17 Now besides Benjamin, the men of Israel numbered four hundred thousand men who drew the sword; all of these were men of war.

18 Then the children of Israel arose and (A)went up to [a]the house of God to (B)inquire of God. They said, “Which of us shall go up first to battle against the children of Benjamin?”

The Lord said, (C)“Judah first!”

19 So the children of Israel rose in the morning and encamped against Gibeah.

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Footnotes

  1. Judges 20:18 Or Bethel

17 Israel, apart from Benjamin, mustered four hundred thousand swordsmen, all of them fit for battle.

18 The Israelites went up to Bethel[a](A) and inquired of God.(B) They said, “Who of us is to go up first(C) to fight(D) against the Benjamites?”

The Lord replied, “Judah(E) shall go first.”

19 The next morning the Israelites got up and pitched camp near Gibeah.

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Footnotes

  1. Judges 20:18 Or to the house of God; also in verse 26