What is the meaning of Judges 20:30?

On the third day

- Scripture often marks a “third day” as a turning point when the Lord moves decisively (Genesis 22:4; Exodus 19:16; Jonah 1:17; Luke 24:7).

- After two costly defeats (Judges 20:21, 25), Israel’s perseverance reaches God-appointed timing. The day is not random; it signals God’s readiness to bring justice.

- The verse reminds believers that waiting on the Lord’s timing—even after repeated setbacks—prepares the ground for victory (Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 40:31).

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the Israelites went up against the Benjamites

- This is an act of covenant faithfulness. Israel is confronting unrepentant sin within the nation (Deuteronomy 13:12-15; Judges 20:12-13).

- “Went up” conveys obedience to the Lord’s earlier command (Judges 20:18, 23, 28). Their advance reflects submission, not self-will.

- God sometimes calls His people to hard obedience for the sake of holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:10-11).

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and arrayed themselves against Gibeah

- “Arrayed” pictures careful military order; Israel applies strategy rather than reckless zeal (Joshua 8:2-9; Proverbs 21:31).

- Gibeah is the epicenter of the grievous crime recorded in Judges 19. Setting the battle line there declares that sin will be confronted at its source (Numbers 32:23; Psalm 94:23).

- The scene underscores that God’s people must confront evil specifically, not generally (Ephesians 5:11).

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as they had done before

- Israel repeats previous formations, yet this time with God-given assurance of success (Judges 20:28). Perseverance plus divine guidance brings a different outcome (Galatians 6:9; Luke 18:1-8).

- Repetition highlights steadfast faith; they do not abandon God’s ordained means after failure (2 Samuel 5:19-25 shows similar persistence).

- The phrase also prepares readers for the tactical shift described in the following verses—an ambush like the one at Ai (Joshua 8:14-17)—showing that faith and practical wisdom work together.

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summary

Judges 20:30 marks the turning point where, on God’s set “third day,” Israel obediently confronts covenant-breaking Benjamites at Gibeah, faithfully repeating their stand yet now assured of victory. The verse teaches perseverance in God’s timing, courage to face entrenched sin, and reliance on both prayerful obedience and wise strategy as the Lord brings justice.