Judges 20:29

KJV

And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Israel {H3478} set {H7760} liers in wait {H693} round about {H5439} Gibeah {H1390}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Isra'el hid some men around Giv'ah,

Berean Standard Bible

So Israel set up an ambush around Gibeah.

American Standard Version

And Israel set liers-in-wait against Gibeah round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:29 marks a pivotal strategic shift in the devastating civil war between the united tribes of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. Following two humiliating defeats and a period of deep national repentance and renewed divine inquiry, this verse details Israel's implementation of a sophisticated military ambush around Gibeah. It signifies a transition from direct, failed assaults to a cunning, divinely sanctioned strategy, underscoring the crucial interplay between God's explicit promise of victory and diligent human tactical effort in executing His judgment against the profound wickedness centered in Gibeah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:29 is strategically placed immediately after Israel's third and most earnest inquiry of the Lord regarding the war against Benjamin. The preceding narrative vividly recounts two disastrous defeats for the Israelite coalition at the hands of the Benjamites, despite having initially received divine permission to engage in battle ([Judges 20:18](/judges/20-18 "Judges 20:18 - First Defeat of Israel") and [Judges 20:23](/judges/20-23 "Judges 20:23 - Second Defeat of Israel")). These severe setbacks led to profound national humiliation, weeping, fasting, and burnt offerings before the Ark of the Covenant at Bethel, culminating in a desperate and humble plea for God's explicit direction ([Judges 20:26-28](/judges/20-26 "Judges 20:26-28 - Israel's National Repentance and Renewed Inquiry")). It is only after this period of deep repentance and sustained supplication that God finally assures them of victory, declaring, "Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand" ([Judges 20:28](/judges/20-28 "Judges 20:28 - God Promises Victory")). Judges 20:29 then immediately describes the practical military action taken in direct response to this divine assurance, setting the stage for the decisive third battle that will bring judgment upon Benjamin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The era of the Judges, as depicted in the book, was a tumultuous period characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, divine judgment, and subsequent deliverance, often summarized by the chilling refrain, "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Moral Anarchy in Israel")). The events of Judges 19-21, culminating in this devastating civil war, represent one of the darkest and most morally depraved episodes, stemming from the horrific crime committed in Gibeah ([Judges 19:22-26](/judges/19-22 "Judges 19:22-26 - The Abomination in Gibeah")). Military tactics in ancient Israel, much like those in other ancient Near Eastern societies, frequently incorporated ambushes, feigned retreats, and strategic positioning to gain a decisive advantage, especially against fortified cities or numerically superior forces. The deployment of "liers in wait" (ambushers) was a well-established and effective strategy, famously employed by Joshua in the capture of Ai ([Joshua 8:1-29](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Capture of Ai by Ambush")). This civil war against Benjamin, while divinely sanctioned as a judgment against unrepentant wickedness, also vividly illustrates the fierce tribal loyalties and independent spirit characteristic of Israel before the establishment of the monarchy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, situated within the broader narrative of Judges 19-21, contributes significantly to several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it powerfully highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**, demonstrating that God's explicit promise of victory does not negate, but rather empowers, the need for human effort, wisdom, and strategic planning. Israel, despite receiving divine assurance, actively employs a sophisticated military tactic. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Perseverance and Humility**; Israel's initial presumption and subsequent crushing defeats lead to a deeper, more humble reliance on God, which ultimately precedes their long-awaited victory. Their willingness to continue fighting after severe losses, coupled with genuine repentance, proves to be a critical factor. Thirdly, the entire narrative serves as a stark illustration of the **Consequences of Sin and Divine Judgment**. The horrific crime in Gibeah and Benjamin's defiant protection of the perpetrators lead to a devastating civil war, serving as a severe, though tragic, judgment against the unrepentant sin within the tribal confederacy, showcasing God's unwavering commitment to justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** This Hebrew verb (H7760, שׂוּם) carries the meaning "to put," "to place," "to set," or "to appoint." In the context of Judges 20:29, it signifies a deliberate, intentional, and precise act of positioning or deploying military forces. This active verb underscores Israel's conscious and strategic role in executing the battle plan; they are not passively awaiting a miraculous intervention but are meticulously arranging their troops in accordance with a well-conceived and divinely sanctioned strategy. The use of _sûwm_ implies careful thought, preparation, and decisive execution.
* **Liers in wait (Hebrew, _ʼârab'_):** Derived from the primitive root (H693, אָרַב), meaning "to lurk" or "to lie in ambush," the phrase "liers in wait" refers to those who are concealed and prepared to launch a surprise attack. This term denotes a deliberate, hidden, and often deceptive military tactic designed to surprise, encircle, and overwhelm an unsuspecting enemy. The deployment of such a force emphasizes the professional and premeditated nature of Israel's strategy, marking a significant shift from their previous direct, frontal assaults to a more cunning and indirect approach that relies on the element of surprise as central to their plan.
* **Gibeah (Hebrew, _Gibʻâh'_):** This specific city (H1390, גִּבְעָה) is geographically and narratively central to the entire account of Judges 19-21. Its name literally means "hill" or "height," indicating its elevated and potentially defensible topographical position. Gibeah was a Benjamite city, infamous as the locus of the egregious crime committed against the Levite's concubine, which ignited this civil war. The fact that the ambush is set "round about Gibeah" emphasizes that the target of this decisive strike is the very heart of the unrepentant wickedness that provoked the conflict, making it the focal point of God's righteous judgment against the Benjamites' defiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Israel set":** This opening clause signifies a unified, deliberate, and decisive action taken by the collective Israelite tribes. After their initial presumptuousness and subsequent devastating defeats, followed by deep repentance and renewed supplication, they are now acting with divine sanction and a renewed sense of purpose. The verb "set" indicates careful planning and the precise execution of a sophisticated military strategy, demonstrating their active obedience to God's instruction.
* **"liers in wait":** This phrase explicitly identifies the specific military tactic employed: an ambush. This was a highly effective and often decisive maneuver in ancient warfare, relying heavily on concealment, deception, and the element of surprise. The choice of an ambush contrasts sharply with their previous direct and unsuccessful assaults, suggesting that Israel had learned from their failures and was now employing a more cunning and divinely guided approach to warfare.
* **"round about Gibeah":** This crucial detail specifies the strategic geographical placement of the ambush. The ambushers were positioned to encircle the city of Gibeah, indicating a meticulously planned maneuver designed to draw the Benjamites out of their fortified position. The intention was to trap them between the main Israelite force and the concealed ambushers, effectively cutting off their retreat and ensuring their complete defeat. The focus on Gibeah underscores that the city itself, as the epicenter of the initial crime and the Benjamites' unrepentant defiance, was the primary target of this final, decisive judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 20:29 employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. Most prominently, there is **Foreshadowing**, as the meticulous setting of the ambush immediately precedes and sets the stage for the decisive third battle, subtly hinting at the dramatic and overwhelming victory that is about to unfold for Israel. An element of **Irony** is also present; despite God's explicit promise of victory, Israel does not passively await a miraculous intervention but actively employs a deceptive and cunning military strategy. This highlights the profound paradox of divine sovereignty working in conjunction with, and often through, human agency, even cunning human agency. The verse also marks a clear **Narrative Shift** from the previous scenes of Israel's direct, failed assaults and their subsequent repentance to a new phase of strategic warfare, indicating a critical turning point in the conflict. Furthermore, the precise description of the ambush's placement ("round about Gibeah") provides vivid **Imagery**, allowing the reader to visualize the meticulous planning and the impending entrapment of the Benjamites, enhancing the dramatic tension of the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:29 powerfully illustrates the complex and dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God had explicitly promised victory after Israel's deep repentance and renewed inquiry, Israel did not passively await a miraculous intervention. Instead, they actively engaged in strategic military planning, deploying an ambush. This demonstrates a crucial theological principle: divine promises often work in conjunction with, rather than in opposition to, human effort, wisdom, and obedience. God's assurance empowered Israel to act with confidence and intelligence, rather than paralyzing them into inaction. It also underscores that even in the pursuit of righteous judgment, God permits and uses human ingenuity and military tactics, as long as they are undertaken in submission to His will. The verse thus serves as a profound reminder that faith in God's promises should motivate diligent and wise action, not a complacent waiting.

* [Joshua 8:1-2](/joshua/8-1 "Joshua 8:1-2 - God Commands Ambush Against Ai")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - Victory Belongs to the Lord")
* [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work Out Your Salvation with Diligence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 20:29 offers profound and practical lessons for the believer's journey of faith. It powerfully reminds us that even when we have diligently sought God's will and received His explicit promise, our faith is not a passive waiting game. Instead, it should be an active, intelligent, and diligent engagement with the challenges and callings before us. The Israelites had faced two humiliating and costly defeats, yet after humbling themselves, weeping before the Lord, and seeking His guidance more earnestly, they were given a new strategy and a renewed promise of victory. This narrative teaches us the vital importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks, the absolute necessity of deep repentance when we fail or act presumptuously, and the profound wisdom of combining fervent prayer with thoughtful, strategic planning. When God gives us a "green light" or a promise, it often means He is empowering us to act, to wisely utilize the wisdom, resources, and gifts He has graciously provided. Our unwavering trust in His ultimate victory should inspire us to strategize, to work diligently, and to apply ourselves fully to the tasks He sets before us, knowing with confidence that He is actively working through our obedient and intelligent efforts to accomplish His divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Israel's action in Judges 20:29 challenge the common misconception that divine promise negates the need for human effort and strategic planning?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be passively waiting for a miraculous intervention when God is actually calling you to strategic action and diligent effort?**
* **Considering Israel's experience, how can you more effectively combine fervent prayer and humble seeking of God's will with diligent planning and wise execution in your current challenges or ministries?**
* **What profound lessons can be learned from Israel's perseverance after two devastating defeats, and how can you practically apply these lessons to your own setbacks, failures, or periods of discouragement?**

### FAQ
**Why did Israel need to set an ambush if God had already promised them victory?**

Answer: Israel needed to set an ambush because God's promise of victory often works in conjunction with, rather than as a substitute for, human effort, wisdom, and strategic planning. The divine promise in [Judges 20:28](/judges/20-28 "Judges 20:28 - God's Promise of Victory") empowered Israel with confidence and assurance, but it did not negate their responsibility to fight wisely and strategically. This principle is seen throughout Scripture; for example, God commands Joshua to fight against Ai, but also explicitly instructs him on the specific ambush strategy to use ([Joshua 8:1-2](/joshua/8-1 "Joshua 8:1-2 - God Directs Joshua's Strategy for Ai")). The Israelites' previous defeats may have been due to a lack of thorough repentance or an over-reliance on their own strength and numbers. However, after humbling themselves deeply and seeking God's face earnestly, God provided both the assurance of victory and the tactical wisdom for how to achieve it. It highlights that true faith is active, not passive, and that God sovereignly uses human means and ingenuity to accomplish His divine purposes, often in ways that demonstrate His wisdom working through our obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Judges 20:29 describes a specific military ambush in a context of tribal warfare and divine judgment against sin, it points to a far deeper Christ-centered fulfillment in the strategic, decisive victory of God over the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as Israel, empowered by God's explicit promise, meticulously set a decisive trap for their unrepentant enemy, so too did God, in His sovereign and eternal plan, orchestrate the ultimate "ambush" against the forces of evil through the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The cross, appearing to the enemy as a crushing defeat and a public spectacle of weakness, was in fact the supreme strategic maneuver, a divine "lying in wait" that disarmed principalities and powers, triumphing over them in Christ ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Jesus, the true Lamb of God, was "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Definite Plan for Christ's Sacrifice")), entering into the very stronghold of sin and death to dismantle its power from within. His glorious resurrection was the triumphant outcome of this divine strategy, ensuring not merely a tribal victory, but eternal victory and liberation for all who believe and are united with Him ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death Through Christ")). Thus, Judges 20:29, in its depiction of a divinely sanctioned and strategically executed victory, powerfully foreshadows the far greater, redemptive victory achieved by Christ, who, through His apparent weakness and death, conquered the ultimate enemy and established His eternal, unshakable kingdom ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death and the Devil")).

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

Joshua 8:4

And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, [even] behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

Judges 20:34

And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore: but they knew not that evil [was] near them.

2 Samuel 5:23

And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; [but] fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.