What is the meaning of Judges 20:39? The men of Israel would turn in the battle “Now the men of Israel had arranged that those in ambush should rise at a signal, and the men of Israel would turn in the battle…” (Judges 20:38–39a) • “Turn” describes a deliberate feigned retreat—a tactic already laid out in vv. 29–30. • This strategy echoes Joshua’s maneuver at Ai, where the army “fled before the men of Ai” to draw them out (Joshua 8:15–17). • The plan shows careful obedience to the Lord’s guidance (Judges 20:28) and contrasts with the earlier, uncoordinated assaults (vv. 18–25). By turning, Israel lures Benjamin away from Gibeah, clearing the field for the hidden ambush to ignite the city (v. 38). • Practical takeaway: God sometimes uses apparent setbacks to accomplish decisive victory (Romans 8:28). When the Benjamites had begun to strike them down • Benjamin believes it is witnessing a third straight rout. Earlier they had killed 22,000 (v. 21) and 18,000 (v. 25). • The text underlines how convincing Israel’s retreat was; Benjamin “had begun” to cut them down, exactly as planned (Judges 20:31). • Cross-reference Judges 20:32, where Benjamin says, “They are defeated before us,” revealing overconfidence. Compare with Pharaoh pressing Israel to the Red Sea (Exodus 14:5–9). • Lesson: God allows an enemy temporary success to expose pride and set the stage for justice (Psalm 37:12-15). Killing about thirty men of Israel • The casualties are far smaller than on the prior days, underscoring that Israel’s losses are now controlled and purposeful. • Thirty deaths bought Israel time to complete the ambush. Strategy does not erase real cost, reminding us that obedience can still involve sacrifice (Luke 14:27-33). • The number also heightens dramatic irony: Benjamin assumes another easy win, unaware that its own defeat is moments away (1 Corinthians 10:12). They said, “They are defeated before us as in the first battle.” • Benjamin interprets Israel’s flight exactly as Israel intended. Their confidence mirrors the Philistines’ early triumph when “Israel was defeated” and lost 4,000 men (1 Samuel 4:2). • Pride blinds them to the looming judgment (Proverbs 16:18). While Benjamin celebrates, the signal—smoke rising from Gibeah (Judges 20:40)—will reverse the momentum. • The phrase “as in the first battle” shows how past success can create a false security if God’s hand has turned (Isaiah 10:12-13). • Application: victories without repentance can harden the heart; true security rests not in past triumphs but in present alignment with God’s will (James 4:6-10). summary Judges 20:39 captures the pivotal moment of Israel’s civil war. Israel’s feigned retreat, Benjamin’s premature confidence, the modest casualty count, and Benjamin’s boastful declaration all converge to illustrate how God can use strategic obedience to overturn entrenched sin. What looks like defeat for the faithful is often the doorway to God’s decisive deliverance, while prideful reliance on yesterday’s victories leaves the unrepentant exposed to judgment. |
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