And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there,
We have here a full account of the complete victory which the Israelites obtained over the Benjamites in the third engagement: the righteous cause was victorious at last, when the managers of it amended what had been amiss; for, when a good cause suffers, it is for want of good management. Observe then how the victory was obtained, and how it was pursued. I. How the victory was obtained.
Commenting on Judges 20:26-48
And the children of Israel inquired of the Lord,.... By the Word of the Lord, as the Targum, and which has the same expression in Jdg 20:18 for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days; in Shiloh, where the tabernacle was. for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days; in Shiloh, where the tabernacle was.
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