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And the LORD answered, "Go up against them."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/20-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/07_Jdg_20_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 20:23 - Civil War Against Benjamin" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites? 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They said, &#8220Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites?&#8221 The LORD answered, &#8220Go up against them.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/judges/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> For they had gone up to Bethel and wept in the presence of the LORD until evening. They had asked the LORD, “Should we fight against our relatives from Benjamin again?” And the LORD had said, “Go out and fight against them.” <a href="/esv/judges/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the people of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until the evening. And they inquired of the LORD, “Shall we again draw near to fight against our brothers, the people of Benjamin?” And the LORD said, “Go up against them.” <a href="/bsb/judges/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, “Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?” And the LORD answered, “Go up against them.” <a href="/kjv/judges/20.htm">King James Bible</a> (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.) <a href="/nkjv/judges/20.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until evening, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, “Shall I again draw near for battle against the children of my brother Benjamin?” And the LORD said, “Go up against him.” <a href="/nasb_/judges/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And the sons of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until evening, and inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall we again advance for battle against the sons of my brother Benjamin?” And the LORD said, “Go up against him.” <a href="/nasb/judges/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> The sons of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until evening, and inquired of the LORD, saying, &#8220Shall we again draw near for battle against the sons of my brother Benjamin?&#8221 And the LORD said, &#8220Go up against him.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the sons of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until evening, and inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall we again draw near for battle against the sons of my brother Benjamin?” And the LORD said, “Go up against him.” <a href="/lsb/judges/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the sons of Israel went up and wept before Yahweh until evening and asked of Yahweh, saying, “Shall we again approach for battle against the sons of my brother Benjamin?” And Yahweh said, “Go up against him.” <a href="/amp/judges/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The sons of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until evening, and asked of the LORD, “Shall we advance again to battle against the sons of our brother Benjamin?” And the LORD said, “Go up against them.” <a href="/csb/judges/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> They went up, wept before the LORD until evening, and inquired of him, “Should we again attack our brothers the Benjaminites? ” And the LORD answered, “Fight against them.” <a href="/hcsb/judges/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> They went up, wept before the LORD until evening, and inquired of Him: &#8220Should we again fight against our brothers the Benjaminites?&#8221 And the LORD answered: &#8220Fight against them.&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the children of Israel went up and wept before Jehovah until even; and they asked of Jehovah, saying, Shall I again draw nigh to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And Jehovah said, Go up against him. <a href="/erv/judges/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> (And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even; and they asked of the LORD, saying, Shall I again draw nigh to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.) <a href="/gwt/judges/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The Israelites went and cried in the presence of the LORD until evening. They asked the LORD, "Should we continue to wage war against our close relatives, the men of Benjamin?" The LORD answered, "Go fight them!" <a href="/isv/judges/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> From there the Israelis went up and wept in the LORD's presence until evening. Then they asked the LORD, "Should we attack the descendants of Benjamin again?" The LORD replied, "Attack them." <a href="/msb/judges/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, ?Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?? And the LORD answered, ?Go up against them.? <a href="/net/judges/20.htm">NET Bible</a> The Israelites went up and wept before the LORD until evening. They asked the LORD, "Should we again march out to fight the Benjaminites, our brothers?" The LORD said, "Attack them!" <a href="/nheb/judges/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until evening; and they asked of the LORD, saying, "Shall I again draw near to battle against the people of Benjamin my brother?" The LORD said, "Go up against him." <a href="/wbt/judges/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> (And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until evening, 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.) <a href="/web/judges/20.htm">World English Bible</a> The children of Israel went up and wept before Yahweh until evening; and they asked of Yahweh, saying, “Shall I again draw near to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother?” Yahweh said, “Go up against him.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the sons of Israel go up and weep before YHWH until the evening, and ask of YHWH, saying, “Do I add to draw near to battle with the sons of my brother Benjamin?” And YHWH says, “Go up against him.” <a href="/ylt/judges/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the sons of Israel go up and weep before Jehovah till the evening, and ask of Jehovah, saying, 'Do I add to draw nigh to battle with the sons of Benjamin, my brother?' And Jehovah saith, 'Go up against him.' <a href="/slt/judges/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the sons of Israel will go up and will weep before Jehovah till the evening, and they will ask in Jehovah, saying, Shall I add to draw near to war with the sons of Benjamin my brother? And Jehovah will say, Go up against him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Yet so that they first went up and wept before the Lord until night: and consulted him, and said: Shall I go out any more to fight against the children of Benjamin my brethren, or not? And he answered them: Go up against them, and join battle. <a href="/cpdv/judges/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But first they also went up and wept before the Lord, even until night. And they consulted him and said, “Should I continue to go forth, so as to contend against the sons of Benjamin, my brothers, or not?” And he responded to them, “Ascend against them, and undertake the struggle.” <a href="/nabre/judges/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Then the Israelites went up and wept before the LORD until evening. “Shall I again engage my brother Benjamin in battle?” they asked the LORD; and the LORD answered: Attack! <a href="/nrsvce/judges/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The Israelites took courage, and again formed the battle line in the same place where they had formed it on the first day.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the children of Israel went up to Beth-el, and wept before the LORD until evening, and they asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall we go up again to battle against our brethren the Benjamites? And the LORD said, Go up against them. <a href="/hpbt/judges/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the sons of Israel went up and they wept before LORD JEHOVAH until evening, and they inquired of LORD JEHOVAH and they were saying: “Shall we again bring battle with the sons of Benjamin our brother?” And LORD JEHOVAH said: “Go up against him”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even; and they asked of the LORD, saying: 'Shall I again draw nigh to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother?' And the LORD said: 'Go up against him.' <a href="/sep/judges/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the children of Israel went up, and wept before the Lord till evening, and enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall we again draw nigh to battle with our brethren the children of Benjamin? and the Lord said, Go up against them. <a href="/parallel/judges/20-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=6137" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/20.htm">Civil War Against Benjamin</a> …22But the Israelite army took courage and again took their battle positions in the same place where they had arrayed themselves on the first day. 23<a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">They</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: way·ya·‘ă·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">went up</a> <a href="/hebrew/1058.htm" title="1058: way·yiḇ·kū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To weep, bewail. A primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.">and wept</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê- (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/6153.htm" title="6153: hā·‘e·reḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- Evening. From arab; dusk.">evening,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: way·yiš·’ă·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">inquiring</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of Him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: ha·’ō·w·sîp̄ (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">“Should we again</a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: lā·ḡe·šeṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To draw near, approach. ">draw near</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: lam·mil·ḥā·māh (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">for battle</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">our brothers</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the Benjamites?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1144.htm" title="1144: ḇin·yā·min (N-proper-ms) -- From ben and yamiyn; son of right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">And the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">answered,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ‘ă·lū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">“Go up</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">against them.”</a> 24On the second day the Israelites advanced against the Benjamites.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/30-8.htm">1 Samuel 30:8</a> and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” <a href="/2_samuel/5-19.htm">2 Samuel 5:19</a> So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” <a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23</a> So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">1 Samuel 23:2</a> So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” <a href="/1_samuel/23-4.htm">1 Samuel 23:4</a> Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” <a href="/1_samuel/28-6.htm">1 Samuel 28:6</a> He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. <a href="/1_samuel/14-37.htm">1 Samuel 14:37</a> So Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” But God did not answer him that day. <a href="/1_chronicles/14-10.htm">1 Chronicles 14:10</a> So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.” <a href="/1_chronicles/14-14.htm">1 Chronicles 14:14</a> So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. <a href="/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3-4</a> Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. / So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him. <a href="/2_chronicles/20-14.htm">2 Chronicles 20:14-17</a> Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants, as he stood in the midst of the assembly. / And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. / Tomorrow you are to march down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. ... <a href="/psalms/25-9.htm">Psalm 25:9</a> He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. <a href="/psalms/27-14.htm">Psalm 27:14</a> Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! <a href="/psalms/37-5.htm">Psalm 37:5</a> Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it. <a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Psalm 40:1</a> For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>(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.)wept<a href="/judges/20-26.htm">Judges 20:26,27</a> 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… <a href="/psalms/78-34.htm">Psalm 78:34-36</a> When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God… <a href="/hosea/5-15.htm">Hosea 5:15</a> 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.<a href="/judges/20-18.htm">Judges 20:18</a> 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/20-22.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/judges/20-21.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/judges/20-21.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/20-18.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/judges/20-17.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/judges/19-16.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/judges/20-22.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/14-17.htm">Wept</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/20-28.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/judges/20-24.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/judges/20-24.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-9.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/judges/20-24.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/judges/20-26.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/judges/20-24.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/20-26.htm">Wept</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 20</div>1. <a href="/judges/20-1.htm">The Levite in a general assembly declared his wrong</a> 8. <a href="/judges/20-8.htm">The decree of the assembly</a> 12. <a href="/judges/20-12.htm">The Benjamites, being cited, make head against the Israelites</a> 18. <a href="/judges/20-18.htm">The Israelites in two battles lose forty thousand</a> 26. <a href="/judges/20-26.htm">They destroy by a plan all the Benjamites, except six hundred.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>They went up and wept before the LORD until evening This phrase indicates a deep sense of sorrow and desperation among the Israelites. The act of going up suggests a movement towards a place of worship or a high place, often associated with seeking divine guidance. Weeping before the LORD signifies genuine repentance and a plea for divine intervention. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, communal lamentation was a common practice during times of distress. This reflects the Israelites' recognition of their need for God's guidance in a situation involving internal conflict. The evening time frame may symbolize the end of a day, suggesting a prolonged period of seeking God, which aligns with other biblical instances where evening is a time of reflection and prayer (e.g., <a href="/psalms/141-2.htm">Psalm 141:2</a>).inquiring of Him, “Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?” The Israelites' inquiry of the LORD demonstrates their dependence on divine direction for their actions. The phrase "draw near for battle" indicates a readiness to engage in conflict, yet the mention of "our brothers the Benjamites" highlights the painful reality of civil strife within the twelve tribes of Israel. This internal conflict is rooted in the events of <a href="/judges/19.htm">Judges 19</a>, where a grievous crime committed by the Benjamites led to national outrage. The Israelites' approach to God for guidance reflects a pattern seen throughout the Old Testament, where leaders and people seek divine will before making significant decisions (e.g., <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">1 Samuel 23:2</a>). This inquiry also underscores the importance of seeking God's will in matters of justice and conflict resolution.And the LORD answered, “Go up against them.” The LORD's response is direct and authoritative, providing the Israelites with clear guidance. This divine instruction to "go up against them" affirms the necessity of addressing the sin and injustice perpetrated by the Benjamites. It reflects God's justice and the need for accountability within His covenant community. The command to engage in battle, despite the familial ties, underscores the seriousness of the offense and the importance of upholding righteousness. This directive can be seen as part of God's broader plan to purify and maintain the holiness of His people, a theme consistent throughout Scripture (e.g., <a href="/deuteronomy/13-5.htm">Deuteronomy 13:5</a>). The response also highlights God's sovereignty in guiding the affairs of His people, ensuring that justice is served according to His divine purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who are seeking guidance from God after suffering defeat in battle. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_benjamites.htm">The Benjamites</a> The tribe of Benjamin, who are in conflict with the other tribes of Israel due to the grievous sin committed in Gibeah. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The God of Israel, whom the Israelites seek for guidance and direction in their conflict with the Benjamites. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gibeah.htm">Gibeah</a> A city in the territory of Benjamin, where a heinous crime was committed, leading to the conflict between the tribes. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_battle.htm">The Battle</a> The ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Benjamites, which is a result of the moral and social breakdown in Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_guidance.htm">Seeking God's Guidance</a> The Israelites' approach to seek God's will before acting is a model for believers today. In times of uncertainty or conflict, we should prioritize seeking divine guidance through prayer and scripture. <a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_prayer.htm">Perseverance in Prayer</a> Despite initial setbacks, the Israelites persist in seeking God. This teaches us the importance of perseverance in prayer, trusting that God hears and will respond in His timing. <a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a> The conflict arose from a lack of accountability and justice within the community. This serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing sin and maintaining righteousness within the body of believers. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_difficult_situations.htm">God's Sovereignty in Difficult Situations</a> Even in challenging and seemingly hopeless situations, God remains sovereign. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control and His purposes will prevail.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 20</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_polygamy.htm">What are the Courts of Heaven?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_ruth_fit_deut._23_3's_exclusion.htm">Deuteronomy 23:3 - How can the permanent exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites align with the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman in David's lineage?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_god_allow_israel's_defeats_first.htm">Judges 20:18-23 - Why would God direct Israel to attack Benjamin, allow defeat twice, and then finally grant them victory on the third attempt?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_bible's_family_idols.htm">What are the family idols mentioned in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) And the children of Israel.--This verse is parenthetical and retrospective. The whole narrative is arranged in a very simple manner, and shows an unformed archaic style.Against the children of Benjamin my brother.--The words "my brother" show a sort of compunction, an uneasy sense that possibly, in spite of the first answer by Urim, God did not approve of a fratricidal war.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - And the children of Israel went up and wept, etc. This verse must precede chronologically ver. 22, and explains the circumstances under which the battle referred to in ver. 22 took place. The unexpected repulse they had met with had begun to produce its intended effect. There was a humbling of themselves before God, a brokenness of spirit, a deepened sense of dependence upon God, and a softening of their feelings towards their brother Benjamin. All this was shown as they again went to the tabernacle at Bethel to ask the Lord (ver. 18). <a href="/commentaries/judges/20-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>They בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son went up וַיַּעֲל֣וּ (way·ya·‘ă·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively and wept וַיִּבְכּ֣וּ (way·yiḇ·kū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1058.htm">Strong's 1058: </a> To weep, to bemoan before לִפְנֵֽי־ (lip̄·nê-) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face the LORD יְהוָה֮ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel until עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while evening, הָעֶרֶב֒ (hā·‘e·reḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6153.htm">Strong's 6153: </a> Evening inquiring וַיִּשְׁאֲל֤וּ (way·yiš·’ă·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> To inquire, to request, to demand of Him, בַֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel “Should we again הַאוֹסִ֗יף (ha·’ō·w·sîp̄) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> To add, augment draw near לָגֶ֙שֶׁת֙ (lā·ḡe·šeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> To draw near, approach for battle לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה (lam·mil·ḥā·māh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> A battle, war against עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with our brothers אָחִ֑י (’ā·ḥî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) the Benjamites?” בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son And the LORD יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel answered, לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Go up עֲל֥וּ (‘ă·lū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively against them.” אֵלָֽיו׃ (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/20-23.htm">Judges 20:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/20-23.htm">Judges 20:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/20-23.htm">Judges 20:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/20-23.htm">Judges 20:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/20-23.htm">Judges 20:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/20-23.htm">Judges 20:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/20-23.htm">Judges 20:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/20-23.htm">Judges 20:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/20-23.htm">Judges 20:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/20-23.htm">Judges 20:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/20-23.htm">OT History: Judges 20:23 The children of Israel went up (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/20-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 20:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 20:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/20-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 20:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 20:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>