Lev 8:8, Num 27:21, Deu 33:8, Judg 1:1, 20:18, 23, 27-28, 1Sa 23:9-12 | TSK | STEP

And the.It seems most evident that the Israelites did not seek the protection of God. When they "went to the house of God," (ver. 18,) it was not to enquire concerning the expediency of the war, nor of its success, but which of the tribes should begin the attack: and here the question is, "Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother?" Having so much right on their side, they had no doubt of the justice of their cause, and the propriety of their conduct; and having such a superiority of numbers, they had no doubt of success. But God humbled them, and delivered them into the hands of their enemies; and shewed them that the race was not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong.

Judges 20:27-28

enquired.

18,23; Nu 27:21

the ark.

Jos 18:1; 1Sa 4:3,4; Ps 78:60,61; Jer 7:12The loss of two battles at length brought this stiff-necked people to enquire of the Lord; for all the company at this time met at Shiloh, and kept a day of fasting and prayer with great earnestness and solemnity. "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear."

Isa 59:1

Phinehas.It is evident, from this mention of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, that these transactions must have taken place not long after the death of Joshua.

Nu 25:7-13; Jos 22:13,30-32; 24:33

stood.

De 10:8; 18:5

Shall I yet.

Jos 7:7; 1Sa 14:37; 23:4-12; 30:8; 2Sa 5:19-24; 6:3,7-12; Pr 3:5,6

Jer 10:23

Go up.

1:2; 7:9; 2Ch 20:17