Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The Israelites went up to Bethel and inquired of God. They said, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” The LORD replied, “Judah shall go first.” New Living Translation Before the battle the Israelites went to Bethel and asked God, “Which tribe should go first to attack the people of Benjamin?” The LORD answered, “Judah is to go first.” English Standard Version The people of Israel arose and went up to Bethel and inquired of God, “Who shall go up first for us to fight against the people of Benjamin?” And the LORD said, “Judah shall go up first.” Berean Standard Bible The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied. King James Bible And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first. New King James Version Then the children of Israel arose and went up to the house of God to inquire of God. They said, “Which of us shall go up first to battle against the children of Benjamin?” The LORD said, “Judah first!” New American Standard Bible Now the sons of Israel set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God and said, “Who shall go up first for us to battle against the sons of Benjamin?” Then the LORD said, “Judah shall go up first.” NASB 1995 Now the sons of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God and said, “Who shall go up first for us to battle against the sons of Benjamin?” Then the LORD said, “Judah shall go up first.” NASB 1977 Now the sons of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, and said, “Who shall go up first for us to battle against the sons of Benjamin?” Then the LORD said, “Judah shall go up first.” Legacy Standard Bible Then the sons of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and asked of God and said, “Who shall go up for us to begin the battle against the sons of Benjamin?” Then Yahweh said, “Judah shall begin it.” Amplified Bible The men of Israel arose and went up to Bethel and asked of God and said, “Which of us shall take the lead to battle against the sons [tribe] of Benjamin?” And the LORD said, “Judah [shall go up] first.” Christian Standard Bible They set out, went to Bethel, and inquired of God. The Israelites asked, “Who is to go first to fight for us against the Benjaminites? ” And the LORD answered, “Judah will be first.” Holman Christian Standard Bible They set out, went to Bethel, and inquired of God. The Israelites asked, “Who is to go first to fight for us against the Benjaminites?” And the LORD answered, “Judah will be first.” American Standard Version And the children of Israel arose, and went up to Beth-el, and asked counsel of God; and they said, Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin? And Jehovah said, Judah shall go up first. Contemporary English Version So they went to the place of worship at Bethel and asked God, "Which tribe should be the first to attack the people of Benjamin?" "Judah," the LORD answered. English Revised Version And the children of Israel arose, and went up to Beth-el, and asked counsel of God; and they said, Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first. GOD'S WORD® Translation The men of Israel went to Bethel. They asked God, "Who will go first to fight Benjamin?" The LORD answered, "Judah will go first." Good News Translation The Israelites went to the place of worship at Bethel, and there they asked God, "Which tribe should attack the Benjaminites first?" The LORD answered, "The tribe of Judah." International Standard Version The Israelis mounted up, traveled to Bethel, and asked God what to do. They said, "Who is to lead us in our opening attack against the descendants of Benjamin?" The LORD replied, "Judah is to open the attack." NET Bible The Israelites went up to Bethel and asked God, "Who should lead the charge against the Benjaminites?" The LORD said, "Judah should lead." New Heart English Bible The children of Israel arose, and went up to Bethel, and asked counsel of God; and they said, "Who shall go up for us first to battle against the people of Benjamin?" The LORD said, "Judah will go up first." Webster's Bible Translation And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied. World English Bible The children of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and asked counsel of God. They asked, “Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin?” Yahweh said, “Judah first.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they rise and go up to Beth-El, and ask of God, and the sons of Israel say, “Who goes up for us at the commencement to battle with the sons of Benjamin?” And YHWH says, “Judah—at the commencement.” Young's Literal Translation And they rise and go up to Beth-El, and ask of God, and the sons of Israel say, 'Who doth go up for us at the commencement to battle with the sons of Benjamin?' and Jehovah saith, 'Judah -- at the commencement.' Smith's Literal Translation And the sons of Israel will rise and will go up to the house of God and will ask in God, and will say, Who shall go up for us in the beginning to war with the sons of Benjamin? and Jehovah will say, Judah in the beginning. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they arose and came to the house of God, that is, to Silo: and they consulted God, and said: Who shall be in our army the first to go to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the Lord answered them: Let Juda be your leader. Catholic Public Domain Version And they rose up and went to the house of God, that is, to Shiloh. And they consulted God, and they said, “Who shall be, in our army, the first to contend against the sons of Benjamin?” And the Lord responded to them, “Let Judah be your leader.” New American Bible They went up to Bethel and consulted God. When the Israelites asked, “Who shall go up first for us to do battle with the Benjaminites?” the LORD said: Judah first. New Revised Standard Version The Israelites proceeded to go up to Bethel, where they inquired of God, “Which of us shall go up first to battle against the Benjaminites?” And the LORD answered, “Judah shall go up first.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the children of Israel arose and went up to Beth-el, and inquired of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to battle against the Benjamites? And the LORD said, Judah shall go first. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they stood and came up to Bayth Eil and they inquired of God and the sons of Israel were saying: “Who shall go up for us at first to fight with the sons of Benjamin?” and LORD JEHOVAH said, “Yehuda first” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the children of Israel arose, and went up to Beth-el, and asked counsel of God; and they said: 'Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin?' And the LORD said: 'Judah first.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And they arose and went up to Baethel, and enquired of God: and the children of Israel said, Who shall go up for us first to fight with the children of Benjamin? And the Lord said, Juda shall go up first as leader. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Civil War Against Benjamin18The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied. 19The next morning the Israelites set out and camped near Gibeah.… Cross References Joshua 7:6-9 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads. / “O, Lord GOD,” Joshua said, “why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to be destroyed? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! / O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies? ... 1 Samuel 23:2-4 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” / But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” / Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 1 Samuel 28:6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” 2 Samuel 2:1 Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD. 2 Samuel 5:19 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 2 Samuel 5:23 So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 1 Kings 22:5-6 But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” / So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.” 2 Kings 3:11 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” 2 Chronicles 18:4-5 But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” / So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and God will deliver it into the hand of the king.” Hosea 5:15 Then I will return to My place until they admit their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.” Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Luke 11:9-10 So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. John 14:13-14 And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it. Treasury of Scripture And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first. house of Judges 18:31 And they set them up Micah's graven image, which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh. Judges 19:18 And he said unto him, We are passing from Bethlehemjudah toward the side of mount Ephraim; from thence am I: and I went to Bethlehemjudah, but I am now going to the house of the LORD; and there is no man that receiveth me to house. Joshua 18:1 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them. asked Judges 20:7,23,26,27 Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel… Judges 1:1 Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them? Numbers 27:5,21 And Moses brought their cause before the LORD… Judah Judges 1:1,2 Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them? … Genesis 49:8-10 Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee… Jump to Previous Battle Benjamin Benjaminites Benjamites Bethel Beth-El Children Commencement Counsel House Inquired Israel Israelites Judah RiseJump to Next Battle Benjamin Benjaminites Benjamites Bethel Beth-El Children Commencement Counsel House Inquired Israel Israelites Judah RiseJudges 20 1. The Levite in a general assembly declared his wrong8. The decree of the assembly 12. The Benjamites, being cited, make head against the Israelites 18. The Israelites in two battles lose forty thousand 26. They destroy by a plan all the Benjamites, except six hundred. The Israelites set out This phrase indicates a collective movement of the Israelite tribes, emphasizing unity and a shared purpose. Historically, the tribes often acted together in times of crisis, reflecting their covenant relationship with God and each other. This unity is crucial in the narrative of Judges, where tribal disunity often leads to chaos and moral decline. went up to Bethel and inquired of God “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who are seeking guidance from God in their conflict against the tribe of Benjamin. 2. Bethel A significant location in Israelite history, often associated with worship and seeking God's guidance. It means "House of God" in Hebrew. 3. God (Yahweh) The God of Israel, who the Israelites seek for direction in their military campaign. 4. Benjamites The tribe of Benjamin, who are in conflict with the other tribes of Israel due to a grievous sin committed in Gibeah. 5. Judah The tribe chosen by God to lead the battle against the Benjamites. Judah means "praise" in Hebrew and is often seen as a leading tribe in Israel. Teaching Points Seeking Divine GuidanceThe Israelites' approach to inquire of God before battle emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will in our decisions. We should prioritize prayer and discernment in our lives. Role of Leadership Judah's selection to lead highlights the importance of God-ordained leadership. We should recognize and respect the leaders God places in our lives. Unity and Obedience The tribes of Israel, despite internal conflict, come together to seek God's direction. This teaches us the value of unity and obedience to God's commands, even in challenging times. Consequences of Sin The conflict with Benjamin arose from sin within the tribe. This serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of sin and the need for accountability and repentance. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Judges 20What is Bethel's significance in the Bible? If the Israelites regretted their extreme oath, why didn’t they seek a different resolution instead of resorting to further bloodshed (Judges 21)? What is Bethel's significance in the Bible? Judges 20:35–46 – Is the near-total annihilation of an entire tribe by fellow Israelites consistent with the broader biblical message of unity among God’s people?(18) To the house of God.--Rather, to Bethel (as in the LXX., Syriac, Arabic, and Chaldee). The reason why our translators adopted their translation is shown by the Vulgate, which renders it "to the house of God that is in Shiloh." But Beth El cannot mean "house of God," which is always either Beth ha-Elohim or Beth Adonai (house of the Lord). Why they did not meet at the more central Shiloh we cannot say. Asked counsel of God.--Namely, by the Urim and Thummim. Apparently the high priest was not prevented by any scruple from taking the ephod, with its jewelled breastplate and Urim and Thummim, to any place where its use was needed. The ark was similarly carried from place to place, and had been brought (Judges 20:27) to the venerable sanctuary of Bethel with the high priest. It is not necessary to suppose that the tabernacle was itself removed. It may have been--for Shiloh was never understood to be more than its temporary resting-place. Bethel--as being a sacred place and near Gibeah--would be a convenient place of rendezvous. Which of us . . .?--Judges 1:1-2. Judah . . . first.--This is remarkable as indicating that the Urim and Thummim were something more than a pair of lots, and that the questions with which God was consulted by its means were other than those which admitted a mere positive or negative answer. Verse 18. - The house of God. In this rendering the A.V. follows the Vulgate, which has in demure Dei, hoc est, in Silo. But the Septuagint has Βαιθὴλ, and all the ancient authorities, as well as modern commentators, generally agree in rendering it Bethel. The reason, which seems a conclusive one, for so doing is that the Hebrew בית אל invariably means Bethel, and that the house of God is always expressed in Hebrew by בית האלהים (beth-ha-elohim). The conclusion is that at this time the ark of God, with the tabernacle, was at Bethel, which was only seven or eight miles from Shiloh. Bethel would be eight or ten miles from Gibeah, i.e. about half way between Shiloh and Gibeah. Asked counsel. The same phrase as Judges 1:1, where it is rendered simply asked (see note to Judges 1:1, and vers. 23, 47). In following this precedent the Israelites put the men of Gibeah on the footing of the Canaanite inhabitants of the land. With reference to ver. 9, it is worth considering whether this is not the fulfilment of the purpose there expressed by the Israelites, to go up against Gibeah by lot; either by understanding that the answer asked was given by a Divinely-directed lot, according to which Judah's turn came first (see Joshua 7:14-18; 1 Samuel 14:41; Acts 1:24-26; etc.), or by taking the expression by lot in a wider sense, as meaning generally Divine direction.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The Israelitesבְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son set out, וַיָּקֻ֜מוּ (way·yā·qu·mū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand went up וַיַּעֲל֣וּ (way·ya·‘ă·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively to Bethel, אֵל֮ (’êl) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1008: Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah and inquired וַיִּשְׁאֲל֣וּ (way·yiš·’ă·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand of God, בֵאלֹהִים֒ (ḇê·lō·hîm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative “Who מִ֚י (mî) Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix of us לָּ֣נוּ (lā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's Hebrew shall go up יַעֲלֶה־ (ya·‘ă·leh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively first בַתְּחִלָּ֔ה (ḇat·tə·ḥil·lāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8462: A commencement, rel, original to fight לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה (lam·mil·ḥā·māh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war against עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with the Benjamites?” בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son “Judah will be first,” יְהוּדָ֥ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites the LORD יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel replied. וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say Links Judges 20:18 NIVJudges 20:18 NLT Judges 20:18 ESV Judges 20:18 NASB Judges 20:18 KJV Judges 20:18 BibleApps.com Judges 20:18 Biblia Paralela Judges 20:18 Chinese Bible Judges 20:18 French Bible Judges 20:18 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 20:18 The children of Israel arose and went (Jd Judg. 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