Judges 20:28

and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, "Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?" The LORD answered, "Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand."

Study Bible

and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.
Phinehas was the grandson of Aaron, the first high priest, and son of Eleazar. His presence here indicates a continuity of the priestly line and the importance of maintaining religious order during tumultuous times. Phinehas is known for his zealousness for God's holiness (Numbers 25:7-13), which underscores the gravity of the situation in Judges 20. His role as a priest serving before the Ark of the Covenant highlights the centrality of seeking divine guidance in Israel's military and moral crises.

The Israelites asked,
The Israelites' inquiry reflects a pattern of seeking divine counsel before making significant decisions, a practice rooted in their covenant relationship with God. This approach is consistent with other instances in the Old Testament where leaders sought God's will through the Urim and Thummim or through prophets (1 Samuel 23:2, 2 Samuel 5:19).

“Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?”
The phrasing "our brothers the Benjamites" emphasizes the internal conflict and the tragic nature of civil war within the tribes of Israel. This conflict arose from the grievous sin committed in Gibeah, a Benjamite city, and the subsequent refusal of the tribe of Benjamin to surrender the guilty parties (Judges 19-20). The question reflects the Israelites' hesitation and the moral complexity of fighting against their own kin, highlighting the tension between justice and unity.

The LORD answered,
The direct response from the LORD signifies His active involvement and sovereignty in the affairs of Israel. It reassures the Israelites of divine support and guidance, which is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. God's responses to Israel's inquiries often come through the priestly mediation, emphasizing the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the covenant relationship.

“Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”
This assurance of victory is a divine promise that echoes God's faithfulness to His people when they act in accordance with His will. The phrase "I will deliver them into your hand" is reminiscent of God's promises to deliver Israel's enemies into their hands during the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 6:2, 8:1). It underscores God's role as the ultimate warrior and deliverer, foreshadowing the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. The promise of victory also serves as a test of faith and obedience for the Israelites, challenging them to trust in God's timing and power.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Phinehas
The grandson of Aaron, serving as a priest during this time. Known for his zeal for God's holiness, Phinehas plays a crucial role in seeking God's guidance for Israel.

2. Eleazar
The father of Phinehas and son of Aaron, Eleazar was a high priest who succeeded Aaron. His lineage signifies the continuity of the priestly line.

3. The Benjamites
One of the tribes of Israel, involved in a civil conflict with the other tribes due to a grievous sin committed in Gibeah, a city in Benjamin.

4. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, seeking justice and guidance from God in their conflict with the Benjamites.

5. The LORD's Response
God’s direct communication to Israel, providing assurance of victory in their righteous cause.

Teaching Points

Seeking Divine Guidance
In times of conflict or decision-making, seek God's guidance through prayer and His Word, just as Israel sought direction through Phinehas.

The Role of Righteous Leaders
Godly leaders like Phinehas play a crucial role in guiding people according to God's will. We should pray for and support leaders who seek God's direction.

God's Assurance in Righteous Causes
When pursuing justice or righteousness, trust in God's assurance and timing. God promised victory to Israel when their cause aligned with His will.

The Importance of Unity Among Believers
The conflict with the Benjamites reminds us of the need for unity and reconciliation within the body of Christ, addressing sin with truth and love.

Faith in God's Promises
Trust in God's promises, even when facing overwhelming odds. His word is faithful and true, as demonstrated by His assurance to Israel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Phinehas in Judges 20:28 reflect the importance of spiritual leadership in times of crisis?

2. What can we learn from the Israelites' approach to seeking God's guidance before going into battle?

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

4. In what ways does God's assurance to Israel in this passage encourage us to trust in His promises today?

5. How can we apply the principle of seeking unity and reconciliation among believers, as seen in the resolution of the conflict with the Benjamites, to our own lives and church communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 25
Phinehas is first introduced, demonstrating his zeal for God by stopping a plague among the Israelites. This background highlights his role as a mediator and intercessor.

1 Samuel 14
The use of the ephod and seeking God's guidance in battle, similar to how Phinehas sought God's will in Judges 20:28.

Psalm 106:30-31
References Phinehas' righteous act, which was credited to him as righteousness, showing the importance of zeal for God's holiness.