Judges 20:28
In *“And Phinehas the son of Eleazar, Aaron’s son, stood before it to minister in those days, saying, ‘Shall I yet again go out to battle against the sons of my brother Benjamin, or shall I cease?’ And the LORD said, ‘Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.’”* (Judges 20:28), we see Israel at a critical point in the devastating conflict with the tribe of Benjamin. This war came about after a grievous crime committed in the territory of Benjamin (Judges 19:22–30 NASB-95). Here, Phinehas, who was the grandson of Aaron (and therefore ministering as a high priest figure around 1400–1300 BC), seeks direct instruction from the LORD at the tabernacle. Historically, Phinehas was known for his zeal in preserving God’s holiness (Numbers 25:7–13 NASB-95). The verse highlights his role in seeking God’s guidance for the nation, emphasizing that Israel was not acting on mere human impulse but rather looking for divine confirmation before continuing a bloody conflict.
The location of the tabernacle, likely in Shiloh, places this consultation in the hill country of Ephraim, about twenty miles north of Jerusalem, which was centrally located for the tribes of Israel. At the same time, the battle itself raged near Gibeah, the homeland of the tribe of Benjamin, roughly five miles north of Jerusalem. The close proximity of these locations yet the fierce fighting among fellow Israelites underscores how internal strife can erupt even within a covenant community. Phinehas’s question, *“Shall I yet again go out to battle … or shall I cease?”* (Judges 20:28), stands as a cry of desperation, revealing the fatigue and moral dilemma of fighting their own brethren.
God’s response in *“Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”* (Judges 20:28) demonstrates the LORD’s sovereignty and desire to bring final resolution to this grievous infighting. Just as God once went before Israel in other battles (Joshua 10:8 NASB-95), He confirms again that His hand will determine the outcome. Christians can see an echo of this principle in Jesus’ call to resolve wrongs and rely on God’s power to overcome evil (Romans 12:19–21 NASB-95). The verse reveals that seeking divine direction is critical, especially in moments of severe conflict, reminding believers of the importance of trusting the LORD’s timing and delivering power.
This verse underscores that God provides clear guidance when His people earnestly seek Him.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Genesis 20:1-4 meaning. Abraham moves to Gerar. He told King Abimelech that Sarah was his sister. Therefore, the king sent for and took Sarah. However, in a dream, God revealed to Abimelech that Sarah was married.
- Judges 1:16-21 meaning. The descendants of the Kenite join the tribe of Judah in their territory. Despite the Lord’s presence, Judah fails to drive out the inhabitants of the valley, beginning to show the start of their failures. Caleb is given Hebron and drives out the Anakim, but the tribe of Benjamin also fails in their war efforts.
- Judges 1:27-29 meaning. The tribe of Manasseh fails to fully take possession of several key cities and their surrounding villages, allowing the Canaanites to remain in the land. Additionally, when Israel became strong, they subjected the Canaanites to slavery instead of completely driving them out. The tribe of Ephraim also failed to expel the Canaanites living in Gezer, resulting in the Canaanites living among them.