Judges 20:31

KJV

And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, [and] were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite of the people, [and] kill, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field, about thirty men of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} went out {H3318} against {H7125} the people {H5971}, and were drawn away {H5423} from the city {H5892}; and they began {H2490} to smite {H5221} of the people {H5971}, and kill {H2491}, as at other times {H6471}, in the highways {H4546}, of which one {H259} goeth up {H5927} to the house {H1004} of God {H430}{H1008}, and the other {H259} to Gibeah {H1390} in the field {H7704}, about thirty {H7970} men {H376} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Again the army of Binyamin went out against the people. Lured away from the city, they began attacking and killing some of the people, as they had the other times - they killed about thirty men of Isra'el in the countryside and on the roads, one of which goes up to Beit-El and the other to Giv'ah.

Berean Standard Bible

The Benjamites came out against them and were drawn away from the city. They began to attack the people as before, killing about thirty men of Israel in the fields and on the roads, one of which led up to Bethel and the other to Gibeah.

American Standard Version

And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite and kill of the people, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to Beth-el, and the other to Gibeah, in the field, about thirty men of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:31 details a critical moment in the third major battle of the civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the united tribes of Israel. Following two devastating defeats for Israel, this verse describes Benjamin's initial success in drawing the Israelite forces away from Gibeah through a strategic sortie. The Benjamites then inflicted casualties on the pursuing Israelites along key highways, mirroring their prior victories and underscoring the ongoing tragedy and high cost of this internal conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:31 is situated within the harrowing narrative of Judges 19-21, which recounts the horrific gang-rape and murder of a Levite's concubine in Gibeah of Benjamin. This atrocity leads the other Israelite tribes to demand justice, specifically the surrender of the perpetrators from Gibeah. When Benjamin defiantly refuses to hand over the guilty parties and instead prepares for war, the united tribes of Israel gather at Mizpah, seeking divine guidance. Despite their righteous cause and numerical superiority, Israel suffers two crushing defeats at the hands of Benjamin (Judges 20:21, 20:25), leading to immense grief and renewed supplication before the Lord at Bethel (Judges 20:26-28). The Lord finally instructs Israel to go up for the third time, promising victory and revealing a strategy involving an ambush (Judges 20:28-29). Verse 31 describes the initial phase of this third engagement, where Benjamin's cunning strategy temporarily deceives Israel, setting the stage for the ambush to be sprung.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, often summarized by the phrase "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6; 21:25). This civil war, however, is unique in its internal nature, highlighting the depths of moral decay within Israel itself, not just in relation to foreign oppressors. Gibeah was a significant Benjamite town, later becoming the capital of King Saul (1 Samuel 10:26). The mention of "highways" and "the house of God" (likely Bethel, a prominent sanctuary, as seen in [Genesis 28:19](/genesis/28-19 "Genesis 28:19 - Jacob Names Bethel")) provides geographical precision, indicating the strategic importance of these routes for military maneuvers and the proximity of the conflict to sacred sites. The Benjamites, though a smaller tribe, were renowned for their military prowess, particularly their slingers (Judges 20:16; [1 Chronicles 12:2](/1_chronicles/12-2 "1 Chronicles 12:2 - Benjaminite Warriors")), and their tenacity in battle is evident in their initial successes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Judges. Firstly, it underscores the **pervasive and devastating consequences of sin**, as the initial wickedness in Gibeah leads to a national catastrophe and immense bloodshed, even for those seeking justice. The phrase "as at other times" highlights the **tragic repetition of failure and loss**, emphasizing how deeply ingrained the patterns of sin and its effects had become within Israel. Secondly, it illustrates the **complexities of divine judgment and human strategy**. Despite God's ultimate promise of victory, Israel still faces initial setbacks, demonstrating that even a divinely sanctioned cause does not preclude the need for strategic wisdom and perseverance. Finally, the narrative foreshadows the **dire need for a righteous king** in Israel, as the chaos and moral anarchy of this period reveal the inadequacy of a society where "there was no king in Israel" (Judges 17:6; [Judges 18:1](/judges/18-1 "Judges 18:1 - No King in Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Drawn away (Hebrew, _nataq'_):** This verb (נָתַק) means "to tear away, pull off, draw off, separate." In this context, it vividly describes the Benjamites' success in luring the Israelite forces away from the city of Gibeah. It implies a deliberate and effective tactical maneuver, where the main body of Israelite troops was enticed to pursue the Benjamites, thereby separating them from their initial advantageous position and falling into the pre-arranged ambush.
* **House of God (Hebrew, _Bethel'_):** While the KJV translates "house of God," the Hebrew is `בֵּית־אֵל` (Bethel). This refers to a specific, well-known cultic site and city. Its mention here provides crucial geographical context, indicating that one of the highways led towards this significant religious center. This detail not only helps visualize the battlefield but also subtly reminds the reader of the spiritual backdrop against which this bloody civil war is unfolding, a stark contrast to the sacred purpose of Bethel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, [and] were drawn away from the city;":** This clause describes Benjamin's initial offensive action. They sallied forth from Gibeah, not in a full-scale attack, but as a feigned retreat or lure. The Israelite forces, eager to engage, fell for this deception, being "drawn away" or enticed from their positions near the city, which was crucial for the ambush strategy.
* **"and they began to smite of the people, [and] kill, as at other times,":** Here, the Benjamites, having successfully lured Israel, turn and inflict casualties. The phrase "as at other times" is particularly poignant and devastating. It refers to the two previous battles (Judges 20:21, 20:25) where Israel had suffered heavy losses. This repetition emphasizes the Benjamites' military skill and the shocking continuity of Israel's defeats, even after seeking divine counsel.
* **"in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field,":** This provides specific geographical detail, pinpointing the locations where the skirmishing and initial casualties occurred. The "highways" (or main roads) leading towards Bethel (the "house of God") and "Gibeah in the field" (likely referring to the open country outside Gibeah) indicate the strategic importance of these routes for military movement and the extent of the Benjamites' feigned retreat.
* **"about thirty men of Israel.":** This precise casualty count, "about thirty men," highlights the immediate impact of Benjamin's initial counter-attack. While a small number compared to Israel's overall force, it signifies Benjamin's continued ability to inflict damage and underscores the psychological blow of yet another initial defeat for Israel, despite their divine instruction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Repetition** through the phrase "as at other times," which powerfully recalls Israel's previous two defeats. This device not only emphasizes the Benjamites' consistent military effectiveness but also underscores the tragic, cyclical nature of the conflict and the deep cost of unaddressed sin. **Irony** is also present, as Israel, having sought God's will and received a strategy, still suffers initial losses, highlighting the human element of warfare and the need for meticulous execution of divine plans. Furthermore, the detailed **Geographical Description** of the "highways" leading to "the house of God" (Bethel) and "Gibeah in the field" grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, making the battle more vivid and emphasizing the sacred and profane spaces intertwined in this devastating civil war.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:31, though detailing a military maneuver, profoundly illustrates the far-reaching and insidious consequences of sin. The initial act of depravity in Gibeah ripples outwards, leading to a civil war where even the "righteous" side suffers repeated losses. This highlights that sin's destructive power is not contained but spreads, corrupting families, tribes, and even the nation. The repeated defeats for Israel, despite their righteous cause and numerical superiority, serve as a sobering reminder that divine justice often involves a painful process of purification, and human strategy, even when divinely informed, requires careful execution and humility. The verse sets the stage for God's ultimate intervention, demonstrating that while human actions have consequences, God's sovereign plan will ultimately prevail, even through suffering and apparent setbacks.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - You Reap What You Sow")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin Is Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, situated within one of the Bible's most tragic narratives, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. The phrase "as at other times" serves as a stark warning against the danger of repeating destructive patterns, whether in personal life or communal dynamics. It challenges us to examine areas where we might be falling into familiar traps, perhaps through unaddressed sin, unrepentant attitudes, or a failure to truly learn from past mistakes. Just as Israel suffered despite their righteous cause, we are reminded that even when we believe we are on God's side, our own human failures, pride, or lack of discernment can lead to painful consequences. True victory, whether spiritual or practical, requires not just good intentions but humble reliance on God's wisdom, meticulous obedience, and a willingness to confront and dismantle deep-seated patterns of sin. It calls us to a deeper level of self-examination and a greater dependence on the Holy Spirit to break cycles of defeat and walk in genuine freedom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other times" or repeated patterns of failure do I see in my own life, and what underlying issues might be contributing to them?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of "righteous causes" and the potential for suffering even when pursuing God's will?**
* **In what ways might I be relying on my own strength or strategy rather than fully seeking and obeying God's specific guidance in difficult situations?**
* **How does the pervasive nature of sin's consequences, as seen in this narrative, motivate me to address sin more swiftly and thoroughly in my own life and community?**

### FAQ
**Why did Israel suffer initial defeats despite God instructing them to go to war against Benjamin?**

Answer: Israel's initial defeats, despite God's instruction to go up to battle (Judges 20:18, 20:23), highlight several critical theological and practical lessons. Firstly, God's command to go to war did not guarantee an instant, effortless victory. It was a test of Israel's faith, perseverance, and reliance on Him. The defeats may have served to humble Israel, revealing their own spiritual pride or self-reliance, even in a righteous cause. They had neglected to inquire of the Lord about the *strategy* for victory in the first two instances, only asking *if* they should go up. It was only after two devastating losses and deep repentance that they truly humbled themselves and inquired not just *if* but *how* they should proceed (Judges 20:27-28), at which point God revealed the ambush strategy that led to their ultimate success. This illustrates that obedience to God's will involves not just the "what" but also the "how," and that true victory often follows a period of humbling and deeper dependence on God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The grim narrative of Judges 20:31, with its cycles of sin, judgment, and the devastating cost of internal strife, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect King and a perfect sacrifice. The repeated failures and the inability of Israel to fully purify itself, even through divinely sanctioned warfare, point to the inadequacy of human efforts and the desperate need for a deliverer beyond themselves. The "wages of sin" (as seen in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin Is Death")) are vividly displayed in the bloodshed and near-annihilation of a tribe. This chaotic period, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")), cries out for a true and righteous King who can bring order, justice, and peace. Jesus Christ is that King, the ultimate Son of David, who does not merely fight against external enemies or internal factions, but conquers sin itself. He is the true Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) whose sacrifice on the cross breaks the cycle of sin and death, offering a definitive and eternal victory that no human battle or strategy could ever achieve. Through His shed blood, He provides the ultimate purification and reconciliation, bringing true peace and establishing a kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")).

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 8:14

And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw [it], that they hasted and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed, before the plain; but he wist not that [there were] liers in ambush against him behind the city.

Joshua 8:16

And all the people that [were] in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

Isaiah 10:29

They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.

Joshua 7:5

And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them [from] before the gate [even] unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

Judges 19:13

And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah.

Judges 19:14

And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them [when they were] by Gibeah, which [belongeth] to Benjamin.