17. Meanwhile the men of Israel, apart from Benjamin, numbered 400,000 swordsmen; all men of war.
18. Then Bnei-Yisrael arose, went up to Bethel and inquired of God. They asked, “Who is to go up first to battle for us against the children of Benjamin?” Adonai replied, “Judah first.”
19. So Bnei-Yisrael rose up in the morning and camped against Gibeah.
20. The men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin, and arrayed for battle against Gibeah.
21. But the children of Benjamin came out of Gibeah and struck down 22,000 men of Israel on the field that day.
22. But the people of the men of Israel rallied their strength and arrayed for battle again in the same place where they had arrayed themselves the first day.
23. Yet Bnei-Yisrael went up and wept before Adonai until evening, then inquired of Adonai saying, “Shall I again draw near to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother?” Adonai said, “Go up against him.”
24. So Bnei-Yisrael advanced against the children of Benjamin on the second day.
25. Benjamin came out against them from Gibeah again the second day and struck down 18,000 of Bnei-Yisrael on the field—all drawing the sword.
26. Then all Bnei-Yisrael went up, and all the people came to Bethel and wept and sat there before Adonai. They fasted that day until evening and they offered burnt-offerings and fellowship offerings before Adonai.
27. Then Bnei-Yisrael inquired of Adonai (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,
28. and Pinchas son of Eleazar son of Aaron had ministered before it in those days) saying, “Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or should I cease?” Adonai replied, “Go up, for tomorrow I will give him into your hand.”
29. So Israel set men in ambush against Gibeah on all sides.