Judges 20:23 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."

◄ Judges 20:23 ►

New International Version
The Israelites went up and wept before the LORD until evening, and they inquired of the LORD. They said, “Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites?” The LORD answered, “Go up against them.”

New Living Translation
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.”

English Standard Version
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.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

King James Bible
(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.)

New King James Version
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.”

New American Standard Bible
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.”

NASB 1995
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.”

NASB 1977
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.”

Legacy Standard Bible
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.”

Amplified Bible
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.”

Christian Standard Bible
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.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They went up, wept before the LORD until evening, and inquired of Him: “Should we again fight against our brothers the Benjaminites?” And the LORD answered: “Fight against them.”

American Standard Version
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.

English Revised Version
(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.)

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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!"

International Standard Version
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."

Majority Standard Bible
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.”

NET Bible
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!"

New Heart English Bible
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."

Webster's Bible Translation
(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.)

World English Bible
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.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
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.”

Young's Literal Translation
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.'

Smith's Literal Translation
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.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.”

New American Bible
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!

New Revised Standard Version
The Israelites took courage, and again formed the battle line in the same place where they had formed it on the first day.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
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”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
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.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
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.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Civil War Against Benjamin
…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. 23They 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.” 24On the second day the Israelites advanced against the Benjamites.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 30:8
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.”

2 Samuel 5:19
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.”

2 Samuel 5:23
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.

1 Samuel 23:2
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.”

1 Samuel 23:4
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.”

1 Samuel 28:6
He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.

1 Samuel 14:37
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.

1 Chronicles 14:10
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.”

1 Chronicles 14:14
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.

2 Chronicles 20:3-4
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.

2 Chronicles 20:14-17
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. ...

Psalm 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.

Psalm 27:14
Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!

Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.

Psalm 40:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.

Treasury of Scripture

(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

Judges 20:26,27
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…

Psalm 78:34-36
When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God…

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.

Judges 20:18
And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first.

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Judges 20

1. The Levite in a general assembly declared his wrong
8. The decree of the assembly
12. The Benjamites, being cited, make head against the Israelites
18. The Israelites in two battles lose forty thousand
26. They destroy by a plan all the Benjamites, except six hundred.

Berean Study Bible

They went up and wept before the LORD until evening
This phrase captures the deep sorrow and desperation of the Israelites. The act of going up signifies an approach to a higher place, both physically and spiritually, as they sought the presence of God. The Hebrew word for "wept" (בָּכָה, bakah) indicates a profound expression of grief and repentance. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' recognition of their need for divine guidance after suffering defeat. The mention of "until evening" suggests a prolonged period of lamentation, emphasizing their earnestness and the gravity of the situation.

inquiring of the LORD
This phrase highlights the Israelites' dependence on divine direction. The Hebrew root for "inquiring" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies seeking counsel or asking for guidance. In the context of ancient Israel, this often involved consulting the Urim and Thummim or a prophet. This act of inquiry underscores the importance of seeking God's will in times of crisis, a principle that remains central in conservative Christian thought.

'Should we again fight against our brothers, the Benjamites?'
The use of "brothers" here is significant, as it underscores the familial relationship between the tribes of Israel, including Benjamin. This internal conflict was not just a political or military issue but a deeply personal and spiritual one. The question reflects a moral and ethical dilemma, as they grapple with the idea of fighting against their own kin. Historically, this internal strife illustrates the consequences of sin and disobedience within the covenant community.

And the LORD answered
This phrase is pivotal, as it demonstrates God's responsiveness to His people's cries. The Hebrew word for "answered" (עָנָה, anah) conveys a sense of reply or response, indicating that God is not distant or indifferent. In the conservative Christian perspective, this affirms the belief in a personal God who hears and responds to the prayers of His people.

'Go up against them.'
God's directive to "go up" is both a command and an assurance. The repetition of "go up" from earlier in the verse reinforces the idea of ascending to a challenge with divine backing. This command, despite the familial ties, indicates the necessity of justice and the eradication of sin from among God's people. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the lengths to which His people must go to uphold righteousness.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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.

Pulpit Commentary

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).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

They
בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

went up
וַיַּעֲל֣וּ (way·ya·‘ă·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

and wept
וַיִּבְכּ֣וּ (way·yiḇ·kū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan

before
לִפְנֵֽי־ (lip̄·nê-)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the LORD
יְהוָה֮ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

until
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

evening,
הָעֶרֶב֒ (hā·‘e·reḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6153: Evening

inquiring
וַיִּשְׁאֲל֤וּ (way·yiš·’ă·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

of Him,
בַֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

“Should we again
הַאוֹסִ֗יף (ha·’ō·w·sîp̄)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3254: To add, augment

draw near
לָגֶ֙שֶׁת֙ (lā·ḡe·šeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach

for battle
לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה (lam·mil·ḥā·māh)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

against
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

our brothers
אָחִ֑י (’ā·ḥî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

the Benjamites?”
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

And the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

answered,
לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Go up
עֲל֥וּ (‘ă·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

against them.”
אֵלָֽיו׃ (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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OT History: Judges 20:23 The children of Israel went up (Jd Judg. Jdg)