17. The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, rallied 400,000 armed men, every one an experienced warrior.
18. They set out, went to Bethel, and inquired of God. The Israelites asked, “Who is to go first to fight for us against the Benjaminites? ”And the Lord answered, “Judah will be first.”
19. In the morning, the Israelites set out and camped near Gibeah.
20. The men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin and took their battle positions against Gibeah.
21. The Benjaminites came out of Gibeah and slaughtered 22,000 men of Israel on the field that day.
22. But the Israelite army rallied and again took their battle positions in the same place where they positioned themselves on the first day.