What is the meaning of Judges 20:32? We are defeating them as before – The Benjamites seize on their earlier wins (Judges 20:21,25), assuming the pattern will repeat. – Their words reveal overconfidence; “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). – Scripture consistently warns against resting on past victories (1 Corinthians 10:12). But the Israelites said – While Benjamin boasts, Israel keeps its counsel, echoing Proverbs 15:22—“Plans succeed through counsel.” – God had already directed Israel to victory on the third day (Judges 20:28), so the people trust His word, not the present appearance. Let us retreat – The “retreat” is deliberate, mirroring Joshua’s feigned withdrawal at Ai (Joshua 8:5–7). – Tactical humility: stepping back so the Lord’s plan can unfold (Exodus 14:13-14). – Sometimes the wisest move is not a frontal advance but a strategic yielding (James 4:7). Draw them away from the city – Luring the Benjamites out removes their defensive advantage, much as Gideon scattered Midian’s camp (Judges 7:16-22). – It prevents collateral damage inside Gibeah and fulfills Deuteronomy 20:10-15 principles about besieging a city with measured force. – God often exposes hidden sin by bringing it “out of its stronghold” (2 Samuel 5:23-24). Onto the roads – Open roads level the battlefield; Benjamin loses the tight streets that favored its expert slingers (Judges 20:16). – Roads in Judges symbolize decision points (Judges 5:6); here they become the setting for divine justice. – By controlling the crossroads, Israel cuts off escape, echoing Moses’ charge in Deuteronomy 25:17-19 to blot out wickedness. summary Judges 20:32 captures a turning point. Benjamin’s proud certainty—“We are defeating them as before”—rests on past success, while Israel’s quiet obedience follows God’s guidance. A planned retreat draws the enemy from safety to exposure, illustrating that victory belongs not to the swift but to those who trust and obey the Lord’s strategy. |
    |