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Psalm 78:34,35
When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God…

Hosea 5:15
I will goand return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

built there

Judges 6:26
And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.

Exodus 20:24,25
An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee…

2 Samuel 24:18,25
And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite…

the people got up early
Rising early is often associated with diligence and earnestness in seeking God, as seen in other biblical narratives such as Abraham's early rising inGenesis 22:3. It underscores the people's desire to address the crisis promptly and with dedication.

built an altar there
Building an altar signifies a place of worship and sacrifice, a common practice in the Old Testament for seeking atonement and divine intervention. This act reflects the Israelites' recognition of their need for reconciliation with God and their dependence on His mercy. Altars were central to Israelite worship, as seen in the altars built by patriarchs like Noah, Abraham, and Jacob.

and presented burnt offerings
Burnt offerings were a form of sacrifice that symbolized complete surrender to God, as the entire offering was consumed by fire. This act of worship was intended to atone for sin and seek God's favor, as outlined inLeviticus 1. It highlights the Israelites' acknowledgment of their need for purification and forgiveness.

and peace offerings
Peace offerings, described inLeviticus 3, were sacrifices made to express gratitude and fellowship with God. They often accompanied burnt offerings to signify restored relationship and communion with the Lord. This dual offering indicates the Israelites' desire not only for atonement but also for renewed peace and harmony within the community and with God.

“ The next day ” (Judges 21:4) signals immediate follow-through after Israel’s night of grief over the civil war with Benjamin (Judges 20:26–28). Scripture often marks decisive obedience with an early next-day response—Noah stepping out of the ark (Genesis 8:13–19), Moses confronting Pharaoh again (Exodus 10:1–13), Joshua moving the nation toward the Jordan (Joshua 3:1). Each instance shows that when conviction is fresh, delay is dangerous; prompt action keeps hearts tender and aligned with God’s revealed will.

Rising early in Scripture highlights eagerness to meet God.

• Abraham “rose early” to offer Isaac (Genesis 22:3).

• Job “would rise early” to intercede for his children (Job 1:5).

• Jesus “very early in the morning… went out to a solitary place, where He prayed” (Mark 1:35).

Israel’s early rising at Bethel contrasts with their earlier sluggishness in rooting out idolatry (Judges 2:11–19). Here they finally show zeal to restore fellowship with the LORD, reminding us that true repentance produces energetic pursuit of Him (2 Corinthians 7:10–11).

“ Built an altar there ” echoes patriarchal worship at Bethel—Jacob built an altar in that very place after God renewed covenant promises (Genesis 35:1–7). Altars in Scripture serve to:

• Memorialize God’s past faithfulness (Exodus 17:15).

• Provide a sanctioned meeting point between holy God and sinful people (Exodus 20:24).

• Publicly declare allegiance to the LORD (Judges 6:24).

By rebuilding an altar, Israel affirms that reconciliation with God must precede reconciliation among tribes (cf.Matthew 5:23–24).

They “ presented burnt offerings and peace offerings .” Burnt offerings (Leviticus 1:3–9) symbolized complete surrender; the entire animal was consumed, picturing total dedication. Peace offerings (Leviticus 3:1–17) celebrated restored fellowship, portions shared in a communal meal. Together these offerings communicate:

• Acknowledgment of sin and need for atonement (Psalm 51:19).

• Desire for renewed communion with God and one another (1 Samuel 10:8;Romans 5:1).

• Gratitude for mercy received (Psalm 107:22).

Their sequence matters: first the whole-burnt surrender, then the shared peace meal—illustrating that wholehearted consecration opens the door to joyful fellowship (Romans 12:1;1 John 1:7).

Judges 21:4 portrays Israel’s swift, earnest return to covenant worship after devastating internal conflict. Rising early, they rebuild the altar at Bethel and offer burnt and peace sacrifices, demonstrating repentance, renewed devotion, and restored communion with the LORD. The verse teaches that genuine reconciliation—horizontal and vertical—begins with prompt, wholehearted surrender to God, followed by thankful fellowship grounded in His gracious atonement.