Judges 20:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, brothers found themselves in conflict due to sin. When disputes arise among your brothers, refrain from excessive grievances against them; instead, reflect inwardly and scrutinize the faults that have led to your brethren becoming adversaries. However, it is essential to recognize that not all confrontations among brothers stem from their sins. For instance, Joseph faced hostility from his brothers not because of his wrongdoing, and Job encountered strife from his wife not due to his faults. Many individuals have domestic strife rooted in their transgressions.

But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will repay each one according to his deeds” (Rom. 2:3-6). The Israelites experienced similar fate. Filled with righteous indignation towards those who had sinned at Gabaon, they mustered an army of four hundred thousand. However, God aimed to correct them for their actions, as they acknowledged the sins of others yet were blind to their own failings, which led to their defeat on multiple occasions, resulting in the loss of many thousands.

In their determination to confront the tribe of Benjamin over a grievous matter, the Israelites sought guidance from the true God regarding their commander, and God affirmed that Judah would lead. This answer filled them with joy, leading them to believe they had received news of certain victory. Armed with a great army and high spirits, they advanced against Benjamin, only to find themselves defeated and to mourn the loss of twenty-two thousand men in a single encounter. Undeterred, they prepared to engage once more, praying fervently and fasting throughout the night, weeping before the Lord in desperation. God then commanded them once again, saying, “Go up and fight.”

Obeying God's directive, the Israelites approached the battle filled with hope for success. However, they faced defeat a second time, suffering the loss of eighty thousand soldiers, nearly as devastating as before. How can this divine command be understood? Eventually, all the Israelites convened in the temple, consumed by profound sorrow and intense fasting, offering numerous sacrifices as they prayed to God, asking whether they should engage in battle again. God responded for a third time, assuring them, “Come up, for in the morning I will deliver them into your hands.”

The fearful Israelites might have reasoned: God’s commands led to calamity twice before; who would dare to face further ruin? Perhaps it would be wiser to remain behind the safety of their walls. Yet their faith in God prevailed, compelling them into battle with renewed expectation, resulting in the defeat of twenty-five thousand men from the tribe of Benjamin.

Two important aspects emerge from this account. Firstly, the hidden purposes of God, which are beyond human comprehension. Secondly, the necessity of unwavering faith in God. In both instances, we must focus solely on the will of the Creator. It should not trouble us when righteousness leads to calamity, particularly when good intentions do not yield a favorable outcome. Often, afflictions beset the undisciplined, affecting the strong, punishing the innocent, and bewildering the humble. In these situations, we must revere the inscrutable will of our God. While it may be tempting to assert more than what is justifiable, it is imperative to retain humility in such matters. God is the one who works within us, to will and to perform according to His good pleasure.