions, even those seemingly justified, have far-reaching consequences that can threaten the very fabric of God's covenant community. The verse highlights the importance of unity within God's people and the deep sorrow that should accompany any breach of that unity, reminding us that every member is vital to the whole and that the loss of even one part diminishes the entire body.

* [Psalm 133:1](/psalms/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")
* [Joel 2:12](/joel/2-12 "Joel 2:12-13 - Return to the Lord with Weeping")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way that Seems Right")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 21:2 offers a profound lesson for individuals and communities alike, particularly in how we respond to conflict and the pursuit of justice. The Israelites' "great weeping" after their devastating "victory" serves as a powerful reminder that rash decisions, fueled by anger, vengeance, or a misguided sense of righteousness, can lead to deeply regretted and destructive consequences. This passage challenges us to consider the long-term impact of our actions, especially when operating without careful discernment and explicit divine guidance. When we, or our communities, realize the harm caused by our choices, a posture of deep lament, repentance, and turning to God is the appropriate and necessary response. It encourages us to grieve over disunity, division, or the potential loss within the community of believers, and to always seek reconciliation and preservation, understanding that God desires unity and wholeness among His people, even when difficult truths must be confronted. True healing begins with acknowledging the pain and bringing it before God, seeking His wisdom for restoration rather than relying solely on human strategies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we, as individuals or as a community, tend to react when our pursuit of "justice" leads to unintended and devastating consequences?**
* **What does it mean for a community or nation to "weep sore" before God, and what might such lament look like in contemporary contexts?**
* **In what ways might unchecked anger or a desire for vengeance lead us astray, even when our initial intentions seem righteous?**
* **How can we ensure our actions, especially in conflict, are consistently guided by divine wisdom rather than human passion or short-sightedness?**
* **What role does corporate lament play in the process of repentance, healing, and reconciliation within the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Where was the "house of God" located at this time?**

Answer: While the text doesn't explicitly state the location in Judges 21:2, the "house of God" (Hebrew: _beit ha'Elohim_) in the period of the Judges most commonly refers to the tabernacle, which was situated at Shiloh. Archaeological evidence and other biblical texts (e.g., [1 Samuel 1:3](/1_samuel/1-3 "1 Samuel 1:3 - Elkanah Goes to Shiloh")) confirm Shiloh as the central place of worship and the location of the tabernacle during this era. The Israelites would gather there for major national assemblies, sacrifices, and to seek the Lord's counsel.

**Why did the Israelites "weep sore" if they were the ones who had just waged a successful war?**

Answer: Their "great weeping" (wept sore) was not a lament of defeat, but a profound expression of sorrow over the devastating consequences of their own actions. They had successfully avenged the atrocity at Gibeah, but in doing so, they had nearly annihilated the tribe of Benjamin, threatening the existence of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This realization brought immense grief because it jeopardized the covenant identity and future of the entire nation. Their weeping signified a dawning awareness of the tragic irony of their "victory," the horror of their rash oath not to intermarry, and the deep disunity that had fractured God's people. It was a lament born of regret, recognizing the severe spiritual and demographic cost of their unchecked vengeance and the potential breach of God's covenant with Israel.

**What was the "oath" that led to their predicament and regret?**

Answer: The oath that contributed to their distress was a solemn vow made at Mizpah, recorded in [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Israelites Gather at Mizpah") and reiterated in [Judges 21:1](/judges/21-1 "Judges 21:1 - No Man Shall Give His Daughter to Benjamin"), where the Israelites swore, "There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife." This oath, made in the heat of righteous indignation against the Benjamites for their wickedness, now presented an unforeseen problem: with only 600 surviving Benjamite men and no women, the tribe faced extinction if they could not marry. The oath, intended to uphold justice, now threatened the very existence of a covenant tribe, leading to the profound grief and dilemma expressed in Judges 21:2.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound lament of the Israelites in Judges 21:2, weeping over the self-inflicted wounds that threatened the very existence of a covenant tribe, foreshadows humanity's deeper need for reconciliation and restoration that only Christ can provide. Their sorrow over a broken community, fragmented by sin and vengeance, points to the ultimate disunity caused by sin that separates humanity from God and from one another. Unlike the temporary and often flawed solutions devised by the Israelites in Judges to preserve Benjamin (which involved further morally questionable acts), Jesus Christ offers the perfect and complete means of reconciliation. He is the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice on the cross not only atones for sin but also breaks down the dividing walls of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), creating one new humanity. Where the Israelites wept over their inability to maintain tribal unity, Christ wept over Jerusalem's rejection of Him ([Luke 19:41](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")), demonstrating a divine lament over human sin and its consequences, yet offering a path to true peace. Through His blood, all things are reconciled to God, whether on earth or in heaven ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")), establishing a new spiritual family where there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but all are one in Christ Jesus ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ")). The lament in Judges 21:2 highlights the desperate need for a divine intervention that transcends human folly, a need perfectly met in the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ, who brings true unity and everlasting peace to His people.

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 20:26

¶ 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 20:18

¶ 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.

1 Samuel 30:4

Then David and the people that [were] with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

Genesis 27:38

And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, [even] me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.

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 2:4

And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.

Judges 21:12

And they found among the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead four hundred young virgins, that had known no man by lying with any male: and they brought them unto the camp to Shiloh, which [is] in the land of Canaan.