Judges 20:18–29 "Shall We Go Up Again?"

Judges 20:18–29 – “Shall We Go Up Again?”

Introduction

How do we approach the LORD in our discipleship of Christ? How do we engage, endure, or handle interactions on this earth in this life? Especially when promoted, faced, or surrounded by evil—how do we attempt to act righteously and ensure the scales of justice are properly balanced at the beginning?

We find ourselves in a section of Scripture that is not glamorous and is unfiltered before our eyes. The situations are difficult. Unholiness is apparent. God is vividly rejected. But the Scriptures have been recorded for our benefit, so there must be something in this passage that will edify us.

I believe this can be found in the open faithlessness of the people of Israel being led back to obedience through the hardship they created.

1. Broken by Their Own Hands (Judges 20:18–21)

The people of Israel inquire of the LORD, but their hearts are not yet surrendered. When they march out, they lose 22,000 men. The surface-level question in verse 18—"Who shall go up first?"—shows a mechanical reliance on religious ritual rather than genuine humility before God.

Their assumption that they could purify the land while still operating in disobedience reveals a common deception: we often want God's outcomes without God's holiness. The LORD allows the loss to pierce their confidence.

2. Wounded, Yet Still Presumptuous (Judges 20:22–25)

Despite their first defeat, Israel returns to the battlefield with only partial repentance. They weep and inquire again—but no sacrifice, no fasting, no worship. The result? Another staggering loss: 18,000 more die.

This moment forces us to consider: is emotion alone enough to move the heart of God? No. God desires brokenness paired with obedience, not merely the sorrow of being wounded.

3. A Right Approach to a Holy God (Judges 20:26–28)

Finally, Israel reaches the place of true repentance. They fast. They weep. They offer burnt and peace offerings before the LORD. This posture of worship, humility, and dependence finally aligns them with God’s revealed will.

God responds—not with silence or discipline, but with mercy. He grants them a promise of victory. Their brokenness has produced the soil in which obedience can grow.

4. A Pattern Revealed

  • Inquiry alone → Battle line → Defeat
  • Weeping and inquiry → Battle line → Deeper defeat
  • Fasting, sacrifice, worship, and inquiry → Ambush → Victory

Israel’s journey through repeated losses serves as a visual parable. The Lord did not abandon them—He led them through loss to lead them into right worship. Brokenness was not the end, but the means to restoration.

5. Thorns – Through the Pages of Scripture

Thorns are not incidental to the biblical story—they are a consequence of sin (Genesis 3:17–18) and a symbol of both divine discipline and human rebellion.

Throughout Israel’s history, God warned that their failure to purge the land would lead to these "thorns":

  • Numbers 33:55 – barbs in your eyes, thorns in your sides
  • Joshua 23:12–13 – snares and whips
  • Judges 2:3 – snares and thorns due to disobedience

In the Gospels, “thorns” represent the cares of the world choking spiritual fruit (Mark 4:7, 18–19). But Paul reveals they can also be instruments of grace—used by God to keep us humble and dependent (2 Corinthians 12:7–10).

Ultimately, the high point of redemptive history is that Christ Himself bore the curse. The crown of thorns He wore (John 19:1–7) was not decorative—it was the sign of His substitution for sinners. He became the curse (Galatians 3:13), so that we could be pruned rather than destroyed.

6. How Then Shall We Approach?

We cannot approach God on our own terms. Scripture is clear: ritual without repentance, and emotion without obedience, are not enough. The only acceptable worship is through Christ, by His Spirit, according to His Word.

  • Psalm 50:7–15 – God desires thanksgiving, not empty ritual
  • Romans 12:1–2 – Present your body as a living sacrifice
  • Hebrews 13:11–16 – Go to Jesus “outside the camp” (in this world) and offer spiritual sacrifices
  • 1 Peter 2:1–6 – You are living stones being built up to offer spiritual worship through Christ

Conclusion

  1. We cannot define the terms of our relationship with Christ—He is Lord. Our call is to submit to Him as He has revealed Himself in His Word.
  2. To approach a holy God on our own terms is not boldness but a lack of reverence. And it reveals that we do not truly know His character or holiness.
  3. If you belong to Christ, the Spirit of God dwells within you. He strengthens you now and seals you for the day of redemption.
  4. If you don’t yet know Christ, you are still welcome to come. Repent of your sins and believe in the God who has made Himself known through His Son.

Scripture Reference Index

  • Genesis 3:17–18 – Thorns as a curse upon the ground
  • Numbers 33:55 – Thorns in your sides for disobedience
  • Deuteronomy 12:4–7 – The commanded place and way of worship
  • Joshua 23:6–13 – Snare and trap from foreign nations
  • Judges 2:3 – Thorns because of covenant disobedience
  • Leviticus 10:1–3 – Nadab and Abihu’s unauthorized fire
  • Mark 4:7, 18–19 – Thorns choking the word
  • Luke 18:9–14 – Parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector
  • John 19:1–7 – The crown of thorns placed on Christ
  • Galatians 3:13 – Christ became a curse for us
  • 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s thorn in the flesh
  • Psalm 50:7–15 – God desires genuine thanksgiving
  • Romans 12:1–2 – Living sacrifices, transformed minds
  • Hebrews 13:11–16 – Outside the camp with Christ
  • 1 Peter 2:1–6 – Spiritual house built in Christ

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