How does Judges 20:39 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands? Setting the Scene - Gibeah’s men committed a vile crime (Judges 19). - Israel demanded justice; Benjamin refused to surrender the guilty (Judges 20:12-13). - Civil war ensued. Israel suffered two setbacks, but on the third day set an ambush (Judges 20:29-36). - Verse 39 falls in the moment when Israel’s feigned retreat lures Benjamin into overconfidence. Judges 20:39 “Then the men of Israel would turn in the battle. But Benjamin had already begun to strike and kill about thirty Israelites, saying, ‘They are defeated before us, as in the first battle.’” The Disobedience Behind the Battle - Benjamin’s refusal to uphold God’s law was direct rebellion (Deuteronomy 22:22; Numbers 35:31). - Instead of grieving over sin, the tribe protected it—placing tribal loyalty above obedience to the LORD. - This heart-posture mirrors the warning of Proverbs 14:12: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” How Verse 39 Shows the Consequences • False Confidence – Benjamin’s small victory (“about thirty”) revives memories of earlier wins. – Disobedience often produces short-lived success that masks looming judgment (Psalm 73:3-19). • Hardened Hearts – “They are defeated before us” reveals no thought of repentance, only pride. – Sin’s deceit blinds people to the danger they are running toward (Hebrews 3:13). • Sudden Reversal – The ambush signal is already set; destruction is moments away. – When God acts, judgment can fall swiftly and irrevocably (Numbers 16:31-33). • Near-Annihilation – By day’s end, only 600 Benjamite men remain (Judges 20:47). – The tribe’s survival hangs by a thread, demonstrating that unchecked sin threatens an entire community. Principles for Today - Temporary success never cancels divine justice. - Protecting sin instead of confronting it invites corporate disaster. - Pride fed by early victories can blind us to God’s impending discipline. - God keeps His word—whether promises of blessing (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) or warnings of curse (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Supporting Scriptures - 1 Samuel 15:22-23 — “To obey is better than sacrifice… rebellion is as the sin of divination.” - Psalm 19:11 — “In keeping them there is great reward.” - Galatians 6:7 — “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” Takeaway Judges 20:39 captures the moment when Benjamin’s disobedience turns fatal: brief triumph, boastful confidence, and then the crushing outcome God had warned about all along. Obedience safeguards; rebellion destroys. |
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