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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 21:2 So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, lifting up their voices and weeping bitterly.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/21-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/07_Jdg_21_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 21:2 - Wives for the Benjamites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, lifting up their voices and weeping bitterly." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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They lifted up their voices and wept bitterly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, and raised their voices and wept profusely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, and lifted up their voices and wept bitterly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, and lifted up their voices and wept bitterly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening and lifted up their voices and wept bitterly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, and lifted up their voices and wept bitterly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the people went to Bethel and sat there before God until evening. They wept loudly and bitterly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the people went to Bethel and sat there before God until evening. They wept loudly and bitterly, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the people came to Beth-el, and sat there till even before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />After the war with Benjamin, the Israelites went to the place of worship at Bethel and sat there until sunset. They cried loudly and bitterly <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the people came to Beth-el, and sat there till even before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The people went to Bethel and sat there in the presence of God until evening. They cried very loudly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So now the people of Israel went to Bethel and sat there in the presence of God until evening. Loudly and bitterly they mourned: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So the people went to Bethel, sat before God until dusk, where they cried out loud and wept bitterly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, lifting up their voices and weeping bitterly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, weeping loudly and uncontrollably.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The people came to Bethel, and sat there until evening before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept severely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the people came to the house of God, and abode there till evening before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept bitterly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The people came to Bethel and sat there until evening before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept severely. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the people come to Beth-El, and sit there until the evening before God, and lift up their voice, and weep [with] a great weeping,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the people come in to Beth-El, and sit there till the evening before God, and lift up their voice, and weep -- a great weeping,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the people will go to the house of God and will sit there even till evening, before God; and they will lift up their voice and weep a great weeping.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they all came to the house of God in Silo, and abiding before him till the evening, lifted up their voices, and began to lament and weep, saying: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they all went to the house of God at Shiloh. And sitting in his sight until evening, they lifted up their voice, and they began to weep, with a great wailing, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So the people went to Bethel and remained there before God until evening, raising their voices in bitter weeping.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And the people came to Bethel, and sat there until evening before God, and they lifted up their voices and wept bitterly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the people came to Beth-el, and abode there till evening before God, and lifted up their voices and wept bitterly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they came unto Bayth Eil, and they stayed there until evening before God, and they lifted up their voice and wept a great weeping<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the people came to Beth-el, and sat there till even before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the people came to Baethel, and sat there until evening before God: and they lifted up their voice and wept with a great weeping;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/21-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=6418" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/21.htm">Wives for the Benjamites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Now the men of Israel had sworn an oath at Mizpah, saying, “Not one of us will give his daughter in marriage to a Benjamite.” <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">So the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: bêṯ- (Prep) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: ’êl (N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine.">to Bethel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šə·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">and sat</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- 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/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</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/5375.htm" title="5375: way·yiś·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">lifting up</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: qō·w·lām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">their voices</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 weeping</a> <a href="/hebrew/1065.htm" title="1065: bə·ḵî (N-ms) -- A weeping. From bakah; a weeping; by analogy, a dripping."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ḡā·ḏō·wl (Adj-ms) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">bitterly.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>“Why, O LORD God of Israel,” they cried out, “has this happened in Israel? Today in Israel one tribe is missing!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-26.htm">Judges 20:26</a></span><br />Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, where they sat weeping before the LORD. That day they fasted until evening and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/7-6.htm">1 Samuel 7:6</a></span><br />When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3-4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-1.htm">Nehemiah 9:1-3</a></span><br />On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth, with dust on their heads. / Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all the foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. / While they stood in their places, they read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and they spent another quarter of the day in confession and worship of the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-17</a></span><br />“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. / Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him—grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5-10</a></span><br />And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. / When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. / Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-12.htm">2 Samuel 1:12</a></span><br />They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">Ezra 8:21-23</a></span><br />And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. / For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.” / So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27-29</a></span><br />When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly. / Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying: / “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity during his days, but I will bring it upon his house in the days of his son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-3.htm">Isaiah 58:3-5</a></span><br />“Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers. / You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high. / Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16-18</a></span><br />When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, / so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2-3</a></span><br />While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23</a></span><br />Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37</a></span><br />and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Matthew 9:14-15</a></span><br />Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?” / Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the people came to the house of God, and stayed there till even before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore;</p><p class="hdg">the house</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/21-12.htm">Judges 21:12</a></b></br> 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 <i>is</i> in the land of Canaan.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/20-18.htm">Judges 20:18,23,26</a></b></br> 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 <i>shall go up</i> first… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/18-1.htm">Joshua 18:1</a></b></br> And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.</p><p class="hdg">lifted</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/2-4.htm">Judges 2:4</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/27-38.htm">Genesis 27:38</a></b></br> And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, <i>even</i> me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/30-4.htm">1 Samuel 30:4</a></b></br> Then David and the people that <i>were</i> with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/20-47.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/judges/20-31.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/judges/20-31.htm">Beth-El</a> <a href="/judges/18-25.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/judges/5-23.htm">Bitterly</a> <a href="/judges/20-26.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/judges/20-31.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/19-17.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/numbers/9-15.htm">Raising</a> <a href="/judges/20-26.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/judges/19-6.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/judges/20-34.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/judges/20-37.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/judges/20-13.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/judges/2-4.htm">Voices</a> <a href="/judges/20-33.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/judges/11-37.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/judges/20-26.htm">Wept</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ruth/1-4.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/judges/21-19.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/judges/21-19.htm">Beth-El</a> <a href="/ruth/1-13.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/ruth/1-9.htm">Bitterly</a> <a href="/ruth/2-17.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/ruth/1-8.htm">House</a> <a href="/ruth/1-9.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-4.htm">Raising</a> <a href="/ruth/2-14.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/ruth/3-18.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/judges/21-9.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/ruth/1-9.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/ruth/1-9.htm">Voices</a> <a href="/judges/21-20.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/ruth/1-9.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/ruth/1-9.htm">Wept</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/21-1.htm">The people bewail the desolation of Benjamin</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/21-8.htm">By the destruction of Jabesh Gilead they provide them four hundred wives.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/21-16.htm">They advise the remainder to surprise the virgins that danced at Shiloh</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/21.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/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So the people came to Bethel</b><br>Bethel, meaning "House of God," is a significant location in biblical history. It was a place where Abraham and Jacob had encounters with God (<a href="/genesis/12-8.htm">Genesis 12:8, 28</a>:19). The Israelites' gathering here signifies a return to a place of divine encounter and covenant. Bethel was a central location for worship and seeking God's guidance, highlighting the people's desire for divine intervention and reconciliation after the civil strife with the tribe of Benjamin.<p><b>and sat there before God until evening</b><br>Sitting before God indicates a posture of humility and submission, seeking divine presence and guidance. The duration "until evening" suggests a prolonged period of reflection, prayer, and possibly fasting, emphasizing the seriousness of their lament and the depth of their need for God's direction. This act of waiting on God is reminiscent of other biblical instances where waiting is associated with seeking God's will (<a href="/psalms/27-14.htm">Psalm 27:14</a>).<p><b>lifting up their voices and weeping bitterly</b><br>The act of lifting their voices and weeping bitterly reflects profound grief and repentance. This emotional response is similar to other biblical expressions of lament, such as in the Psalms (<a href="/psalms/6-6.htm">Psalm 6:6</a>) and the prophets (<a href="/jeremiah/9.htm">Jeremiah 9:1</a>). It indicates a communal acknowledgment of sin and the consequences of their actions, particularly the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin. This weeping can be seen as a precursor to seeking God's mercy and forgiveness, paralleling the repentance seen in the story of Nineveh (<a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5-10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The collective group of God's chosen people, who are experiencing deep sorrow and regret over the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/bethel.htm">Bethel</a></b><br>A significant location in Israelite history, often associated with worship and encounters with God. It is where the Israelites gathered to seek God's guidance and express their grief.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tribe_of_benjamin.htm">The Tribe of Benjamin</a></b><br>One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which faced near annihilation due to a civil conflict with the other tribes of Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_civil_war.htm">The Civil War</a></b><br>A tragic event where the Israelites fought against the tribe of Benjamin, leading to severe loss and division among God's people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/weeping_bitterly.htm">Weeping Bitterly</a></b><br>The emotional response of the Israelites, indicating their deep remorse and the gravity of the situation they faced.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_god_in_times_of_distress.htm">The Importance of Seeking God in Times of Distress</a></b><br>The Israelites' gathering at Bethel demonstrates the necessity of turning to God in moments of deep sorrow and confusion. In our own lives, we should prioritize seeking God's presence and guidance when faced with difficult situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disunity_among_god's_people.htm">The Consequences of Disunity Among God's People</a></b><br>The near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of disunity and conflict within the body of believers. We must strive for reconciliation and unity within our communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_repentance_and_lamentation.htm">The Role of Repentance and Lamentation</a></b><br>The Israelites' weeping and lamentation highlight the importance of genuine repentance and expressing our grief before God. This can lead to healing and restoration in our relationship with Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_times_of_crisis.htm">God's Faithfulness in Times of Crisis</a></b><br>Despite the dire circumstances, the Israelites' return to Bethel signifies their trust in God's faithfulness. We are encouraged to hold onto God's promises and faithfulness, even when situations seem bleak.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_didn't_israelites_seek_peace_in_judges_21.htm">If the Israelites regretted their extreme oath, why didn’t they seek a different resolution instead of resorting to further bloodshed (Judges 21)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_82_1_fit_with_deut._6_4.htm">How can a 'divine council' (Psalm 82:1) fit with passages claiming there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_94_align_with_swift_judgment.htm">Psalm 94:3-4 depicts the wicked flourishing and boasting; how does this align with other biblical claims that God swiftly judges evil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_a_heifer_sacrifice_resolve_guilt.htm">Deuteronomy 21:1-9: How does sacrificing a heifer in a remote valley effectively resolve guilt for an unsolved murder?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">To the house of God.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">to Bethel, </span>as in <a href="/judges/20-18.htm" title="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.">Judges 20:18</a>; <a href="/judges/20-27.htm" title="And the children of Israel inquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,">Judges 20:27</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Wept sore.</span>--As after their defeat (<a href="/judges/20-26.htm" title="Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came to 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 20:26</a>); but this time they were remorseful for the fate of those whom they were then pledged to destroy.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the people</span>, etc. The narrative now proceeds. After <span class="accented">the people</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the Israelite army, so described <a href="/judges/20-3.htm">Judges 20:3, 8, 22</a>, etc., had finished the work of destruction in the cities of Benjamin, they returned to Bethel (<span class="cmt_word">the house of God</span>, A.V., here and in <a href="/judges/20-18.htm">Judges 20:18, 26, 31</a>, where see notes), and, their rage having now subsided, gave way to violent grief on account of the destruction of Benjamin their brother. With passionate Oriental feelings they passed the whole day weeping, and probably fasting (see ch. 20:26), before the tabernacle. <span class="cmt_word">Wept sore</span>. Hebrew, <span class="accented">wept a great weeping.</span> The expression <span class="cmt_word">lifted up their voices</span> shows that it was a loud wailing and lamentation, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/21-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Bethel</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1008.htm">Strong's 1008: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and sat</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֤שְׁבוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·šə·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁם֙</span> <span class="translit">(šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">until</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evening,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֶ֔רֶב</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘e·reḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6153.htm">Strong's 6153: </a> </span><span class="str2">Evening</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lifting up</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiś·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their voices</span><br /><span class="heb">קוֹלָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(qō·w·lām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> </span><span class="str2">A voice, sound</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and weeping</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּבְכּ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiḇ·kū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1058.htm">Strong's 1058: </a> </span><span class="str2">To weep, to bemoan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bitterly.</span><br /><span class="heb">גָדֽוֹל׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḡā·ḏō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, older, insolent</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/21-2.htm">Judges 21:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/21-2.htm">Judges 21:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/21-2.htm">Judges 21:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/21-2.htm">Judges 21:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/21-2.htm">Judges 21:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/21-2.htm">Judges 21:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/21-2.htm">Judges 21:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/21-2.htm">Judges 21:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/21-2.htm">Judges 21:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/21-2.htm">Judges 21:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/21-2.htm">OT History: Judges 21:2 The people came to Bethel and sat (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/21-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 21:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 21:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/21-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 21:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 21:3" /></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>