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

The Benjamites came out against them
The tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is engaged in a civil conflict with the other Israelite tribes. This reflects the internal strife and moral decline during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by the repeated cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The Benjamites' willingness to confront their fellow Israelites highlights the deep divisions and the severity of the conflict.

and were drawn away from the city.
The strategy employed by the Israelites involved luring the Benjamites away from the safety of their city, Gibeah. This tactic is reminiscent of military strategies seen elsewhere in the Bible, such as Joshua's ambush at Ai (Joshua 8). The drawing away from the city indicates a planned maneuver to weaken the Benjamites' defensive position.

They began to attack the people as before,
This phrase suggests a repeated pattern of aggression by the Benjamites, indicating their confidence and previous success in battle. It also underscores the ongoing nature of the conflict, with the Benjamites initially having the upper hand, as seen in earlier verses where they inflicted heavy casualties on the Israelites.

killing about thirty men of Israel in the fields and on the roads,
The specific mention of "fields and on the roads" indicates the widespread nature of the battle, not confined to a single location. This detail highlights the chaos and the tactical disadvantage faced by the Israelites. The number thirty, while relatively small, serves to illustrate the initial success of the Benjamites' attack.

one of which led up to Bethel and the other to Gibeah.
Bethel and Gibeah are significant locations in biblical history. Bethel, meaning "house of God," was a place of worship and spiritual significance, while Gibeah was the Benjamite city at the center of the conflict. The roads leading to these locations suggest strategic routes and the importance of controlling access to key areas. The mention of these roads also provides geographical context, indicating the proximity of the battle to these notable sites.

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.