Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Early the next day the people built an altar and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. New Living Translation Early the next morning the people built an altar and presented their burnt offerings and peace offerings on it. English Standard Version And the next day the people rose early and built there an altar and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Berean Standard Bible The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings. Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass on the next morning that the people rose early and built there an altar, and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. King James Bible And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. New King James Version So it was, on the next morning, that the people rose early and built an altar there, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. New American Standard Bible And it came about the next day that the people got up early and built an altar there, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. NASB 1995 It came about the next day that the people arose early and built an altar there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. NASB 1977 And it came about the next day that the people arose early and built an altar there, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Legacy Standard Bible Now it happened the next day that the people arose early and built an altar there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Amplified Bible And the next day the people got up early and built an altar there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Berean Annotated Bible The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings. Christian Standard Bible The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Holman Christian Standard Bible The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. American Standard Version And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings. Contemporary English Version Early the next morning, the Israelites built an altar and offered sacrifices to please the LORD and to ask his blessing. English Revised Version And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. GOD'S WORD® Translation The next day the people got up early. They built an altar there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Good News Translation Early the next morning the people got up and built an altar there. They offered fellowship sacrifices and burned some sacrifices whole. International Standard Version The next day, the people got up early, built an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. NET Bible The next morning the people got up early and built an altar there. They offered up burnt sacrifices and token of peace. New Heart English Bible It happened on the next day that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Webster's Bible Translation And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt-offerings, and peace-offerings. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings. World English Bible On the next day, the people rose early and built an altar there, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it comes to pass on the next day, that the people rise early, and build an altar there, and cause burnt-offerings and peace-offerings to ascend. Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass on the next morning that the people rose early and built there an altar, and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass on the morrow, that the people rise early, and build there an altar, and cause to ascend burnt-offerings and peace-offerings. Smith's Literal Translation And it will be on the morrow, and the people will rise early and they will build there an altar, and will bring up burnt-offerings and peace. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd rising early the next day, they built an altar: and offered there holocausts, and victims of peace, and they said: Catholic Public Domain Version Then, rising at first light on the next day, they built an altar. And they offered holocausts and victims of peace offerings there, and they said, New American Bible Early the next day the people built an altar there and offered burnt offerings and communion offerings. New Revised Standard Version On the next day, the people got up early, and built an altar there, and offered burnt offerings and sacrifices of well-being. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd on the morrow the people rose early and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the day after, the people arose early and built up an altar there, and they offered up sacrifices and peace offerings OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it came to pass on the morrow that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings. Brenton Septuagint Translation And it came to pass on the morrow that the people rose up early, and built there an altar, and offered up whole-burnt-offerings and peace offerings. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Wives for the Benjamites…3“Why, O LORD God of Israel,” they cried out, “has this happened in Israel? Today in Israel one tribe is missing!” 4 The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings. 5The Israelites asked, “Who among all the tribes of Israel did not come to the assembly before the LORD?” For they had taken a solemn oath that anyone who failed to come up before the LORD at Mizpah would surely be put to death.… Cross References The next day Exodus 32:6 So the next day they arose, offered burnt offerings, and presented peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry. 1 Samuel 11:11 The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions, and during the morning watch they invaded the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them, until the hottest part of the day. And the survivors were so scattered that no two of them were left together. the people got up early, Exodus 24:4 And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. Genesis 22:3 So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac. He split the wood for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had designated. Joshua 6:12 Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests took the ark of the LORD. built an altar there, 2 Samuel 24:25 And there he built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then the LORD answered the prayers on behalf of the land, and the plague upon Israel was halted. Joshua 8:30-31 At that time Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal to the LORD, the God of Israel, / just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites. He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: “an altar of uncut stones on which no iron tool has been used.” And on it they offered burnt offerings to the LORD, and they sacrificed peace offerings. 1 Kings 18:30-32 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people approached him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down. / And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.” / And with the stones, Elijah built an altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. and presented burnt offerings Exodus 24:5 Then he sent out some young men of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD. Genesis 8:20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD. And taking from every kind of clean animal and clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar. 1 Samuel 7:9 Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him. and peace offerings. Leviticus 3:1-5 “If one’s offering is a peace offering and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present it without blemish before the LORD. / He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splatter the blood on all sides of the altar. / From the peace offering he is to bring a food offering to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, … Leviticus 7:11-15 Now this is the law of the peace offering that one may present to the LORD: / If he offers it in thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with olive oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well-kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil. / Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving he is to present an offering with cakes of leavened bread. … 1 Kings 8:63 And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD. Leviticus 6:12-13 The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. / The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished. Numbers 28:1-2 Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Command the Israelites and say to them: See that you present to Me at its appointed time the food for My food offerings, as a pleasing aroma to Me. Treasury of Scripture And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. rose early Psalm 78:34,35 When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God… Hosea 5:15 I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early. built there Judges 6:26 And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down. Exodus 20:24,25 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee… 2 Samuel 24:18,25 And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite… Jump to Previous Altar Ascend Built Burnt Burnt-Offerings Cause Early Morrow Offered Offering Offerings Peace Peace-Offerings Presented Rise RoseJump to Next Altar Ascend Built Burnt Burnt-Offerings Cause Early Morrow Offered Offering Offerings Peace Peace-Offerings Presented Rise RoseJudges 21 1. The people bewail the desolation of Benjamin8. By the destruction of Jabesh Gilead they provide them four hundred wives. 16. They advise the remainder to surprise the virgins that danced at Shiloh The next day This phrase indicates a continuation of events following the previous day's assembly and mourning over the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin. It reflects the urgency and seriousness with which the Israelites approached the situation, emphasizing their commitment to seeking God's guidance and favor. the people got up early built an altar there and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe collective group of the twelve tribes of Israel, who are dealing with the aftermath of a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. 2. The Altar A structure built by the Israelites as a place of worship and sacrifice to God, signifying repentance and seeking divine guidance. 3. Burnt Offerings Sacrifices that were completely consumed by fire, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. 4. Peace Offerings Sacrifices that were shared between the altar, the priests, and the offerer, symbolizing fellowship and thanksgiving to God. 5. Mizpah The location where the Israelites gathered, which served as a significant place for assembly and decision-making. Teaching Points Repentance and RestorationThe Israelites' actions demonstrate the importance of repentance and seeking restoration with God after sin and conflict. We, too, must prioritize repentance in our spiritual lives. The Role of Sacrifice Sacrifices in the Old Testament were a means of atonement and fellowship with God. Today, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices through our lives and actions. Community and Worship The gathering of the Israelites at Mizpah underscores the importance of communal worship and decision-making in the life of believers. Seeking Divine Guidance Building an altar and offering sacrifices was a way for the Israelites to seek God’s guidance. We should also seek God’s direction through prayer and scripture. Peace and Fellowship The peace offerings symbolize the importance of maintaining peace and fellowship with God and others, a principle that remains vital for Christians today. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 21:4?2. How does Judges 21:4 demonstrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in decisions? 3. What does the offering of burnt offerings in Judges 21:4 signify about repentance? 4. How can we apply the Israelites' actions in Judges 21:4 to our worship today? 5. What connections exist between Judges 21:4 and other Old Testament sacrificial practices? 6. How does Judges 21:4 encourage us to prioritize communal worship and prayer? 7. Why did the Israelites offer sacrifices in Judges 21:4 after their actions against Benjamin? 8. How does Judges 21:4 reflect on the Israelites' relationship with God? 9. What is the significance of the altar in Judges 21:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 21? 11. What does an Asherah pole represent? 12. Judges 4:21 tells of Jael killing Sisera with a tent peg--are there archaeological or extra-biblical sources supporting the historicity of this event? 13. How is it fair for 70,000 people to die (1 Chronicles 21:14) because of David's census? 14. Who was Jael and what did she do? What Does Judges 21:4 Mean The next day“ The next day ” (Judges 21:4) signals immediate follow-through after Israel’s night of grief over the civil war with Benjamin (Judges 20:26–28). Scripture often marks decisive obedience with an early next-day response—Noah stepping out of the ark (Genesis 8:13–19), Moses confronting Pharaoh again (Exodus 10:1–13), Joshua moving the nation toward the Jordan (Joshua 3:1). Each instance shows that when conviction is fresh, delay is dangerous; prompt action keeps hearts tender and aligned with God’s revealed will. The people got up early Rising early in Scripture highlights eagerness to meet God. • Abraham “rose early” to offer Isaac (Genesis 22:3). • Job “would rise early” to intercede for his children (Job 1:5). • Jesus “very early in the morning… went out to a solitary place, where He prayed” (Mark 1:35). Israel’s early rising at Bethel contrasts with their earlier sluggishness in rooting out idolatry (Judges 2:11–19). Here they finally show zeal to restore fellowship with the LORD, reminding us that true repentance produces energetic pursuit of Him (2 Corinthians 7:10–11). Built an altar there “ Built an altar there ” echoes patriarchal worship at Bethel—Jacob built an altar in that very place after God renewed covenant promises (Genesis 35:1–7). Altars in Scripture serve to: • Memorialize God’s past faithfulness (Exodus 17:15). • Provide a sanctioned meeting point between holy God and sinful people (Exodus 20:24). • Publicly declare allegiance to the LORD (Judges 6:24). By rebuilding an altar, Israel affirms that reconciliation with God must precede reconciliation among tribes (cf. Matthew 5:23–24). Presented burnt offerings and peace offerings They “ presented burnt offerings and peace offerings .” Burnt offerings (Leviticus 1:3–9) symbolized complete surrender; the entire animal was consumed, picturing total dedication. Peace offerings (Leviticus 3:1–17) celebrated restored fellowship, portions shared in a communal meal. Together these offerings communicate: • Acknowledgment of sin and need for atonement (Psalm 51:19). • Desire for renewed communion with God and one another (1 Samuel 10:8; Romans 5:1). • Gratitude for mercy received (Psalm 107:22). Their sequence matters: first the whole-burnt surrender, then the shared peace meal—illustrating that wholehearted consecration opens the door to joyful fellowship (Romans 12:1; 1 John 1:7). summary Judges 21:4 portrays Israel’s swift, earnest return to covenant worship after devastating internal conflict. Rising early, they rebuild the altar at Bethel and offer burnt and peace sacrifices, demonstrating repentance, renewed devotion, and restored communion with the LORD. The verse teaches that genuine reconciliation—horizontal and vertical—begins with prompt, wholehearted surrender to God, followed by thankful fellowship grounded in His gracious atonement. (4) Built there an altar.--We find David doing the same at the threshing-floor of Araunah (2Samuel 24:25), and Solomon at Gibeon. Unless the entire tabernacle had, for the time, been removed to Bethel, there was no regular altar there. It has been suggested that in any case this altar must have been necessitated by the multitude of sacrifices required for the holocausts and the food of the people. (See Note on Judges 20:26.) Probably there is some other reason unknown to us.Verse 4.- Offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. See ch. 20:26, note.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The next dayמִֽמָּחֳרָ֔ת (mim·mā·ḥo·rāṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4283: The morrow, tomorrow the people הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock got up early, וַיַּשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ (way·yaš·kî·mū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7925: To load up, to start early in the morning built וַיִּבְנוּ־ (way·yiḇ·nū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1129: To build an altar מִזְבֵּ֑חַ (miz·bê·aḥ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4196: An altar there, שָׁ֖ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither and presented וַיַּעֲל֥וּ (way·ya·‘ă·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively burnt offerings עֹל֖וֹת (‘ō·lō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5930: Whole burnt offering and peace offerings. וּשְׁלָמִֽים׃ (ū·šə·lā·mîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8002: A sacrifice for alliance or friendship, peace offering Links Judges 21:4 NIVJudges 21:4 NLT Judges 21:4 ESV Judges 21:4 NASB Judges 21:4 KJV Judges 21:4 BibleApps.com Judges 21:4 Biblia Paralela Judges 21:4 Chinese Bible Judges 21:4 French Bible Judges 21:4 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 21:4 It happened on the next day that (Jd Judg. 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