What is the meaning of Judges 20:40?

But

- The tiny word turns the narrative, marking a decisive moment after Israel’s earlier setbacks (Judges 20:21, 25).

- Up to this point, Benjamin seemed victorious, yet God had already declared that Israel would prevail (Judges 20:28).

- Similar pivot points appear elsewhere—“But God…” moments that shift outcomes (Genesis 50:20; Ephesians 2:4).

---

When the column of smoke began to go up from the city

- The rising plume was the pre-arranged signal between Israel’s main force and the hidden ambush (Judges 20:38–39).

- Joshua used the same tactic at Ai, where smoke confirmed the city’s capture (Joshua 8:19-20).

- Smoke often marks divine judgment: Sodom (Genesis 19:28) and Edom’s perpetual burning (Isaiah 34:10).

- For Israel, the sign said, “The LORD has delivered the city” (cf. Judges 20:36).

---

The Benjamites looked behind them

- Focused on chasing Israel’s decoy force, they never expected ruin in their rear (Judges 20:31-32).

- God frequently turns an aggressor’s attention the wrong way: Philistines against Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:15-16) and Midianites against Gideon (Judges 7:21-22).

- The sudden look back pictures how sin blinds until judgment is unavoidable (Psalm 73:19; Proverbs 29:1).

---

And saw the whole city going up in smoke

- Gibeah, the scene of Benjamin’s grievous sin (Judges 19:22-30), is now engulfed, fulfilling divine justice (Deuteronomy 32:35).

- What they cherished is consumed—echoing Sodom (Genesis 19:28) and Babylon’s fall (Revelation 18:9).

- The sight crushes morale; Benjamin’s confidence melts (Judges 20:41).

- God vindicates the abused woman of Gibeah while warning every tribe that unrepentant wickedness invites total loss (Hebrews 10:30-31).

---

summary

Judges 20:40 captures the turning point in Israel’s civil war: a God-directed signal of smoke announces victory for righteousness and exposes Benjamin’s defeat. The verse shows how the Lord uses planned obedience, strategic wisdom, and unmistakable signs to judge sin and defend the innocent. In a single billow of smoke, the proud are humbled, the faithful are assured, and the justice of God stands visibly affirmed.