1 The Israelites had made a pledge at Mizpah, declaring, "None of us will allow his daughter to marry a Benjaminite."
2 But the people came to Bethel and sat there until evening before God, raising their voices and crying bitterly.
3 "Lord, God of Israel," they said, "why has this happened among us that as of today one tribe will be missing from Israel?"
4 And the next day, the people got up early and built an altar there. They offered entirely burned offerings and well-being sacrifices.