Judges 20:18

The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, "Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?" "Judah will be first," the LORD replied.

Study Bible

The Israelites set out
This phrase indicates a collective movement of the Israelite tribes, emphasizing unity and a shared purpose. Historically, the tribes often acted together in times of crisis, reflecting their covenant relationship with God and each other. This unity is crucial in the narrative of Judges, where tribal disunity often leads to chaos and moral decline.

went up to Bethel
Bethel, meaning "House of God," was a significant religious site for the Israelites. It was a place where patriarchs like Abraham and Jacob had encounters with God (Genesis 12:8, 28:19). The choice of Bethel for seeking divine guidance underscores its spiritual importance and the Israelites' desire to align their actions with God's will.

and inquired of God
This reflects the practice of seeking divine guidance before making significant decisions, a common theme in the Old Testament. The Israelites used the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots, or consulted prophets to discern God's will. This practice highlights their dependence on God for direction and success.

“Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?”
The question reveals the gravity of the situation, as the Israelites are preparing for civil war against one of their own tribes. This internal conflict arose from the moral corruption and lawlessness depicted in the preceding chapters. The inquiry shows their desire for divine strategy in warfare, a recurring theme in Israel's military history.

“Judah will be first,” the LORD replied.
Judah's selection as the leading tribe is significant, as it aligns with earlier biblical themes where Judah is often given prominence (Genesis 49:8-10). This foreshadows Judah's future role in Israel's monarchy and the lineage of Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). The choice of Judah also reflects God's sovereign plan and the unfolding of His purposes through specific tribes and individuals.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who are seeking guidance from God in their conflict against the tribe of Benjamin.

2. Bethel
A significant location in Israelite history, often associated with worship and seeking God's guidance. It means "House of God" in Hebrew.

3. God (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who the Israelites seek for direction in their military campaign.

4. Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, who are in conflict with the other tribes of Israel due to a grievous sin committed in Gibeah.

5. Judah
The tribe chosen by God to lead the battle against the Benjamites. Judah means "praise" in Hebrew and is often seen as a leading tribe in Israel.

Teaching Points

Seeking Divine Guidance
The Israelites' approach to inquire of God before battle emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will in our decisions. We should prioritize prayer and discernment in our lives.

Role of Leadership
Judah's selection to lead highlights the importance of God-ordained leadership. We should recognize and respect the leaders God places in our lives.

Unity and Obedience
The tribes of Israel, despite internal conflict, come together to seek God's direction. This teaches us the value of unity and obedience to God's commands, even in challenging times.

Consequences of Sin
The conflict with Benjamin arose from sin within the tribe. This serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of sin and the need for accountability and repentance.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the Israelites' decision to inquire of God at Bethel teach us about the importance of seeking divine guidance in our own lives?

2. How does the choice of Judah to lead the battle reflect God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises, as seen in other parts of Scripture?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of unity and obedience to God's will in our communities and churches today?

4. How does the conflict with the Benjamites illustrate the consequences of sin, and what steps can we take to address sin in our own lives and communities?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance in a difficult situation. How did that experience shape your understanding of His will and direction?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:8-10
This passage contains Jacob's blessing over Judah, prophesying leadership and prominence, which connects to Judah being chosen to lead the battle.

1 Samuel 1:3
Bethel is mentioned as a place of worship, reinforcing its significance as a place where the Israelites sought divine guidance.

Psalm 60:12
This verse speaks of victory through God, which relates to the Israelites seeking God's direction for success in battle.