Judges 21:2

So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, lifting up their voices and weeping bitterly.

Study Bible

So the people came to Bethel
Bethel, meaning "House of God," is a significant location in biblical history. It was a place where Abraham and Jacob had encounters with God (Genesis 12:8, 28:19). The Israelites' gathering here signifies a return to a place of divine encounter and covenant. Bethel was a central location for worship and seeking God's guidance, highlighting the people's desire for divine intervention and reconciliation after the civil strife with the tribe of Benjamin.

and sat there before God until evening
Sitting before God indicates a posture of humility and submission, seeking divine presence and guidance. The duration "until evening" suggests a prolonged period of reflection, prayer, and possibly fasting, emphasizing the seriousness of their lament and the depth of their need for God's direction. This act of waiting on God is reminiscent of other biblical instances where waiting is associated with seeking God's will (Psalm 27:14).

lifting up their voices and weeping bitterly
The act of lifting their voices and weeping bitterly reflects profound grief and repentance. This emotional response is similar to other biblical expressions of lament, such as in the Psalms (Psalm 6:6) and the prophets (Jeremiah 9:1). It indicates a communal acknowledgment of sin and the consequences of their actions, particularly the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin. This weeping can be seen as a precursor to seeking God's mercy and forgiveness, paralleling the repentance seen in the story of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-10).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The collective group of God's chosen people, who are experiencing deep sorrow and regret over the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin.

2. Bethel
A significant location in Israelite history, often associated with worship and encounters with God. It is where the Israelites gathered to seek God's guidance and express their grief.

3. The Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which faced near annihilation due to a civil conflict with the other tribes of Israel.

4. The Civil War
A tragic event where the Israelites fought against the tribe of Benjamin, leading to severe loss and division among God's people.

5. Weeping Bitterly
The emotional response of the Israelites, indicating their deep remorse and the gravity of the situation they faced.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Seeking God in Times of Distress
The Israelites' gathering at Bethel demonstrates the necessity of turning to God in moments of deep sorrow and confusion. In our own lives, we should prioritize seeking God's presence and guidance when faced with difficult situations.

The Consequences of Disunity Among God's People
The near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of disunity and conflict within the body of believers. We must strive for reconciliation and unity within our communities.

The Role of Repentance and Lamentation
The Israelites' weeping and lamentation highlight the importance of genuine repentance and expressing our grief before God. This can lead to healing and restoration in our relationship with Him.

God's Faithfulness in Times of Crisis
Despite the dire circumstances, the Israelites' return to Bethel signifies their trust in God's faithfulness. We are encouraged to hold onto God's promises and faithfulness, even when situations seem bleak.

Bible Study Questions

1. What significance does the location of Bethel hold in the context of Israel's history, and how does it relate to the events in Judges 21:2?

2. How can the Israelites' response to their crisis inform our approach to seeking God during our own times of distress?

3. In what ways does the near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin serve as a warning against disunity within the church today?

4. How does the concept of lamentation and repentance play a role in our spiritual growth and healing?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness during a crisis. How can this encourage you to trust Him in future challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 28:10-19
Bethel is first mentioned as the place where Jacob had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven, marking it as a place of divine encounter and promise.

1 Samuel 7:6
The Israelites gather at Mizpah, another place of repentance and seeking God's favor, similar to their gathering at Bethel.

Psalm 34:18
This verse speaks of the Lord being close to the brokenhearted, which aligns with the Israelites' state of weeping and seeking God at Bethel.