Judges 20:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Despite having greater numbers and logical reasoning on their side, the Israelites were less formidable in combat. In their fear of divine judgment, they turned to fasting and mourning in an effort to restore their relationship with the Source of all blessings.

Upon witnessing that they, too, had faced correction and were pleading for assistance, shedding abundant tears, he then encouraged their fervor.

On the third occasion, all the Israelites assembled in the sanctuary of the Lord, seeking to appease Him with heartfelt tears, intense fasting, and plentiful offerings. They earnestly confessed their sins and implored Him for the salvation of the entire nation of Israel from the trials and vile depravity that had never before been witnessed among them. They requested a clear directive from Him on whether they should engage the enemy once more and, if so, to reveal unmistakable signs of triumph. God's third command was conveyed to the Israelites through Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, who was present before the ark of the covenant at that time. The message was as follows: "Go, fight; I will deliver him (your enemy, the Benjamites) into your hands tomorrow." (For further understanding, see Judg. 20:35)