And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, And the Israelites inquired of the LORD.This phrase highlights the Israelites' practice of seeking divine guidance during times of crisis. In the context of Judges 20, the Israelites are facing internal conflict with the tribe of Benjamin. The act of inquiring of the LORD reflects a dependence on God for direction, a common practice in the Old Testament (e.g., 1 Samuel 23:2, 2 Samuel 2:1). This inquiry was often done through the priestly use of the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots used to discern God's will (Exodus 28:30). It underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making, a principle that remains relevant for believers today. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe collective tribes of Israel who are seeking guidance from God during a time of internal conflict with the tribe of Benjamin. 2. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, whom the Israelites are seeking for divine guidance and intervention. 3. The Ark of the Covenant A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. It was located at Bethel during this time. 4. Bethel A significant location in Israelite history, often associated with worship and divine encounters. It served as a place where the Israelites sought God's guidance. 5. The Conflict with Benjamin A civil war within Israel, where the other tribes are fighting against the tribe of Benjamin due to a grievous sin committed in Gibeah. Teaching Points Seeking Divine GuidanceThe Israelites' inquiry of the Lord emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of crisis and decision-making. The Presence of God The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God's presence. Believers today can seek God's presence through prayer and the Holy Spirit. Community and Accountability The conflict with Benjamin highlights the need for accountability within the community of believers and addressing sin with justice and grace. Faith in Action The Israelites' actions demonstrate faith in God's guidance, reminding believers to act on God's direction with trust and obedience. The Role of Worship Bethel as a place of worship underscores the importance of worship in seeking God's will and presence. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Israelites' inquiry of the Lord in Judges 20:27 inform our approach to seeking God's guidance in our personal lives?2. In what ways can the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in Bethel be compared to the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer today? 3. How can the conflict with the tribe of Benjamin serve as a lesson for addressing sin and maintaining accountability within the church community? 4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our faith translates into action, as demonstrated by the Israelites' response to God's guidance? 5. How does the concept of worship at Bethel relate to our modern-day practices of worship and seeking God's presence? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 4:3-4The Israelites also sought the Ark of the Covenant for guidance and victory in battle, showing a pattern of seeking God's presence in times of crisis. Exodus 25:22 Describes the Ark of the Covenant as the place where God would meet with Moses, highlighting its role as a symbol of divine communication. Psalm 27:4 Expresses a desire to seek the Lord's presence, similar to the Israelites' inquiry of God in Judges 20:27.
People Aaron, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Dan, Eleazar, Israelites, Nohah, Phinehas, Samuel, TamarPlaces Baal-tamar, Beersheba, Bethel, Dan, Gibeah, Gidom, Gilead, Maareh-geba, Mizpah, Nohah, RimmonTopics Agreement, Ark, Covenant, Inquired, Request, SonsDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 20:18-48 7306 ark of the covenant Library To his Most Serene and Mighty Imperial Majesty, and to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation. Dr. MARTINUS LUTHER. The grace and might of God be with you, Most Serene Majesty! most gracious, well beloved gentlemen! It is not out of mere arrogance and perversity that I, a single poor man, have taken upon me to address your lordships. The distress and misery that oppress all the Christian estates, more especially in Germany, have led not only myself, but every one else, to cry aloud and to ask for help, and have now forced me too, to cry out and to ask, if God would give His Spirit to any one, … Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Judges Links Judges 20:27 NIVJudges 20:27 NLT Judges 20:27 ESV Judges 20:27 NASB Judges 20:27 KJV Judges 20:27 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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