Judges 20:48

And the men of Israel turned back against the other Benjamites and put to the sword all the cities, including the animals and everything else they found. And they burned down all the cities in their path.

Study Bible

And the men of Israel turned back against the other Benjamites
This phrase indicates a decisive action taken by the Israelites against the tribe of Benjamin. The context is the civil war that erupted due to the grievous sin committed in Gibeah, a Benjamite city. The Israelites had initially suffered losses but eventually gained the upper hand. This turning back signifies a strategic and determined effort to subdue the remaining Benjamites, highlighting the severity of the conflict within the tribes of Israel.

and put to the sword all the cities
The phrase "put to the sword" reflects the complete destruction and judgment executed by the Israelites. This was a common practice in ancient warfare, often seen as a form of divine judgment. The cities of Benjamin were systematically destroyed, which underscores the seriousness of the offense and the need for purging evil from among the people, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:15.

including the animals and everything else they found
The inclusion of animals and all possessions in the destruction indicates a total annihilation, similar to the concept of herem, or devotion to destruction, seen in other parts of the Old Testament (e.g., Joshua 6:21). This reflects the idea of removing all traces of sin and corruption, ensuring that nothing remains that could lead the Israelites back into sin.

And they burned down all the cities in their path
Burning the cities was a final act of destruction, ensuring that the cities could not be easily rebuilt or reoccupied. This act of burning is reminiscent of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25) and serves as a symbol of divine judgment. It also foreshadows the future destruction of Jerusalem, as prophesied in Jeremiah 21:10, when the city would be burned due to the people's unfaithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Men of Israel
The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who united to execute judgment against the tribe of Benjamin for their grievous sin.

2. Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, who were nearly annihilated due to their defense of the wickedness committed in Gibeah.

3. Gibeah
The city in Benjamin where a heinous crime was committed, leading to the conflict between Israel and Benjamin.

4. The Battle
A civil war within Israel, where the tribes sought to punish Benjamin for harboring and defending the perpetrators of a vile act.

5. Destruction of Cities
The complete destruction of Benjamite cities, people, and livestock as a form of divine judgment and purification.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin, especially when unrepented, can lead to severe consequences. The destruction of Benjamin serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin.

Corporate Responsibility
The tribes of Israel acted together to address the sin within their community, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining holiness.

The Cost of Disobedience
The near destruction of an entire tribe underscores the high cost of disobedience and the importance of aligning with God's will.

Restoration and Mercy
While judgment was executed, the subsequent chapters show efforts to restore the tribe of Benjamin, illustrating God's desire for restoration and mercy.

The Role of Justice
Justice is a key aspect of God's character, and His people are called to reflect this in their dealings, ensuring that justice is tempered with mercy and love.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the destruction of the Benjamite cities teach us about the consequences of harboring sin within a community?

2. How can we apply the principle of corporate responsibility in our church or community today?

3. In what ways does the account of Judges 20 challenge our understanding of justice and mercy?

4. How can we ensure that our pursuit of justice aligns with God's will and character, as seen in other scriptures like Romans 12:19?

5. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced the cost of disobedience. How did it shape your understanding of God's commands?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13
This passage outlines the command to destroy cities that turn to idolatry, reflecting the seriousness of purging evil from among God's people.

1 Samuel 15
The command to Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites, showing the theme of complete obedience to God's commands in dealing with sin.

Romans 12:19
The principle of leaving vengeance to God, contrasting human justice with divine justice.