Judges 20:18 - The children of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and asked counsel of God. They asked, “Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin?” Yahweh said, “Judah first.”
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What does "Judges 20:18" mean?
This verse from Judges 20:18 recounts a pivotal moment for the Israelites after a shocking act of violence that triggered a civil war. Let's break it down:
"The children of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and asked counsel of God.": This sets the scene. The phrase "arose" and "went up" emphasize that this was a formal and important journey. Bethel (meaning "House of God") was a significant religious site where they sought divine guidance through prayer, sacrifice, and seeking an oracle. They are uniting as a people and seeking God's will before embarking on a major military action.
"They asked, 'Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin?'": This is the specific question they pose to God. They're trying to determine the order of battle. Asking "who shall go up first" suggests they know there will be multiple battles and want divine direction on which tribe should lead the initial assault. The focus on "against the children of Benjamin" underscores that this is an internal conflict, a civil war.
"Yahweh said, 'Judah first.'": This is God's answer. He designates the tribe of Judah to lead the initial attack. Judah was often seen as a leading tribe in Israel (recall Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:8-12), and this may be a reflection of that status. It's also interesting because Judah will eventually be the tribe from which the Davidic line (and therefore, Jesus) will come.
Meaning and Significance:
Seeking Divine Guidance: The verse highlights the Israelites' initial reliance on God's direction. They recognize the gravity of the situation (a civil war) and understand the importance of seeking God's will before engaging in conflict.
Acknowledging God's Authority: The act of asking "counsel of God" demonstrates their understanding that God is the ultimate authority and has the right to direct their actions.
Beginning of a Difficult Conflict: This verse is the starting point of a very bloody and tragic civil war. The Israelites' initial dependence on God's guidance is important, but as the narrative unfolds, their actions and motivations become more complex and raise questions about their righteousness.
Judah's Leadership Role: This verse reinforces the idea that Judah holds a position of prominence among the tribes of Israel.
In summary, Judges 20:18 establishes the context for the Israelites' war against the tribe of Benjamin, emphasizing their initial reliance on divine guidance and identifying Judah as the tribe chosen to lead the first attack. However, it's important to read this verse within the larger narrative of Judges 19-21 to fully understand the complexities of the situation and the Israelites' evolving relationship with God. The story demonstrates a moral decline and a departure from God's will even amidst initial attempts to seek His direction.
Judges 20:18 - The children of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and asked counsel of God. They asked, “Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin?” Yahweh said, “Judah first.”
What does "Judges 20:18" mean?
This verse from Judges 20:18 recounts a pivotal moment for the Israelites after a shocking act of violence that triggered a civil war. Let's break it down:
"The children of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and asked counsel of God.": This sets the scene. The phrase "arose" and "went up" emphasize that this was a formal and important journey. Bethel (meaning "House of God") was a significant religious site where they sought divine guidance through prayer, sacrifice, and seeking an oracle. They are uniting as a people and seeking God's will before embarking on a major military action.
"They asked, 'Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin?'": This is the specific question they pose to God. They're trying to determine the order of battle. Asking "who shall go up first" suggests they know there will be multiple battles and want divine direction on which tribe should lead the initial assault. The focus on "against the children of Benjamin" underscores that this is an internal conflict, a civil war.
"Yahweh said, 'Judah first.'": This is God's answer. He designates the tribe of Judah to lead the initial attack. Judah was often seen as a leading tribe in Israel (recall Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:8-12), and this may be a reflection of that status. It's also interesting because Judah will eventually be the tribe from which the Davidic line (and therefore, Jesus) will come.
Meaning and Significance:
Seeking Divine Guidance: The verse highlights the Israelites' initial reliance on God's direction. They recognize the gravity of the situation (a civil war) and understand the importance of seeking God's will before engaging in conflict.
Acknowledging God's Authority: The act of asking "counsel of God" demonstrates their understanding that God is the ultimate authority and has the right to direct their actions.
Beginning of a Difficult Conflict: This verse is the starting point of a very bloody and tragic civil war. The Israelites' initial dependence on God's guidance is important, but as the narrative unfolds, their actions and motivations become more complex and raise questions about their righteousness.
Judah's Leadership Role: This verse reinforces the idea that Judah holds a position of prominence among the tribes of Israel.
In summary, Judges 20:18 establishes the context for the Israelites' war against the tribe of Benjamin, emphasizing their initial reliance on divine guidance and identifying Judah as the tribe chosen to lead the first attack. However, it's important to read this verse within the larger narrative of Judges 19-21 to fully understand the complexities of the situation and the Israelites' evolving relationship with God. The story demonstrates a moral decline and a departure from God's will even amidst initial attempts to seek His direction.