Judges 20:15

On that day the Benjamites mobilized 26,000 swordsmen from their cities, in addition to the 700 select men of Gibeah.

Study Bible

On that day
This phrase sets the immediate context and urgency of the events. The Hebrew word for "day" is "yom," which can signify a literal day or a period of time. Here, it emphasizes the swift mobilization and the seriousness of the situation. Historically, this reflects the rapid response required in ancient warfare, where decisions and actions were often made quickly due to the pressing nature of tribal conflicts.

the Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is central to this narrative. The Hebrew root "Binyamin" means "son of the right hand," indicating a position of favor or strength. The Benjamites were known for their fierce warriors and skilled archers, as seen in other biblical accounts. This tribe's involvement in the conflict highlights the internal strife within Israel and the complexities of tribal loyalties.

mobilized
The act of mobilization indicates preparation for battle. The Hebrew word "paqad" can mean to muster or to number, suggesting an organized and deliberate gathering of forces. This reflects the structured nature of ancient Israelite military practices, where tribes would rally their men for defense or aggression, often in response to a call to arms.

26,000 swordsmen
The specific number of swordsmen underscores the significant military capability of the Benjamites. The use of "swordsmen" (Hebrew "ish chereb") highlights the importance of the sword as a primary weapon in ancient warfare. This detail not only provides a sense of the scale of the conflict but also emphasizes the readiness and determination of the Benjamites to defend their cause.

from their cities
This phrase indicates that the mobilization was widespread, involving multiple cities within the territory of Benjamin. The Hebrew word "ir" for city suggests established settlements, each contributing to the collective defense. This reflects the decentralized nature of Israelite society, where each city had its own leadership but could unite for common causes.

in addition to the 700 choice men of Gibeah
The "700 choice men" signifies an elite group of warriors, possibly selected for their skill and bravery. The Hebrew word "bachur" for choice implies a selection based on merit or excellence. Gibeah, a city within Benjamin, is notorious for the events leading to this conflict, as described earlier in Judges. The mention of these men highlights the strategic importance of Gibeah and the heightened stakes of the battle. This detail serves as a reminder of the moral and social decay that had permeated Israel, necessitating divine intervention and judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for their skill in battle and their fierce loyalty to their own.

2. Gibeah
A city within the territory of Benjamin, infamous for the grievous sin committed there, which led to the conflict described in Judges 20.

3. Swordsmen
The armed men of Benjamin, totaling 26,000, who were prepared for battle against the other tribes of Israel.

4. 700 Choice Men
A select group of warriors from Gibeah, noted for their exceptional skill, particularly in slinging stones with precision.

5. Mobilization
The act of gathering and preparing for battle, indicating the seriousness of the conflict and the readiness of the Benjamites to defend their cause.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The events leading to the mobilization of the Benjamites serve as a stark reminder of how unchecked sin can lead to devastating consequences, not just for individuals but for entire communities.

Tribal Loyalty vs. Righteousness
The Benjamites' decision to defend their own, despite the grievous sin committed, challenges us to consider when loyalty to our group should be secondary to upholding righteousness and justice.

Preparedness for Spiritual Battle
Just as the Benjamites prepared for physical battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared, putting on the full armor of God as described in Ephesians 6.

The Role of Leadership
The mobilization of the Benjamites underscores the importance of leadership in times of crisis. Leaders must guide their people with wisdom and integrity, especially when facing moral dilemmas.

Bible Study Questions

1. What lessons can we learn from the Benjamites' response to the sin in Gibeah, and how can we apply these lessons to addressing sin within our own communities?

2. How does the concept of tribal loyalty in Judges 20 challenge us to evaluate our own loyalties and priorities in light of God's righteousness?

3. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for spiritual battles, drawing parallels from the Benjamites' preparation for physical battle?

4. How does the account of the Benjamites relate to the broader account of Israel's history, and what does it teach us about the consequences of moral decline?

5. What role does leadership play in resolving conflicts within a community, and how can we apply biblical principles of leadership to modern-day challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The conflict in Judges 20 can be connected to the broader theme of tribal unity and division in Israel, as seen in the book of Joshua, where the tribes are initially united in their conquest of Canaan.

The sin of Gibeah and the resulting civil war can be compared to the moral decline described in the book of Hosea, where Israel's unfaithfulness leads to internal strife and judgment.

The concept of "choice men" or elite warriors is echoed in the account of David's mighty men in 2 Samuel, highlighting the importance of skilled and dedicated individuals in battle.