Judges 20:9 Meaning and Explanation
“But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people announce their plan: they will move against Gibeah, deciding their order by casting lots.
What Does Judges 20:9 Mean?
Having vowed not to rest, the assembly turns to action. They declare a plan against Gibeah and resolve to proceed 'by lot,' a method by which Israel sought to discern God's choice in the matter, leaving the assignment of roles to him rather than to human preference. The decision is deliberate and orderly, not a mob surging forward in chaos.
Casting lots reflected a desire to submit even practical decisions to God's direction. In Israel's life, the lot was a way of saying, let the LORD decide. That instinct, to bring God into the planning and not only the prayer, is worth honoring. Still, the right method cannot by itself sanctify a flawed aim. The people seek God's hand in the details; the deeper question, which the narrative keeps before us, is whether their hearts are fully aligned with his.
Judges 20:9 in the Original Language
goral (גּוֹרָל), 'lot' -- the cast lot by which Israel sought God's decision, trusting the outcome to him rather than to chance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 20:9
What does Judges 20:9 mean?
The people announce their plan: they will move against Gibeah, deciding their order by casting lots.