King James Version

What Does Judges 20:27 Mean?

Judges 20:27 in the King James Version says “And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,” — study this verse from Judges chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,”

Judges 20:27 · KJV

Context

25

And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.

26

Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God , and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

27

And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,

28

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.

29

And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah.

Read Judges 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days (וְשָׁם אֲרוֹן בְּרִית־הָאֱלֹהִים בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם)—parenthetical note explaining why Bethel: the ark was stationed there. The ark represented God's presence, His throne (1 Samuel 4:4), and the place where He met with Israel (Exodus 25:22). Its mention emphasizes that this inquiry occurs in God's manifest presence, unlike earlier perfunctory consultations.

The reference to the ark underscores the theological significance: Israel finally approaches God at the proper place, with proper attitude, seeking genuine guidance rather than procedural approval. Earlier inquiries may have been conducted without the ark present or without approaching it properly. Now, broken by defeat, they come to the very throne of God. This illustrates that location matters—not because God is confined to places, but because designated places of His presence require approaching Him on His terms, not ours. The chapter's structure moves from casual consultation → weeping → weeping with fasting and sacrifice at the ark. Progressive brokenness leads to progressively proper worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The ark's presence at Bethel rather than Shiloh (where the tabernacle stood, Joshua 18:1) is unusual and unexplained. It was possibly brought for this national emergency. The ark represented Yahweh's throne and contained the tablets of the covenant (Deuteronomy 10:1-5). Its presence made Bethel the legitimate place for national inquiry, similar to how Israel later carried the ark into battle (1 Samuel 4:3-11—with disastrous results when done presumptuously).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does approaching God 'where He is' rather than on your terms change your seeking?
  2. What does it mean to come before God's manifest presence with proper humility?
  3. How has progressive brokenness led you to progressively proper worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיִּשְׁאֲל֥וּ1 of 10

“enquired”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

בְנֵֽי2 of 10

“And the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל3 of 10

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בַּֽיהוָ֑ה4 of 10

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְשָׁ֗ם5 of 10
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֲרוֹן֙6 of 10

“for the ark”

H727

a box

בְּרִ֣ית7 of 10

“of the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים8 of 10

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בַּיָּמִ֖ים9 of 10

“was there in those days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָהֵֽם׃10 of 10
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 20:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Judges 20:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 18:11 Samuel 4:3-4Judges 20:18Psalms 78:60-61Jeremiah 7:12Judges 20:23

Places in This Verse

Bethel 1Settlement · Modern: Beitin · 31.92°N, 35.24°E69 verses across 12 books
View all places in Judges 20 →

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