Judges 20:24
New International Version
Then the Israelites drew near to Benjamin the second day.

New Living Translation
So the next day they went out again to fight against the men of Benjamin,

English Standard Version
So the people of Israel came near against the people of Benjamin the second day.

Berean Standard Bible
On the second day the Israelites advanced against the Benjamites.

King James Bible
And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.

New King James Version
So the children of Israel approached the children of Benjamin on the second day.

New American Standard Bible
So the sons of Israel came against the sons of Benjamin on the second day.

NASB 1995
Then the sons of Israel came against the sons of Benjamin the second day.

NASB 1977
Then the sons of Israel came against the sons of Benjamin the second day.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the sons of Israel drew near to the sons of Benjamin the second day.

Amplified Bible
So the sons of Israel came against the sons of Benjamin the second day.

Christian Standard Bible
On the second day the Israelites advanced against the Benjaminites.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
On the second day the Israelites advanced against the Benjaminites.

American Standard Version
And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.

English Revised Version
And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
On the second day the Israelite troops advanced against Benjamin.

Good News Translation
They marched against the army of Benjamin a second time.

International Standard Version
So the Israelis attacked the descendants of Benjamin for a second day,

NET Bible
So the Israelites marched toward the Benjaminites the next day.

New Heart English Bible
The children of Israel came near against the people of Benjamin the second day.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
On the second day the Israelites advanced against the Benjamites.

World English Bible
The children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the sons of Israel draw near to the sons of Benjamin on the second day,

Young's Literal Translation
And the sons of Israel draw near unto the sons of Benjamin on the second day,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Israel will come near to the sons of Benjamin in the second day.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when the children of Israel went out the next day to fight against the children of Benjamin,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when the sons of Israel had continued to do battle against the sons of Benjamin on the next day,

New American Bible
When the Israelites drew near to the Benjaminites on the second day,

New Revised Standard Version
So the Israelites advanced against the Benjaminites the second day.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the children of Israel drew near to battle against the Benjamites on the second day.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the sons of Israel approached with the sons of Benjamin the next day
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the children of Israel advanced against the children of Benjamin on the second day.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Civil War Against Benjamin
23They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, “Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?” And the LORD answered, “Go up against them.” 24On the second day the Israelites advanced against the Benjamites. 25That same day the Benjamites came out against them from Gibeah and cut down another 18,000 Israelites, all of them armed with swords.…

Cross References
Judges 20:18
The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied.

Judges 20:35
The LORD defeated Benjamin in the presence of Israel, and on that day the Israelites slaughtered 25,100 Benjamites, all armed with swords.

Judges 20:46-48
That day 25,000 Benjamite swordsmen fell, all men of valor. / But 600 men turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months. / 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.

Judges 21:10-12
So the congregation sent 12,000 of their most valiant men and commanded them: “Go and put to the sword those living in Jabesh-gilead, including women and children. / This is what you are to do: Devote to destruction every male, as well as every female who has had relations with a man.” / So they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead four hundred young women who had not had relations with a man, and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh in the land of Canaan.

1 Samuel 4:2
The Philistines arrayed themselves against Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who struck down about four thousand men on the battlefield.

1 Samuel 4:10
So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great—thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell.

1 Samuel 15:4-5
So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah. / Saul came to the city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley.

2 Samuel 2:25-27
The Benjamites rallied to Abner, formed a single unit, and took their stand atop a hill. / Then Abner called out to Joab: “Must the sword devour forever? Do you not realize that this will only end in bitterness? How long before you tell the troops to stop pursuing their brothers?” / “As surely as God lives,” Joab replied, “if you had not spoken up, the troops would have continued pursuing their brothers until morning.”

2 Samuel 10:17-19
When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, and went to Helam. Then the Arameans arrayed themselves against David and fought against him. / But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there. / When all the kings who were subject to Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. So the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites anymore.

2 Chronicles 13:17
Then Abijah and his people struck them with a mighty blow, and 500,000 chosen men of Israel fell slain.

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?

Matthew 24:7
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

Luke 21:10
Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Romans 11:3
“Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well”?

1 Corinthians 10:11
Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.


Treasury of Scripture

And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.

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Benjamin Benjaminites Children Draw Drew Israel Israelites Second
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Benjamin Benjaminites Children Draw Drew Israel Israelites Second
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.














On the second day
The phrase "on the second day" indicates a continuation of the conflict between the Israelites and the Benjamites. This battle is part of a larger narrative that began with a grievous crime in Gibeah, leading to a civil war within Israel. The second day suggests persistence and determination in the Israelites' efforts, despite their initial defeat. It reflects the ongoing struggle and the need for perseverance in the face of adversity, a theme echoed in other biblical narratives such as the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.

the Israelites advanced
The Israelites' advance signifies a strategic military movement. This action demonstrates their resolve to address the sin within their community, as the tribe of Benjamin had refused to surrender the perpetrators of the crime in Gibeah. The advance can be seen as an act of justice, aligning with the biblical principle of purging evil from among the people (Deuteronomy 13:5). It also highlights the unity of the other tribes of Israel in their collective response to the moral corruption within their nation.

against the Benjamites
The Benjamites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, were known for their warrior skills and valor (1 Chronicles 8:40). This internal conflict underscores the tragic division within the chosen people of God, reminiscent of other familial and tribal conflicts in the Bible, such as the strife between Jacob's sons. The Benjamites' resistance to the collective will of the other tribes illustrates the dangers of pride and isolation. This battle foreshadows future divisions within Israel, ultimately leading to the split into the northern and southern kingdoms.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who are seeking justice for the crime committed in Gibeah.

2. Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, who are defending themselves against the other tribes of Israel.

3. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin where a grievous crime was committed, leading to the conflict.

4. Second Day
Refers to the continuation of battle efforts by the Israelites against the Benjamites after an initial defeat.

5. Battle
The ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Benjamites, which is part of a larger account of civil strife within Israel.
Teaching Points
Dependence on God
The Israelites' repeated inquiries to God before battle underscore the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions.

Justice and Righteousness
The conflict arises from a desire to address a grave injustice, reminding us of the need to stand against wrongdoing in our communities.

Perseverance in Adversity
Despite initial setbacks, the Israelites continue their efforts, teaching us the value of perseverance in the face of challenges.

Unity and Division
The internal conflict among the tribes of Israel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of division within the body of believers.

Consequences of Sin
The entire account is a stark reminder of how sin can lead to devastating consequences, affecting not just individuals but entire communities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Judges 20:24?

2. How does Judges 20:24 illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in battles?

3. What can we learn from Israel's persistence despite initial failures in Judges 20:24?

4. How does Judges 20:24 connect to the theme of obedience in Deuteronomy 28:1-2?

5. What role does faith play in the Israelites' actions in Judges 20:24?

6. How can we apply the perseverance shown in Judges 20:24 to our spiritual lives?

7. Why did the Israelites fight the Benjamites in Judges 20:24?

8. How does Judges 20:24 reflect God's justice?

9. What historical evidence supports the battle in Judges 20:24?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 20?

11. How did Jehoshaphat's army manage to march forth singing and then gather the spoils without engaging in a standard military offensive (2 Chronicles 20:21-25)?

12. Why does the text promote the abduction of women as a solution for the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:20-23)?

13. Judges 20:18-23 - Why would God direct Israel to attack Benjamin, allow defeat twice, and then finally grant them victory on the third attempt?

14. Judges 20:35-46 - Is the near-total annihilation of an entire tribe by fellow Israelites consistent with the broader biblical message of unity among God's people?
What Does Judges 20:24 Mean
On the second day

• The phrase marks a literal 24-hour progression from the first battle (Judges 20:19–23).

• Israel had already sought the LORD and wept over their earlier loss, yet God directed them to “Go up against them” (Judges 20:23).

• Scripture often shows God’s people needing more than one attempt before victory—think of Joshua’s initial defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:4–6) or Elijah’s sevenfold prayer for rain (1 Kings 18:43).

• The timing reminds us that perseverance is a mark of faith (Galatians 6:9).


the Israelites

• These are the covenant people called to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6).

• Though united in ancestry, they had gathered “400,000 men” (Judges 20:2) to stand for righteousness after the atrocity at Gibeah.

• Their unity here contrasts with earlier tribal disunity (Judges 5:15–17) and anticipates the New Testament call for one body contending together for truth (Philippians 1:27).


advanced

• “Advanced” shows deliberate movement—Israel did not wait passively; they obeyed God’s directive.

• Obedient action follows prayer (Judges 20:23). Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).

• The advance also tests motives. Israel would suffer another setback (Judges 20:25), underscoring that obedience does not guarantee instant success but does honor God (Proverbs 3:5–6).


against

• Sad reality: this was brother against brother. Internal discipline sometimes becomes necessary to uphold holiness (Deuteronomy 13:12–18; 1 Corinthians 5:11–13).

• The word signals a measured, God-authorized confrontation—not vengeance but justice (Romans 13:4).

• It foreshadows Christ’s call to confront sin within the family of faith (Matthew 18:15-17).


the Benjamites

• Benjamin, once called “beloved of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 33:12), had sheltered unrepentant wickedness (Judges 19:22-30).

• Their refusal to surrender the guilty men (Judges 20:13) placed the entire tribe under judgment, illustrating corporate responsibility (Joshua 7:11).

• Hosea later alludes to this moment: “You have sinned… O Israel, there they have remained” (Hosea 10:9), showing the long memory of sin when repentance is withheld.


summary

Judges 20:24 records a literal next step in a painful but necessary confrontation. Israel, God’s covenant people, persisted in obedience, advancing at His command even after initial defeat. Their movement against Benjamin highlights the seriousness with which God regards sin inside His own family and the perseverance He expects from those who seek His justice.

(24) The second day.--This does not mean the day after the first battle. One full day at least--the day of supplication--must have intervened between the two battles.

Verse 24. - And, or so, repeating what had been said in ver. 22, but giving it this time as the result of God's answer recorded in ver. 23. The second day. Not necessarily, or probably, the next day, but the day of the second battle.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On the second
הַשֵּׁנִֽי׃ (haš·šê·nî)
Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 8145: Second (an ordinal number)

day
בַּיּ֥וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

the Israelites
בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

advanced
וַיִּקְרְב֧וּ (way·yiq·rə·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7126: To come near, approach

against
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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


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OT History: Judges 20:24 The children of Israel came near against (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 20:23
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