King James Version
What Does Judges 20:9 Mean?
“But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it;”
Judges 20:9 · KJV
Context
7
Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel.
8
And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any of us go to his tent, neither will we any of us turn into his house.
9
But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it;
10
And we will take ten men of an hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch victual for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel.
11
So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man. knit: Heb. fellows
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThis shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it (נַעֲלֶה עָלֶיהָ בְּגוֹרָל, na'aleh aleha begoral)—'by lot' (גּוֹרָל, goral) typically indicated seeking divine direction (Joshua 18:6; 1 Samuel 14:41-42; Proverbs 16:33). Israel's use of lots suggests some attempt at divine consultation, yet their implementation reveals they predetermined the outcome. They decided on war before casting lots; the lots merely determined tactical order.
This demonstrates the difference between consulting God and informing Him of decisions already made. True divine inquiry means submitting the 'whether' to God, not merely the 'how.' Israel asks 'Who shall go up first?' (v. 18) but never asks 'Should we go up at all?' or 'How should we approach Benjamin to bring them to repentance?' Their entire strategic framework assumes military assault is the right response, seeking God only for implementation details. This pattern persists throughout the chapter: repeated inquiries that never question their fundamental approach. When we've already decided our course of action, our 'seeking God' becomes ritual validation rather than genuine submission. God may answer such prayers (v. 18, 23, 28) while still allowing our predetermined plans to exact terrible costs that teach humility.
This demonstrates the difference between consulting God and informing Him of decisions already made. True divine inquiry means submitting the 'whether' to God, not merely the 'how.' Israel asks 'Who shall go up first?' (v. 18) but never asks 'Should we go up at all?' or 'How should we approach Benjamin to bring them to repentance?' Their entire strategic framework assumes military assault is the right response, seeking God only for implementation details. This pattern persists throughout the chapter: repeated inquiries that never question their fundamental approach. When we've already decided our course of action, our 'seeking God' becomes ritual validation rather than genuine submission. God may answer such prayers (v. 18, 23, 28) while still allowing our predetermined plans to exact terrible costs that teach humility.
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Historical & Cultural Context
The practice of casting lots for military organization had precedent in Israelite warfare (1 Samuel 14:41-42; Joshua 7:14-18). However, proper consultation of God included inquiring through the Urim and Thummim via the high priest (Exodus 28:30; Numbers 27:21). The contrast between Israel's minimal consultation here and their eventual fuller inquiry (v. 27-28 mentions Phinehas and the ark) shows their spiritual progression through suffering.
Reflection Questions
- When do you consult God about 'how' while never questioning 'whether' your basic approach aligns with His will?
- How do you use spiritual practices (prayer, seeking counsel) as validation rather than genuine submission?
- What would it mean to truly surrender your predetermined plans and let God redirect your entire approach?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsהַדָּבָ֔ר3 of 8
“But now this shall be the thing”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר4 of 8
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָלֶ֖יהָ7 of 8
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בְּגוֹרָֽל׃8 of 8
“we will go up by lot”
H1486properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
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 20:9 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 20:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge