Judges 21:2 states, "And the people came to the house of God, and abode there till even before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore."

This verse follows a period of great turmoil and confusion among the Israelites, illustrating the depth of their collective sorrow and the urgency of their appeal to God.

Meaning and Interpretation

Insights from public domain commentaries reveal various layers of meaning within this verse:

• Matthew Henry: Highlights the Israelites’ desperation as they turn to God, signifying their acknowledgment of His sovereignty in their plight. Their actions demonstrate a sincere plea for guidance and forgiveness. This act of communal mourning reflects a deep-seated understanding of their failures and the need for divine intervention.
• Albert Barnes: Emphasizes the ritual aspect of their gathering, noting that such lamentations were customary in times of crisis. The choice to remain at the house of God signifies a return to faith and an earnest seeking of God's mercy and direction amidst their distress.
• Adam Clarke: Points out the emotional sincerity of the people as they weep, portraying their agony over the consequences of their actions. Clarke suggests that this scene demonstrates how critical it is for a community to unite in prayer and supplication during turbulent times.

Connections to Other Bible Verses

Judges 21:2 can be cross-referenced with several other verses that enhance understanding of its message. Here are ten related scripture references that depict themes of communal grief, repentance, and divine intervention:

• 1 Samuel 7:6: "And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the Lord." This verse illustrates the practice of communal repentance similar to that in Judges.
• 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." This echoes the sentiment of seeking God in times of need.
• Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." This emphasizes God's closeness to those who mourn and seek His help.
• Jeremiah 29:12-13: "Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you." This verse reflects God's promise to listen to those who earnestly seek Him.
• James 4:10: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." Highlighting the need for humility before God connects with the Israelites' state.
• Isaiah 55:6: "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near." The urgency in both this verse and Judges 21:2 reflects a collective desire for God's presence.
• Matthew 5:4: "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." This is a direct connection to communal grief and the hope of divine comfort.
• Acts 1:14: "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication." This reflects the foundational biblical theme of unity in prayer.
• Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." This verse underscores the communal aspect of emotional experiences.
• Philippians 4:6-7: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." This highlights the necessity of prayer in all circumstances, aligning with the actions of the Israelites.

Thematic Connections

Judges 21:2 serves as a pivotal moment that opens the door for deeper thematic analysis across the Bible. The elements of sorrow, supplication, and the need for divine guidance resonate throughout Scripture.

Exploring Thematic Connections:

• Repentance and Restoration: The recurrent theme of turning back to God in times of distress is prevalent throughout the Old and New Testaments. The Israelites' actions resonate with many similar instances in the Bible.
• Community and Prayer: The importance of coming together as a body of believers to seek God’s will is highlighted repeatedly, pointing to collective responsibility.

Conclusion

Judges 21:2 is a poignant reminder of the human condition's vulnerability and the power of communal prayer and repentance. It encourages believers to seek God earnestly, reflecting a consistent biblical theme throughout various books and passages. The insights derived from traditional commentaries further enrich understanding and underscore the necessity of divine guidance in life's trials.

For those studying Scripture, utilizing a Bible concordance or a cross-reference Bible study tool can help uncover the rich layers of meaning within these verses. By understanding the connections between Bible verses, one can appreciate the narrative and theological threads that woven together create a more profound understanding of God's message.