Judges 20:14
New International Version
From their towns they came together at Gibeah to fight against the Israelites.

New Living Translation
Instead, they came from their towns and gathered at Gibeah to fight the Israelites.

English Standard Version
Then the people of Benjamin came together out of the cities to Gibeah to go out to battle against the people of Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
And from their cities they came together at Gibeah to go out and fight against the Israelites.

King James Bible
But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.

New King James Version
Instead, the children of Benjamin gathered together from their cities to Gibeah, to go to battle against the children of Israel.

New American Standard Bible
Instead, the sons of Benjamin gathered from the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle against the sons of Israel.

NASB 1995
The sons of Benjamin gathered from the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle against the sons of Israel.

NASB 1977
And the sons of Benjamin gathered from the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle against the sons of Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the sons of Benjamin gathered from the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle against the sons of Israel.

Amplified Bible
Then the [tribe of the] sons of Benjamin gathered from the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle against the [other] sons of Israel.

Christian Standard Bible
Instead, the Benjaminites gathered together from their cities to Gibeah to go out and fight against the Israelites.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Instead, the Benjaminites gathered together from their cities to Gibeah to go out and fight against the Israelites.

American Standard Version
And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
Men from towns all over Benjamin's territory went to Gibeah and got ready to fight Israel.

English Revised Version
And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So the men of Benjamin went from their towns and assembled at Gibeah to go to war with the men of Israel.

Good News Translation
From all the cities of Benjamin they came to Gibeah to fight the other people of Israel.

International Standard Version
so the descendants of Benjamin assembled from the cities of Gibeah to fight the Israelis in battle.

Majority Standard Bible
And from their cities they came together at Gibeah to go out and fight against the Israelites.

NET Bible
The Benjaminites came from their cities and assembled at Gibeah to make war against the Israelites.

New Heart English Bible
The people of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
But the children of Benjamin assembled out of the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.

World English Bible
The children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the sons of Benjamin are gathered out of the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle with the sons of Israel.

Young's Literal Translation
and the sons of Benjamin are gathered out of the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle with the sons of Israel.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Benjamin will be gathered together from the cities to Gibeah to go out to war with the sons of Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But out of all the cities which were of their lot, they gathered themselves together into Gabaa, to aid them, and to fight against the whole people of Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Instead, out of all the cities that were their lot, they convened at Gibeah, so that they might bring them assistance, and so that they might contend against the entire people of Israel.

New American Bible
Instead, the Benjaminites assembled from their cities at Gibeah, to march out to battle with the Israelites.

New Revised Standard Version
The Benjaminites came together out of the towns to Gibeah, to go out to battle against the Israelites.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But all the Benjamites gathered themselves together in Gibeah from their cities, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all the sons of Benjamin assembled from their city to Gebah to go out and to fight with the sons of Israel
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of their cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the children of Benjamin were gathered from their cities to Gabaa, to go forth to fight with the children of Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Decree of the Assembly
13Hand over the wicked men of Gibeah so we can put them to death and purge Israel of this evil.” But the Benjamites refused to heed the voice of their fellow Israelites. 14And from their cities they came together at Gibeah to go out and fight against the Israelites. 15On that day the Benjamites mobilized 26,000 swordsmen from their cities, in addition to the 700 select men of Gibeah.…

Cross References
Judges 19:22-30
While they were enjoying themselves, suddenly the wicked men of the city surrounded the house. Pounding on the door, they said to the old man who owned the house, “Bring out the man who came to your house, so we can have relations with him!” / The owner of the house went out and said to them, “No, my brothers, do not do this wicked thing! After all, this man is a guest in my house. Do not commit this outrage. / Look, let me bring out my virgin daughter and the man’s concubine, and you can use them and do with them as you wish. But do not do such a vile thing to this man.” ...

Hosea 9:9
They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah; He will remember their guilt; He will punish their sins.

Hosea 10:9
Since the days of Gibeah you have sinned, O Israel, and there you have remained. Did not the battle in Gibeah overtake the sons of iniquity?

Genesis 19:4-5
Before they had gone to bed, all the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, surrounded the house. / They called out to Lot, saying, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to us so we can have relations with them!”

Deuteronomy 13:12-15
If, regarding one of the cities the LORD your God is giving you to inhabit, you hear it said / that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known), / then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you, ...

1 Samuel 11:7
He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they came out together as one man.

2 Samuel 2:25
The Benjamites rallied to Abner, formed a single unit, and took their stand atop a hill.

2 Samuel 20:14
Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel-beth-maacah and through the entire region of the Berites, who gathered together and followed him.

2 Chronicles 13:7
Then worthless and wicked men gathered around him to resist Rehoboam son of Solomon when he was young, inexperienced, and unable to resist them.

Psalm 83:6-8
the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, / of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. / Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah

Isaiah 9:21
Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; together they turn against Judah. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.

Jeremiah 5:5
I will go to the powerful and speak to them. Surely they know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.” But they too, with one accord, had broken the yoke and torn off the chains.

Jeremiah 9:3
“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD.

Matthew 10:21
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.

Matthew 24:10
At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another,


Treasury of Scripture

But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.

Numbers 20:20
And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.

Numbers 21:23
And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

2 Chronicles 13:13
But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them: so they were before Judah, and the ambushment was behind them.

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Assembled Battle Benjamin Benjaminites Children Cities Israel Israelites Themselves Together Towns War
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Assembled Battle Benjamin Benjaminites Children Cities Israel Israelites Themselves Together Towns War
Judges 20
1. The Levite in a general assembly declared his wrong
8. The decree of the assembly
12. The Benjamites, being cited, make head against the Israelites
18. The Israelites in two battles lose forty thousand
26. They destroy by a plan all the Benjamites, except six hundred.














Instead
This word marks a contrast to the expected response of the Benjamites. In the context of the preceding verses, the Israelites had demanded justice for the heinous crime committed in Gibeah. The use of "instead" indicates a deliberate choice by the Benjamites to reject reconciliation or justice, highlighting their stubbornness and pride. This decision sets the stage for the ensuing conflict and reflects a broader theme in Judges of Israel's cyclical disobedience and moral decline.

the Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is central to this narrative. Historically, the Benjamites were known for their warrior skills and fierce independence. The Hebrew root for Benjamin, "Binyamin," means "son of the right hand," symbolizing strength and favor. However, in this context, their strength is misused, leading to tragic consequences. This serves as a cautionary tale about the misuse of God-given gifts and the importance of aligning strength with righteousness.

gathered together
This phrase indicates a unification of the Benjamites, suggesting a strong tribal loyalty that overrides their moral obligations. The Hebrew word "asaph" implies a purposeful assembly, often used in military contexts. This gathering is not for peace or justice but for war, reflecting a collective decision to defend their own rather than uphold God's law. It underscores the dangers of misplaced loyalty and the consequences of prioritizing kinship over divine commandments.

from their cities
The Benjamites came from various cities, indicating a widespread support for the decision to go to battle. This mobilization from multiple locations suggests a deep-seated tribal unity and a shared identity that transcends individual cities. It also highlights the pervasive nature of sin and rebellion within the tribe, as the entire community is complicit in the decision to fight against their fellow Israelites.

to Gibeah
Gibeah is the focal point of the conflict, the city where the atrocity occurred. Archaeologically, Gibeah has been identified with Tell el-Ful, providing historical context to the narrative. The city's name means "hill," and it becomes a symbol of moral decline and judgment. Gibeah's role in this account serves as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked sin and the importance of justice in maintaining communal holiness.

to go out for battle
This phrase emphasizes the aggressive stance of the Benjamites. The Hebrew word "yatsa" means to go forth, often used in military contexts. Their decision to go out for battle rather than seek peace or justice reveals a hardened heart and a willingness to escalate conflict. It serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and the destructive nature of sin when left unrepented.

against the Israelites
The Benjamites' decision to fight against their fellow Israelites highlights the tragic division within God's chosen people. This internal conflict is a microcosm of the larger spiritual battles faced by Israel throughout the book of Judges. It underscores the theme of disunity and the consequences of turning away from God's covenant. The phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of unity and obedience to God's law in maintaining peace and righteousness within the community.

Verse 14. - But the children of Benjamin. It should be And the children, etc. It is not dependent upon the preceding verse, but begins a new head of the narrative. From the cities, i.e. the different cities of the tribe of Benjamin, enumerated in Joshua 18:21-28, twenty-six in number.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

their cities
הֶעָרִ֖ים (he·‘ā·rîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

[they]
בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

came together
וַיֵּאָסְפ֧וּ (way·yê·’ā·sə·p̄ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove

at Gibeah
הַגִּבְעָ֑תָה (hag·giḇ·‘ā·ṯāh)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1390: Gibeah -- 'hill', three cities in Palestine

to go out
לָצֵ֥את (lā·ṣêṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

and fight
לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה (lam·mil·ḥā·māh)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

against
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

the Israelites.
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son


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OT History: Judges 20:14 The children of Benjamin gathered themselves together (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 20:13
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