‘ Then all the children of Israel and all the people went up, and came to the house of God, and wept and sat there before Yahweh, and fasted that day until evening.'
The second defeat brought them to their senses. The whole army of Israel, together with others who were concerned (the people), went to the central sanctuary at Bethel. And there they wept, and waited before God, and fasted. There would be great searching of heart and it may be that on this day the people repented for their arrogance in only taking a part of their army against the enemy, and for many other sins they were aware of including tendencies towards idolatry.
“And they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Yahweh.” This confirms their new awareness of their sinfulness and unworthiness They were seeking forgiveness and dedicating themselves wholly to Yahweh. Yahweh was the God of the covenant and they were aware of covenant violations which had to be righted. ‘Burnt offerings' were the whole offerings which were offered wholly up to God. They were a sign of total dedication. Part of the peace offerings could be eaten by the soldiers once the fat and blood had been offered to Yahweh.