Judges 20:16

KJV

Among all this people [there were] seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair [breadth], and not miss.

KJV (with Strong's)

Among all this people {H5971} there were seven {H7651} hundred {H3967} chosen {H977} men {H376} lefthanded {H334}{H3027}{H3225}; every one could sling {H7049} stones {H68} at an hair {H8185} breadth, and not miss {H2398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All of these 700 specially picked men were left-handed, and every one could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.

Berean Standard Bible

Among all these soldiers there were 700 select left-handers, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair without missing.

American Standard Version

Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at a hair-breadth, and not miss.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:16 unveils a remarkable detail about the Benjamite army: a contingent of seven hundred elite warriors, uniquely "lefthanded," possessed unparalleled accuracy with a sling, capable of striking a target as small as a hair without fail. This verse serves as a chilling testament to their formidable military prowess, explaining why the tribe of Benjamin, despite being vastly outnumbered, presented such a devastating challenge to the other Israelite tribes in the brutal civil war that unfolded. It highlights an extraordinary level of specialized skill and precision, setting the stage for the fierce and tragic conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:16 is embedded within the climactic and tragic narrative of Israel's civil war, spanning Judges chapters 19-21. This conflict erupts from the horrific crime committed against the Levite's concubine in Gibeah, a city within Benjamin’s territory. The preceding verses describe the assembly of the other eleven tribes, their demand for justice against the perpetrators in Gibeah, and Benjamin's defiant refusal to surrender them, choosing instead to protect their own. The verse immediately follows the mustering of Benjamin's forces, providing a crucial insight into the extraordinary fighting capability of a select group within their army. This detail explains the initial, shocking defeats inflicted upon the larger Israelite army, underscoring the formidable nature of their Benjamite adversaries and the immense cost of the ensuing fratricidal war.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1000 BCE) was characterized by a decentralized tribal confederacy, marked by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance. Crucially, "in those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The Moral Chaos of the Judges Period")). The "lefthanded" description is particularly significant. The Hebrew phrase, אִטֵּר יַד יְמִינוֹ (_'iṭṭēr yad yemīnô_), literally translates to "restricted in his right hand" or "bound in his right hand." This does not necessarily imply natural left-handedness in the modern sense but rather a deliberate and specialized training to use the left hand as the primary combat hand. This provided a distinct tactical advantage in ancient warfare, as opponents would typically guard against a right-handed attack, leaving them vulnerable to an unexpected left-handed assault. This unique Benjamite trait is also famously seen in [Ehud, the left-handed judge](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Ehud's Left-Handed Deliverance"), who used his unique skill to assassinate King Eglon of Moab. Slings were common and highly effective weapons, capable of delivering lethal force when wielded by skilled hands.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Exceptional Military Prowess and Specialized Skill**, highlighting how intense training and unique abilities can create a formidable fighting force. The "hair breadth" accuracy speaks to an almost unbelievable level of **Precision and Mastery**, emphasizing the dedication required for such proficiency. Paradoxically, this extraordinary skill is deployed in a context of profound **Moral Decay and Fratricidal Conflict**, illustrating the tragic consequences when human abilities are divorced from divine guidance and used for destructive purposes. The verse also underscores the **Formidability of the Benjamites**, explaining why this smallest tribe could inflict such heavy losses on the combined forces of Israel, thus setting the stage for the intense and devastating battles described throughout [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - The War Against Benjamin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lefthanded (Hebrew, _'iṭṭēr yad yemīnô'_):** This phrase literally translates to "restricted in his right hand" or "bound in his right hand." It does not necessarily mean these men were naturally ambidextrous or born left-handed in the modern sense, but rather that they were specifically trained to use their left hand as their dominant hand for combat. This specialized training provided a significant tactical advantage in ancient warfare, as most opponents would anticipate and defend against a right-handed attack, leaving them vulnerable to an unexpected assault from the left. This unique skill set made these Benjamite warriors exceptionally dangerous and unpredictable.
* **hair breadth (Hebrew, _śeʿārāh'_):** The Hebrew word _śeʿārāh_ literally means "a hair" or "a hair's breadth." This is a hyperbolic expression used to convey an extreme, almost unbelievable, level of precision and accuracy. When applied to slinging stones, it implies that these warriors could hit even the smallest, most difficult targets with absolute certainty, making them incredibly effective and deadly in battle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Among all this people [there were] seven hundred chosen men lefthanded":** This clause identifies a specific, elite contingent within the Benjamite army. The number "seven hundred" signifies a significant, though not overwhelming, force, yet their unique "lefthanded" training sets them apart as highly specialized and formidable warriors, chosen for their distinct combat advantage.
* **"every one could sling stones at an hair [breadth]":** This emphasizes the individual skill and uniform proficiency of each of these seven hundred men. The phrase "at an hair [breadth]" is a powerful hyperbole, conveying an astonishing degree of accuracy that borders on the miraculous, highlighting their mastery of the sling as a weapon.
* **"and not miss":** This final phrase unequivocally confirms the absolute precision and unerring deadliness of their aim. It reinforces the hyperbole of "hair breadth," leaving no doubt that these slingers were perfectly reliable and devastatingly effective in their combat role.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 20:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey the extraordinary skill of the Benjamite warriors. **Hyperbole** is prominently used in the phrase "sling stones at an hair [breadth], and not miss," exaggerating their accuracy to emphasize an almost superhuman level of precision. This overstatement vividly portrays their deadliness. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly preparing the reader for the initial, shocking defeats of the larger Israelite army in the subsequent battles of the civil war, explaining *why* a smaller tribe could inflict such heavy losses. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** present; such immense and unique skill, which could have been used for constructive purposes or national defense, is tragically deployed in a fratricidal war, highlighting the profound moral and spiritual decay within Israel during this period. Finally, the specific number "seven hundred" creates a **Contrast** between their relatively small number and their disproportionately devastating effectiveness, amplifying their formidable nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:16, while describing military prowess, implicitly raises theological questions about the nature of human skill and its deployment. It demonstrates that extraordinary human ability, even when cultivated to perfection, is not inherently good or evil; its moral quality is determined by the purpose to which it is applied. In this tragic narrative, the Benjamites' unparalleled skill is tragically misdirected in a civil war born of unrighteousness and stubborn pride, illustrating the destructive potential of human capabilities when divorced from divine wisdom and justice. The passage serves as a stark reminder that even the most impressive talents can lead to devastation if not submitted to God's will and used for His glory, especially in a context where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes."

* [Judges 3:15](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Ehud, the Left-Handed Deliverer")
* [1 Samuel 17:40](/1_samuel/17-40 "1 Samuel 17:40 - David's Sling and Stones")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed description of the Benjamite slingers in Judges 20:16, though set in a context of war and moral decline, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It highlights the value of specialized skill, mastery, and dedication to one's craft. Just as these warriors honed their abilities to an extraordinary degree, we are called to identify and develop the unique gifts, talents, and callings that God has bestowed upon us. Whether in our professions, ministries, or personal lives, striving for excellence and precision in our endeavors is a worthy pursuit that honors the Giver of all good gifts. However, the tragic context of the civil war serves as a sobering reminder that even the most exceptional abilities can be misused or misdirected when not guided by righteous principles and a commitment to peace. We must constantly examine our motives, ensuring that our skills and influence are employed for constructive, life-giving purposes, fostering reconciliation and justice, rather than contributing to division or destruction. This passage challenges us to consider how we are stewarding our talents and whether we are using them to build up God's kingdom or, inadvertently, to perpetuate conflict.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do our unique gifts and talents, like those of the Benjamites, reflect God's design and potential for us?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to use our skills or influence for self-serving or destructive purposes, rather than for God's kingdom and the good of others?**
* **How does the broader context of Judges 19-21, a story of great skill used in a civil war, challenge us to seek peace and reconciliation in our own relationships and communities?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "lefthanded" aspect so emphasized for the Benjamites, and what does it mean?**

Answer: The emphasis on "lefthanded" (Hebrew: אִטֵּר יַד יְמִינוֹ, _'iṭṭēr yad yemīnô_) is crucial because it signifies a highly specialized and tactically advantageous training, not merely a natural handedness. The phrase literally means "restricted in his right hand" or "bound in his right hand," implying that these men were deliberately trained to use their left hand as their primary hand for combat. In ancient warfare, most opponents would expect and guard against attacks from the right side, as the majority of warriors were right-handed. A left-handed attack, therefore, would come from an unexpected angle, creating a significant element of surprise and vulnerability for the adversary. This unique skill set made the Benjamite slingers exceptionally formidable and difficult to counter, as famously demonstrated by [Ehud, another left-handed Benjamite judge](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Ehud, the Left-Handed Deliverer"), who used his left-handedness to assassinate King Eglon of Moab. This detail explains why the tribe of Benjamin, despite being small, was able to inflict such heavy losses on the combined forces of Israel in the initial battles of the civil war described in [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - The War Against Benjamin").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Judges 20:16 describes the formidable, yet tragically misdirected, precision of human warriors in a dark period of Israel's history, it subtly points forward to the ultimate "chosen man" and the perfect "aim" of God in Jesus Christ. Unlike these Benjamite slingers whose unparalleled skill was used in a fratricidal war, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came to bring peace and reconciliation, not division ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). His "aim" was not with stones but with the perfect fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. He perfectly "hit the mark" of God's will, demonstrating absolute obedience where Israel consistently "missed" the mark of righteousness. His life, death, and resurrection represent the ultimate, unerring "shot" against sin and death, securing eternal victory and salvation ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")). Where human skill, even at its peak, can be used for destruction, Christ's perfect work establishes true justice and lasting peace, making Him the ultimate example of divine precision and purpose, fulfilling all that the fragmented and morally compromised era of the Judges longed for.

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

Judges 3:15

But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.

1 Chronicles 12:2

[They were] armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in [hurling] stones and [shooting] arrows out of a bow, [even] of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

1 Samuel 17:49

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

1 Samuel 17:50

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but [there was] no sword in the hand of David.

2 Chronicles 26:14

And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings [to cast] stones.

1 Samuel 25:29

Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, [as out] of the middle of a sling.

1 Samuel 17:40

¶ And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling [was] in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.