What is noteworthy about the wording of the enquiry?

They Israelites say, O Lord, the God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel, that today there should be one tribe lacking in Israel? Notably, there is a threefold reference to Israel. This is not an appeal for God’s help. It is a howl of protest, an interrogation, an attempt to wash their hands of blame, and imply that the responsibility is basically the Lord’s.¹ It is an accusation, that the Lord has failed in his role as protector of the nation. Why did you allow, or even cause, this horrible thing to happen? Didn’t you send us into battle against Benjamin again and again? Isn’t that why we are in this mess? Why, o Lord, has this happened to us? There is no evidence of self-reflection, soul-searching, or repenting, even though they weep. It was Israel who had decided to fight against Benjamin, without seeking approval from the Lord. And they were the ones who had executed the post-battle carnage in all the towns of Benjamin without being told by the Lord to do so. It was Israel who made the rash oath not to give their daughters in marriage. It was Israel, not God, who is to blame.