Judges 20:27 Meaning and Explanation
“And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel inquires of the LORD, the narrator noting that the ark of the covenant was there in those days.
What Does Judges 20:27 Mean?
Israel inquires of the LORD again, and the narrator pauses to tell us why this place mattered: 'the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days.' The ark was the visible sign of God's presence and his covenant with Israel, the place where heaven and earth met for his people. Their inquiry is made at the very heart of God's appointed presence among them.
By noting the ark, the narrator anchors this moment in covenant faithfulness. Israel is not seeking guidance by guesswork but coming to where God had promised to be found. The detail reminds us that God had bound himself to his people and made himself accessible to them. To inquire 'before the LORD' was to draw near in the assurance of his covenant. The verse quietly reassures us that God is present and approachable to those who seek him on his terms, even in their darkest hour.
Judges 20:27 in the Original Language
berith (בְּרִית), 'covenant' -- the binding, sworn relationship by which God pledged himself to his people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 20:27
What does Judges 20:27 mean?
Israel inquires of the LORD, the narrator noting that the ark of the covenant was there in those days.