Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then the Benjamites saw that they were beaten. Now the men of Israel had given way before Benjamin, because they relied on the ambush they had set near Gibeah. New Living Translation Then the men of Benjamin saw that they were beaten. The Israelites had retreated from Benjamin’s warriors in order to give those hiding in ambush more room to maneuver against Gibeah. English Standard Version So the people of Benjamin saw that they were defeated. The men of Israel gave ground to Benjamin, because they trusted the men in ambush whom they had set against Gibeah. Berean Standard Bible Then the Benjamites realized they had been defeated. Now the men of Israel had retreated before Benjamin because they were relying on the ambush they had set against Gibeah. King James Bible So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah. New King James Version So the children of Benjamin saw that they were defeated. The men of Israel had given ground to the Benjamites, because they relied on the men in ambush whom they had set against Gibeah. New American Standard Bible So the sons of Benjamin saw that they were defeated. When the men of Israel gave ground to Benjamin because they relied on the men in ambush whom they had set against Gibeah, NASB 1995 So the sons of Benjamin saw that they were defeated. When the men of Israel gave ground to Benjamin because they relied on the men in ambush whom they had set against Gibeah, NASB 1977 So the sons of Benjamin saw that they were defeated. When the men of Israel gave ground to Benjamin because they relied on the men in ambush whom they had set against Gibeah, Legacy Standard Bible So the sons of Benjamin saw that they were defeated. Now the men of Israel had given ground to Benjamin because they relied on the men in ambush whom they had set against Gibeah. Amplified Bible So the Benjamites realized that they were defeated. Then men of Israel gave ground to the Benjamites, because they relied on the men in ambush whom they had placed against Gibeah. Christian Standard Bible Then the Benjaminites realized they had been defeated. The men of Israel had retreated before Benjamin, because they were confident in the ambush they had set against Gibeah. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the Benjaminites realized they had been defeated. The men of Israel had retreated before Benjamin, because they were confident in the ambush they had set against Gibeah. American Standard Version So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten; for the men of Israel gave place to Benjamin, because they trusted unto the liers-in-wait whom they had set against Gibeah. English Revised Version So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to Benjamin, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set against Gibeah. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the men of Benjamin realized they were defeated. The Israelites had allowed the men of Benjamin to take back some ground. The Israelites relied on those waiting in ambush near Gibeah. Good News Translation and the Benjaminites realized they were defeated. The main body of the Israelite army had retreated from the Benjaminites because they were relying on the men that they had put in hiding around Gibeah. International Standard Version Then the descendants of Benjamin realized that they had been defeated. The army of Israel pretended to retreat from the army of Benjamin, knowing that they had set some soldiers in ambush near Gibeah. NET Bible Then the Benjaminites saw they were defeated. The Israelites retreated before Benjamin, because they had confidence in the men they had hid in ambush outside Gibeah. New Heart English Bible So the people of Benjamin saw that they were defeated; for the men of Israel gave ground to Benjamin, because they trusted the ambushers whom they had set against Gibeah. Webster's Bible Translation So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjaminites, because they trusted to the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the Benjamites realized they had been defeated. Now the men of Israel had retreated before Benjamin because they were relying on the ambush they had set against Gibeah. World English Bible So the children of Benjamin saw that they were struck, for the men of Israel yielded to Benjamin because they trusted the ambushers whom they had set against Gibeah. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the sons of Benjamin see that they have been struck—and the men of Israel give place to Benjamin, for they have trusted in the ambush which they had set against Gibeah, Young's Literal Translation And the sons of Benjamin see that they have been smitten -- and the men of Israel give place to Benjamin, for they have trusted unto the ambush which they had set against Gibeah, Smith's Literal Translation And the sons of Benjamin will see that they were smitten: and the men of Israel will give place to Benjamin, for they trusted to the ambush which they put by Gibeah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut the children of Benjamin when they saw themselves to be too weak, began to flee. Which the children of Israel seeing, gave them place to flee, that they might come to the ambushes that were prepared, which they had set near the city. Catholic Public Domain Version But the sons of Benjamin, when they had seen themselves to be the weaker, began to flee. And the sons of Israel discerning this, gave them room to flee, so that they might arrive at the ambushes that were prepared, which they had positioned near the city. New American Bible Then the Benjaminites saw that they were defeated. The men of Israel gave ground to Benjamin, trusting in the ambush they had set at Gibeah. New Revised Standard Version Then the Benjaminites saw that they were defeated. The Israelites gave ground to Benjamin, because they trusted to the troops in ambush that they had stationed against Gibeah. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo the Benjamites saw that they were defeated; and the children of Israel gave ground to the Benjamites, because they trusted in the ambushes that they had set against Gibeah. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the sons of Benjamin saw that they were defeated and the sons of Israel gave place to the men of Benyamin, because they trusted in the ambush that they had set against Gebah OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten. And the men of Israel gave place to Benjamin, because they trusted unto the liers-in-wait whom they had set against Gibeah.-- Brenton Septuagint Translation And the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten; and the men of Israel gave place to Benjamin, because they trusted in the ambuscade which they had prepared against Gabaa. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Civil War Against Benjamin…35The LORD defeated Benjamin in the presence of Israel, and on that day the Israelites slaughtered 25,100 Benjamites, all armed with swords. 36Then the Benjamites realized they had been defeated. Now the men of Israel had retreated before Benjamin because they were relying on the ambush they had set against Gibeah. 37The men in ambush rushed suddenly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword.… Cross References Joshua 8:15-20 Joshua and all Israel let themselves be beaten back before them, and they fled toward the wilderness. / Then all the men of Ai were summoned to pursue them, and they followed Joshua and were drawn away from the city. / Not a man was left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel, leaving the city wide open while they pursued Israel. ... 2 Samuel 22:30 For in You I can charge an army; with my God I can scale a wall. Psalm 18:29 For in You I can charge an army, and with my God I can scale a wall. 1 Samuel 14:20-23 Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor. / And the Hebrews who had previously gone up into the surrounding camps to join the Philistines now went over to the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. / When all the Israelites who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined the battle in close pursuit. ... 2 Chronicles 13:15-18 and the men of Judah raised the battle cry. And when they raised the cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. / So the Israelites fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hands. / Then Abijah and his people struck them with a mighty blow, and 500,000 chosen men of Israel fell slain. ... Isaiah 10:6 I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. 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? Jeremiah 6:23 They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion.” Zechariah 10:5 They will be like mighty men in battle, trampling the enemy in the mire of the streets. They will fight because the LORD is with them, and they will put the horsemen to shame. Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ... Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Hebrews 11:32-34 And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. Treasury of Scripture So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted to the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah. for the man Joshua 8:15 And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness. Jump to Previous Ambush Ambushers Beaten Benjamin Benjaminites Benjamites Children Defeated Israel Liers Overcome Putting Relied Smitten Struck Trusted Wait Watchers WayJump to Next Ambush Ambushers Beaten Benjamin Benjaminites Benjamites Children Defeated Israel Liers Overcome Putting Relied Smitten Struck Trusted Wait Watchers WayJudges 20 1. The Levite in a general assembly declared his wrong8. 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. Then the Benjamites realized they had been defeated. The realization of defeat by the Benjamites marks a turning point in the battle narrative. The tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, was engaged in a civil war against the other Israelite tribes due to the grievous sin committed in Gibeah (Judges 19). This moment of realization signifies the fulfillment of divine justice against the Benjamites for their actions. The defeat also highlights the consequences of sin and disobedience to God's laws, as seen throughout the Old Testament. The Benjamites' realization can be compared to moments of recognition of sin and its consequences in other biblical narratives, such as David's realization of his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12). Now the men of Israel had retreated before Benjamin because they were relying on the ambush they had set against Gibeah. Persons / Places / Events 1. The BenjamitesA tribe of Israel, known for their skilled warriors. In this context, they are engaged in a civil war against the other tribes of Israel due to the grievous sin committed in Gibeah. 2. The Men of Israel Refers to the collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who have come together to execute judgment on the tribe of Benjamin for the atrocity committed in Gibeah. 3. Gibeah A city in the territory of Benjamin where a heinous crime was committed, leading to the conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes. 4. The Ambush A strategic military tactic used by the Israelites to defeat the Benjamites. This involved a feigned retreat to draw the Benjamites out of the city, allowing the ambush to be successful. 5. The Defeat The realization by the Benjamites that they were losing the battle, marking a turning point in the conflict. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinThe events leading to the battle highlight the severe consequences of unchecked sin within a community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing sin according to biblical principles. Strategic Wisdom The Israelites' use of an ambush reflects the importance of wisdom and strategy in overcoming challenges. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in their endeavors. Unity and Division The civil war among the tribes of Israel shows the destructive power of division within God's people. It calls for unity and reconciliation in the body of Christ. Pride and Humility The Benjamites' initial confidence turned to defeat, illustrating the danger of pride. Christians are called to walk humbly before God and others. Trust in God's Justice The account reminds believers to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when human justice systems fail. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Judges 20Judges 20:15 - How could only 26,000 men from Benjamin withstand the combined forces of Israel for so long, given the massive numerical imbalance? Why does the text promote the abduction of women as a solution for the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:20-23)? How could an all-knowing God condone vows leading to violence against families and communities (Judges 21:1-11)? Judges 20 (entire chapter) - Is there any archeological evidence supporting so great a civil war among the tribes of Israel, or are the events purely literary?(36) That they were smitten.--The "they" refers to the Israelites. The rest of the verse gives the reason for the feigned flight.Verses 36-41. - The children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten. Not of course after 25,000 of them had been smitten, but at that period of the battle more fully described in vers. 40, 41, when the Benjamites, looking behind them, saw Gibeah in flames, and immediately broke and fled towards the wilderness. In the latter half of this verse and in the following verses to ver. 41 the writer recapitulates all the preceding circumstances, some of which have been already mentioned, which led to the particular incident mentioned in the beginning of the verse, that "Benjamin saw that they were smitten;" viz., the feigned flight of the Israelites, the seizing and burning of Gibeah by the liers in wait, the signal of a great smoke, and the turning again of the flying Israelites. It was then that "the men of Benjamin saw that evil was come upon them," and turned their backs and fled. Thus vers. 36 (latter half)-41 bring us back through the details to the identical point already reached at the beginning of ver. 36. In vers. 39, 40 there is another retrograde movement in the narrative, in which the statement of vers. 31, 32 is repeated in order to bring into close juxtaposition Benjamin's keen pursuit of the enemy with his terror when he saw the smoke rising in his rear. Hasted (ver. 37). This is an amplification with further particulars of ver. 33. The liers in wait not only came forth out of their place, but they made a dash to get into Gibeah before the men of Gibeah, who were pursuing the flying Israelites, could be aware of their intention. Rushed upon. Perhaps better rendered fell upon. It is exactly the same phrase as 2 Samuel 27:8, there rather tamely rendered invaded and in ver. 10 made a road. Drew themselves along. Some take the word in the common sense of blowing the trumpet, but it rather means spread themselves out (ἐξεχὺθη, LXX.) through the defenceless city, so as to slay and burn in all parts simultaneously. That they should make a great flame with smoke, etc. (ver. 38). The Hebrew of this verse is difficult to construe, but the A.V. gives substantially the right sense. They seem to be the very orders given to the leader of the ambush. "Make them (the ambush) multiply to send up (i.e. send up in great quantities) the column of smoke from the city." It seems that the appearance of the smoke was the signal for the Israelites to turn (ver. 41). The flame, etc. (ver. 40). Rather, the column began to go up in (or as) a pillar of smoke. The flame of the city. Literally, the whole of the city, meaning of course the whole city in flames. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then the Benjamitesבְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son realized וַיִּרְא֥וּ (way·yir·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7200: To see they had been defeated. נִגָּ֑פוּ (nig·gā·p̄ū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5062: To push, gore, defeat, stub, inflict Now the men אִֽישׁ־ (’îš-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc had retreated וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ (way·yit·tə·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5414: To give, put, set before Benjamin, לְבִנְיָמִ֔ן (lə·ḇin·yā·min) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites because כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they had confidence בָֽטְחוּ֙ (ḇā·ṭə·ḥū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 982: To trust, be confident, sure in אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the ambush הָ֣אֹרֵ֔ב (hā·’ō·rêḇ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 693: To lie in wait they had set שָׂ֖מוּ (śā·mū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set against אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Gibeah. הַגִּבְעָֽה׃ (hag·giḇ·‘āh) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1390: Gibeah -- 'hill', three cities in Palestine Links Judges 20:36 NIVJudges 20:36 NLT Judges 20:36 ESV Judges 20:36 NASB Judges 20:36 KJV Judges 20:36 BibleApps.com Judges 20:36 Biblia Paralela Judges 20:36 Chinese Bible Judges 20:36 French Bible Judges 20:36 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 20:36 So the children of Benjamin saw that (Jd Judg. 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