Judges 21:4 – “Early the next day the people built an altar and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Judges 21:4 describes a significant moment of repentance and worship by the Israelites. After realizing the disastrous effects of their actions in the near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin, the Israelites responded by turning to God in worship. They built an altar and offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings as a way to seek God’s forgiveness and restore their relationship with Him. Burnt offerings symbolized atonement for sin, while fellowship offerings represented peace and communion with God. This act showed the Israelites’ recognition of their need for God’s mercy and their desire to reconnect with Him after a period of conflict and sorrow.
Historical Context
This verse is set during the chaotic and morally tumultuous time of the Judges, a period marked by Israel’s repeated failures to live according to God’s commands. The immediate context involves a devastating civil war between the tribes of Israel and Benjamin, sparked by a horrific crime in Gibeah. Following the near obliteration of Benjamin, the Israelites were grieved by the consequences of their actions. In their desperation, they sought to make amends not just with Benjamin but also with God. Building an altar and offering sacrifices was a traditional means for the Israelites to seek God’s favor and express their repentance, highlighting their need for divine intervention in their fractured state.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse underscores the importance of seeking God’s forgiveness and making peace with Him after sinning. The Israelites’ actions remind us that when we stray from God’s ways, the proper response is to repent and return to Him. Their offering of sacrifices demonstrates that reconciliation with God involves acknowledging our wrongdoings and seeking to restore fellowship through worship and humble submission. This moment reflects the need for atonement and highlights God’s willingness to accept His people back when they approach Him with a contrite heart.
Literary Analysis
Judges 21:4 serves as a transitional moment in the narrative, moving from conflict and lament to an attempt at restoration. The building of an altar and the offering of sacrifices symbolize a break from the violence and chaos of the previous events, pointing toward a renewed desire for peace and order. The specific mention of “early the next day” suggests a sense of urgency in the Israelites’ actions, indicating their recognition that they needed to address their spiritual state promptly. This verse marks a crucial turning point where the community’s focus shifts from human conflict to divine worship.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 1:4 – “You are to lay your hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on your behalf to make atonement for you.”
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
- Psalm 51:17 – “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Judges 21:4 serves as a reminder of the importance of turning to God in times of failure and conflict. It teaches that when we recognize our sins, the right response is to seek reconciliation with God through sincere repentance and worship. This verse encourages believers to bring their brokenness before God, trusting that He desires to restore and heal us. It highlights the value of a humble heart that acknowledges its need for God’s forgiveness and the importance of seeking His presence, especially when we feel the weight of our mistakes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving nature in that He provides a way for His people to return to Him, even after they have strayed. The building of the altar and the offering of sacrifices illustrate God’s openness to receive His people back into fellowship. Despite Israel’s failures, God does not turn away from them but allows them a path to seek His mercy and grace. This demonstrates that God’s love is steadfast and that He is always ready to welcome back those who come to Him in repentance and humility.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Judges 21:4 connects to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system that the Israelites practiced. The burnt offerings and fellowship offerings in this verse foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, which fully atoned for the sins of humanity once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). Jesus’ death provides the complete and final way for us to be reconciled with God, eliminating the need for repeated sacrifices. Through Christ, we can experience true peace and fellowship with God, knowing that our sins have been fully forgiven (Romans 5:1).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do the Israelites’ actions in building an altar and offering sacrifices challenge us to seek God’s forgiveness and restoration in our own lives?
- What steps can we take to ensure that our worship is genuine and reflects a heart of true repentance?
- How have you experienced God’s forgiveness and restoration in times of personal failure?
- In what ways does Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross give us confidence to approach God, even when we have made mistakes?