Judges 20:38

KJV

Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now there was an appointed sign {H4150} between the men {H376} of Israel {H3478} and {H5973} the liers in wait {H693}, that they should make a great {H7235} flame {H4864} with smoke {H6227} rise up {H5927} out of the city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The army of Isra'el and the ambushers had agreed that as a signal they would make a huge cloud of smoke rise from the city,

Berean Standard Bible

The men of Israel had arranged a signal with the men in ambush: When they sent up a great cloud of smoke from the city,

American Standard Version

Now the appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers-in-wait was, that they should make a great cloud of smoke rise up out of the city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:38 describes a critical tactical detail in the third and decisive battle between the tribes of Israel and Benjamin: a pre-arranged signal involving a large flame and smoke. This signal, intended for the main Israelite force, was to be made by the ambushers hidden within the city of Gibeah, indicating that their strategic position was secured and the Benjamites were drawn out. This verse highlights the meticulous planning and divine guidance that characterized Israel's final, successful assault after two devastating defeats, underscoring the importance of coordinated action and God's sovereign hand in bringing about justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:38 is embedded within one of the most tragic and violent narratives in the book of Judges, detailing a brutal civil war (Judges 19-21) that nearly annihilated the tribe of Benjamin. The preceding chapters recount the horrific crime committed by Benjamites in Gibeah against a Levite's concubine, which ignited the conflict. After Benjamin's obstinate refusal to surrender the culprits, the other Israelite tribes gathered for war. Despite their righteous cause, the Israelites suffered two crushing defeats, losing tens of thousands of men (see [Judges 20:21-25](/judges/20-21 "Judges 20:21-25 - Israel's First Two Defeats")). Humbled and weeping before the Lord, they finally sought specific divine guidance for the third engagement ([Judges 20:26-28](/judges/20-26 "Judges 20:26-28 - Israel Seeks God's Guidance")). This verse details a crucial element of the divinely sanctioned strategy for this third battle, a sophisticated ambush designed to overcome the Benjamites' initial military superiority and bring about God's justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, often marked by internal strife and moral decay. This particular narrative reflects the deep moral decline within Israel, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")). Military ambushes were a common and effective tactic in ancient warfare, often employed against numerically superior or strategically entrenched foes. The use of smoke and fire as signals was also widespread, offering a highly visible means of communication across distances, effective both by day (smoke) and night (flame). The tribal structure of Israel meant that inter-tribal conflict, while devastating, was still considered an internal matter, albeit one with profound theological and national implications, particularly when justice and covenant fidelity were at stake.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though a tactical detail, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Judges 20 and the broader book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Guidance and Strategy**. After two failures, Israel's success only came when they sought and followed God's specific instructions, demonstrating that even human military tactics require divine sanction and wisdom for true victory. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Unrighteousness and Moral Decay**. The entire war, culminating in this battle, is a tragic testament to the devastating impact of unaddressed sin within the community, leading to near-annihilation of a tribe and immense suffering for all of Israel. Thirdly, the "appointed sign" emphasizes **Coordination and Communication** as vital elements of any successful endeavor, whether military or spiritual. Finally, it subtly points to God's **Sovereignty and Justice**, as He orchestrates events to bring about His purposes, even through the flawed and violent actions of His people, ultimately ensuring that justice is served, albeit at a terrible cost.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Appointed Sign (Hebrew, _mo'ed_):** The Hebrew word מוֹעֵד (_mo'ed_) typically refers to an "appointed time," "appointed place," or "appointed meeting," often used in the context of God's set times for festivals or sacred assemblies (e.g., [Leviticus 23:2](/leviticus/23-2 "Leviticus 23:2 - Appointed Feasts of the Lord")). Here, its usage as an "appointed sign" emphasizes that this signal was not spontaneous but a pre-arranged, agreed-upon, and crucial element of the strategic plan. It signifies a precise, pre-determined moment for coordinated action, indicating the meticulous planning involved in the ambush.
* **Great Flame with Smoke (Hebrew, _lehavah gedolah be'ashan_):** This phrase describes a highly visible and unmistakable signal. The combination of "flame" (לֶהָבָה, _lehavah_) and "smoke" (עָשָׁן, _ashan_) ensures that the signal would be effective both by night (flame) and by day (smoke). The adjective "great" (גְדוֹלָה, _gedolah_) further emphasizes its intended prominence, designed to be seen clearly by the main Israelite force positioned at a distance, thus preventing any misinterpretation or delay in their coordinated attack.
* **Liers in Wait (Hebrew, _ha'orev_):** The term הָאוֹרֵב (_ha'orev_), literally "the ambusher" or "the one lying in wait," refers to the specific contingent of Israelite soldiers who were strategically hidden in ambush around Gibeah. Their role was critical: to infiltrate the city, set it ablaze once the Benjamites were drawn out, and provide the signal. This highlights the sophisticated nature of the military strategy, relying on deception and precise timing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait":** This clause establishes the pre-arranged nature of the communication. It signifies a clear, pre-determined signal understood by both the main Israelite army and the hidden ambush force. This coordination was essential for the success of the complex military maneuver, ensuring that the two units acted in perfect synchronicity. It speaks to the discipline and planning that went into this divinely-guided strategy, a stark contrast to the initial, less coordinated attacks.
* **"that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city":** This specifies the exact nature of the signal. The "great flame with smoke" was to originate from within Gibeah, the city where the ambushers were concealed. This visual cue would serve as confirmation that the ambush had been successfully initiated, the city was taken, and the Benjamites were drawn away from their stronghold, thus triggering the main Israelite army to launch their decisive assault. The dual nature of flame and smoke ensured visibility regardless of the time of day.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning within the broader narrative. **Foreshadowing** is present, as the "great flame with smoke" not only serves as a signal but also grimly foreshadows the fiery destruction that will befall Gibeah and, by extension, the Benjamite tribe. This visual of rising smoke and flame is often associated with divine judgment and destruction in biblical literature. There is also a strong element of **Symbolism**, where the fire and smoke symbolize not just a military signal, but also the consuming nature of unaddressed sin and the purifying, albeit devastating, judgment of God upon it. The meticulous planning described, after previous failures, also highlights a narrative shift, indicating a return to **Divine Providence** guiding Israel's actions, contrasting with their earlier self-reliance. The **Narrative Pacing** here is deliberate, building tension towards the climactic third battle, with this tactical detail emphasizing the precision required for victory after earlier, more chaotic attempts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:38, though a military detail, profoundly illustrates God's involvement in human affairs and the consequences of seeking His guidance. After two humiliating defeats, Israel finally humbled themselves and sought the Lord's specific instruction, leading to this intricate battle plan. This demonstrates that even in seemingly secular or violent contexts, God's sovereignty prevails, and His wisdom is paramount for success, especially when human efforts have failed. The "appointed sign" underscores the divine orchestration of events, where even small, precise details are part of God's larger purpose to bring about justice for the heinous sin committed in Gibeah. It serves as a powerful reminder that true victory, even in the pursuit of righteousness, is not achieved by human strength or cunning alone, but by humble reliance on God's strategic wisdom and His timing. This pattern of human failure followed by divine intervention and meticulous instruction is a recurring theme throughout biblical history, emphasizing God's patience and His commitment to justice.

* [Joshua 8:18](/joshua/8-18 "God's Command to Joshua for Ai Ambush")
* [1 Samuel 14:8-10](/1_samuel/14-8 "Jonathan's Sign from the Philistines")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed strategy in Judges 20:38, born out of Israel's humbling defeats and subsequent seeking of God's wisdom, offers profound lessons for contemporary life. It reminds us that even when pursuing a just or righteous cause, our own strength, initial strategies, or self-reliance may prove insufficient. True and lasting success often emerges from a posture of humility, seeking divine counsel, and patiently waiting for God's specific guidance. Just as the "appointed sign" was crucial for coordinated action, clear communication and precise execution are vital in our personal and communal endeavors, whether in family life, professional settings, or church ministry. Furthermore, this narrative serves as a somber warning about the devastating, far-reaching consequences of unaddressed sin and moral decay, not just for individuals but for entire communities. It compels us to reflect on areas where we, or our communities, might be acting independently of God's wisdom, leading to repeated failures or internal strife, and encourages a return to seeking His specific, strategic direction for true and lasting resolution and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or community have I experienced repeated failures, perhaps because I neglected to seek God's specific guidance?**
* **How does the importance of the "appointed sign" in this military context translate into the need for clear communication and coordination in my own relationships or endeavors?**
* **What unaddressed "sins" or moral compromises in my life or community might be leading to ongoing conflict or devastating consequences?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater posture of humility and dependence on God's wisdom, even when I believe my cause is just?**

### FAQ

**Why was an "appointed sign" so crucial for Israel's victory in this battle?**

Answer: The "appointed sign" was crucial because it was part of a complex and coordinated ambush strategy, divinely revealed after Israel's previous failures. The main Israelite army needed a clear, unmistakable signal from the "liers in wait" (the ambushers) hidden within Gibeah. This signal, a great flame and smoke, would indicate that the ambushers had successfully infiltrated the city, set it ablaze, and drawn the Benjamite forces out of their stronghold. Without such a precise, pre-arranged signal, the timing of the main army's assault would have been uncoordinated, potentially leading to another disastrous defeat. It highlights the importance of precise execution when following God's strategic instructions, as seen in other biblical ambushes like the one at Ai in [Joshua 8](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Ambush at Ai").

**What is the significance of the signal being a "great flame with smoke"?**

Answer: The combination of "great flame" and "smoke" was chosen for its maximum visibility and clarity, regardless of the time of day. A flame would be highly visible at night, while smoke would be clearly seen during the day. The "great" aspect ensured it couldn't be mistaken for a small, accidental fire. This dual-purpose, highly prominent signal was essential for communicating across a distance to the main Israelite army, ensuring that the critical moment for their charge was precisely understood and acted upon, preventing any confusion or delay that could jeopardize the entire operation. It underscores the meticulous detail in God's battle plan.

**How does this verse, focused on military tactics, relate to God's character or broader theological truths?**

Answer: While seemingly a tactical detail, Judges 20:38 reveals several theological truths. Firstly, it shows God's sovereignty and active involvement in human affairs, even in the context of war and judgment. After Israel's repeated failures and humbling themselves, God provided a specific, detailed strategy, demonstrating His willingness to guide His people when they seek Him. Secondly, it highlights God's justice; the meticulous plan was to bring about righteous judgment upon the Benjamites for their grievous sin. Thirdly, it illustrates the principle that true success comes not from human strength or initial presumption, but from humble obedience to God's specific instructions, even in the smallest details. It underscores that God works through human means, but always according to His divine plan and timing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 20:38, with its focus on a divinely appointed sign leading to judgment and a new order, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "great flame with smoke" rising from Gibeah symbolizes a judgment that, while devastating, ultimately purifies and sets the stage for restoration within Israel. This foreshadows the ultimate judgment on sin, which was not executed upon humanity, but upon the [Lamb of God, Jesus Christ](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who bore the full wrath of God for our transgressions. Just as Israel needed a pre-arranged, clear signal for decisive action, humanity needed a clear, unmistakable sign of God's redemptive plan. That sign is Christ Himself, whose coming was foretold by prophets and whose life, death, and resurrection serve as the ultimate "appointed sign" from God to humanity, signaling the decisive victory over sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The meticulous planning and divine guidance in Judges 20 point to the perfect, eternal plan of God for salvation, conceived before the foundation of the world ([Ephesians 1:4-5](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4-5 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")). In Christ, the consequences of sin are fully borne, and a new covenant is established, offering not just a temporary restoration of a tribe, but the eternal reconciliation of all who believe to God, fulfilling the deepest longings for peace and justice that the book of Judges so tragically reveals ([Romans 5:10-11](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10-11 - Reconciled to God Through Christ")).

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

2 Kings 4:16

And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, [thou] man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

Joshua 8:20

And when the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and, behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that way: and the people that fled to the wilderness turned back upon the pursuers.

Genesis 17:21

But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.