Judges 20:39
the men of Israel would turn in the battle. When the Benjamites had begun to strike them down, killing about thirty men of Israel, they said, "They are defeated before us as in the first battle."
the men of Israel
This phrase refers to the collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who had gathered to address the grievous sin committed in Gibeah. Historically, the tribes of Israel were often united in purpose, especially when confronting internal sin or external threats. The Hebrew term for "men" here is "ish," which can denote individuals or a collective group, emphasizing the unity and shared identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people.

would turn in the battle
The phrase indicates a strategic maneuver by the Israelites. The Hebrew root "panah" means to turn or face, suggesting a deliberate tactic rather than a retreat. This reflects the wisdom and cunning sometimes necessary in warfare, even among God's people, to achieve justice and righteousness.

and Benjamin had begun to strike them down
The tribe of Benjamin, though smaller, was known for its fierce warriors. The Hebrew word "nakah" means to strike or smite, indicating the intensity and effectiveness of Benjamin's initial assault. This highlights the tragic reality of civil strife within Israel, where brother fought against brother, a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and disunity.

and kill about thirty men
The specific number "thirty" underscores the tangible cost of conflict. In biblical numerology, numbers often carry symbolic weight. Thirty can represent a period of testing or judgment, as seen in other scriptural contexts. This loss serves as a reminder of the gravity of the situation and the need for divine intervention.

and they said, 'They are defeated before us'
This statement reflects the confidence and perhaps overconfidence of the Benjamites. The Hebrew word "naphal" means to fall or be defeated, indicating their perception of victory. It serves as a cautionary tale about pride and presumption, reminding believers to remain humble and reliant on God, even in apparent success.

as in the first battle
This phrase recalls the initial encounter between the Israelites and Benjamites, where the latter had been victorious. The repetition of history serves as a narrative device to emphasize the cyclical nature of sin and the need for repentance and redemption. It also highlights the importance of learning from past experiences to avoid repeating mistakes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Men of Israel
The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who were engaged in a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin due to the grievous sin committed in Gibeah.

2. Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which was defending itself against the other tribes due to the incident involving the Levite's concubine in Gibeah.

3. Battle
The conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, which was part of a larger account of judgment and justice within Israel.

4. Gibeah
The city in the territory of Benjamin where the initial atrocity occurred, leading to the civil war.

5. First Battle
Refers to the initial encounter between the Israelites and the Benjamites, where the Benjamites were victorious, leading to overconfidence in this subsequent battle.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Sin
Sin has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only individuals but entire communities. The initial sin in Gibeah led to a devastating civil war.

The Danger of Overconfidence
The Benjamites' initial victory led to overconfidence, which ultimately contributed to their downfall. Pride can blind us to our vulnerabilities.

The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance
The Israelites sought God's counsel before battle, reminding us of the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions.

The Role of Justice and Mercy
While justice was sought against Benjamin, the account also calls us to consider the balance of justice and mercy in our own lives.

Unity Among Believers
The division among the tribes of Israel serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of unity and reconciliation within the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. What were the underlying causes of the conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, and how can we apply this understanding to conflicts within the church today?

2. How does the overconfidence of the Benjamites serve as a warning against pride in our personal and spiritual lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are seeking God's guidance in our decisions, especially when faced with difficult situations?

4. How can we balance the pursuit of justice with the call to show mercy, as demonstrated in the broader account of Judges 19-21?

5. What steps can we take to promote unity and reconciliation within our communities, drawing lessons from the division among the tribes of Israel?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Judges 19
Provides the background of the conflict, detailing the sin of the men of Gibeah and the Levite's call for justice.

1 Samuel 15
Illustrates the theme of obedience and the consequences of sin, as seen in Saul's disobedience and the resulting judgment.

Proverbs 16:18
Highlights the danger of pride, which is relevant to the Benjamites' overconfidence in battle.

Romans 12:19
Emphasizes the principle of leaving vengeance to God, contrasting with the Israelites' pursuit of justice through warfare.
From Justice to Wild RevengeR. A. Watson, M. A.Judges 20:1-48
People
Aaron, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Dan, Eleazar, Israelites, Nohah, Phinehas, Samuel, Tamar
Places
Baal-tamar, Beersheba, Bethel, Dan, Gibeah, Gidom, Gilead, Maareh-geba, Mizpah, Nohah, Rimmon
Topics
Battle, Begun, Benjamin, Benjamites, Casualties, Certainly, Death, Defeated, Defeating, Falling, Fight, Inflict, Kill, Overcome, Persons, Retired, Saying, Smite, Smitten, Strike, Struck, Surely, Thirty, Turn, Utterly, Wounded
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 20:18-48

     5214   attack

Judges 20:27-44

     5608   warfare, strategies

Library
To his Most Serene and Mighty Imperial Majesty, and to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation.
Dr. MARTINUS LUTHER. The grace and might of God be with you, Most Serene Majesty! most gracious, well beloved gentlemen! It is not out of mere arrogance and perversity that I, a single poor man, have taken upon me to address your lordships. The distress and misery that oppress all the Christian estates, more especially in Germany, have led not only myself, but every one else, to cry aloud and to ask for help, and have now forced me too, to cry out and to ask, if God would give His Spirit to any one,
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
Discourse 7 "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: And thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." Matthew 6:16-18. 1. It has been the endeavour of Satan, from the beginning of the world,
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Judges 20:39 NIV
Judges 20:39 NLT
Judges 20:39 ESV
Judges 20:39 NASB
Judges 20:39 KJV

Judges 20:39 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Judges 20:38
Top of Page
Top of Page