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.

JUDGES 20:28KJV
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Judges 20:28 (KJV)

What does Judges 20:28 mean?

Judges 20:28 describes how Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, stood before the ark, asking God whether Israel should continue fighting their fellow tribe, Benjamin, or stop. God answers Phinehas, telling him to go ahead with the battle, promising that Benjamin will be defeated the next day.

In this verse, Phinehas acts as a priest and mediator for Israel during a time of civil war. The Israelites are seeking clear direction from God after suffering losses in previous battles against the tribe of Benjamin. The verse highlights both the seriousness of the conflict and the Israelites’ dependence on God’s guidance before taking further action.

The Hebrew behind Judges 20:28

  • פִּינְחָס (Pinchas, "Phinehas"): Naming Phinehas as the son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron connects this moment to Israel’s priestly tradition, emphasizing the sacredness and authority of the inquiry.
  • עוֹד (yôsîp̄, "again"): The word for "again" shows the Israelites had already fought and lost before, underlining their uncertainty and persistence in seeking God's will.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, "the LORD"): The use of God’s personal name stresses that the answer comes directly from Israel’s covenant God, not just a general deity.
  • מָחָר (machar, "tomorrow"): God’s promise is specific and immediate, not just a vague assurance, which would have given the Israelites confidence to act.

Why Judges 20:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel did not act on their own but sought God’s will through the priest before continuing a difficult and divisive battle.
  • It shows the importance of spiritual leadership and the role of the priesthood in guiding the nation, especially in times of crisis.
  • The verse connects the events of Judges to the earlier traditions of Moses and Aaron, showing continuity in Israel’s relationship with God and their reliance on divine guidance.

Where else these words appear

“Phinehas” Hebrew H6372 · used in 24 verses

  • Exodus 6:25 And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.
  • Joshua 22:32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again.
  • 1 Samuel 14:3 And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.

“morrow” Hebrew H4279 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 30:33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
  • Joshua 3:5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.
  • 1 Samuel 28:19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

“cease” Hebrew H2308 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 11:8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
  • 1 Samuel 2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
  • Job 19:14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.

“Eleazar” Hebrew H499 · used in 70 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 27:2 And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,
  • Joshua 22:31 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.