Judges 20:17

The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.

Study Bible

The Israelites, apart from Benjamin
This phrase sets the stage for the internal conflict within the tribes of Israel. The Hebrew term for "Israelites" is "בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" (B'nei Yisrael), meaning "sons of Israel," which emphasizes their shared heritage and covenant with God. The exclusion of Benjamin highlights the gravity of the situation, as the tribe of Benjamin is part of the twelve tribes of Israel. Historically, this division underscores the severity of the moral and social decay that had infiltrated the nation, leading to civil strife. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and righteousness within the community of believers.

mustered
The Hebrew word used here is "וַיִּתְפָּקְדוּ" (vayitpakdu), which implies a formal gathering or assembling for a specific purpose, often military. This term indicates a deliberate and organized effort by the Israelites to address the grievous sin committed in Gibeah. It reflects the seriousness with which they approached the situation, recognizing the need for justice and the restoration of order according to God's law. This action can inspire believers today to be intentional and organized in addressing sin and injustice within their communities.

four hundred thousand swordsmen
The sheer number of "four hundred thousand" indicates the magnitude of the response from the Israelite tribes. This large assembly of "swordsmen" (Hebrew: "אִישׁ חֶרֶב" - ish cherev) signifies a formidable force prepared for battle. The sword, a common weapon in ancient warfare, symbolizes readiness and the willingness to fight for righteousness. This gathering reflects the collective responsibility of God's people to stand against evil and uphold His standards, even when it requires great sacrifice.

all men of war
The phrase "all men of war" (Hebrew: "כָּל אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה" - kol ish milchamah) emphasizes the preparedness and capability of these men. They were not just ordinary citizens but trained warriors, skilled in battle. This detail highlights the seriousness of the conflict and the need for experienced individuals to lead the charge. Spiritually, it serves as a call for believers to be equipped and ready to engage in spiritual warfare, standing firm in their faith and convictions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Men of Israel
Refers to the collective tribes of Israel, excluding the tribe of Benjamin. They are preparing for battle against their fellow Israelites, the Benjamites, due to a grievous sin committed in Gibeah.

2. Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which is at the center of the conflict due to the actions of some of its members in Gibeah. The tribe is being confronted by the other tribes for justice.

3. Four Hundred Thousand Swordsmen
This number represents the assembled army of Israel, indicating the seriousness and scale of the conflict. It highlights the unity and determination of the tribes to address the sin in their midst.

4. Men of War
This term emphasizes the readiness and capability of the Israelite army, suggesting that they are experienced and prepared for the impending battle.

5. Gibeah
The location where the initial crime occurred, leading to the conflict. It is a city within the territory of Benjamin.

Teaching Points

Unity in Addressing Sin
The tribes of Israel demonstrate the importance of coming together to address sin within the community. This unity is crucial for maintaining holiness and justice.

The Seriousness of Sin
The large number of men prepared for battle underscores the seriousness with which sin should be treated. It serves as a reminder that sin has consequences and must be dealt with decisively.

Righteous Indignation
The Israelites' response to the sin in Gibeah reflects a righteous indignation that believers should have towards sin. It is important to be zealous for God's standards.

Community Responsibility
The passage highlights the responsibility of the community to hold its members accountable. This is a call for believers to lovingly confront and restore those who have fallen into sin.

Preparation for Spiritual Battles
Just as the Israelites prepared for physical battle, believers must be prepared for spiritual battles, equipped with the armor of God as described in Ephesians.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the unity of the Israelite tribes in Judges 20:17 teach us about addressing sin within the church today?

2. How can we apply the concept of righteous indignation in our personal lives when confronted with sin?

3. In what ways does the preparation of the Israelite army parallel the spiritual preparation believers need for facing challenges today?

4. How does the account of the conflict with Benjamin illustrate the importance of community accountability in the body of Christ?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to confront sin in your own life or in the life of someone else. What biblical principles guided your actions, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The conflict in Judges 20 can be connected to the broader theme of Israel's cycle of sin and redemption found throughout the Book of Judges. This cycle is also evident in the accounts of other judges like Gideon and Samson.

The unity of the tribes against Benjamin can be compared to the unity seen in the early church in Acts, where believers came together to address issues within the community.

The concept of justice and dealing with sin within the community is echoed in the New Testament, where church discipline is discussed in the context of maintaining purity and righteousness.