Judges 20:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

On the third occasion, the Israelites assembled in the house of the Lord to seek His mercy with heartfelt weeping, intense fasting, and numerous offerings. They earnestly implored Him for forgiveness of their transgressions and for the rescue of all Israel from the trial and base immoralities that had previously not been witnessed among them. They also sought His clear guidance on whether they should engage in battle against their adversaries once more, and if so, to reveal to them unmistakable signs of triumph. The Israelites received God's direction through Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, who stood before the Ark of the Covenant at that moment. God instructed them: “Go, fight; I will deliver him (that is, your enemy, the Benjamites) into your hands tomorrow.” (For interpretation, see under the verse Judg. 20:35)