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 had arranged a signal with the men in ambush:
This phrase highlights the strategic planning and military tactics employed by the Israelites. The use of signals in warfare is a common practice in ancient military operations, indicating a level of organization and communication. This reflects the Israelites' reliance on human strategy in addition to divine guidance. The ambush tactic is reminiscent of the strategy used in the battle of Ai (Joshua 8), where God instructed Joshua to set an ambush against the city. This connection underscores the continuity of God's involvement in Israel's military endeavors.

When they sent up a great cloud of smoke from the city:
The signal of a great cloud of smoke serves as a visual cue for coordination during the battle. In ancient warfare, smoke was often used to communicate over long distances, especially in the absence of modern communication tools. The smoke rising from the city signifies the successful breach and burning of the city, a common practice in ancient conquests to demonstrate total victory and destruction. This imagery of smoke is also symbolic in biblical literature, often representing God's presence or judgment, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:28). The use of smoke here can be seen as a type of divine judgment against the Benjamites for their grievous sin, aligning with the broader biblical theme of God using human agents to execute His justice.

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.