The children of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and asked counsel of God. They asked, “Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin?” The LORD said, “Judah first.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 18. Silo. Hebrew simply “to Bethel,” which the Septuagint Syr. Josephus, and others, explain of the city: but others generally understand “the house of God,” at Silo, for which Bethel is placed. Calmet. 21:2. 9 and 12. Phinees resided near the tabernacle, and was desired to consult.—Juda is not the name of a man, but of the tribe; ( Calmet.) and probably Othoniel would have the chief command. Salien.—The Israelites do not ask whether they ought to make war on their brethren, and so forth but only desire to know which tribe shall begin the attack. Calmet. 1:1 and 10:18. They manifest a degree of presumption, which God soon chastised, ( Calmet.) as well as the idolatry of Dan, and so forth which they had neglected to punish, though they had an express command to do it. Deuteronomy 13:12. Salien.—They were full of pride, and only concerned to revenge their own wrongs. Bible.