Judges 21:4

KJV

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass on the morrow {H4283}, that the people {H5971} rose early {H7925}, and built {H1129} there an altar {H4196}, and offered {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930} and peace offerings {H8002}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 21:4 captures the immediate and profound response of the Israelite assembly in the aftermath of the devastating civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. Overwhelmed by deep lament and the stark realization of Benjamin's near annihilation, the people, driven by a desperate need to rectify their dire situation and prevent the complete loss of a tribe, turned to the Lord in earnest seeking and worship, constructing an altar and offering specific sacrifices to atone for their actions and seek divine reconciliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned at the dramatic conclusion of the Book of Judges, a period vividly characterized by a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. This era is often encapsulated by the poignant refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes" found throughout the book, including its very end in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "No King in Israel"). The preceding chapters meticulously detail a horrific civil war ([Judges 20](/judges/20 "War Against Benjamin")) that erupted as a direct consequence of the Gibeah atrocity ([Judges 19](/judges/19 "The Levite and His Concubine")), which ultimately led to the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin. Compounding the tragedy, the Israelites had sworn a rash oath at Mizpah ([Judges 21:1](/judges/21-1 "Oath Not to Give Daughters to Benjamin")) not to give their daughters to any Benjaminite man. [Judges 21:2-3](/judges/21-2-3 "Israel's Lament for Benjamin") vividly describe their profound sorrow and desperate questioning of God, setting the immediate stage for the sacrificial act described in verse 4 as their tangible and urgent response to a national crisis of their own making.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events depicted in the Book of Judges unfold in the tumultuous period between the conquest of Canaan and the establishment of the monarchy, a time when Israel functioned as a loose tribal confederacy without a central king or consistent spiritual authority. This era was frequently marred by internal strife, moral decay, and external threats, often exacerbated by a widespread disregard for God's covenant law. The act of building an altar and offering sacrifices was not merely a spontaneous gesture but a deeply ingrained and divinely prescribed practice in ancient Israelite worship, mandated by the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1-7 "Laws of Offerings")) as the primary means of approaching God, seeking atonement, expressing thanksgiving, and restoring fellowship. The urgency conveyed by the phrase "rose early" reflects the profound gravity of their self-inflicted predicament and the cultural understanding that divine intervention was absolutely essential for national survival, healing, and the restoration of covenant faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 21:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes prominent within the Book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully highlights the **destructive consequences of rash oaths** and human folly, demonstrating how ill-conceived vows, even if made with seemingly righteous intentions, can lead to devastating and unintended outcomes, as seen in [Judges 21:1](/judges/21-1 "The Oath at Mizpah"). The people's immediate actions underscore the critical theme of **seeking divine intervention** in times of national crisis, acknowledging that only God could provide a solution to their self-imposed and seemingly intractable dilemma, a pattern seen earlier in [Judges 20:23](/judges/20-23 "Israel Inquires of the Lord"). Furthermore, the specific offerings signify a profound desire for **atonement and reconciliation**, both with God for their collective sin and within the fractured nation itself, emphasizing the vital importance of restoring covenant relationship and national unity, echoing principles found in passages like [Numbers 16:46-48](/numbers/16-46-48 "Atonement for the People"). This passage also subtly yet urgently points to the dire **need for righteous leadership** in Israel, as the chaotic events of Judges repeatedly demonstrate the perils of a society where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "No King in Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rose early (Hebrew, _shâkam'_):** H7925, a primitive root; properly, to incline (the shoulder to a burden); but used only as denominative from שְׁכֶם; literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e. to start early in the morning; (arise, be up, get (oneself) up, rise up) early (betimes), morning.
This verb, derived from a root suggesting diligence and readiness, is used here to denote rising at dawn or acting with great urgency. It underscores the Israelites' immediate, solemn, and prioritized response to their crisis, indicating a deep earnestness in seeking divine intervention without delay. It was not a casual or convenient act, but a prioritized, deliberate turning to God.
* **altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** H4196, from זָבַח; an altar; altar.
This noun, derived from the verb "to slaughter" or "sacrifice," refers to a sacred structure designated for offering sacrifices to God. Its construction in this context signifies a formal, public act of worship and a desperate appeal for divine attention and intervention, re-establishing a prescribed place for communion and covenant renewal with the Lord. The act of building an altar was a foundational step in seeking God's favor and forgiveness.
* **burnt offerings (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** H5930, or עוֹלָה; feminine active participle of עָלָה; a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke); ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also עֶוֶל.
This term refers to a specific type of sacrifice, literally meaning "that which goes up" (in smoke). It involved the complete consumption of the animal on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God and serving as an atonement for sin. Its inclusion here signifies the people's complete surrender and a plea for expiation for their corporate guilt and rash actions, acknowledging their profound need for divine forgiveness for the civil war and its devastating consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass on the morrow":** This phrase immediately conveys the urgency and immediacy of the Israelites' response. After their profound lament and the stark realization of their dire situation described in Judges 21:2-3, they did not delay. The crisis was pressing, and their turning to God was their very next action, indicating a recognition of the gravity of their self-inflicted national wound.
* **"that the people rose early":** Reinforcing the immediacy, this detail highlights the earnestness, diligence, and solemnity of the Israelite assembly. Rising early for important matters was a sign of commitment and seriousness in ancient Near Eastern culture, underscoring their profound distress and their prioritization of seeking divine help above all other concerns.
* **"and built there an altar":** The construction of an altar signifies a formal, public act of worship and a desperate appeal to God. It was a tangible expression of their repentance and their understanding that only through divine intervention, accessed via the prescribed means of sacrifice, could their national crisis be resolved. This act re-established a sacred space for communion with the Lord, a necessary step after such profound national sin.
* **"and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings":** This dual offering is profoundly significant. The "burnt offerings" (_ʻôlâh_) symbolized complete dedication to God and served as an atonement for the collective sin and rashness that led to the civil war and Benjamin's near destruction. They were a plea for expiation. The "peace offerings" (_shelem_), derived from the root for "peace" or "wholeness," indicated a fervent desire for restored fellowship and wholeness, both with God and within the fractured Israelite community. Together, these sacrifices represent a comprehensive plea for forgiveness, reconciliation, and the restoration of national unity and divine favor.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity and significance of the Israelites' actions. The **Urgency** conveyed by phrases like "on the morrow" and "rose early" immediately immerses the reader in the Israelites' desperate state, highlighting the gravity of their situation and their immediate, solemn response. **Symbolism** is central, with the "altar" representing a sacred space for divine encounter and the "burnt offerings" and "peace offerings" serving as powerful symbols of atonement, complete dedication, and the yearning for reconciliation and restored fellowship with God and within the community. There is a strong **Contrast** evident between the preceding chaos, violence, and despair of the civil war and the sudden, unified act of worship and seeking God. This dramatic shift underscores the profound realization that human solutions had failed catastrophically. Finally, the passage contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing to the deep-seated need for a righteous king and a more stable, God-centered leadership that would eventually emerge in Israel, as the current tribal system proved tragically inadequate to prevent such national tragedies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 21:4 powerfully illustrates the theological principle of corporate repentance and the enduring necessity of turning to God in times of national or communal crisis, especially when self-inflicted. Despite their profound moral and spiritual decline throughout the Book of Judges, the Israelites still retained an instinct to seek the Lord when faced with utter catastrophe. Their actions demonstrate a recognition of their collective sin and a desperate appeal for divine grace and intervention. The specific offerings underscore the Old Covenant understanding of atonement and reconciliation, emphasizing that peace with God and within the community required a sacrificial approach. This passage serves as a stark reminder that even in the midst of human failure and the devastating consequences of sin, God remains accessible to those who humbly seek Him through the prescribed means.

* [1 Samuel 7:9](/1_samuel/7-9 "Samuel Offers a Burnt Offering for Israel")
* [Leviticus 1:4](/leviticus/1-4 "Purpose of the Burnt Offering")
* [Leviticus 3:1](/leviticus/3-1 "Purpose of the Peace Offering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 21:4 offers a profound lesson for believers today, particularly in how we respond to the consequences of our own mistakes or collective failures, whether personal, communal, or national. When faced with overwhelming challenges, especially those stemming from rash decisions, broken relationships, or a deviation from God's will, the most crucial and immediate step is to turn to God in humility and earnestness. The Israelites' "rising early" signifies a prioritization of seeking God above all else, acknowledging that human ingenuity or strength alone cannot mend what sin has broken. Their offerings speak to the need for genuine repentance and a desire for reconciliation, not just with God but also with those we have wronged or who have been affected by our actions. This passage calls us to cultivate a spirit of immediate and sincere seeking of God's face when we find ourselves in dire straits, trusting that He is merciful and gracious to those who humble themselves and seek His healing and restoration. It reminds us that true restoration begins with acknowledging our brokenness and humbly approaching the One who can make all things new.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the Israelites' immediate action of "rising early" and building an altar reveal about their understanding of crisis and divine intervention?**
* **How do the "burnt offerings" and "peace offerings" reflect the dual nature of their repentance and desire for reconciliation, and what does this teach us about seeking restoration today?**
* **In what ways do we, individually or as a community, sometimes delay turning to God until a crisis becomes overwhelming, and what are the dangers of such delay?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate a habit of prioritizing seeking God's face and guidance when facing the consequences of our own or collective failures?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to actively pursue reconciliation and wholeness in broken relationships within our own lives or communities, mirroring God's desire for peace?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Israelites offer both burnt offerings and peace offerings?**

Answer: The offering of both burnt offerings (_ʻôlâh_) and peace offerings (_shelem_) was highly significant and intentional. The burnt offering symbolized complete dedication to God and served as an atonement for sin, signifying the Israelites' desire to make amends with God for their collective guilt in the civil war and their rash oath. It was a plea for expiation and a recognition of their utter dependence on divine forgiveness. The peace offering, on the other hand, was associated with fellowship, communion, and thanksgiving. Its inclusion signified their fervent yearning for reconciliation and the restoration of wholeness, not only in their relationship with God but also within the fractured Israelite community. Together, these offerings represented a comprehensive act of repentance, atonement, and a desire for restored harmony and peace, both vertically (with God) and horizontally (among themselves). This dual approach is consistent with the Levitical laws concerning offerings, which often prescribed different sacrifices for different purposes ([Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Burnt Offerings") for atonement, [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Peace Offerings") for fellowship and communion).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 21:4, with its depiction of a people desperately seeking atonement and reconciliation through sacrifice, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "burnt offerings" and "peace offerings" of the Old Covenant, while temporarily covering sin and symbolizing a desire for restored fellowship, were but shadows pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God") who truly "takes away the sin of the world." Unlike the repeated animal sacrifices that could not truly perfect those who drew near ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "The Law as a Shadow")), Christ's offering of Himself on the cross was a complete and final propitiation for our sins ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Christ as Propitiation")). Through His shed blood, perfect atonement was made, and the way to true peace and reconciliation with God was opened for all humanity ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ")). We no longer need to build altars or offer animals; instead, we approach God through faith in the finished work of Christ, who is our ultimate peace offering, having broken down the dividing wall of hostility and reconciled us to God in one body through the cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). His sacrifice not only cleanses us from sin but also establishes a new covenant of grace, inviting us into an enduring fellowship with God and with one another, a fellowship far surpassing the temporary peace offerings of old.

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

2 Samuel 24:25

And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

Hosea 5:15

I will go [and] return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

1 Kings 8:64

The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that [was] before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings: because the brasen altar that [was] before the LORD [was] too little to receive the burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings.

Psalms 78:34

When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God.

Psalms 78:35

And they remembered that God [was] their rock, and the high God their redeemer.

2 Samuel 24:18

¶ And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.

Judges 6:26

And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.