Why did Israel suffer two defeats before finally winning?

Israel's initial defeats in Judges 20:21 and Judges 20:25 served multiple profound purposes within the divine narrative. Firstly, they highlighted the severity of Benjamin's unrepentant sin and the depth of Israel's own moral compromise, demonstrating that victory was not guaranteed simply by numerical superiority or even by initial divine permission to fight. It was a humbling experience for the united tribes, preventing them from attributing victory solely to their own might. Secondly, these defeats drove Israel to deeper repentance, renewed prayer, and more fervent inquiry before the Lord (Judges 20:23, Judges 20:26-28), ensuring that their ultimate victory would be recognized as God's doing, not merely their own strategic brilliance. The setbacks forced them to adapt their tactics, leading to the strategic deception seen in Judges 20:32, which ultimately brought about the decisive judgment against Benjamin.

Is it ethical for Israel to use deception in warfare, as seen in this verse?

The Bible records instances of deception being employed in warfare by God's people, such as Joshua's feigned retreat at Ai (Joshua 8) or Rahab's deception to protect the Israelite spies (Joshua 2). While modern ethical frameworks might question such tactics, in the context of ancient warfare, deception was a common and often accepted military strategy. The biblical narrative does not condemn Israel for using this tactic in Judges 20:32; rather, it highlights their strategic shift and Benjamin's folly in falling for it. The primary focus of the text is on the outcome of divine judgment against Benjamin's unrepentant wickedness and the restoration of a measure of order, not on a detailed moral analysis of every military maneuver. The narrative presents the events as they unfolded, demonstrating God's sovereign hand working through human actions, even complex ones, to achieve His purposes.

20:31 20:31

Judges 20:32

20:33 20:33

Bible Versions

And the children of Benjamin said, They [are] smitten down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them from the city unto the highways.

And the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} said {H559}, They are smitten down {H5062} before {H6440} us, as at the first {H7223}. But the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} said {H559}, Let us flee {H5127}, and draw {H5423} them from the city {H5892} unto the highways {H4546}.

The army of Binyamin said, "They're defeated, just as before." But the army of Isra'el said, "Let's run off and draw them away from the city onto the roads."

“We are defeating them as before,” said the Benjamites. But the Israelites said, “Let us retreat and draw them away from the city onto the roads.”

And the children of Benjamin said, They are smitten down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them away from the city unto the highways.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Joshua 8:15

And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.
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.

Bible Versions

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