Judges 20:15

KJV

And the children of Benjamin were numbered at that time out of the cities twenty and six thousand men that drew sword, beside the inhabitants of Gibeah, which were numbered seven hundred chosen men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} were numbered {H6485} at that time {H3117} out of the cities {H5892} twenty {H6242} and six {H8337} thousand {H505} men {H376} that drew {H8025} sword {H2719}, beside the inhabitants {H3427} of Gibeah {H1390}, which were numbered {H6485} seven {H7651} hundred {H3967} chosen {H977} men {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day there were 26,000 men from Binyamin armed with swords, besides the inhabitants of Giv'ah, who numbered 700 specially chosen men.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day the Benjamites mobilized 26,000 swordsmen from their cities, in addition to the 700 select men of Gibeah.

American Standard Version

And the children of Benjamin were numbered on that day out of the cities twenty and six thousand men that drew sword, besides the inhabitants of Gibeah, who were numbered seven hundred chosen men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:15 delivers a stark military census of the tribe of Benjamin, detailing their formidable fighting force on the eve of a devastating civil war against the other tribes of Israel. The verse meticulously enumerates twenty-six thousand men from their cities capable of wielding a sword, augmented by a highly specialized contingent of seven hundred chosen warriors from the city of Gibeah. This precise accounting underscores Benjamin's defiant readiness for conflict, highlighting the immense scale of the impending inter-tribal bloodshed and the tragic depths of Israel's moral and spiritual decline during the period of the Judges, where tribal loyalty superseded divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:15 is situated within the final, most disturbing narrative block of [the Book of Judges](/judges "The Book of Judges"), encompassing chapters 19-21. This section immediately follows the horrific account of the Levite's concubine, her brutal rape and murder in Gibeah, and the Levite's subsequent gruesome act of dismemberment to rally the other tribes of Israel. The preceding chapter, [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite's Concubine"), sets the stage for the conflict by detailing the wickedness of Gibeah and the indignation of the other tribes. Chapter 20 then describes the assembly of Israel at Mizpah, their demand for justice against the perpetrators, and Benjamin's shocking refusal to surrender their kinsmen, choosing instead to defend them. This verse specifically marks the moment of Benjamin's military mobilization, serving as a grim prelude to the three bloody battles that follow, as detailed in [Judges 20:18-48](/judges/20-18-48 "Judges 20:18-48 - The Battles Against Benjamin"). The narrative culminates in the near annihilation of Benjamin and the desperate measures taken to preserve the tribe in [Judges 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - Preserving Benjamin").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance, often summarized by the refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Moral Anarchy in Israel")). This narrative exemplifies the moral anarchy and spiritual decay that permeated Israelite society. Tribal identity was paramount, often leading to fierce loyalty, even when it meant defending clear injustice. The gathering at Mizpah was a significant national assembly, indicating a collective decision-making process for the other tribes. The concept of "holy war" or divine judgment was central, as the other tribes sought to purge evil from their midst, believing they were acting on God's behalf. Benjamin's defiant stand, despite the clear depravity of Gibeah, reflects a misguided sense of tribal solidarity overriding divine law and communal righteousness. The military numbers provided in this verse are typical for ancient Near Eastern accounts of mustering forces, emphasizing the strength and readiness of the combatants.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [the Book of Judges](/judges "The Book of Judges"). Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Tribal Disunity and Civil War**, demonstrating how internal moral corruption could lead to devastating inter-tribal conflict rather than unified action against external threats. Benjamin's refusal to uphold justice against their own people, as demanded by the other tribes, underscores a profound breakdown in the covenant community. Secondly, the enumeration of forces points to the theme of **Human Reliance and Misplaced Trust**, where Benjamin trusts in its own military might and misguided tribal loyalty rather than seeking divine guidance or acknowledging the severity of their sin. This contrasts sharply with earlier accounts where God's intervention was key to Israelite victories. Finally, the entire narrative, including this verse, serves as a stark illustration of **Israel's Spiritual and Moral Decline**. The horrific acts in Gibeah and Benjamin's subsequent defense of the perpetrators are symptoms of a society that has abandoned God's law and descended into chaos, where "there was no king in Israel" and moral relativism reigned ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **numbered (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** The verb `פָּקַד` (pâqad, H6485) carries a range of meanings, including "to visit," "to inspect," "to appoint," and in this military context, "to muster" or "to take a census." Here, it denotes a formal, deliberate act of counting and organizing the fighting men. It's not merely a casual tally but an official registration of available forces, indicating a serious intent for battle. This word emphasizes the meticulous preparation undertaken by Benjamin, underscoring their commitment to the impending conflict.
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** The noun `חֶרֶב` (chereb, H2719) refers to a "cutting instrument," specifically a "sword," "knife," or other sharp implement, often highlighting its "destructive effect." In the phrase "drew sword," it signifies men who are fully armed, trained, and ready for combat. The presence of the sword marks these individuals as active warriors, distinguishing them from the general male population and emphasizing the combat readiness and aggressive posture of the Benjaminite forces.
* **chosen (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** The root `בָּחַר` (bâchar, H977) means "to try" or "to select." When applied to men, as in "chosen men," it refers to "select" or "picked" individuals, often implying youth, vigor, and particular skill in battle. These are not merely able-bodied men but an elite contingent, likely possessing superior training, equipment, or strategic importance. The distinction between the 26,000 general combatants and the 700 "chosen men" from Gibeah suggests that the latter formed a core, highly capable unit, possibly serving as a special defense force for the city at the heart of the dispute.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Benjamin were numbered at that time out of the cities twenty and six thousand men that drew sword,"**: This clause establishes the primary fighting force of the tribe of Benjamin. "At that time" refers to the immediate period following the assembly of the other tribes and their demand for justice. The "twenty and six thousand men" represent the general levy of able-bodied warriors from Benjamin's various towns and villages, excluding Gibeah. The phrase "that drew sword" explicitly defines these men as active combatants, armed and prepared for warfare, indicating a significant and formidable military capacity for a single tribe.
* **"beside the inhabitants of Gibeah, which were numbered seven hundred chosen men."**: This second clause specifies an additional contingent of warriors from Gibeah, the city where the initial atrocity occurred. The use of "beside" (מִלְּבַד, millevad) indicates that these 700 men are *in addition to* the 26,000 from the other Benjaminite cities, making the total Benjaminite force 26,700. The description "chosen men" elevates this group beyond the general fighting force, implying they were an elite, highly skilled, or specially selected unit, perhaps serving as the core defenders of Gibeah, known for their particular prowess, as hinted at later in [Judges 20:16](/judges/20-16 "Judges 20:16 - Benjaminite Slingers"). This distinction emphasizes the specific focus on Gibeah as the epicenter of the conflict and the strength of its defenders.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 20:15 employs several significant literary devices. **Enumeration** is prominent, with the precise numbers (26,000 and 700) lending a sense of stark reality and impending doom to the narrative. This detailed census emphasizes the scale of the Benjaminite defiance and the magnitude of the conflict about to unfold. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as these numbers immediately precede the description of the battles, hinting at the fierce resistance the other tribes will face. The distinction between the general levy and the "seven hundred chosen men" from Gibeah creates a subtle **Contrast**, highlighting the specific, perhaps elite, nature of the Gibeah contingent and underscoring its central role in the conflict. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the overall **Tragedy** of the narrative by demonstrating Benjamin's robust military readiness, which, instead of being used for righteous defense or national unity, is tragically deployed in defense of wickedness, leading to the near-annihilation of the tribe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:15, by detailing Benjamin's military strength, powerfully underscores the tragic consequences of misplaced loyalty and the profound moral decay within Israel. Instead of upholding justice and purging evil from their midst, Benjamin chose tribal solidarity over divine righteousness, leading to an unprecedented civil war. This act of defiance against the collective demand for justice reveals a deep-seated spiritual blindness, where human alliances and pride superseded God's covenant commands. The verse sets the stage for a conflict that is not merely political or military, but fundamentally theological, demonstrating the destructive power of sin when it is defended rather than confronted, and the devastating impact of a society where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes."

* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation")
* [1 Corinthians 5:6-7](/1_corinthians/5-6-7 "1 Corinthians 5:6-7 - Dealing with Sin in the Church")
* [Matthew 12:25](/matthew/12-25 "Matthew 12:25 - A House Divided Cannot Stand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed enumeration of Benjamin's forces in Judges 20:15 serves as a profound and sobering reminder of the destructive potential of human pride and misguided loyalty. When a community, or even an individual, chooses to defend sin rather than uphold righteousness, the consequences can be catastrophic, leading to internal strife and widespread devastation. This passage challenges us to examine our own loyalties: are we more committed to protecting our "tribe"—be it family, friends, church group, or political affiliation—even when it means condoning or defending unrighteousness, or are we primarily committed to God's truth and justice? The Benjaminite tragedy highlights the critical importance of spiritual discernment and moral courage, urging us to confront sin within our own circles, even when it is difficult, rather than allowing it to fester and corrupt the whole. True loyalty to God's kingdom demands that we prioritize righteousness above all else, seeking to be instruments of justice and reconciliation, rather than complicit in evil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might I be tempted to prioritize loyalty to a group or individual over my commitment to biblical truth and justice?**
* **What are the potential consequences, both personal and communal, of defending or ignoring clear sin within my sphere of influence?**
* **How can I cultivate the moral courage to confront unrighteousness, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular?**
* **In what ways does this narrative challenge my understanding of corporate responsibility and the need for accountability within a community of faith?**

### FAQ

**Why are the "inhabitants of Gibeah" numbered separately from the other Benjaminite cities?**

Answer: The text explicitly separates the 700 "chosen men" of Gibeah from the 26,000 men from Benjamin's other cities because Gibeah was the specific location where the heinous crime against the Levite's concubine occurred ([Judges 19:22-25](/judges/19-22-25 "Judges 19:22-25 - The Crime in Gibeah")). The other tribes of Israel had specifically demanded that the wicked men of Gibeah be surrendered for justice ([Judges 20:13](/judges/20-13 "Judges 20:13 - Israel's Demand for Justice")). By numbering Gibeah's defenders separately, the narrative emphasizes that this city was the epicenter of the conflict and the primary object of the other tribes' righteous indignation. The "chosen men" designation also suggests they were a particularly elite or dedicated force, perhaps the most committed to defending their city and its inhabitants, regardless of their actions.

**What is the significance of the specific numbers (26,000 and 700)?**

Answer: The precise numbers, 26,000 and 700, are significant for several reasons. Firstly, they underscore the formidable military strength of the tribe of Benjamin, indicating their readiness and capacity for a large-scale conflict. For a single tribe, this was a substantial fighting force, highlighting the gravity of their defiance. Secondly, the numbers provide a dramatic setup for the ensuing battles, where despite their numerical strength, Benjamin suffers devastating losses, emphasizing the divine judgment against their sin. The 700 "chosen men" from Gibeah are particularly notable, as [Judges 20:16](/judges/20-16 "Judges 20:16 - Benjaminite Slingers") explicitly mentions their unique skill as left-handed slingers who could "sling stones at a hair and not miss." This detail highlights their elite status and the specific, formidable challenge they posed. The specificity of the numbers adds realism and intensity to the narrative, portraying a well-organized and determined resistance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of Judges 20:15 and the subsequent civil war in Israel, born out of deep moral corruption and a refusal to uphold justice, powerfully foreshadows humanity's desperate need for a true and righteous King. The chaos and "every man did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Moral Anarchy")) mentality of the Judges period find their ultimate resolution in Christ. While Benjamin's strength was mustered for a misguided defense of sin, Christ's strength was demonstrated in his perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world. The failure of human justice and leadership, evident in Benjamin's defiance and Israel's subsequent, flawed response, points to Jesus Christ as the only one who can truly bring righteousness and peace. He is the [King of kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), whose reign establishes true justice and whose kingdom is not divided against itself ([Matthew 12:25](/matthew/12-25 "Matthew 12:25 - A House Divided Cannot Stand")). Unlike the temporal and often flawed deliverers of the Judges period, Christ offers eternal redemption and transforms hearts, enabling His followers to live by God's perfect law, not by their own fallen desires. The bloodshed and near-annihilation of Benjamin underscore the severity of sin and the necessity of the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who alone takes away the sin of the world and brings true reconciliation, far beyond any human attempt at justice or tribal solidarity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 26:41

These [are] the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them [were] forty and five thousand and six hundred.

Judges 20:25

And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.

Judges 20:46

So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these [were] men of valour.

Judges 20:47

But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months.

Judges 20:35

And the LORD smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword.

Numbers 1:37

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Benjamin, [were] thirty and five thousand and four hundred.