Judges 20:16

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Judges 20:16 describes a specific group of elite warriors from the tribe of Benjamin during a tumultuous period in Israel's history. This verse highlights their remarkable military skill, particularly their unique handedness and unparalleled accuracy with a sling. It sets the stage for understanding the fierce resistance the other Israelite tribes faced in the ensuing civil war.

Context

This verse is found within the narrative of a brutal civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other eleven tribes of Israel, detailed in Judges chapters 19-21. The conflict arose from a heinous crime committed in Gibeah, a Benjamite city, which led to a demand for justice by the other tribes. When Benjamin refused to hand over the perpetrators, war broke out. Judges 20:16 specifically details the formidable strength and specialized abilities of a contingent within the tribe of Benjamin's army, explaining why they were such a challenging adversary despite being vastly outnumbered. This period of the Judges is characterized by moral decay and the absence of a king, where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

Key Themes

  • Exceptional Military Prowess: The verse showcases the extraordinary fighting capabilities of these Benjamite soldiers, emphasizing their training and effectiveness in ancient warfare.
  • Specialized Skill: The "lefthanded" nature and the "hair breadth" accuracy point to a highly specialized and cultivated skill set, making them formidable opponents.
  • Precision and Accuracy: The ability to "sling stones at an hair [breadth], and not miss" signifies an almost unbelievable level of precision, essential for effective combat with slings in that era.
  • Formidability of the Benjamites: This description underscores why the Benjamites, despite being the smallest tribe, were able to inflict heavy losses on the larger Israelite army in the initial battles of the civil war.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lefthanded" (Hebrew: 'iṭṭēr yad yemīnô, אִטֵּר יַד יְמִינוֹ) literally translates to "restricted in his right hand" or "bound in his right hand." This doesn't necessarily mean they were naturally left-handed in the modern sense but rather that they were trained to use their left hand as their dominant hand for combat. This gave them a significant tactical advantage, as opponents would typically guard against a right-handed attack, leaving them vulnerable to a left-handed assault. This unique training is also seen in Ehud, another Benjamite judge, who used his left-handedness to assassinate Eglon, the king of Moab.

Related Scriptures

The incredible accuracy described here for the Benjamite slingers is famously echoed in the story of David's victory over Goliath, where David, a shepherd boy, used a sling to fell the Philistine giant. This highlights the effectiveness of the sling as a weapon in ancient Israel and the skill required to wield it with such deadly precision.

Practical Application

While set in a context of war, Judges 20:16 offers insights into the value of specialized skills and training. It reminds us that:

  • Unique Gifts and Talents: Every individual, or group, may possess unique strengths or abilities that can be honed to an extraordinary degree. Recognizing and developing these can lead to remarkable effectiveness in various fields.
  • Excellence in Craft: The "hair breadth" accuracy speaks to a commitment to excellence and mastery of one's craft. Whatever our endeavors, striving for precision and proficiency is a worthy pursuit.
  • Consequences of Conflict: Despite their skill, these warriors were part of a devastating civil war. The passage, in its broader context, serves as a somber reminder of the destructive power of internal strife and the importance of seeking peace and justice to prevent societal breakdown.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 3:15 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    [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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.