Judges 20:39

the men of Israel would turn in the battle. When the Benjamites had begun to strike them down, killing about thirty men of Israel, they said, "They are defeated before us as in the first battle."

Study Bible

the men of Israel would turn in the battle.
This phrase indicates a strategic maneuver by the Israelites. In the context of ancient warfare, turning in battle could imply a feigned retreat, a tactic used to draw the enemy into a vulnerable position. This strategy is reminiscent of Joshua's tactics at Ai (Joshua 8:15-19), where a similar feigned retreat led to victory. The Israelites' decision to turn in battle reflects their reliance on divine guidance and strategic planning, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and discernment in warfare.

When the Benjamites had begun to strike them down,
The Benjamites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, were known for their skill in battle, particularly their left-handed slingers (Judges 20:16). This phrase highlights their initial success in the conflict, showcasing their confidence and military prowess. Historically, the tribe of Benjamin was small but fierce, often engaging in battles with other tribes. This moment in the narrative underscores the tension and division within the nation of Israel, as internal conflict threatened their unity.

killing about thirty men of Israel,
The loss of thirty men, while seemingly small, would have been significant in the context of tribal warfare, where every warrior counted. This loss served to embolden the Benjamites, reinforcing their belief in their superiority and the righteousness of their cause. The specific number may also symbolize a testing period for Israel, as numbers often carry symbolic weight in biblical texts.

they said, “They are defeated before us as in the first battle.”
This statement reflects the Benjamites' confidence, recalling their previous victory over the Israelites (Judges 20:21). It highlights the cyclical nature of conflict and the danger of overconfidence. The reference to the "first battle" serves as a reminder of past failures and the need for humility and reliance on God. This moment foreshadows the eventual downfall of the Benjamites, as their pride blinds them to the Israelites' strategy and God's ultimate plan for justice and restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which was defending itself against the other tribes due to the incident involving the Levite's concubine in Gibeah.

3. Battle
The conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, which was part of a larger account of judgment and justice within Israel.

4. Gibeah
The city in the territory of Benjamin where the initial atrocity occurred, leading to the civil war.

5. First Battle
Refers to the initial encounter between the Israelites and the Benjamites, where the Benjamites were victorious, leading to overconfidence in this subsequent battle.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
Sin has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only individuals but entire communities. The initial sin in Gibeah led to a devastating civil war.

The Danger of Overconfidence
The Benjamites' initial victory led to overconfidence, which ultimately contributed to their downfall. Pride can blind us to our vulnerabilities.

The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance
The Israelites sought God's counsel before battle, reminding us of the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions.

The Role of Justice and Mercy
While justice was sought against Benjamin, the account also calls us to consider the balance of justice and mercy in our own lives.

Unity Among Believers
The division among the tribes of Israel serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of unity and reconciliation within the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the underlying causes of the conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, and how can we apply this understanding to conflicts within the church today?

2. How does the overconfidence of the Benjamites serve as a warning against pride in our personal and spiritual lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are seeking God's guidance in our decisions, especially when faced with difficult situations?

4. How can we balance the pursuit of justice with the call to show mercy, as demonstrated in the broader account of Judges 19-21?

5. What steps can we take to promote unity and reconciliation within our communities, drawing lessons from the division among the tribes of Israel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 19
Provides the background of the conflict, detailing the sin of the men of Gibeah and the Levite's call for justice.

1 Samuel 15
Illustrates the theme of obedience and the consequences of sin, as seen in Saul's disobedience and the resulting judgment.

Proverbs 16:18
Highlights the danger of pride, which is relevant to the Benjamites' overconfidence in battle.

Romans 12:19
Emphasizes the principle of leaving vengeance to God, contrasting with the Israelites' pursuit of justice through warfare.