Judges 20:18-27

18Now the sons of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and 1inquired of God and said, “Who shall go up first for us to battle against the sons of Benjamin?” Then the Lord said, “Judah shall go up first.”

19So the sons of Israel arose in the morning and camped against Gibeah. 20The men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin, and the men of Israel arrayed for battle against them at Gibeah. 21Then the sons of Benjamin came out of Gibeah and 23felled to the ground on that day 22,000 men of Israel. 22But the people, the men of Israel, encouraged themselves and arrayed for battle again in the place where they had arrayed themselves the first day. 234The sons of Israel went up and wept before the Lord until evening, and 5inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall we again draw near for battle against the sons of my brother Benjamin?” And the Lord said, “Go up against him.”

24Then the sons of Israel 6came against the sons of Benjamin the second day. 25Benjamin went out 7against them from Gibeah the second day and 8felled to the ground again 18,000 men of the sons of Israel; all these drew the sword. 26Then 9all the sons of Israel and all the people went up and came to Bethel and wept; thus they remained there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening. And they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. 27The sons of Israel 10inquired of the Lord (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,