“And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days, saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the LORD said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand”
In this verse, Phinehas, who was a descendant of Aaron and a priest, seeks divine guidance from the Lord concerning the ongoing battle against the tribe of Benjamin. The Israelites had suffered heavy losses and were contemplating whether they should continue fighting their fellow Israelites or cease the conflict.
Phinehas’ inquiry to the Lord reveals his desire for direction and wisdom in making this critical decision. As a priest, he had the responsibility to seek God’s counsel on behalf of the people.
The fact that he stood “before it” implies that he presented his question before the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God’s presence among the Israelites.
In response to Phinehas’ inquiry, the Lord assures him of victory, saying, “Go up; for tomorrow I will deliver them into thine hand.” This divine response offers encouragement and confirms that the Lord will provide the Israelites with the victory they seek.
With this assurance, the Israelites can move forward confidently and continue their efforts to defeat the tribe of Benjamin.
This verse highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in making decisions, especially during times of uncertainty or conflict.
Phinehas’ example shows us the significance of turning to God for direction and relying on His promises. It also emphasises the role of the priesthood in seeking God’s will on behalf of the people.
