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Commentary on Judges 20 verses 12–17
Here is, I. The fair and just demand which the tribes of Israel, now encamped, sent to the tribe of Benjamin, to deliver up the malefactors of Gibeah to justice, Jdg 20:12, Jdg 20:13. If the tribe of Benjamin had come up, as they ought to have done, to the assembly, and agreed with them in their resolution, there would have been none to deal with but the men of Gibeah only, but they, by their absence, taking part with the criminals, application must be made to them all. The Israelites were zealous against the wickedness that was committed, yet they were discreet in their zeal, and did not think it would justify them in falling upon the whole tribe of Benjamin unless they, by refusing to give up the criminals, and protecting them against justice, should make themselves guilty, ex post facto - as accessaries after the fact. They desire them to consider how great the wickedness was that was committed (Jdg 20:12), and that it was done among them: and how necessary it was therefore that they should either punish the malefactors with death themselves, according to the law of Moses, or deliver them up to the general assembly, to be so much the more publicly and solemnly punished, that evil might be put away from Israel, the national guilt removed, the infection stopped by cutting off the gangrened part, and national judgments prevented; for the sin was so very like that of the Sodomites that they might justly fear, if they did not punish it, God would rain hail from heaven upon them, as he did, not only upon Sodom, but the neighbouring cities. If the Israelites had not made this reasonable demand, they would have had much more reason to lament the following desolations of Benjamin. All methods of accommodation must be used before we go to war or go to law. The demand was like that of Joab's to Abel, Sa2 20:20, Sa2 20:21. "Only deliver up the traitor, and we will lay down our arms." On these terms, and no other, God will be at peace with us, that we part with our sins, that we mortify and crucify our lusts, and then all shall be well; his anger will be turned away.
II. The wretched obstinacy and perverseness of the men of Benjamin, who seem to have been as unanimous and zealous in their resolutions to stand by the criminals as the rest of the tribes were to punish them, so little sense had they of their honour, duty, and interest. 1. They were so prodigiously vile as to patronise the wickedness that was committed: They would not hearken to the voice of their brethren (Jdg 20:13), either because those of that tribe were generally more vicious and debauched at this time than the rest of the tribes, and therefore would not bear to have that punished in others of which they knew themselves guilty (some of the most fruitful and pleasant parts of Canaan fell to the lot of this tribe; their land, like that of Sodom, was as the garden of the Lord, which perhaps helped to make the inhabitants, like the men of Sodom, wicked, and sinners before the Lord exceedingly, Gen 13:10, Gen 13:13), or because (as bishop Patrick suggests) they took it ill that the other tribes should meddle with their concerns; they would not do that which they knew was their duty because they were reminded of it by their brethren, by whom they scorned to be taught and controlled. If there were any wise men among them that would have complied with the demand made, yet they were overpowered by the majority, who thus made the crime of the men of Gibeah their own. Thus we have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness if we say A confederacy with those that have, and make ourselves guilty of other men's sins by countenancing and defending them. It seems there is no cause so bad but it will find some patrons, some advocates, to appear for it; but woe be to those by whom such offences come. Those will have a great deal to answer for that obstruct the course of necessary justice, and strengthen the hands of the wicked, by saying, O wicked man! thou shalt not die.
2.They were so prodigiously vain and presumptuous as to make head against the united force of all Israel. Never, surely, were men so wretchedly infatuated as they were when they took up arms in opposition, (1.) To so good a cause as Israel had. How could they expect to prosper when they fought against justice, and consequently against the just God himself, against those that had the high priest and the divine oracle on their side, and so acted in downright rebellion against the sacred and supreme authority of the nation. (2.) To so great a force as Israel had. The disproportion of their numbers was much greater than that, Luk 14:31, Luk 14:32, where he that had but 10,000 durst not meet him that came against him with 20,000, and therefore desired conditions of peace. There the enemy was but two to one, here above fifteen to one; yet they despised conditions of peace. All the forces they could bring into the field were but 26,000 men, besides 700 men of Gibeah (Jdg 20:15); yet with these they will dare to face 400,000 men of Israel, Jdg 20:17. Thus sinners are infatuated to their own ruin, and provoke him to jealousy who is infinitely stronger than they, Co1 10:22. But it should seem they depended upon the skill of their men to make up what was wanting in numbers, especially a regiment of slingers, 700 men, who, though left-handed, were so dexterous at slinging stones that they would not be a hair's breadth beside their mark, Jdg 20:16. But these good marksmen were very much out in their aim when they espoused this bad cause. Benjamin signifies the son of the right hand, yet we find his posterity left-handed.
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SUMMARY
Judges 20:17 precisely enumerates the formidable military strength of the combined Israelite tribes, excluding Benjamin, as they prepare for a devastating civil war. This count 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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Judges 20:17 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its impact and foreshadow the ensuing tragedy. The sheer numerical figure of "four hundred thousand" functions as Hyperbole or Exaggeration, serving to underscore the overwhelming force assembled, even if the number is meant to convey 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 ("beside 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 enumeration of such a massive, combat-ready army functions as powerful Foreshadowing, ominously predicting the devastating scale of the impending civil war and the immense loss of life that will follow. There is also a profound 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 devastating 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.
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, embodying the wisdom that "a house divided against itself cannot stand."
Questions for Reflection
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). It was not just a crime, but a profound violation of covenant law and social order, an "abomination" (Judges 20:6) 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), 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), 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 and reconciling work. 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). 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), a kingdom marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). The tragic disunity and self-destruction in Judges underscore the profound necessity of Christ's perfect reign, which alone can bring true healing, unity, and lasting peace to God's people.