But the Israelite army took courage and again took their battle positions in the same place where they had arrayed themselves on the first day.
We have here the defeat of the men of Israel in their first and second battle with the Benjamites. I. Before their first engagement they asked counsel of God concerning the order of their battle and were directed, and yet they were sorely beaten.
Commenting on Judges 20:18-25
And the people, the men of Israel, encouraged themselves,.... That though they had lost a great number of men, yet still their forces were large and greatly superior to those of Benjamin, and above all their cause was good: and set their battle again in array formed a line of battle again facing their enemy, inviting to another battle, and bidding defiance: and in the...
THE ISRAELITES LOSE FORTY THOUSAND. (Jdg 20:18-28) the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God--This consultation at Shiloh was right. But they ought to have done it at the commencement of their proceedings. Instead of this, all their plans were formed, and never doubting, it would seem, that the war was just and inevitable, the only subject of their inquiry...
Commenting on Judges 20:18-28