Judges 20:22

KJV

And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the people {H5971} the men {H376} of Israel {H3478} encouraged {H2388} themselves, and set their battle {H4421} again {H3254} in array {H6186} in the place {H4725} where they put themselves in array {H6186} the first {H7223} day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people, the men of Isra'el, restored their morale and again positioned themselves for battle where they had been the first day.

Berean Standard Bible

But the Israelite army took courage and again took their battle positions in the same place where they had arrayed themselves on the first day.

American Standard Version

And the people, the men of Israel, encouraged themselves, and set the battle again in array in the place where they set themselves in array the first day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:22 marks a critical juncture in the tragic civil war between the tribes of Israel and Benjamin, revealing the profound determination of the Israelite forces. After suffering two devastating defeats and incurring massive casualties, the remaining ten tribes, despite their deep discouragement, consciously strengthened their resolve and meticulously re-formed their battle lines in the very same location where they had previously faced defeat. This verse underscores their unwavering commitment to confronting the egregious sin of Gibeah and pursuing what they perceived as divine justice, even in the face of overwhelming adversity and significant loss.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:22 is situated immediately after two crushing defeats for the combined Israelite forces against the smaller tribe of Benjamin, as detailed in [Judges 20:21](/judges/20-21 "Judges 20:21 - First Defeat") and [Judges 20:25](/judges/20-25 "Judges 20:25 - Second Defeat"). These losses, totaling 40,000 men, were staggering and deeply demoralizing. The narrative leading up to this point, particularly in [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Outrage at Gibeah"), describes the horrific atrocity committed by men of Gibeah in Benjamin, which ignited the conflict. Despite having initially sought the Lord's counsel (though perhaps presumptuously, as seen in [Judges 20:18](/judges/20-18 "Judges 20:18 - Israel's Initial Inquiry")), their repeated failures highlight a deeper spiritual issue. This verse serves as a turning point, as their continued persistence, born of desperation, compels them to seek the Lord more earnestly and humbly in the subsequent verses ([Judges 20:26-28](/judges/20-26 "Judges 20:26-28 - Israel's Deeper Repentance")), ultimately leading to a decisive victory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges chronicles a period in Israel's history characterized by a lack of central authority, spiritual decline, and moral decay, famously summarized by the recurring phrase, "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The State of Israel")). This civil war exemplifies the chaos and depravity that resulted from such a state. The concept of corporate responsibility and justice was paramount; the other tribes felt compelled to punish Benjamin for the heinous crime committed in Gibeah. Warfare was a common means of resolving disputes, and the Israelites, as a covenant people, were expected to seek divine guidance before engaging in battle. However, their initial inquiries, while outwardly pious, seem to have lacked the necessary humility and repentance, suggesting a superficial reliance on God rather than a deep, contrite submission to His will. The repeated battles in the same location also speak to the strategic importance of the terrain and the tenacity of both sides.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 20:22 contributes to several major themes present in the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **perseverance amidst adversity**, showcasing the Israelites' remarkable determination even after devastating losses. This resolve, though initially misguided in its spiritual depth, ultimately leads them to a more profound seeking of God. Secondly, the verse underscores the **cost of sin and the consequences of moral decay**. The entire narrative of [Judges 19-21](/judges/19 "Judges 19-21 - The Benjamite War") serves as a stark warning about the societal breakdown when God's law is disregarded. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine sovereignty and the necessity of true repentance**. While Israel "encouraged themselves," their self-reliance proved insufficient. Their subsequent, more humble, and repentant seeking of God's face ([Judges 20:26](/judges/20-26 "Judges 20:26 - Israel Weeps Before the Lord")) is what ultimately secures divine favor and victory, illustrating that God's plan unfolds even through human failure and learning.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **encouraged themselves (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** The Hebrew verb חָזַק (chazaq) means "to be strong, firm, courageous; to strengthen oneself; to seize, grasp." In this context, the reflexive form (Hithpael) indicates a deliberate, internal act of self-fortification. It is not a spontaneous burst of emotion but a conscious exertion of will and resolve. After two crushing defeats, the Israelites had to actively "brace themselves" or "take courage" to continue the fight. This points to a deep-seated determination, whether born of righteous indignation or stubborn pride, to see the conflict through.
* **set their battle again in array (Hebrew, _arakh'_):** The Hebrew verb עָרַךְ (arakh) means "to arrange, set in order, prepare for battle; to lay in order." The repetition of "again" and the reference to "the first day" emphasize the methodical and disciplined nature of their preparation. Despite their losses and demoralization, they were not a disorganized mob. They meticulously re-established their military formations and tactical plans, demonstrating a persistent and professional approach to warfare, even if their spiritual alignment was still in question.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the people the men of Israel":** This refers to the collective military force of the ten tribes of Israel who had gathered to confront the tribe of Benjamin. It highlights the unified, national response to the atrocity committed in Gibeah, emphasizing the corporate nature of their action.
* **"encouraged themselves":** This phrase reveals the internal psychological and spiritual state of the Israelite army. After two devastating defeats, they were undoubtedly disheartened and fearful. This act was a conscious effort to bolster their morale, to find inner strength and resolve to continue fighting despite the heavy casualties and the apparent lack of divine favor in the previous engagements. It speaks to their human resilience and determination.
* **"and set their battle again in array":** This signifies a deliberate and organized military action. Despite their losses, they did not retreat in disarray but meticulously re-formed their battle lines and prepared for a third engagement. The word "again" is crucial, indicating a renewed effort to confront the enemy, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the cause, even if their understanding of God's will was still imperfect.
* **"in the place where they put themselves in array the first day":** This detail emphasizes the continuity of the conflict in the same geographical location. It shows a stubborn persistence, a refusal to concede the battlefield, and a determination to confront Benjamin on the very ground where they had previously suffered defeat. This repetition of location underscores the intensity and prolonged nature of this internal tribal war.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day," which emphasizes the cyclical nature of their struggle and their unwavering, almost stubborn, persistence in the same arena. This repetition also highlights their methodical approach to warfare despite their setbacks. There is an element of **Irony** present; despite their self-encouragement and meticulous preparation, their previous two attempts had ended in disastrous defeat, suggesting that human effort alone, without proper divine alignment, is insufficient. This foreshadows the need for a deeper, more humble seeking of God's will that occurs in the subsequent verses. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the Israelites' sheer tenacity, though initially born of human resolve, ultimately leads them to a more profound and contrite seeking of God's face, which is a prerequisite for their eventual victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:22 offers a profound theological lesson on the nature of perseverance, particularly in the face of spiritual and physical setbacks. While the Israelites' initial "encouragement" might have stemmed from a misguided sense of self-reliance or even pride, their relentless pursuit of justice, despite overwhelming losses, eventually drove them to a deeper, more humble dependence on God. This narrative highlights that true perseverance is not merely about human grit but about learning to align one's will with God's, especially when one's own strength proves insufficient. It underscores the biblical principle that while God often calls us to exert ourselves, our ultimate strength and success come from Him, especially after we have been humbled by our own limitations. The Israelites' experience here serves as a powerful reminder that God uses even our failures and persistent struggles to refine our faith and draw us into a more authentic relationship with Him.

* [James 1:2](/james/1-2 "James 1:2-4 - Perseverance and Patience")
* [Proverbs 24:16](/proverbs/24-16 "Proverbs 24:16 - The Righteous Fall and Rise")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Waiting on the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 20:22 provides a complex yet vital lesson for contemporary believers on the nature of perseverance and the path to spiritual victory. In our own lives, we often face "battles" where we "encourage ourselves" through sheer willpower, determination, or self-help strategies. Like the Israelites, we might even seek God's counsel, but perhaps superficially, without the deep humility and repentance necessary for true divine favor. When setbacks inevitably occur, whether in our spiritual walk, ministries, or personal struggles, this verse challenges us to examine the source of our strength. Are we relying on our own ability to "set our battle again in array," or are we, through our persistence in the face of failure, being driven to a more profound and contrite dependence on God? True spiritual progress often emerges not from avoiding failure, but from how we respond to it: by humbly seeking God's face, acknowledging our limitations, and allowing Him to strengthen us in ways our own self-encouragement never could. This passage calls us to persevere, not in our own strength, but in a way that ultimately leads us to lean more fully on the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to "encourage yourself" rather than seeking God's strength and guidance?**
* **How do you respond when you face repeated setbacks or failures in your spiritual journey or personal endeavors?**
* **What does it mean to seek God's will "humbly" versus "presumptuously" in the face of adversity?**
* **How can the experience of "setting battle again in array" lead to deeper repentance and reliance on God in your own life?**

### FAQ

**Why did Israel lose twice despite asking God for guidance?**

Answer: The narrative suggests that while Israel did inquire of the Lord, their initial approach may have been presumptuous or lacked the necessary humility and repentance. In [Judges 20:18](/judges/20-18 "Judges 20:18 - Israel's Initial Inquiry"), they asked, "Who shall go up first for us to the battle against the children of Benjamin?" The Lord answered, "Judah shall go up first." This was a tactical instruction, but it didn't address the deeper spiritual condition of the nation or the profound sin that had brought them to this civil war. It's possible God allowed these initial defeats to humble them, to reveal the inadequacy of their own strength and righteousness, and to drive them to a more earnest and contrite seeking of His face. This is precisely what happens after the second defeat, when they go up to the house of God, weep, fast, and offer burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord ([Judges 20:26](/judges/20-26 "Judges 20:26 - Israel Weeps and Sacrifices")). Their initial inquiry was perhaps more about gaining a divine endorsement for their plans than a humble submission to God's overarching will and a plea for His mercy.

**What does "encouraged themselves" truly imply in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "encouraged themselves" (Hebrew: `chazaq`) implies a deliberate act of self-fortification and resolve. It means they consciously strengthened their own spirits, wills, and determination. This was not a spontaneous emotional outburst but a methodical decision to steel themselves for continued battle despite the immense losses and psychological toll of two previous defeats. It highlights their human tenacity and stubbornness. While admirable in its display of perseverance, it also contrasts with the divine strength and encouragement that God provides when His people are truly aligned with His will. Their self-encouragement, while enabling them to continue, was ultimately insufficient to secure victory until they coupled it with genuine repentance and a deeper reliance on God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 20:22, with its depiction of Israel's self-encouragement and persistent, yet initially futile, efforts, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate inadequacy of human strength and the profound necessity of divine intervention, perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Israelites "encouraged themselves" and "set their battle again in array," demonstrating a human resolve that, while commendable, could not secure true victory until they were humbled and turned to God in genuine repentance. This mirrors the human condition: our best efforts to overcome sin, to achieve righteousness, or to fight our spiritual battles often fall short, leaving us defeated and disheartened, much like Israel after their two crushing losses. We, too, are prone to "encouraging ourselves" through self-help or moral striving, only to find our strength insufficient.

However, in Christ, we find the ultimate "encouragement" and the perfect "setting in array." Jesus, the true Israel, perfectly fulfilled the Law and offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, achieving a decisive victory over sin and death where humanity consistently failed. He is the one who, unlike Israel, never needed to "encourage himself" in the face of battle, for He was always perfectly aligned with the Father's will, drawing His strength from divine communion ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does Only What He Sees the Father Do")). His crucifixion was the ultimate "battle array," where He conquered sin and death not by human might but by divine love and obedience ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Our perseverance in the Christian life is not rooted in our ability to "encourage ourselves," but in the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers us and enables us to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" ([Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - The Armor of God")). Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His finished work, our failures are redeemed, and our ultimate victory is secured, not by our own self-encouragement, but by His perfect, unwavering strength.

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 30:6

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

Judges 20:17

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

Psalms 64:5

They encourage themselves [in] an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

2 Samuel 11:25

Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.

Judges 20:15

And the children of Benjamin were numbered at that time out of the cities twenty and six thousand men that drew sword, beside the inhabitants of Gibeah, which were numbered seven hundred chosen men.