What is the meaning of Judges 20:25? That same day - The phrase roots the verse in a literal 24-hour period, following Israel’s first defeat (Judges 20:21-23). God had directed them to attack again, so the timing underscores obedience met with unexpected disappointment. - Cross references: Judges 20:26-28 shows that only after this second setback did Israel fast and seek the LORD’s face more deeply; similarly, Joshua 7:6-10 records Israel’s leaders responding to defeat by humbling themselves the same day. the Benjamites came out against them from Gibeah - “Came out” pictures an offensive sortie, not a defensive stand. Benjamin is acting with bold confidence, just as Philistines “came out” to challenge Israel in 1 Samuel 17:4. - Gibeah, Benjamin’s stronghold (Judges 19:14; 1 Samuel 10:26), had become synonymous with sin, yet God permits them temporary success, reminiscent of how He allowed Ai to repulse Israel in Joshua 7:4-5 to expose hidden issues. - The statement highlights that internal enemies—fellow Israelites—can be as fierce as external foes (cf. Psalm 55:12-14). and cut down another 18,000 Israelites - “Another” links this loss to the earlier 22,000 casualties (Judges 20:21), totaling 40,000—about one-tenth of Israel’s fielded force (Judges 20:2). - God’s sovereignty is seen in allowing heavy losses to chasten the nation (Deuteronomy 32:36-39), pushing them toward repentance before He grants victory (Judges 20:35). - The scale matches other severe judgments: 1 Samuel 4:10 notes 30,000 Israelites fell when the ark was treated irreverently. all of them armed with swords - The defeated soldiers were fully equipped; lack of weaponry was not the issue. Victory is never guaranteed by human strength alone (Psalm 33:16-19). - This detail mirrors the well-armed yet faith-lacking armies in Numbers 14:40-45, stressing that spiritual readiness outweighs matériel. - It also foreshadows the coming triumph once Israel aligns with God’s plan; the same swords will soon be instruments of deliverance (Judges 20:35, 48). summary Judges 20:25 records a second devastating defeat for Israel despite obediently attacking when the LORD said “Go up.” The verse stresses timing (“That same day”), the bold aggression of sinful Benjamin, the staggering casualty count, and the fact that Israel’s weapons could not compensate for unresolved spiritual issues. God uses the setback to deepen national repentance, preparing the way for eventual justice and restoration. |
    |