Judges 20:38

The men of Israel had arranged a signal with the men in ambush: When they sent up a great cloud of smoke from the city,

Study Bible

The men of Israel
This phrase refers to the collective tribes of Israel, who were united in their cause against the tribe of Benjamin. Historically, this unity among the tribes was significant, as it demonstrated a rare moment of collective action in the often fragmented period of the Judges. The Hebrew term for "men" here is "ish," which can denote not just individual men but also a collective group, emphasizing the communal nature of their decision.

had agreed
The Hebrew root for "agreed" is "ya'ad," which implies a formal appointment or a set plan. This indicates that the Israelites had a premeditated strategy, showcasing their tactical planning in warfare. It reflects a level of organization and unity in their approach, which was crucial for their success in the battle.

when they saw
This phrase indicates a conditional action based on observation. The Hebrew verb "ra'ah" means to see or perceive, suggesting that the Israelites were to be vigilant and responsive to the signs around them. This vigilance is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God's people are often called to be watchful and discerning.

a great cloud of smoke
The "great cloud of smoke" served as a signal for the Israelites. In ancient warfare, such signals were common for communication over distances. The smoke would have been visible from afar, serving as a clear and unmistakable sign. Biblically, smoke often symbolizes God's presence or judgment, as seen in the smoke on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18). Here, it signifies a turning point in the battle, a divine intervention in the conflict.

they would retreat
The Hebrew word for "retreat" is "nasa," which means to pull up or depart. This strategic withdrawal was not a sign of defeat but a tactical maneuver. It reflects the wisdom in knowing when to advance and when to pull back, a principle that can be applied to spiritual battles as well.

from the city
The city in question is Gibeah, the stronghold of the Benjamites. Historically, cities were fortified centers of power, and capturing or retreating from a city was a significant military action. The Israelites' retreat from the city was part of a larger strategy to draw the Benjamites out, demonstrating the importance of strategic planning in achieving victory.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, who are engaged in a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin due to the grievous sin committed in Gibeah.

2. The Men in Ambush
A group of Israelite soldiers strategically positioned to attack the city of Gibeah as part of a military tactic.

3. The City of Gibeah
A Benjamite city where a heinous crime occurred, leading to the conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes.

4. The Signal
A prearranged sign involving a great cloud of smoke, used to coordinate the attack and ensure the Israelites' victory over the Benjamites.

5. The Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which is defending itself against the other tribes due to the actions of some of its members.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The events in Judges 20:38 are a direct result of the sin committed in Gibeah. Sin has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only individuals but entire communities.

The Importance of Unity
The Israelites' ability to coordinate and execute a complex military strategy underscores the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people.

Strategic Planning in Spiritual Warfare
Just as the Israelites used a signal and ambush, Christians are called to be strategic in their spiritual battles, using wisdom and discernment.

God's Justice and Mercy
While the passage highlights God's justice in dealing with sin, it also points to His mercy, as the conflict ultimately leads to reconciliation and restoration.

The Role of Leadership
Effective leadership is crucial in times of crisis. The Israelites' leaders played a key role in organizing the ambush and ensuring the success of their plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the use of a signal in Judges 20:38 demonstrate the importance of communication and coordination among God's people?

2. In what ways can the account of the Israelites' ambush in Gibeah inform our approach to spiritual warfare today?

3. How does the account in Judges 20:38 reflect the broader biblical theme of justice and the consequences of sin?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' unity and strategic planning that can be applied to our personal and communal spiritual lives?

5. How can we ensure that our actions, like those of the Israelites, align with God's will and purpose, especially in times of conflict or crisis?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 8
The strategy of using an ambush and a signal is reminiscent of the battle of Ai, where Joshua used a similar tactic to defeat the city. This connection highlights the recurring theme of strategic warfare in Israel's history.

Judges 19
The events leading up to Judges 20:38 are rooted in the account of Judges 19, where the crime in Gibeah is described. This background is essential for understanding the gravity of the conflict.

1 Samuel 15
The concept of divine judgment and the consequences of sin are echoed in the account of King Saul and the Amalekites, where disobedience leads to severe repercussions.