Judges 20:21

And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men.

And the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} came forth {H3318} out of Gibeah {H1390}, and destroyed down {H7843} to the ground {H776} of the Israelites {H3478} that day {H3117} twenty {H6242} and two {H8147} thousand {H505} men {H376}.

But the army of Binyamin came out of Giv'ah and slaughtered the army of Isra'el; on that day 22,000 men fell.

And the Benjamites came out of Gibeah and cut down 22,000 Israelites on the battlefield that day.

And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites on that day twenty and two thousand men.

Commentary

Judges 20:21 describes a grim moment in ancient Israel's history, detailing the first day of a devastating civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the combined forces of the other Israelite tribes. This verse highlights the brutal reality of inter-tribal conflict and the heavy cost of unaddressed sin.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set during the chaotic period of the Judges, a time when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The conflict originated from a horrific act of violence and sexual abuse against a Levite's concubine in Gibeah, a city within Benjamin's territory (Judges 19). When the other tribes demanded that the perpetrators be handed over for justice, Benjamin refused, choosing instead to protect their own, leading to an all-out civil war. The Israelites, though having inquired of God (Judges 20:18), suffered a shocking defeat on this first day.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consequences of Unaddressed Sin: The horrific actions in Gibeah, coupled with Benjamin's defiant refusal to administer justice, escalated into a national tragedy. This verse vividly illustrates how sin, when not dealt with, can lead to widespread destruction and bloodshed, even among God's chosen people.
  • Human Presumption vs. Divine Will: Despite God telling them to "go up" against Benjamin (Judges 20:18), the Israelites suffered a massive defeat. This initial setback suggests a deeper lesson God intended for them—perhaps exposing their reliance on numbers or their own righteousness, rather than truly humbling themselves and seeking His complete guidance and power. They were fighting for a just cause, but their approach or heart attitude may have been flawed.
  • The Destructive Nature of Internal Strife: This account stands as a stark warning against division and internal conflict within a community or nation. The slaughter of 22,000 Israelite men by their own brethren underscores the tragic consequences when unity and justice break down.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "destroyed down to the ground" uses the Hebrew verb shaḥath (שָׁחַת), which implies not just killing, but a thorough spoiling, corrupting, or laying waste. It emphasizes the complete and utter devastation inflicted upon the Israelite forces, indicating a decisive and brutal victory for Benjamin on that day.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Address Sin Promptly: Ignoring or defending sin, whether personal or corporate, inevitably leads to greater devastation. True justice and repentance are essential for healing and peace.
  • Humility in Righteous Causes: Even when we believe we are fighting for a righteous cause, we must approach God with humility, seeking His true will and power, not relying on our own strength or presumed righteousness. God sometimes allows setbacks to humble us and refine our dependence on Him.
  • The Value of Unity: Division and infighting within the body of Christ or any community can be incredibly destructive. Seeking reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity, even in difficult circumstances, is paramount.
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Cross-References

  • Judges 20:25 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 73:18 (2 votes)

    Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

  • Psalms 73:19 (2 votes)

    How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

  • Jeremiah 12:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

  • Ecclesiastes 9:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, [are] in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred [by] all [that is] before them.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:3 (2 votes)

    This [is] an evil among all [things] that are done under the sun, that [there is] one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness [is] in their heart while they live, and after that [they go] to the dead.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:10 (2 votes)

    And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: [but are there] not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God?