The people came to Bethel, and sat there until evening before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore.
"That they justify their attempt at compassion with reference to solemn oaths (see Judges 21:1; Judges 21:5) is not much of a defense, given the poor history of oaths in the book of Judges (see Judges 11:29-40)." [Note: McCann, p. 136.] 