Judges 20:37

KJV

And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew [themselves] along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the liers in wait {H693} hasted {H2363}, and rushed {H6584} upon Gibeah {H1390}; and the liers in wait {H693} drew themselves along {H4900}, and smote {H5221} all the city {H5892} with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the men who had been lying in wait rushed in on Giv'ah, drew their swords and destroyed the city.

Berean Standard Bible

The men in ambush rushed suddenly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword.

American Standard Version

And the liers-in-wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers-in-wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:37 narrates the decisive moment in the civil war between the united tribes of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, specifically detailing the successful execution of a meticulously planned ambush on Gibeah. This verse vividly describes how the hidden Israelite forces swiftly and strategically assaulted the Benjamite stronghold, leading to its complete destruction by the sword. It marks the culmination of divine judgment against a city that harbored egregious sin and refused to administer justice, signifying the final, brutal phase of a conflict steeped in moral decay and inter-tribal strife within Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:37 is situated within the climactic and tragic narrative of Judges 19-21, which serves as the book's somber conclusion. The preceding chapters recount the horrific rape and murder of a Levite's concubine in Gibeah, a crime so heinous it provoked outrage among all the other Israelite tribes, leading them to demand justice from Benjamin. When Benjamin defiantly refused to surrender the perpetrators, the other tribes united for war. Despite seeking divine counsel, Israel suffered two devastating defeats, losing thousands of men in battles described in passages like [Judges 20:21](/judges/20-21 "Judges 20:21 - Israel's First Defeat") and [Judges 20:25](/judges/20-25 "Judges 20:25 - Israel's Second Defeat"). After renewed repentance and fervent prayer, God assured them of victory and instructed them to employ a new strategy involving an elaborate ambush (cf. [Judges 20:29](/judges/20-29 "Judges 20:29 - Israel's Ambush Strategy")). Verse 37 describes the critical moment when this hidden force, having successfully drawn the main Benjamite army out of the city through a feigned retreat, launched their surprise attack, fulfilling the divine decree against Gibeah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Judges 19-21 unfold during the chaotic period of the Judges, a time in Israel's history characterized by a profound lack of central authority, tribal autonomy, and widespread moral and spiritual decline. The oft-repeated phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (e.g., [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Moral Anarchy in Israel")), perfectly encapsulates the era's spiritual anarchy and societal breakdown. The incident at Gibeah reflects a severe violation of covenantal law and societal norms, where hospitality was desecrated, justice was perverted, and inter-tribal solidarity was shattered. The Benjamites' refusal to hand over the "sons of Belial" (wicked men) from Gibeah was not merely a tribal dispute but a direct affront to God's law and the moral fabric of Israel, necessitating a severe response from the other tribes who sought to uphold justice and purge evil from their midst, even if it meant civil war.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding [Judges 20:37](/judges/20-37 "Judges 20:37 - The Ambush on Gibeah") is rich with several profound themes. **Divine Judgment** is paramount, as the destruction of Gibeah and the near-annihilation of Benjamin serve as a stark consequence for unrepentant sin and the protection of wickedness. This judgment, though executed through human hands, is ultimately God's righteous response to profound moral decay. The theme of **Consequences of Corporate Sin** is also prominent; the entire tribe of Benjamin suffered for the unrighteousness harbored within Gibeah, illustrating the biblical principle of corporate responsibility (cf. [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Its Consequences")). Furthermore, the narrative highlights **Strategic Warfare and Divine Guidance**, demonstrating that even in the midst of human conflict and initial failures, God's sovereignty and specific instructions (after sincere repentance) are crucial for achieving His purposes. Finally, the entire account underscores the **Moral and Spiritual Degeneration** of Israel during the Judges period, setting the stage for the later longing for a righteous king who would bring order and justice (cf. [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Liers in wait (Hebrew, _ʼârab'_):** This verb, meaning "to lurk" or "to lie in ambush," is central to understanding the strategic brilliance and divine instruction behind Israel's final victory. Its repeated use throughout the account (e.g., [Judges 20:29](/judges/20-29 "Judges 20:29 - Israel's Ambush Strategy")) emphasizes the element of surprise and deception that was critical to the Israelites' success after their initial, direct assaults failed. It highlights a calculated, concealed maneuver rather than a frontal attack, indicative of a divinely-inspired military tactic designed to overcome a numerically superior or entrenched foe.
* **Hasted (Hebrew, _chûwsh'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to hurry" or "to be eager," this verb signifies the swiftness, urgency, and promptness with which the ambush force executed their part of the plan. Their rapid movement was crucial to capitalize on the Benjamites being drawn out of Gibeah, ensuring the city was seized before they could return or organize a defense. This "hasting" was not a chaotic rush but a decisive, coordinated charge, reflecting disciplined obedience to the battle plan.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This primitive root, meaning "to strike" (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively), is often used in the Old Testament to denote a decisive blow, a killing, or a complete defeat. In the context of "smote all the city with the edge of the sword," it signifies total destruction and conquest. This verb, combined with the idiom "edge of the sword," underscores the severity and totality of the judgment meted out upon Gibeah, leaving no survivors from the city's inhabitants as a complete act of divine retribution and purification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the liers in wait hasted":** This opening clause immediately focuses on the decisive action of the Israelite ambush force. The term "hasted" emphasizes their prompt and urgent movement, which was essential to exploit the tactical advantage gained by drawing the main Benjamite army away from Gibeah through a feigned retreat. This was not a hesitant advance but a rapid, decisive charge, indicative of a well-executed military maneuver.
* **"and rushed upon Gibeah;":** Following their swift advance, the hidden forces burst forth and overwhelmed the city. The phrase "rushed upon" conveys the suddenness, force, and overwhelming nature of their attack, catching the remaining inhabitants and any minimal defenses completely by surprise. Gibeah, now largely undefended, became an easy target for the determined and divinely-guided Israelites.
* **"and the liers in wait drew [themselves] along,":** This phrase describes a strategic maneuver by the ambushers. The verb "drew along" (from the root _mâshak_) suggests they spread out, extended their line, or perhaps encircled the city. This action ensured that no one could escape and that the entire urban area could be systematically cleared. It indicates a coordinated, disciplined advance designed for complete conquest and thoroughness, rather than a chaotic or unorganized assault.
* **"and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.":** This final clause declares the devastating outcome of the ambush. The phrase "smote... with the edge of the sword" is a common biblical idiom signifying total destruction and merciless slaughter, often associated with the concept of _herem_ (devotion to destruction). This act represents the full execution of God's judgment against Gibeah for its profound wickedness, bringing about total destruction and purification by violence, leaving no survivors from the city's inhabitants.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 20:37, within its broader narrative, employs several powerful literary devices to enhance its impact and convey its theological message. The narrative uses **Irony**, as Israel, despite initial divine instruction, suffered two humiliating defeats before finally achieving victory through a strategic ambush. This reversal of fortune highlights the importance of obedience and the specific nature of God's guidance, contrasting human presumption with divine wisdom. **Symbolism** is also present; Gibeah, the scene of the initial heinous crime, becomes a potent symbol of unrepentant sin and corporate wickedness, its destruction representing the purging of evil from the midst of Israel. The phrase "smote all the city with the edge of the sword" is a powerful **Idiom** or **Hyperbole**, commonly used in biblical texts to convey total destruction and conquest, emphasizing the completeness and severity of the judgment rather than a literal, precise count of every single person. The vivid, almost clinical description of the ambush's success provides a stark and brutal climax to the narrative, underscoring the severe consequences for profound moral depravity and the ultimate triumph of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:37, as the culmination of the Gibeah narrative, powerfully illustrates the gravity of sin and the certainty of divine judgment, even when executed through human instruments. The complete destruction of Gibeah underscores God's abhorrence of wickedness and His unwavering commitment to justice, particularly when sin is not only committed but also protected and condoned by a community. This event serves as a stark reminder that unrepentant sin, especially corporate sin that undermines societal and covenantal order, invites severe consequences. While the immediate context is a civil war, the underlying theological principle is that God will not tolerate pervasive evil indefinitely, and His righteousness demands a response to unrighteousness, ultimately leading to a purging or judgment to preserve the holiness of His people and land.

* [Deuteronomy 13:12-18](/deuteronomy/13-12-18 "Deuteronomy 13:12-18 - Law Concerning Idolatrous Cities")
* [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - The Wicked Will Not Go Unpunished")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brutal efficiency described in [Judges 20:37](/judges/20-37 "Judges 20:37 - The Ambush on Gibeah"), while disturbing in its historical context, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of unaddressed sin, both individually and corporately. The narrative demonstrates that protecting wickedness, refusing justice, and allowing moral decay to fester within a community can lead to catastrophic outcomes. For us, this calls for vigilance in examining our own hearts and the spiritual health of our communities. Are we quick to confess and repent of sin, or do we rationalize and protect it, perhaps even tolerating injustice in our midst? Do we stand for righteousness and justice, even when it is costly or unpopular, remembering that God's holiness demands a response to unrighteousness? The Israelites' initial defeats, followed by their renewed repentance and seeking God's specific guidance, highlight the critical importance of humble submission to God's will, even when His ways seem counterintuitive or when our own efforts fail. Our reliance should always be on divine wisdom and power, not merely human strength or strategy, especially when confronting deep-seated moral challenges within ourselves or the broader community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of the judgment on Gibeah challenge or deepen my understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be inadvertently protecting or tolerating sin that needs to be confronted and repented of?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Israel's initial failures and subsequent seeking of God's guidance regarding perseverance, humility, and obedience in my spiritual battles?**
* **How does the concept of corporate responsibility, as seen in Benjamin's fate, apply to the church or other communities today, prompting us to consider our collective moral posture?**

### FAQ

**Why did God allow Israel to suffer two defeats before granting victory?**

Answer: The initial defeats, despite God's instruction to go to war, served as a crucial period of humbling and purification for the Israelites. They had become complacent and self-reliant, perhaps assuming victory was assured simply because they were fighting against evil. The losses forced them to confront their own spiritual state, to weep before the Lord, fast, and offer sacrifices, demonstrating true repentance and a deeper dependence on God's specific guidance, as seen in [Judges 20:23](/judges/20-23 "Judges 20:23 - Israel Weeps Before the Lord") and [Judges 20:26-28](/judges/20-26-28 "Judges 20:26-28 - Israel's Repentance and God's Assurance"). This process underscored that victory comes not from human strength or strategy alone, but from God's power and His specific will, which is revealed to a humble and obedient people.

**What is the significance of "smote all the city with the edge of the sword"?**

Answer: This phrase is a common biblical idiom that signifies total destruction and complete conquest. It is often used in the context of _herem_ (devotion to destruction), where a city or people group is utterly destroyed as an act of divine judgment, leaving no survivors. In the case of Gibeah, it emphasizes the absolute and uncompromising nature of the judgment against a city that had become a bastion of profound wickedness and refused to yield to justice. It communicates that the cleansing was thorough, eradicating the source of the moral corruption and serving as a dire warning against unrepentant sin.

**How does this account of civil war relate to God's character?**

Answer: While the violence is jarring, this account ultimately highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice and holiness. Even in a time of moral anarchy, God does not abandon His standards. The civil war, though tragic, became the means by which God purged a deep-seated evil from Israel. It demonstrates that God is not indifferent to sin and will act, sometimes through severe means, to uphold His righteous standards and preserve the integrity of His covenant people. It underscores that God's character includes both profound love for His people and uncompromising justice against unrighteousness, ensuring that His moral order is ultimately vindicated.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark narrative of Judges, culminating in the horrific events surrounding Gibeah and its destruction in [Judges 20:37](/judges/20-37 "Judges 20:37 - The Ambush on Gibeah"), profoundly underscores humanity's desperate need for a true King. The repeated refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (e.g., [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Moral Anarchy")), paints a vivid picture of a people lost in moral chaos due to the absence of righteous leadership and an internal spiritual compass. This chaotic period of judgment and self-destruction foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin that would fall upon humanity, a judgment that could only be averted by a perfect sacrifice. Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel and the Lamb of God (as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), fulfills this longing for righteous governance and delivers humanity from the consequences of doing "what is right in their own eyes." He is the one who perfectly upholds God's justice while simultaneously providing mercy. Unlike the brutal judgment on Gibeah, Christ took the full "edge of the sword" of divine wrath upon Himself on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")), becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin, so that those who believe in Him might be spared the judgment their own sin deserves ([Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23-26 "Romans 3:23-26 - Justification by Faith")). His coming inaugurates a new covenant where His Spirit writes God's law on hearts, enabling believers to truly do what is right in God's eyes, not their own (as promised in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")). Thus, the chaos and judgment in Judges point forward to the peace, order, and salvation found only in Christ's perfect reign and atoning work.

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 8:19

And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hasted and set the city on fire.

Exodus 19:13

There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether [it be] beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.

Joshua 6:5

And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long [blast] with the ram's horn, [and] when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.