Notably, Israel does not just refer to Benjamin
(as in the first inquiry, Judges 20:18), or even "our brothers, Benjamin” (as in the second, Judges 20:23), but now they speak of Benjamin, my brother.
This serves to intensify the personal, relational aspect of what is at stake in this battle. This helps us to see that we have reached a critical point. Israel would rather not go on fighting, but will only do so if the Lord wants them to.1
28 and Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron, ministered before it in those days), saying, “Shall we go out once more to battle against our brothers, the people of Benjamin, or shall we cease?” And the LORD said, “Go up, for tomorrow I will give them into your hand.”