In Judges 20:18, Israel first inquired of the Lord before battle; here in verse 27 they inquire again after defeats, with the ark present.

In Judges 20:23, Israel inquired again after the first defeat; verse 27 notes the ark's presence during these inquiries.

In 1 Samuel 4:3, Israel fetches the ark for battle, contrasting with Judges 20:27 where they inquire properly with the ark present.

Exodus 25:22 establishes the ark as the place where God meets and speaks — here they inquire at that same ark.

1 Samuel 14:18 records Saul also bringing the ark to inquire of God — a parallel practice of seeking divine will through the ark.

Exodus 28:30 describes the Urim and Thummim for divine guidance — another method of inquiring, though here the ark itself is used.

Numbers 27:21 describes inquiring of the Lord through Urim; here in Judges 20:27, Israel inquired with the ark present, possibly using similar means.