23 aThe sons of Israel went up and wept before the Lord until evening, and binquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall we again draw near for battle against the sons of my brother Benjamin?” And the Lord said, “Go up against him.”

24 Then the sons of Israel 1came against the sons of Benjamin the second day.

25 Benjamin went out 1against them from Gibeah the second day and 2felled to the ground again 18,000 men of the sons of Israel; all these drew the sword.

26 Then aall the sons of Israel and all the people went up and came to Bethel and wept; thus they remained there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening. And they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.

27 The sons of Israel ainquired of the Lord (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,

28 and Phinehas the son of Eleazar, Aaron’s son, stood before it to minister in those days), saying, “Shall I yet again go out to battle against the sons of my brother Benjamin, or shall I cease?” And the Lord said, “Go up, afor tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”