Judges 20:21

And the Benjamites came out of Gibeah and cut down 22,000 Israelites on the battlefield that day.

Study Bible

The Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is central to this narrative. Historically, the Benjamites were known for their fierce warrior skills and were often depicted as a small but formidable tribe. The Hebrew root for Benjamin, "Binyamin," means "son of the right hand," indicating strength and favor. This tribe's involvement in the conflict highlights the internal strife within Israel, as they chose to defend their own against the collective judgment of the other tribes.

came out of Gibeah
Gibeah was a city within the territory of Benjamin, notorious for the grievous sin that led to this conflict. Archaeological evidence suggests Gibeah was a fortified city, which would have given the Benjamites a strategic advantage. The phrase "came out" indicates a proactive and aggressive stance, as the Benjamites did not wait for the battle to come to them but took the initiative to confront the Israelites.

and cut down
The Hebrew verb used here, "nakah," conveys a sense of striking or smiting with deadly force. This phrase underscores the severity and brutality of the battle. The Benjamites' ability to "cut down" such a large number of Israelites demonstrates their military prowess and the intensity of the conflict.

twenty-two thousand Israelites
The number "twenty-two thousand" is significant, illustrating the magnitude of the loss suffered by the Israelites. In biblical numerology, numbers often carry symbolic meaning. The large number of casualties reflects the seriousness of the sin that led to this civil war and the heavy cost of disunity among God's people.

on the battlefield that day
The battlefield is a place of conflict and decision, where the fate of nations and tribes is determined. The phrase "that day" emphasizes the immediacy and the tragic outcome of the battle. It serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of conflict. Historically, this battle is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, illustrating the need for repentance and unity under God's covenant.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Benjamites
A tribe of Israel, descendants of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob. Known for their fierce warriors, they are central to this conflict.

2. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin. The events leading to this battle began here, involving a grievous crime that the other tribes sought to punish.

3. Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who gathered to address the sin committed in Gibeah and sought justice.

4. Battlefield
The location where the conflict between the Benjamites and the other Israelite tribes took place, resulting in significant loss of life.

5. The Crime in Gibeah
The catalyst for the conflict, involving a heinous act against a Levite's concubine, which led to the call for justice by the other tribes.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Sin within a community can lead to devastating consequences, affecting not just the perpetrators but the entire group.

The Importance of Justice
While justice is crucial, it must be pursued with wisdom and in accordance with God's guidance, rather than through human anger and vengeance.

Unity and Division Among God's People
The tribes of Israel were meant to be united, yet sin and the response to it caused division. Believers today must strive for unity, even when addressing sin.

The Role of Leadership
Effective and godly leadership is essential in guiding a community through crises and ensuring that actions align with God's will.

Trusting God's Sovereignty
Even in the midst of conflict and loss, believers are called to trust in God's ultimate plan and sovereignty.

Bible Study Questions

1. What lessons can we learn from the Benjamites' initial victory over the Israelites, and how does this apply to spiritual battles we face today?

2. How does the response of the Israelite tribes to the crime in Gibeah reflect the balance between justice and mercy, and how can we apply this balance in our own lives?

3. In what ways does the division among the tribes of Israel serve as a warning for the church today regarding unity and handling internal conflict?

4. How can we ensure that our pursuit of justice aligns with God's will, and what scriptures guide us in this endeavor?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a conflict or challenge. How did trusting in God's sovereignty help you navigate the situation, and what biblical principles supported you?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:27
This verse describes Benjamin as a ravenous wolf, which can be seen as a prophetic insight into the tribe's fierce nature, as demonstrated in this battle.

Deuteronomy 13:12-18
Provides instructions on dealing with wickedness within Israel, which parallels the Israelites' response to the crime in Gibeah.

Romans 12:19
Encourages believers to leave vengeance to God, contrasting with the Israelites' decision to take justice into their own hands.