What is the meaning of Judges 20:31? The Benjamites came out against them Israel had stationed an ambush around Gibeah (Judges 20:29), but Benjamin, confident after two earlier victories (Judges 20:21, 25), rushed out once more. • Their charge reflects the pattern of self–reliant zeal that so often marked Israel’s tribes in the time of the judges (cf. Judges 12:1–3). • Like Goliath advancing on David (1 Samuel 17:48), the Benjamites assume strength will prevail, overlooking the Lord’s hand now turned against them (Judges 20:28). And were drawn away from the city Israel’s plan mirrors Joshua’s strategy at Ai: lure the defenders out, then strike the city (Joshua 8:14–16). • The shift from open combat to tactical wisdom shows Israel finally listening to the Lord’s guidance after two costly setbacks (Judges 20:23, 26–28). • Drawing Benjamin away also protects non-combatants who might still be inside Gibeah, underscoring God’s concern for justice without needless slaughter (Proverbs 21:31). They began to attack the people as before Benjamin repeats yesterday’s tactics, thinking yesterday’s results will follow. • Sin’s blinding power keeps them from recognizing divine discipline (Proverbs 26:11; Isaiah 30:10). • The phrase “as before” recalls the earlier slaughters—22,000 and 18,000 men of Israel (Judges 20:21, 25)—highlighting how easily pride hardens when repentance is ignored (Psalm 78:32). Killing about thirty men of Israel in the fields and on the roads, one of which led up to Bethel and the other to Gibeah The small number—“about thirty”—is a deliberate contrast to the tens of thousands lost earlier. • It signals that the apparent Israeli retreat is a ruse; the true battle will turn in Israel’s favor (Judges 20:34–36). • Mention of the two roads fixes the scene geographically and spiritually: – Bethel, long a place of worship and covenant memory (Genesis 28:18–22), lies on one route. – Gibeah, stained by horrific sin (Judges 19:22–30), lies on the other. • The clash on these highways pictures a nation deciding between covenant faithfulness and covenant violation (Deuteronomy 30:15–18). summary Judges 20:31 shows Benjamin’s overconfidence drawing them into God-directed trap: they charge out, leave their city exposed, repeat past violence, and register a token success that masks their impending defeat. The verse reminds us that unrepentant sin breeds fatal presumption, while God can use wise strategy to accomplish righteous judgment and restore holiness among His people. |
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