Judges 20:28
and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, "Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?" The LORD answered, "Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand."
and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, was ministering before it
This phrase introduces Phinehas, a significant figure in Israel's history. Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, the first high priest, represents a direct link to the priestly lineage established by God. His presence underscores the continuity of the priestly office and the importance of seeking divine guidance. The Hebrew root for "ministering" (שָׁרַת, sharath) implies service and attendance, highlighting Phinehas's role in mediating between God and the people. Historically, Phinehas is known for his zealousness for God's holiness (Numbers 25:7-13), which adds weight to his involvement in this critical moment.

They asked, 'Shall we again go out to battle against the Benjamites our brothers, or should we stop?'
The Israelites' inquiry reflects a moment of deep introspection and reliance on divine direction. The phrase "our brothers" emphasizes the familial bond between the tribes of Israel, making the conflict with Benjamin particularly painful and complex. The Hebrew word for "brothers" (אָח, ach) conveys not just kinship but also a covenantal relationship, reminding the Israelites of their shared heritage and responsibilities. This question reveals their struggle between justice and unity, seeking God's will in a situation where human wisdom falls short.

The LORD answered, 'Go, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hands.'
God's response is both a command and a promise. The assurance "I will deliver" (נָתַן, nathan) signifies God's sovereign control over the outcome, providing the Israelites with confidence and direction. The use of "tomorrow" indicates a specific divine timing, teaching the Israelites patience and trust in God's perfect plan. This promise of victory is not just a military assurance but a reaffirmation of God's covenant faithfulness. It serves as a reminder that, despite the internal strife, God remains committed to His people and His purposes for them.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Phinehas
The grandson of Aaron, serving as a priest during this time. Known for his zeal for God's holiness, Phinehas plays a crucial role in seeking God's guidance for Israel.

2. Eleazar
The father of Phinehas and son of Aaron, Eleazar was a high priest who succeeded Aaron. His lineage signifies the continuity of the priestly line.

3. The Benjamites
One of the tribes of Israel, involved in a civil conflict with the other tribes due to a grievous sin committed in Gibeah, a city in Benjamin.

4. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, seeking justice and guidance from God in their conflict with the Benjamites.

5. The LORD's Response
God’s direct communication to Israel, providing assurance of victory in their righteous cause.
Teaching Points
Seeking Divine Guidance
In times of conflict or decision-making, seek God's guidance through prayer and His Word, just as Israel sought direction through Phinehas.

The Role of Righteous Leaders
Godly leaders like Phinehas play a crucial role in guiding people according to God's will. We should pray for and support leaders who seek God's direction.

God's Assurance in Righteous Causes
When pursuing justice or righteousness, trust in God's assurance and timing. God promised victory to Israel when their cause aligned with His will.

The Importance of Unity Among Believers
The conflict with the Benjamites reminds us of the need for unity and reconciliation within the body of Christ, addressing sin with truth and love.

Faith in God's Promises
Trust in God's promises, even when facing overwhelming odds. His word is faithful and true, as demonstrated by His assurance to Israel.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Phinehas in Judges 20:28 reflect the importance of spiritual leadership in times of crisis?

2. What can we learn from the Israelites' approach to seeking God's guidance before going into battle?

3. How does the conflict with the Benjamites illustrate the consequences of sin within a community, and what steps can we take to address sin in our own communities?

4. In what ways does God's assurance to Israel in this passage encourage us to trust in His promises today?

5. How can we apply the principle of seeking unity and reconciliation among believers, as seen in the resolution of the conflict with the Benjamites, to our own lives and church communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 25
Phinehas is first introduced, demonstrating his zeal for God by stopping a plague among the Israelites. This background highlights his role as a mediator and intercessor.

1 Samuel 14
The use of the ephod and seeking God's guidance in battle, similar to how Phinehas sought God's will in Judges 20:28.

Psalm 106:30-31
References Phinehas' righteous act, which was credited to him as righteousness, showing the importance of zeal for God's holiness.
From Justice to Wild RevengeR. A. Watson, M. A.Judges 20:1-48
The Difficulty of Punishing Evil-DoersA.F. Muir Judges 20:26-28
People
Aaron, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Dan, Eleazar, Israelites, Nohah, Phinehas, Samuel, Tamar
Places
Baal-tamar, Beersheba, Bethel, Dan, Gibeah, Gidom, Gilead, Maareh-geba, Mizpah, Nohah, Rimmon
Topics
Aaron, Aaron's, Add, Battle, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Brethren, Brother, Cease, Deliver, Eleazar, Elea'zar, Fight, Hands, Minister, Ministered, Ministering, Morrow, Phinehas, Phin'ehas, Responded, Saying, Sons, Standing, Stood, Tomorrow, To-morrow, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 20:18-48

     5214   attack

Judges 20:23-28

     8129   guidance, examples

Judges 20:26-28

     7306   ark of the covenant
     8431   fasting, reasons
     8648   enquiring of God

Judges 20:27-44

     5608   warfare, strategies

Library
To his Most Serene and Mighty Imperial Majesty, and to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation.
Dr. MARTINUS LUTHER. The grace and might of God be with you, Most Serene Majesty! most gracious, well beloved gentlemen! It is not out of mere arrogance and perversity that I, a single poor man, have taken upon me to address your lordships. The distress and misery that oppress all the Christian estates, more especially in Germany, have led not only myself, but every one else, to cry aloud and to ask for help, and have now forced me too, to cry out and to ask, if God would give His Spirit to any one,
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
Discourse 7 "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: And thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." Matthew 6:16-18. 1. It has been the endeavour of Satan, from the beginning of the world,
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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