And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first.
The Israelites got up and went to the house of God to ask for God's guidance. They said, 'Which of our tribes should attack the tribe of Benjamin first?' And the LORD answered, 'Judah should go first.'
The Israelites are seeking God's direction about which tribe should lead their military campaign against Benjamin, and God tells them Judah should go first.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place during the period of the judges when Israel had no king and was organized by tribes. The Israelites were preparing for civil war against the tribe of Benjamin because of a horrific crime committed in the Benjamite city of Gibeah. They went to Bethel (the house of God) where the ark of the covenant was located to seek divine guidance before battle.
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