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 began to go up from the city
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the battle between the Israelites and the Benjamites. The column of smoke served as a prearranged signal for the Israelite forces. In ancient warfare, such signals were crucial for coordinating attacks, especially in the absence of modern communication methods. The use of smoke as a signal is also seen in other biblical contexts, such as the pillar of cloud that guided the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). This imagery of smoke rising can symbolize divine intervention or judgment, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:28).

the Benjamites looked behind them
The Benjamites, engaged in battle, were caught off guard by the sudden realization of their city's destruction. This moment of looking back is reminiscent of Lot's wife looking back at Sodom (Genesis 19:26), symbolizing a moment of realization and impending doom. The Benjamites' focus on the battlefront left them vulnerable to the strategic maneuver of the Israelites, highlighting the importance of vigilance and awareness in spiritual warfare.

and saw the whole city going up in smoke
The complete destruction of the city signifies total defeat and judgment. In the context of Judges, this event is a consequence of the moral and social decay within the tribe of Benjamin, particularly the atrocity committed in Gibeah (Judges 19). The imagery of a city going up in smoke is a powerful representation of divine judgment, similar to the destruction of Jericho (Joshua 6:24) and the prophesied fall of Babylon (Revelation 18:9). This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the justice of God. The destruction also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and purification that will come through Christ, who will establish a new and holy city (Revelation 21:2).

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.