Judges 20:34

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there came {H935} against {H5048} Gibeah {H1390} ten {H6235} thousand {H505} chosen {H977} men {H376} out of all Israel {H3478}, and the battle {H4421} was sore {H3513}: but they knew {H3045} not that evil {H7451} was near {H5060} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ten thousand men chosen out of all Isra'el came over to attack Giv'ah, and the combat was intense. But the army of Binyamin didn't know that they were about to be defeated.

Berean Standard Bible

Then 10,000 select men from all Israel made a frontal assault against Gibeah, and the battle was fierce. But the Benjamites did not realize that disaster was upon them.

American Standard Version

And there came over against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore; but they knew not that evil was close upon them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:34 marks a pivotal moment in the devastating civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the united tribes of Israel. This verse describes the ferocity of the third, decisive battle near Gibeah, where Israel, having learned from previous defeats and sought divine counsel, executed a meticulously planned ambush. It vividly portrays the Benjaminites' fatal ignorance of the hidden, impending disaster orchestrated by the Israelites, an unawareness that sealed their overwhelming defeat and the near annihilation of their tribe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:34 is deeply embedded within the tragic and morally complex narrative of [Judges 19-21](/judges/19-21 "The Levite and His Concubine - Judges 19-21"), which chronicles one of the darkest episodes in Israel's early history, characterized by profound moral decay and internal strife. The preceding chapters detail the horrific crime committed by the men of Gibeah against a Levite's concubine ([Judges 19:22-26](/judges/19-22-26 "The Outrage at Gibeah")). When the tribe of Benjamin defiantly refused to surrender the perpetrators for justice, the other tribes of Israel, united in their outrage, gathered for war. Despite their righteous cause and overwhelming numerical superiority, Israel suffered two devastating and humbling defeats ([Judges 20:21](/judges/20-21 "Israel's First Defeat") and [Judges 20:25](/judges/20-25 "Israel's Second Defeat")), prompting them to seek the Lord more earnestly. After renewed prayer, weeping, and sacrifice before the Ark of the Covenant, God finally promised victory ([Judges 20:28](/judges/20-28 "God Promises Victory")). The detailed strategy for this third engagement, involving a feigned retreat to draw the Benjaminites out of Gibeah and a hidden contingent to burn the city, is meticulously laid out in [Judges 20:29-33](/judges/20-29-33 "The Ambush Strategy"). Verse 34 describes the initial, intense phase of this final battle, critically highlighting the Benjaminites' fatal unawareness of the trap.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges, often aptly summarized by the recurring refrain "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "No King in Israel") and [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes")), was a time of significant spiritual and moral decline in Israel, marked by a lack of central authority and widespread idolatry. This civil war, ignited by a heinous crime and Benjamin's obstinate refusal to uphold justice, powerfully underscores the breakdown of the tribal confederacy and the absence of a righteous king. Gibeah, a strategically important city located within Benjaminite territory, served as the focal point of the conflict. The mention of "chosen men" reflects the ancient Near Eastern military practice of selecting elite, skilled warriors for critical engagements, indicating the gravity of the battle. The narrative also consistently highlights the importance of seeking divine counsel through the high priest and the Ark of the Covenant, demonstrating that even in this period of apostasy, Israel retained a foundational, albeit often flawed, reliance on Yahweh in times of national crisis.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 20:34 contributes significantly to several profound themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**. Despite Israel's initial setbacks and their own moral failings, God's ultimate plan for justice against the Benjaminites' unrepentant sin prevailed, underscoring that His purposes cannot be thwarted, even by human resistance or apparent failure. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the theme of **Hidden Dangers and Spiritual Blindness**. The Benjaminites' ignorance of the "evil" (calamity) near them serves as a stark warning about the peril of spiritual complacency and the inability to discern true threats, whether physical or spiritual. Their tactical blindness mirrors their moral blindness to the gravity of the crime they condoned. Thirdly, the entire narrative, culminating in this decisive battle, underscores the devastating **Consequences of Unaddressed Sin and Moral Corruption**. The refusal of Benjamin to purge evil from their midst led to widespread devastation and near annihilation, demonstrating the destructive ripple effect of sin within a community, a principle consistently taught throughout Scripture regarding sin's wages ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gibeah (Hebrew, _Gibʻâh_):** H1390. This is the name of a specific place, a hill-city in Benjaminite territory, and the epicenter of the heinous crime that ignited the civil war. Its prominence in this verse underscores its strategic importance as the target of Israel's judgment and the stronghold of Benjaminite resistance. The name itself, meaning "hill," might subtly allude to its elevated position, which could have contributed to the Benjaminites' overconfidence.
* **knew (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ_):** H3045. A primitive root meaning "to know," often implying to ascertain by seeing, or to comprehend. In this context, the negative "knew not" is crucial. It signifies a complete lack of awareness, understanding, or discernment on the part of the Benjaminites regarding the true nature of the battle unfolding. Their ignorance was not merely a tactical oversight but a profound blindness to the imminent danger, highlighting their inability to perceive the strategic trap laid for them. This intellectual and tactical ignorance proved fatal.
* **sore (Hebrew, _kâbad_):** H3513. This word, literally meaning "to be heavy" or "weighty," is used here metaphorically to describe the intensity, severity, and difficulty of the battle. It conveys that the fighting was fierce, burdensome, and costly, even for the ultimately victorious Israelites. Despite their strategic advantage, the initial engagement was no mere skirmish; it was a grievous and demanding conflict, highlighting the Benjaminites' desperate and tenacious resistance.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ_):** H7451. While often translated as "moral evil" or "wickedness," in this context, _raʻ_ refers to calamity, disaster, or misfortune. It specifically denotes the impending ambush and the strategic trap laid by the Israelites. The Benjaminites were tragically unaware of the catastrophic turn of events that was about to befall them, emphasizing their lack of foresight and the hidden nature of the danger. This highlights a crucial element of the ambush: its success depended on the enemy's ignorance of the true "evil" awaiting them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel":** This clause sets the precise stage for the third and decisive battle. The "ten thousand chosen men" represent a significant, elite contingent of the Israelite army, indicating the seriousness, strategic importance, and deliberate nature of this engagement. Their target, Gibeah, was not only the geographical epicenter of the initial crime but also the fortified stronghold of Benjaminite resistance, signifying that the judgment was directly aimed at the source of the unrepentant sin and defiance.
* **"and the battle was sore":** This phrase immediately conveys the intensity and difficulty of the fighting. Despite the overarching strategic plan involving an ambush and feigned retreat, the initial confrontation was far from easy. The Benjaminites fought fiercely, demonstrating their resolve and military prowess, making the engagement difficult, "heavy," and costly for the Israelites, even as they executed their strategic withdrawal. This emphasizes the Benjaminites' initial strength and determination.
* **"but they knew not that evil [was] near them":** This is the pivotal and most poignant clause of the verse, introducing a stark contrast. The conjunction "but" highlights the tragic irony between the Benjaminites' perception (they thought they were winning, pursuing a retreating foe) and the grim reality of their situation. Their ignorance of the "evil" (the hidden ambush, the burning of their city, and the strategic encirclement) underscores their fatal miscalculation and profound lack of discernment. This spiritual and tactical blindness sealed their doom, as they pursued the retreating Israelites, unaware that they were running directly into a meticulously planned trap that would lead to their near annihilation and the near extinction of their tribe.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 20:34 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten the drama, underscore the narrative's theological implications, and engage the reader. **Dramatic Irony** is prominently featured, as the reader has been privy to the detailed ambush strategy from [Judges 20:29-33](/judges/20-29-33 "The Ambush Strategy"), while the Benjaminites remain completely oblivious to their impending doom. This creates intense suspense and highlights the tragic nature of their ignorance, making their eventual downfall all the more impactful. The phrase "they knew not that evil was near them" also functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**, signaling the catastrophic and irreversible defeat that is about to befall the tribe of Benjamin. Furthermore, the entire narrative of the ambush, culminating in this verse, serves as potent **Symbolism** for the devastating consequences of unaddressed sin: just as the Benjaminites were blind to the physical trap that led to their destruction, their spiritual blindness to the gravity of their sin and their refusal to repent led them into an inescapable divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:34 serves as a profound theological statement on divine judgment, human accountability, and the perils of spiritual blindness. The Benjaminites' tragic ignorance of the "evil" near them is not merely a tactical oversight but a stark reflection of their spiritual insensitivity and stubborn refusal to repent of the heinous sin committed in Gibeah. God, through the strategic guidance given to Israel, orchestrates events to bring about justice, even when it involves severe and devastating consequences for those who persist in unrighteousness. This verse powerfully underscores that divine judgment, though sometimes delayed and often involving human agents, is ultimately inescapable for those who harden their hearts and remain oblivious to the spiritual dangers surrounding them. It highlights the biblical principle that what is hidden from human perception is fully known to God, and He will bring all things to light, ensuring that justice, though it may tarry, will ultimately prevail.

* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "He Who Is Often Rebuked") - "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
* [Jeremiah 8:9](/jeremiah/8-9 "The Wise Are Ashamed") - "The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and caught: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?"
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge") - "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Benjaminites' tragic ignorance in Judges 20:34 offers a sobering and timeless lesson for believers today. Just as they were fatally unaware of the physical "evil" (the ambush) that was about to overwhelm them, we too can often be spiritually complacent or oblivious to unseen dangers—whether they be the subtle schemes of the adversary, the insidious effects of unconfessed sin, or the moral decay within our own lives or communities. This verse serves as a powerful call to cultivate spiritual vigilance and discernment, recognizing that complacency and a lack of awareness can lead to catastrophic spiritual consequences. It reminds us that what we don't perceive can still harm us profoundly. Therefore, we must continually seek God's wisdom through diligent engagement with His Word, remain steadfast in prayer, and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, so that we might not be caught unawares by the "evil" that may be near. This proactive spiritual awareness enables us to stand firm against unseen threats, to address hidden sins, and to walk in the light of truth, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of spiritual blindness and ensuring our steps are aligned with God's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually complacent or unaware of "evil" (sin, temptation, spiritual attack) that is "near me"?**
* **How does my daily walk with God (prayer, Scripture reading, community) actively contribute to my spiritual discernment and vigilance against unseen threats?**
* **What are the potential "hidden dangers" or unaddressed sins in my life or in my community that, if left unexamined, could lead to spiritual "calamity" or hinder God's work?**
* **How can the lesson of the Benjaminites' ignorance motivate me to be more proactive in seeking God's wisdom and guidance in all circumstances, rather than relying on my own limited perception?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow Israel to be defeated twice before granting victory?**

Answer: God allowed Israel to suffer two initial defeats ([Judges 20:21](/judges/20-21 "Israel's First Defeat") and [Judges 20:25](/judges/20-25 "Israel's Second Defeat")) for several profound reasons. Firstly, these defeats served to humble them and expose any self-reliance, presumption, or unexamined sin within their own ranks. Despite their righteous cause against Benjamin, Israel was not without its own moral failings. Secondly, the defeats forced them into deeper repentance and more fervent, dependent prayer. After each setback, they returned to Bethel, wept before the Lord, and offered sacrifices, demonstrating their renewed dependence on Him and their sorrow for the moral state of the nation ([Judges 20:23](/judges/20-23 "Israel Weeps Before the Lord") and [Judges 20:26-28](/judges/20-26-28 "Israel Seeks God's Counsel Again")). This process of humbling and seeking God refined their motives and ensured that the ultimate victory would be clearly attributed to God's strategic guidance and power, not merely their own military might or initial presumption.

**What does "they knew not that evil was near them" imply about the Benjaminites' state?**

Answer: This poignant phrase implies a profound and fatal lack of discernment, coupled with an arrogant overconfidence, on the part of the Benjaminites. They were so fixated on their perceived success in repelling the Israelite attacks and pursuing their retreating foes that they completely missed the larger, more dangerous strategic maneuver unfolding around them. This tactical blindness was not merely an oversight; it deeply mirrors their spiritual blindness regarding the gravity of the sin they were protecting in Gibeah. Their stubborn refusal to acknowledge and address the "evil" (moral wickedness) within their own tribe ultimately hardened their hearts and led to their inability to perceive the "evil" (calamity) that was literally at their doorstep. It serves as a powerful illustration of the dangers of pride, a hardened heart, and unrepentance, which can prevent one from seeing the truth, even when it is imminent and life-threatening.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Judges 20:34, with its themes of hidden dangers, spiritual blindness, and ultimate divine judgment against unrepentant sin, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Benjaminites were tragically unaware of the "evil" (calamity) near them, humanity, in its fallen state, was largely oblivious to the true "evil" of sin's dominion and the impending eternal judgment it brought ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "All Have Sinned and Fall Short of the Glory of God")). Yet, God, in His sovereign and merciful plan, did not leave humanity to its own devices or its fatal blindness. He sent His Son, Jesus, who, unlike the Benjaminites, was fully aware of the "evil" of sin and death, and strategically entered into the spiritual battle on humanity's behalf. Jesus' death on the cross, seemingly a defeat to human eyes, was in fact the ultimate strategic ambush against the powers of darkness, a hidden victory over sin, death, and the devil that the enemy "knew not" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "He Disarmed the Powers and Authorities")). Through His glorious resurrection, Christ triumphed, disarming principalities and powers, and securing eternal salvation. He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!")), offering deliverance from the ultimate "evil" of eternal separation from God. For those who trust in Him, the spiritual blindness is removed, and they are given discernment to recognize the schemes of the enemy ([2 Corinthians 2:11](/2-corinthians/2-11 "We Are Not Ignorant of His Designs")) and to walk in the light of His truth, no longer oblivious to the "evil" that seeks to ensnare them ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Walk as Children of Light")).

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.

Job 21:13

They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.

Isaiah 47:11

Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, [which] thou shalt not know.

Ecclesiastes 9:12

For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so [are] the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Luke 21:34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.