19. So the sons of Israel arose in the morning and camped against Gibeah.
20. The men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin, and the men of Israel arrayed for battle against them at Gibeah.
21. Then the sons of Benjamin came out of Gibeah and felled to the ground on that day 22,000 men of Israel.
22. But the people, the men of Israel, encouraged themselves and arrayed for battle again in the place where they had arrayed themselves the first day.
23. The sons of Israel went up and wept before the Lord until evening, and inquired 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 came against the sons of Benjamin the second day.
25. Benjamin went out against them from Gibeah the second day and felled to the ground again 18,000 men of the sons of Israel; all these drew the sword.
26. Then all 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 inquired 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, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand."