And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.

JUDGES 21:4KJV
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Judges 21:4 (KJV)

What does Judges 21:4 mean?

Judges 21:4 describes how, on the day after a crisis among the Israelites, the people got up early, built an altar, and offered both burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. This act shows the community turning to worship and sacrifice as a response to their difficult situation.

The verse is set after a violent conflict within Israel, where the people are grieving and seeking guidance. The people ("עָם" — ʿam) are not named individually but act together, showing unity in their actions. Building an altar ("מִזְבֵּחַ" — mizbeach) and offering sacrifices was a traditional way for Israelites to seek reconciliation with God and express their dependence on Him during times of trouble.

The Hebrew behind Judges 21:4

  • "עָם" (ʿam) — This word for "people" emphasizes the collective identity of Israel, highlighting that the actions taken were by the whole community, not just a few leaders.
  • "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach) — The word for "altar" refers to a specific place set apart for offerings to God, underlining the seriousness and sacredness of what they were doing.
  • "עֹלָה" (olah) — Translated as "burnt offerings," this type of sacrifice was entirely burned on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God.
  • "שֶׁלֶם" (shelem) — Translated as "peace offerings," these sacrifices were shared between God, the priests, and the people, representing fellowship and thanksgiving.

Why Judges 21:4 matters

  • This verse shows that the Israelites responded to their crisis not just with action, but by seeking God through worship and sacrifice, which was central to their identity.
  • The building of a new altar signals a fresh attempt at reconciliation and renewal after a period of violence and division.
  • Understanding the types of offerings helps clarify that the people were seeking both forgiveness (burnt offerings) and restored relationship (peace offerings) with God.

Where else these words appear

“morrow” Hebrew H4283 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 19:34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
  • Numbers 11:32 And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp.
  • 1 Samuel 11:11 And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.

“early” Hebrew H7925 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Judges 6:38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:15 And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

“offerings” Hebrew H8002 · used in 84 verses

  • Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
  • Leviticus 9:22 And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.
  • Joshua 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.