Judges 20:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Benjamin {H1144} went forth {H3318} against {H7125} them out of Gibeah {H1390} the second {H8145} day {H3117}, and destroyed down {H7843} to the ground {H776} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} again eighteen {H8083}{H6240} thousand {H505} men {H376}; all these drew {H8025} the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Binyamin went out against them from Giv'ah the second day and slaughtered the army of Isra'el; 18,000 men armed with swords fell.

Berean Standard Bible

That same day the Benjamites came out against them from Gibeah and cut down another 18,000 Israelites, all of them armed with swords.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:25 records the devastating second defeat of the combined Israelite tribes by the smaller tribe of Benjamin during a brutal civil war. This verse highlights the immense human cost of internal conflict and unaddressed sin within God's people, revealing a profound spiritual crisis that led to widespread bloodshed and near-annihilation for one of the tribes. It underscores the severity of the judgment and the surprising resilience of Benjamin, setting the stage for a critical turning point in the narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:25 is a pivotal verse within the final, grim chapters of the Book of Judges (chapters 19-21), which detail a horrific civil war. The preceding chapter (Judges 19) recounts the heinous crime committed by men of Gibeah, a Benjamite city, against a Levite's concubine, leading to her death. This atrocity prompts the Levite to dismember her body and send parts to all the tribes of Israel, demanding justice. Chapter 20 opens with the assembly of the other Israelite tribes at Mizpah, united in their outrage and resolve to confront Benjamin. Despite their righteous indignation and initial inquiry of the Lord, the Israelites suffer two consecutive and devastating defeats at the hands of the Benjamites, losing 22,000 men on the first day ([Judges 20:21](/judges/20-21 "Judges 20:21 - First Defeat of Israel")) and another 18,000 on the second, as detailed in this verse. This shocking turn of events forces the Israelites to a deeper level of lament and renewed supplication before the Lord, setting the stage for the third, decisive battle. The narrative emphasizes the escalating tragedy and the profound spiritual disorientation of the nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Judges 19-21 are set in a period often summarized by the concluding statement of the book: "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). This era, following the conquest of Canaan and preceding the monarchy, was characterized by a lack of centralized authority, moral decay, and frequent cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance through divinely appointed judges. The specific geographical locations, Gibeah (in Benjamin) and Bethel/Mizpah (where Israel assembled and inquired of God), were significant tribal and religious centers. The Benjamites' refusal to surrender the wicked men of Gibeah, despite the overwhelming demand from the other tribes, reflects a fierce tribal loyalty that superseded the demands of justice and covenantal law. This period highlights the challenges of maintaining national unity and adherence to Mosaic law in the absence of strong, unified leadership and a deeply rooted spiritual commitment. The military tactics described, involving large-scale engagements of armed men ("drew the sword"), are consistent with ancient Near Eastern warfare, emphasizing the brutal reality of inter-tribal conflict.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 20:25 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Judges. Firstly, it underscores **The High Cost of Unaddressed Sin**, demonstrating how the failure of Benjamin to purge wickedness from its midst not only brought judgment upon themselves but also inflicted catastrophic suffering upon the entire nation. This local crime escalated into a national tragedy, illustrating the pervasive and destructive nature of sin when condoned or protected. Secondly, the repeated and unexpected defeats of the larger Israelite army, despite their seemingly righteous cause and repeated inquiries of the Lord, highlight a theme of **Divine Judgment and Testing**. God's allowing these losses, even when Israel was seeking His counsel (albeit perhaps with insufficient humility or repentance), suggests a deeper purpose—to purify their motives, expose their own spiritual shortcomings, or impress upon them the gravity of their national apostasy. Finally, this verse is a stark illustration of **Internal Strife and Disunity** among God's chosen people. This civil war, leading to immense bloodshed and the near-annihilation of one of the twelve tribes, serves as a profound warning against the dangers of division and the breakdown of covenantal solidarity within the community of faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Destroyed (Hebrew, _šāḥat'_):** The verb שָׁחַת (_šāḥat_), here in the Hiphil stem (causative), means "to cause to spoil, corrupt, ruin, destroy, lay waste." Its use here, "destroyed down to the ground" (וַיַּשְׁחִיתוּ אַרְצָה _vayyashḥitu 'artzaḥ_), emphasizes the utter devastation and complete routing of the Israelite forces. It's not merely a defeat but a destructive annihilation, leaving no doubt about the severity of the blow. This verb is often used in the Old Testament to describe divine judgment or the consequences of sin, indicating a profound moral or physical decay.
* **Drew the sword (Hebrew, _šōlĕfê ḥerev'_):** The phrase שֹׁלְפֵי חֶרֶב (_šōlĕfê ḥerev_), literally "drawers of sword," refers to trained, armed, and battle-ready men. This emphasizes that the casualties were not untrained civilians but seasoned warriors, representing a significant military loss for the Israelite confederacy. It highlights the professional nature of the forces involved and the devastating impact of losing such a large contingent of their fighting men. The phrase underscores the military might that was overcome by Benjamin, making the defeat even more shocking.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day,"**: This clause establishes the continued aggression of Benjamin and the location from which they launched their counter-attack. The phrase "the second day" links this defeat directly to the previous day's engagement, emphasizing the sustained nature of the conflict and the repeated failures of the Israelite coalition. It highlights Benjamin's continued defiance and military prowess.
* **"and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men;"**: This is the core of the verse, detailing the catastrophic outcome for the Israelites. The phrase "destroyed down to the ground" signifies a complete rout and slaughter, not just a tactical retreat. The number "eighteen thousand men" represents a massive loss, adding to the 22,000 lost on the first day ([Judges 20:21](/judges/20-21 "Judges 20:21 - First Defeat of Israel")), bringing the total to 40,000. The word "again" underscores the repeated nature of their defeat, compounding the shock and despair for the larger Israelite army.
* **"all these drew the sword."**: This final clause clarifies the nature of the casualties: these were not accidental deaths or non-combatants, but fully armed and prepared warriors. This detail intensifies the tragedy, emphasizing the loss of valuable military strength and the depth of the humiliation for the combined tribes of Israel. It portrays a professional army being decisively defeated by a smaller, seemingly less formidable foe.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Judges 20:25 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the combined tribes of Israel, acting with what they perceive as righteous indignation and even seeking divine counsel, are repeatedly defeated by the very tribe they seek to punish. This outcome is counter-intuitive and serves to highlight a deeper spiritual problem within Israel. The **Repetition** of defeat ("again eighteen thousand men," following the 22,000) emphasizes the severity of the judgment and the persistent failure of Israel's initial approach, driving home the point that their military might alone was insufficient. The phrase "destroyed down to the ground" could be seen as **Hyperbole**, underscoring the totality and brutality of the defeat, aiming to evoke a strong emotional response and convey the utter devastation suffered by the Israelites. This vivid language paints a grim picture of the civil war's human cost.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:25 is a stark testament to the profound consequences of sin, both individual and corporate, and the mysterious ways of divine judgment. The repeated defeats of the Israelites, despite their numerical superiority and initial consultation with God, suggest that God was not merely endorsing their military campaign but was perhaps testing their motives, refining their understanding of justice, or allowing them to experience the full weight of their own spiritual decline. This period of civil war reveals a nation deeply fractured, where tribal loyalty superseded covenantal obligation, and where the pursuit of justice was tainted by a lack of humility and perhaps a self-righteous spirit. The devastating losses underscore that God's people, when steeped in unaddressed sin and disunity, are vulnerable to internal destruction, even when ostensibly fighting for a righteous cause. It highlights the critical need for true repentance and a humble reliance on God's wisdom, not just His power.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Psalm 78:56-64](/psalm/78-56 "Psalm 78:56-64 - Israel's Disobedience and God's Judgment")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 20:25 serves as a somber reminder that even those who claim God's name can suffer devastating consequences when sin is tolerated or when actions are undertaken without true humility and alignment with God's deeper purposes. The Israelites, though seemingly on the side of justice, experienced profound defeat, forcing them to a deeper level of self-examination and repentance before God. This narrative challenges us to consider not only the righteousness of our cause but also the purity of our hearts and the depth of our dependence on God. It teaches us that God's ways are higher than our ways, and sometimes, setbacks are divinely orchestrated to humble us, expose hidden sin, and lead us to a more profound reliance on Him. For the church today, this passage underscores the critical importance of confronting sin within the community, fostering genuine unity, and approaching all endeavors, even those seemingly righteous, with humility, prayer, and a willingness to truly listen for God's voice, especially in the face of unexpected adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the repeated defeat of the Israelites, despite their numerical superiority, challenge our assumptions about God's immediate blessing on "righteous" causes?**
* **What might God have been teaching the Israelites through these devastating losses before granting them victory?**
* **In what ways might unaddressed sin or internal disunity in our own lives or communities lead to unexpected and painful consequences?**
* **How can we ensure that our pursuit of justice or truth is always tempered with humility, self-examination, and genuine dependence on God?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow Israel to be defeated twice, even though they were fighting against evil and had inquired of Him?**

Answer: The text indicates that the Israelites did inquire of God before each battle, asking "Who shall go up first for us to battle against the children of Benjamin?" ([Judges 20:18](/judges/20-18 "Judges 20:18 - First Inquiry of God")) and "Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother?" ([Judges 20:23](/judges/20-23 "Judges 20:23 - Second Inquiry of God")). However, their initial inquiries may have been more about strategy than deep repentance or humility. God's allowance of these defeats served multiple purposes: it was a test of their perseverance and faith, a means to humble them, and a way to expose the deeper spiritual malaise within Israel. The nation itself was steeped in sin, as evidenced by the recurring phrase "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). The defeats forced the Israelites to weep before the Lord, fast, and offer sacrifices, leading to a more profound and humble seeking of God's will before the third, successful battle ([Judges 20:26-28](/judges/20-26 "Judges 20:26-28 - Israel's Repentance and Third Inquiry")). It demonstrated that victory comes not merely from a righteous cause or numerical superiority, but from a right relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The grim narrative of Judges 20:25, with its depiction of internal strife, devastating loss, and the consequences of unaddressed sin within God's people, profoundly highlights the desperate need for a true King and a perfect High Priest—roles ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The chaos and moral decay of the Judges period, 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")), foreshadow the human inability to achieve lasting peace or justice apart from divine leadership. The civil war, where brother fought brother, reveals the brokenness of humanity and the pervasive power of sin, which alienates us from God and from one another. Jesus, as the ultimate [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Jesus, Prince of Peace"), comes to reconcile not only humanity to God but also to bring unity among believers, breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" ([ephesians/2-14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Unlike the temporary and often flawed judges, Christ is the perfect Judge who executes true justice and the compassionate Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([john/10-11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). The immense cost of sin seen in Judges 20:25 points to the even greater cost of redemption, paid by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering true forgiveness and reconciliation that no human effort or sacrifice could achieve. Through His atoning work, Christ establishes a new covenant, uniting believers from every tribe and nation into one body, the church, where true peace and justice are found in Him ([colossians/3-15](/colossians/3-15 "Colossians 3:15 - Let the Peace of Christ Rule")).

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

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.

Genesis 18:25

That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Psalms 97:2

Clouds and darkness [are] round about him: righteousness and judgment [are] the habitation of his throne.

Romans 3:5

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is] God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

Job 9:12

Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou?

Job 9:13

[If] God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.

Romans 2:5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;