Judges 21:2

Afrikaans 1933/1953

En toe die manskappe in Bet-el kom, het hulle daar gebly tot die aand toe voor die aangesig van God en hulle stem verhef en geween met 'n groot geween

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes the Israelites going to the house of God, where they stayed until evening, weeping and crying out to God. They were mourning over a tragic event. No one is speaking directly, but their actions show their sorrow and dependence on God.

Explained for Children

Imagine you lost your favorite toy and went to your parents to tell them how sad you were. That's kind of like what happened here. The people went to God to show how sorry they were about something bad that happened.

Historical Background

The Book of Judges was written after the time of Joshua, around 1000 BCE. It was compiled to remind the Israelites of their covenant with God and to show the consequences of straying from God’s path. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting was a time of tribal leadership, often marked by moral and spiritual decline.

Living It Out Today

In today's context, this verse can remind us of the importance of turning to God in times of sorrow or tragedy. For example, if someone loses a job or faces a family crisis, they can seek comfort and guidance from God, just as the Israelites did.

Topics

• repentance
• mourning
• prayer
• communal faith
• seeking God
• covenant

Related Verses

• 1 Samuel 7:6
• Psalms 69:3
• Jeremiah 13:17
• Matthew 5:4
• Revelation 7:17

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the people weeping in the house of God?

They were weeping because of a tragic event that had occurred, showing their sorrow and seeking God's comfort and guidance.

What does it mean to 'lift up their voices' in this verse?

It means they were crying out loudly to God, expressing their distress and seeking His help.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of the Book of Judges?

It shows a moment of repentance and dependence on God, which contrasts with the often disobedient and rebellious behavior of the Israelites throughout the book.

Is there a similar modern-day example of what happened in this verse?

Yes, in times of tragedy, people often gather in churches or places of worship to pray and seek comfort, much like the Israelites did here.