“And the children of Israel went up and wept before the Lord until even, and asked counsel of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the Lord said, Go up against him.”
Context: Judges 20 recounts the tragic events that occurred when a Levite’s concubine was abused and killed by the men of Gibeah, a city from the tribe of Benjamin. This incident led to a civil war between the tribes of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. The Israelites gathered to take action against Benjamin, seeking justice for the gruesome crime.
Seeking God’s counsel:The verse begins with the children of Israel weeping before the Lord. Their hearts were heavy with the gravity of the situation and the need for guidance. This demonstrates their dependence on God and their desire to seek His counsel before proceeding with any further actions.
Persistence in prayer:The Israelites wept before the Lord until evening. This shows their determination to seek God’s will and their commitment to prayer. They were not hasty in making decisions but sought to hear from God through earnest and persistent prayer. This teaches us the importance of patient and persistent prayer when seeking divine guidance.
Seeking guidance in difficult decisions:The Israelites asked the Lord for counsel regarding whether they should go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin, who were their own brethren. The decision to wage war against their own people was a difficult one, and they wanted to ensure that they were following God’s will. This reveals their desire to align their actions with God’s purposes and not act solely on their own emotions or desires.
God’s response:In response to their inquiry, the Lord instructed the Israelites to go up against the tribe of Benjamin once again. God granted them permission to engage in battle. This highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance and receiving His direct response. The Israelites were not left without an answer, and God provided them with clear direction.
Key takeaways:
- We should seek God’s counsel and guidance in all areas of our lives, especially when faced with difficult decisions or challenging situations.
- Persistence in prayer is essential. We should not grow weary but continue seeking God’s will until we receive clarity.
- God’s response may not always align with our expectations or desires. It is crucial to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty, even if His answer is different from what we anticipated.
- The story of Judges 20 highlights the consequences of sin and the need for justice. It also serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate judge, and He will bring about justice in His time.
