Judges 20:17

KJV

And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these [were] men of war.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H376} of Israel {H3478}, beside Benjamin {H1144}, were numbered {H6485} four {H702} hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} men {H376} that drew {H8025} sword {H2719}: all these were men {H376} of war {H4421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The army of Isra'el, apart from Binyamin, numbered 400,000 men with swords; they were all experienced soldiers.

Berean Standard Bible

The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.

American Standard Version

And the men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:17 records the formidable military strength of the combined Israelite tribes, excluding Benjamin, as they prepare for a devastating civil war. This precise enumeration of "four hundred thousand men that drew sword" reveals the immense scale of the impending conflict, underscoring the gravity of the tribes' resolve to confront the profound moral decay and unaddressed sin within Israel, specifically the heinous crime committed in Gibeah of Benjamin. The verse serves as a chilling prelude to one of the most tragic and fratricidal episodes in Israel's history, highlighting the dire consequences of a nation without righteous leadership and a collective commitment to covenant fidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:17 is embedded within the harrowing narrative of Judges 19-21, often considered an appendix to the Book of Judges, illustrating the depths of Israel's spiritual and moral decline. The preceding chapter, [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite and His Concubine"), details the horrific abuse and murder of a Levite's concubine by Benjaminites in Gibeah. The Levite's gruesome act of dismembering her body and sending pieces throughout Israel served as a shocking indictment, a desperate call for justice, and a catalyst for national outrage. Following this, [Judges 20:1-16](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - War with Benjamin") describes the assembly of the other eleven tribes at Mizpah, their demand for the perpetrators to be surrendered, and Benjamin's defiant refusal. Verse 17, therefore, marks a critical juncture, quantifying the overwhelming military might arrayed against Benjamin, setting the stage for the bloody and tragic civil war that ensues, a stark illustration of a nation where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - No King in Israel")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance, marked by the absence of a central, divinely appointed king. This era was one of significant moral and spiritual decline, as seen in the pervasive idolatry, social injustice, and breakdown of covenant faithfulness. The events of Judges 19-21, culminating in this civil war, reflect the nadir of this period, demonstrating the internal chaos that resulted from a lack of unified, righteous leadership and a disregard for God's law. Militarily, the tribes of Israel would typically muster a levy of fighting men when threatened or when called to collective action, often from their various clans and families. The figure of 400,000 men represents an exceptionally large mobilization, indicating a profound sense of communal outrage and a determination to enforce justice, even if it meant internecine conflict. Such a large force would have been a significant logistical undertaking, underscoring the depth of the crisis and the perceived necessity of intervention.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes within Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **overwhelming military mobilization** as a response to profound moral decay, demonstrating the tribes' collective outrage and their resolve to address the heinous crime committed. Secondly, the explicit exclusion of Benjamin ("beside Benjamin") underscores the **tragedy of inter-tribal conflict** and the devastating consequences of internal strife within God's chosen people, a stark contrast to the ideal of unity ([Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")). This fratricidal war serves as a somber warning about the failure to uphold righteous standards and the breakdown of communal responsibility. Finally, while the outcome was tragic, the initial gathering of such a massive force was driven by a desperate **call for justice** against an abomination, revealing a lingering, albeit flawed, sense of communal responsibility for moral order, even in a period marked by significant spiritual decline and the absence of a king ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"four hundred thousand" (Hebrew, _ʾarbaʿ mēʾôt ʾelef_):** This numerical designation emphasizes the immense scale of the assembled Israelite force. While large biblical numbers can sometimes be understood symbolically or as rounded figures, here it primarily serves to convey the overwhelming numerical superiority of the allied tribes against Benjamin. It signifies not a casual militia, but a vast, organized, and formidable army, reflecting the gravity with which the other tribes viewed the abomination in Gibeah and their determination to exact justice.
* **"drew sword" (Hebrew, _mōšēḵ ḥerev_):** This is a common Hebrew idiom used to describe a trained warrior or combatant, someone capable and ready for battle. It denotes individuals who are not merely present but are armed, skilled, and prepared for active engagement in warfare. The phrase underscores the professional nature of the assembled force, indicating that these were not just men in general, but men specifically equipped and trained for combat.
* **"men of war" (Hebrew, _ʾîš milḥāmâ_):** This phrase reinforces the meaning of "drew sword," further emphasizing that the counted individuals were not just able-bodied men, but seasoned soldiers, fully prepared for intense combat. It signifies individuals who are part of a fighting force, possessing the necessary training, equipment, and mindset for military engagement. Together with "drew sword," it paints a picture of a well-equipped, professional, and formidable army.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered":** This opening clause establishes the scope of the census, specifying that all tribes of Israel *except* Benjamin were included. This exclusion is critically important, immediately highlighting the unprecedented and tragic nature of this conflict as an internal, fratricidal war within God's covenant people. It sets the stage for the profound division and sorrow that will characterize the ensuing chapters.
* **"four hundred thousand men that drew sword":** This phrase quantifies the immense military strength of the united eleven tribes. The number signifies an overwhelming force, emphasizing the seriousness of their resolve and the perceived necessity of such a massive mobilization. "Men that drew sword" clarifies that these were not just able-bodied males, but trained and equipped warriors, ready for battle.
* **"all these [were] men of war":** This concluding affirmation reinforces the professional and combat-ready nature of the enumerated force. It underlines that every man counted was a skilled soldier, prepared for the rigors of warfare. This detail amplifies the tragic irony of the situation: such a formidable army, intended for external threats, was now poised to engage in a devastating conflict against their own brethren, highlighting the depth of Israel's internal breakdown.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 20:17 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its impact. The sheer numerical figure of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** (four hundred thousand) serves to underscore the overwhelming force assembled, even if the number is meant to be symbolic of vastness rather than a precise literal count. This emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the determination of the tribes. The explicit exclusion of Benjamin creates a stark **Contrast**, highlighting the profound internal division within Israel, a people meant to be unified under God. This contrast sets the stage for the fratricidal nature of the conflict. Furthermore, the verse functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**, as the enumeration of such a massive, combat-ready army ominously predicts the devastating scale of the impending civil war and the immense loss of life that will follow. There is also a tragic **Irony** in the fact that such a formidable force, gathered to uphold justice, ultimately brings about immense self-destruction and suffering within the very nation it seeks to purify.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:17, by detailing the immense military mobilization against a fellow Israelite tribe, profoundly illustrates the consequences of unaddressed sin and the breakdown of covenant community. The numerical strength, while impressive, underscores the tragic reality that sheer power cannot compensate for a lack of spiritual integrity and righteous leadership. This verse highlights the deep moral decay that had permeated Israel, leading to internal strife and bloodshed rather than unity and peace. It serves as a stark reminder that when a people forsakes God's law and "every man does what is right in his own eyes," the very fabric of society unravels, leading to devastating self-inflicted wounds. The pursuit of justice, though initially righteous, became tainted by the absence of wisdom, mercy, and a true understanding of covenant brotherhood, resulting in a conflict that brought Israel to the brink of annihilation.

* [Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Galatians 5:15](/galatians/5-15 "Galatians 5:15 - Biting and Devouring One Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 20:17, though a historical military census, carries profound and sobering lessons for contemporary communities, churches, and nations. It stands as a stark testament to how unchecked moral decay and a failure to address sin decisively can escalate into devastating internal conflict. The immense strength of the Israelite army, intended to bring justice, ultimately led to widespread suffering and near-annihilation for one of its own tribes, demonstrating that power without wisdom, humility, and a commitment to reconciliation can be self-destructive. For us today, this verse underscores the critical importance of confronting sin and injustice within our own spheres, yet always pursuing unity and peace, even in the face of deep disagreements. It cautions against allowing internal divisions to fester to the point of catastrophic breakdown, reminding us that true strength lies not merely in numbers or might, but in spiritual integrity, a commitment to God's ways, and a willingness to seek reconciliation and forgiveness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the immense scale of the army in Judges 20:17 highlight the severity of the moral crisis in Israel, and what does this teach us about the consequences of unaddressed sin in our own communities?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the tragic fratricidal conflict described in Judges 19-21, particularly in light of the unity called for in passages like [Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")?**
* **In what ways might our own pursuit of "justice" or "righteousness" become distorted if not tempered by wisdom, humility, and a commitment to reconciliation, as exemplified by the outcome in Judges?**

### FAQ
**Why was such a large army needed to confront the tribe of Benjamin?**

Answer: The immense size of the army (400,000 men) reflects the extreme gravity with which the other Israelite tribes viewed the atrocity committed in Gibeah ([Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite and His Concubine")). It was not just a crime, but a profound violation of covenant law and social order, an "abomination" ([Judges 20:6](/judges/20-6 "Judges 20:6 - The Levite's Plea")) that demanded a national response. The sheer number underscores the collective outrage and determination to purge evil from Israel. Furthermore, Benjamin's defiant refusal to surrender the perpetrators, despite repeated appeals ([Judges 20:12-13](/judges/20-12 "Judges 20:12-13 - Benjamin's Refusal")), escalated the situation from a judicial matter to a full-scale military confrontation. The large force was intended to overwhelm Benjamin and enforce justice, though the tragic outcome demonstrates that even overwhelming power can lead to immense suffering when wisdom and true unity are lacking.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 20:17, with its depiction of a massive army poised for fratricidal conflict, profoundly highlights the tragic consequences of Israel's moral decay and its desperate need for a true and righteous king. The failure of human leadership and the breakdown of unity, where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")), ultimately led to internal bloodshed. This chaos points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate and perfect King, who brings true justice and peace not through the sword against His own people, but through His sacrificial death. Unlike the Israelite tribes who fought against each other, Christ unites His people, breaking down walls of hostility and creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the true "man of war" in a spiritual sense, conquering sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His cross and resurrection, establishing a kingdom that is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), a kingdom marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")). The tragic disunity and self-destruction in Judges underscore the profound necessity of Christ's reconciling work and His perfect reign, which alone can bring true healing and unity to God's people.

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

1 Samuel 11:8

And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.

Numbers 1:46

Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.

Judges 20:2

And the chief of all the people, [even] of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.

1 Chronicles 21:5

And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all [they of] Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah [was] four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.

2 Chronicles 17:14

And these [are] the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand.

2 Chronicles 17:18

And next him [was] Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.

Numbers 26:51

These [were] the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty.