Judges 21:2

In this poignant moment of Israel’s history, we read that *“So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, and lifted up their voices and wept bitterly.”* (v.2). This takes place following the tragic civil war against the tribe of Benjamin, an event triggered by the horrific crime at Gibeah (Judges 19–20). Staggered by their own violence, the remaining tribes gather before the LORD in deep remorse. Their weeping reveals the severity of their sorrow and their dawning realization of the costly consequences of disunity. They are not merely distressed over circumstances, but over the near-elimination of one of their own tribes.

Bethel, located about twelve miles north of Jerusalem, was a longstanding site of worship for Israel, richly associated with encounters between the patriarchs and God (Genesis 28:19). By coming to Bethel, the Israelites sought a sacred space where they could express repentance and call on the LORD for further guidance. Their cries show that, even amid the bitterness of failure, they still recognized God’s presence and sovereignty. Gathering there until evening indicates intentional perseverance, waiting upon divine mercy beyond a single, fleeting prayer. citeturn0file14

Their tears at Bethel also reflect Israel’s collective lament for the brokenness among God’s covenant people. Having sworn an oath that complicated how they might preserve the tribe of Benjamin, they weep over what now seems like a dire predicament. By calling out to the LORD in their grief, the Israelites demonstrate that genuine repentance involves both acknowledging the depth of wrongdoing and trusting that God can still restore His people, even in their darkest moments.

The people of Israel were overwhelmed by regret for the near destruction of their Benjaminite brethren and desperately clung to God for mercy.