Judges 20:26
New International Version
Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the LORD.

New Living Translation
Then all the Israelites went up to Bethel and wept in the presence of the LORD and fasted until evening. They also brought burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD.

English Standard Version
Then all the people of Israel, the whole army, went up and came to Bethel and wept. They sat there before the LORD and fasted that day until evening, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then all the children of Israel, that is, all the people, went up and came to the house of God and wept. They sat there before the LORD and fasted that day until evening; and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
Then all the sons of Israel and all the people went up and came to Bethel, and they wept and remained there before the LORD, and fasted that day until evening. And they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

NASB 1995
Then all the sons of Israel and all the people went up and came to Bethel and wept; thus they remained there before the LORD and fasted that day until evening. And they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

NASB 1977
Then all the sons of Israel and all the people went up and came to Bethel and wept; thus they remained there before the LORD and fasted that day until evening. And they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then all the sons of Israel and all the people went up and came to Bethel and wept; thus they remained there before Yahweh and fasted that day until evening. And they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
Then all the sons of Israel and all the people went up and came to Bethel and wept; and they sat there before the LORD and fasted that day until evening and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
The whole Israelite army went to Bethel where they wept and sat before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The whole Israelite army went to Bethel where they wept and sat before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the LORD.

American Standard Version
Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto Beth-el, and wept, and sat there before Jehovah, and fasted that day until even; and they offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings before Jehovah.

English Revised Version
Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto Beth-el, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even; and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then all the men of Israel and all the troops went to Bethel. They sat there and cried in the presence of the LORD and fasted that day until evening. Then they sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the LORD.

Good News Translation
Then all the people of Israel went up to Bethel and mourned. They sat there in the LORD's presence and did not eat until evening. They offered fellowship sacrifices and burned some sacrifices whole--all in the presence of the LORD.

International Standard Version
All the Israelis, including its army, went up from there to Bethel and wept, remaining there in the LORD's presence, fasting throughout the day until dusk, when they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings in the LORD's presence.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
So all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel. They wept and sat there before the LORD; they did not eat anything that day until evening. They offered up burnt sacrifices and tokens of peace to the LORD.

New Heart English Bible
Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came to Bethel, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until evening; and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 evening, and offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings before the LORD.

World English Bible
Then all the children of Israel and all the people went up, and came to Bethel, and wept, and sat there before Yahweh, and fasted that day until evening; then they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And all the sons of Israel go up, even all the people, and come to Beth-El, and weep, and sit there before YHWH, and fast on that day until the evening, and cause burnt-offerings and peace-offerings to ascend before YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
And all the sons of Israel go up, even all the people, and come in to Beth-El, and weep, and sit there before Jehovah, and fast on that day till the evening, and cause to ascend burnt-offerings and peace-offerings before Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
And all the sons of Israel and all the people will go up, and they will come to the house of God, and they will weep, and they will sit there before Jehovah, and they will fast in that day till the evening, and they will bring up burnt-offerings and peace before Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Wherefore all the children of Israel came to the house of God, and sat and wept before the Lord: and they fasted that day till the evening, and offered to him holocausts, and victims of peace offerings,

Catholic Public Domain Version
As a result, all the sons of Israel went to the house of God, and sitting down, they wept before the Lord. And they fasted that day until evening, and they offered to him holocausts and victims of peace offerings.

New American Bible
So the entire Israelite army went up and entered Bethel, where they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and communion offerings before the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went back to Bethel and wept, sitting there before the LORD; they fasted that day until evening. Then they offered burnt offerings and sacrifices of well-being before the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up and came to Beth-el, and wept and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until evening, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all the sons of Israel came up, and all the people, and they came to Bayth Eil and they wept and they stayed there before LORD JEHOVAH and they fasted on that day until evening, and they offered up sacrifices and peace offerings before LORD JEHOVAH
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto Beth-el, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even; and they offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings before the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the children of Israel and all the people went up, and came to Baethel; and they wept, and sat there before the Lord; and they fasted on that day until evening, and offered whole-burnt-offerings and perfect sacrifices, before the Lord,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Civil War Against Benjamin
25That same day the Benjamites came out against them from Gibeah and cut down another 18,000 Israelites, all of them armed with swords. 26Then 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. 27And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there,…

Cross References
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.

Joel 2:12-13
“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.

Jonah 3:5-10
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. ...

1 Samuel 7:6
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.

Nehemiah 9:1-3
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.

Ezra 8:21-23
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.

2 Samuel 12:16-17
David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground. / The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them.

Daniel 9:3
So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.

Matthew 6:16-18
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.

Acts 13:2-3
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.

Acts 14:23
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.

Matthew 17:21
But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Mark 9:29
Jesus answered, “This kind cannot come out, except by prayer.”

Luke 2:37
and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

Luke 5:33-35
Then they said to Him, “John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees frequently fast and pray, but Yours keep on eating and drinking.” / Jesus replied, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? / But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”


Treasury of Scripture

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.

all the children

Judges 20:18,23
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…

sept

1 Samuel 7:6
And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

2 Chronicles 20:3
And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.

Ezra 8:21
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

Jump to Previous
Bethel Beth-El Burnt Burnt-Offerings Children Evening House Israel Offered Offerings Peace Peace-Offerings Sat Wept
Jump to Next
Bethel Beth-El Burnt Burnt-Offerings Children Evening House Israel Offered Offerings Peace Peace-Offerings Sat Wept
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.














Then all the Israelites
This phrase emphasizes the unity and collective action of the Israelite tribes. In the Hebrew context, "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. This collective identity is crucial, as it underscores the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. Historically, the tribes often acted independently, but here, they come together in a unified response to a national crisis, reflecting a deep sense of communal responsibility and shared faith.

the whole army
The term "army" in this context refers to the assembled fighting men of Israel. The Hebrew word often used for "army" is "חַיִל" (chayil), which can also mean strength or valor. This highlights not just the physical presence of the soldiers but also their moral and spiritual resolve. The army's gathering at Bethel signifies a moment of national repentance and seeking divine guidance, recognizing that their strength alone is insufficient without God's favor.

went up to Bethel
Bethel, meaning "House of God" in Hebrew, holds significant historical and spiritual importance. It was a place where patriarchs like Abraham and Jacob encountered God. By going up to Bethel, the Israelites are returning to a sacred site, seeking divine intervention. Archaeologically, Bethel is identified with the modern-day site of Beitin, and its historical significance as a center of worship underscores the Israelites' desire to reconnect with their spiritual roots.

where they wept
Weeping here is an expression of deep sorrow and repentance. In the Hebrew tradition, weeping is often associated with mourning and a sincere plea for mercy. The Israelites' tears reflect their recognition of sin and failure, both in their military endeavors and in their relationship with God. This act of weeping is a precursor to genuine repentance and a desire for reconciliation with the Lord.

and sat before the LORD
Sitting before the LORD indicates a posture of humility and submission. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sitting was often a position of waiting and expectancy. The Israelites' decision to sit before the LORD signifies their willingness to listen and wait for His guidance. It is a moment of introspection and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over their lives and circumstances.

They fasted that day until evening
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that denotes self-denial and earnest seeking of God's will. In the Hebrew context, fasting is often associated with repentance and prayer. By fasting until evening, the Israelites demonstrate their desperation and earnestness in seeking God's favor. This act of fasting is a physical manifestation of their spiritual hunger and dependence on God.

and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings
Burnt offerings and peace offerings are significant in the sacrificial system of Israel. The burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, symbolizes complete surrender to God, as the entire offering is consumed by fire. The peace offering, or "shelamim," represents fellowship and reconciliation with God. By presenting these offerings, the Israelites seek to restore their covenant relationship with God, acknowledging their need for atonement and divine peace.

to the LORD
The use of "LORD" in all capital letters indicates the Hebrew name "YHWH," the covenant name of God. This highlights the personal and relational aspect of the Israelites' worship. They are not merely performing rituals but are engaging with the living God who has revealed Himself to them. This covenantal relationship is central to their identity and their hope for deliverance and guidance in their time of need.

(26) And all the people--i.e., the non-combatants as well as the fighting men.

Unto the house of God.--Rather, to Bethel, as in Judges 20:18.

And wept.--These two battles must have caused an almost universal bereavement. (Comp. Lamentations 2:10; Psalm 137:1; Joel 1:8-14; Joel 2:12-17, &c.) . . .

Verse 26. - Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, etc. Observe the word all, twice repeated, as showing how the whole congregation was roused and stirred to a man by this second reverse. The people, as distinguished from the men of Israel, the army, probably means the non-fighting people, the aged, the infirm, women, etc. The house of God. Render, as in ver. 18 (see note), Bethel. Sat there. Sitting with the Jews, especially on the ground, was the attitude of grief and mourning (Job 2:13; Isaiah 47:1, 5; Lamentations 2:10, etc.). The Jews at the present day often sit on the ground at the place of wailing in Jerusalem. Before the Lord, i.e. before the tabernacle (see Judges 11:11, note), Fasted until evening. The usual time for terminating a fast among the Jews, as at the present day among Mahomedans. For similar fasts on solemn occasions of national guilt or grief, see 1 Samuel 7:6; 2 Samuel 1:12; Jeremiah 36:9; Nehemiah 9:1; Joel 1:14, etc. Peace offerings. Usually thank offerings (Leviticus 3; Leviticus 7:11, 12), but applicable to any voluntary sacrifice of which the flesh might be eaten the same day, or the day following, by the offerer (Leviticus 7:15, 16). Doubtless the people at the close of their fast ate the flesh of these peace offerings.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the Israelites,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the people,
הָעָ֜ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

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

to Bethel,
אֵ֗ל (’êl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1008: Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah

where
שָׁם֙ (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

they sat
וַיֵּ֤שְׁבוּ (way·yê·šə·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

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

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

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

That
הַה֖וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

day
בַיּוֹם־ (ḇay·yō·wm-)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

they fasted
וַיָּצ֥וּמוּ (way·yā·ṣū·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6684: To abstain from food, fast

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

evening
הָעָ֑רֶב (hā·‘ā·reḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6153: Evening

and presented
וַֽיַּעֲל֛וּ (way·ya·‘ă·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

burnt offerings
עֹל֥וֹת (‘ō·lō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5930: Whole burnt offering

and peace offerings
וּשְׁלָמִ֖ים (ū·šə·lā·mîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8002: A sacrifice for alliance or friendship, peace offering

to
לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

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


Links
Judges 20:26 NIV
Judges 20:26 NLT
Judges 20:26 ESV
Judges 20:26 NASB
Judges 20:26 KJV

Judges 20:26 BibleApps.com
Judges 20:26 Biblia Paralela
Judges 20:26 Chinese Bible
Judges 20:26 French Bible
Judges 20:26 Catholic Bible

OT History: Judges 20:26 Then all the children of Israel (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 20:25
Top of Page
Top of Page