Judges 20:40

But when the column of smoke began to go up from the city, the Benjamites looked behind them and saw the whole city going up in smoke.

Study Bible

But when the column of smoke
The phrase "column of smoke" signifies a signal or a sign of destruction. In the Hebrew context, the word for "column" (עַמּוּד, 'ammud) can also mean a pillar, often used to describe something that stands firm and is visible from afar. This imagery is reminiscent of the pillar of cloud and fire that guided the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22), symbolizing divine presence and guidance. Here, however, it marks a moment of judgment and calamity for the city of Gibeah, indicating the fulfillment of a strategic plan by the Israelites.

began to rise from the city
The rising smoke is a visual confirmation of the city's destruction. In ancient warfare, smoke was often used as a signal, and its rising would have been a clear indication of the city's fall. The Hebrew verb used here for "rise" (עָלָה, 'alah) often conveys the idea of something ascending or going up, which in this context, underscores the totality of the destruction as the smoke ascends to the heavens, visible to all.

the Benjamites looked behind them
This phrase captures a moment of realization and impending doom for the Benjamites. The act of looking behind suggests a sudden awareness and a shift in focus from their immediate battle to the broader consequences of their actions. In the Hebrew narrative, turning to look back often signifies a moment of reckoning or realization, as seen in the account of Lot's wife (Genesis 19:26).

and saw the whole city going up in smoke
The phrase "going up in smoke" is a vivid depiction of total destruction. The Hebrew word for "whole" (כָּל, kol) emphasizes the completeness of the devastation. This imagery is not just about physical destruction but also symbolizes the end of a community and its way of life. The smoke rising is a testament to the thoroughness of the judgment executed upon the city.

to the sky
The phrase "to the sky" indicates the magnitude of the destruction, with the smoke reaching up to the heavens. In biblical literature, the sky often represents the realm of the divine, and the smoke reaching it can symbolize the cries of the city reaching God, or the visibility of the destruction to the divine realm. This upward movement of smoke serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience, echoing the biblical theme of divine justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Benjamites
A tribe of Israel, known for their skilled warriors. In this context, they are engaged in a civil war against the other Israelite tribes due to the grievous sin committed in Gibeah.

2. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who have gathered to execute judgment on the Benjamites for their refusal to surrender the perpetrators of a heinous crime.

3. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin, where the initial crime that sparked the conflict took place. It becomes the focal point of the battle and the site of the smoke signal.

4. The Battle
A significant conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel, resulting from the moral outrage over the events in Gibeah.

5. The Column of Smoke
A prearranged signal indicating the successful attack on Gibeah, leading to the turning point in the battle.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The destruction of Gibeah serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that sin can bring upon a community. It underscores the importance of addressing sin and seeking repentance.

Unity in Righteous Judgment
The collective action of the Israelite tribes demonstrates the necessity of unity when confronting evil. It highlights the role of the community in upholding justice and righteousness.

Divine Justice
The turning point in the battle, marked by the smoke signal, illustrates God's sovereignty and justice. It reassures believers that God is in control and will ultimately bring about justice.

The Power of Symbolism
The column of smoke is a powerful symbol of both victory and destruction. It serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and strategic planning in achieving God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Benjamites and the Israelites in Judges 20:40 illustrate the consequences of unaddressed sin within a community?

2. In what ways does the use of the smoke signal in Judges 20:40 parallel other biblical instances of divine intervention or judgment?

3. How can the unity of the Israelite tribes in confronting the sin of Gibeah serve as a model for the church today in addressing moral and ethical issues?

4. What does the turning point in the battle, marked by the smoke signal, teach us about God's timing and justice in our own lives?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Judges 20:40 to ensure that we are vigilant in both recognizing and addressing sin in our personal lives and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 8
The use of a smoke signal as a military tactic is reminiscent of the ambush at Ai, where a similar strategy was employed to achieve victory.

Genesis 19
The imagery of a city going up in smoke parallels the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, symbolizing divine judgment and the consequences of sin.

Psalm 37
The eventual downfall of the wicked, as seen in the Benjamites' defeat, aligns with the theme of God's justice prevailing over evil.