Judges 20:31

The Benjamites came out against them and were drawn away from the city. They began to attack the people as before, killing about thirty men of Israel in the fields and on the roads, one of which led up to Bethel and the other to Gibeah.

Study Bible

And the Benjamites came out
The Benjamites, descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, are central to this narrative. The Hebrew root for "came out" (יָצָא, yatsa) implies a deliberate action, suggesting the Benjamites' readiness and willingness to engage in battle. Historically, the tribe of Benjamin was known for its fierce warriors, and this phrase sets the stage for their aggressive confrontation with the other Israelite tribes.

against the people
The phrase "against the people" indicates a direct opposition. Here, "the people" refers to the collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin. This internal conflict among the Israelites highlights the severe moral and social breakdown within the nation, as brother turns against brother. The Hebrew word for "people" (עַם, am) often denotes a community bound by shared identity, emphasizing the tragedy of this civil strife.

and were drawn away from the city
The strategy of drawing the Benjamites away from the city suggests a tactical maneuver by the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "drawn away" (נָשַׁךְ, nashak) can imply being lured or enticed, indicating a planned ambush. This reflects the Israelites' strategic thinking in warfare, aiming to exploit the Benjamites' confidence and draw them into a vulnerable position.

And they began to inflict casualties on the Israelites as before
This phrase underscores the initial success of the Benjamites in the battle. The word "inflict" (נָגַף, nagaph) in Hebrew conveys a sense of striking or smiting, indicating the intensity of the conflict. The reference to "as before" suggests a repeated pattern of victory for the Benjamites, highlighting their formidable prowess in battle and the Israelites' struggle to overcome them.

on the roads—one of which goes up to Bethel and the other to Gibeah
The mention of roads leading to Bethel and Gibeah provides geographical context, emphasizing the strategic importance of these locations. Bethel, meaning "House of God," was a significant religious site, while Gibeah was the Benjamite stronghold. The roads symbolize the pathways of conflict and the interconnectedness of these key locations in the narrative.

in the open country
The "open country" refers to the battlefield setting, away from the fortified city. The Hebrew term for "open country" (מִשְׂדֶּה, misdeh) suggests a broad, exposed area, which would have been advantageous for certain military tactics. This setting contrasts with the security of the city, highlighting the vulnerability and exposure of the combatants.

about thirty Israelites were slain
The specific number "thirty" indicates the scale of the initial casualties suffered by the Israelites. In Hebrew culture, numbers often carry symbolic meaning, and while thirty is not a significant symbolic number, its mention here underscores the tangible cost of the conflict. The word "slain" (נָפַל, naphal) conveys a sense of falling or being struck down, emphasizing the gravity and loss of life in this fratricidal war.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Benjamites
A tribe of Israel, known for their skilled warriors. In this context, they are defending their city against the other Israelite tribes.

2. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who are seeking justice for a grievous crime committed in Gibeah.

3. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin, where a heinous crime against a Levite's concubine occurred, sparking the conflict.

4. Bethel
A significant location in Israelite history, often associated with worship and encounters with God.

5. The Battle
A strategic conflict where the Benjamites initially succeed in drawing the Israelites away from the city, inflicting casualties.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The conflict arises from a grievous sin in Gibeah, reminding us that sin has communal and far-reaching consequences.

Strategic Warfare and Spiritual Battles
Just as the Israelites faced a strategic battle, Christians are called to be strategic in spiritual warfare, using wisdom and discernment.

Pride and Humility
The initial success of the Benjamites can lead to pride, a warning for us to remain humble and reliant on God, even in success.

Justice and Mercy
The Israelites' pursuit of justice for the crime in Gibeah highlights the balance between justice and mercy, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.

Unity Among Believers
The conflict between the tribes underscores the importance of unity and reconciliation within the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the initial success of the Benjamites about the dangers of pride and overconfidence in our own lives?

2. How does the conflict between the Israelites and the Benjamites illustrate the broader theme of justice and mercy in the Bible?

3. In what ways can we apply the strategic elements of this battle to our own spiritual battles today?

4. How does the sin in Gibeah and its consequences remind us of the communal impact of sin within the church?

5. What steps can we take to promote unity and reconciliation among believers, drawing lessons from the tribal conflict in Judges 20?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 7
The defeat at Ai, where Israel initially suffers due to sin in the camp, parallels the initial setbacks faced by the Israelites against Benjamin.

1 Samuel 15
The theme of obedience and the consequences of sin, as seen in Saul's incomplete obedience, relates to the broader account of Israel's struggles with sin and justice.

Proverbs 16:18
The pride of the Benjamites in their initial success can be connected to the proverb about pride preceding a fall.