Judges 20:40

KJV

But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

But when the flame {H4864} began {H2490} to arise up {H5927} out of the city {H5892} with a pillar {H5982} of smoke {H6227}, the Benjamites {H1145} looked {H6437} behind {H310} them, and, behold, the flame {H3632} of the city {H5892} ascended up {H5927} to heaven {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when the smoke signal began rising from the city, the men of Binyamin looked behind them and saw the whole city going up to the sky in smoke.

Berean Standard Bible

But when the column of smoke began to go up from the city, the Benjamites looked behind them and saw the whole city going up in smoke.

American Standard Version

But when the cloud began to arise up out of the city in a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them; and, behold, the whole of the city went up in smoke to heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:40 vividly portrays the decisive turning point in the tragic civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the united tribes of Israel. As the Benjamite warriors, previously confident in their pursuit of the retreating Israelites, suddenly glanced behind them, they were confronted with the horrifying spectacle of their home city, Gibeah, engulfed in a massive conflagration. The towering pillar of smoke and flame, described with powerful hyperbole as ascending "up to heaven," served as the prearranged signal for the Israelite ambush, shattering Benjamin's morale and sealing their inevitable and devastating defeat, a grim judgment for their unrepentant sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:40 is strategically placed within the narrative of the third and final battle of the brutal civil war chronicled in [Judges 19-21](/judges/19 "Judges 19-21 - The Levite's Concubine and the Benjaminite War"). The preceding chapters detail the horrific crime committed by the men of Gibeah against the Levite's concubine, and the subsequent refusal of the tribe of Benjamin to surrender the perpetrators for justice. This defiance led the other eleven tribes of Israel to unite in a punitive campaign. After suffering two initial, devastating defeats, the Israelites sought renewed divine guidance and implemented a cunning ambush strategy. The main Israelite force feigned retreat, drawing the Benjamite army out of Gibeah, while a hidden contingent of Israelite soldiers entered and set the city ablaze. Verse 40 captures the precise, climactic moment when the Benjamites discover the destruction of their stronghold, a visual cue that triggers the Israelite counter-attack and the complete collapse of Benjamin's resistance, leading to their near-annihilation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Judges 19-21, including the pivotal moment in Judges 20:40, are set during the tumultuous period of the Judges, a time frequently characterized by the lamentable refrain, "in those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). This era was marked by profound moral decay, spiritual apostasy, and a pervasive lack of central, unifying authority, leading to internal strife and cycles of oppression. The concept of corporate responsibility was deeply ingrained in ancient Israelite culture; thus, the entire tribe of Benjamin was held accountable for the egregious sin committed by some of its members in Gibeah, particularly because the tribe collectively refused to deliver the offenders to justice. The destruction of a city by fire was a common and devastating military tactic in the ancient Near East, often symbolizing total conquest, divine judgment, and the utter desolation of the vanquished.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several critical themes prevalent throughout the Book of Judges. Firstly, it starkly illustrates the **destructive consequences of unrepentant sin and moral depravity**, demonstrating how the wickedness in Gibeah, compounded by Benjamin's defiant protection of the perpetrators, ultimately leads to the near-annihilation of an entire tribe. Secondly, the fiery destruction of Gibeah underscores the theme of **divine judgment and justice**, implicitly presenting the conflagration as a just recompense for the city's egregious actions and Benjamin's collective defiance against the moral and legal standards of Israel. Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays **despair and the shattering of false confidence**, as the Benjamites' initial military successes are abruptly overturned by the horrifying realization of their home's destruction, leading to a complete collapse of morale and strategic advantage. This moment serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic **internal conflict and disunity** within Israel, a people called to be a holy nation but instead consumed by their own moral failures, as seen in the recurring cycle of disobedience and deliverance throughout the book ([Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2-11-19 "Judges 2:11-19 - The Cycle of Apostasy and Deliverance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **began (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** From H2490. This primitive root means "to bore" or "to wound," and by implication, "to dissolve" or "to profane." Intriguingly, it can also mean "to begin," specifically "as if by an 'opening wedge'." In Judges 20:40, it signifies the initiation of the flame, the decisive "opening wedge" of the Israelite ambush plan, marking the precise moment the trap was sprung and the tide of battle irrevocably turned against the Benjamites.
* **ascended up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** From H5927. This primitive root means "to ascend," "to be high," or "to mount." It is used in a vast array of senses, both literal and figurative, including "to arise," "to come up," or "to go up." Here, it describes the physical rising of the flame and smoke, but its broader usage often implies an offering or something brought into a higher place, subtly hinting at the judgment being "offered up" or presented before heaven.
* **heaven (Hebrew, _shâmayim'_):** From H8064. This word, a dual form of an unused singular, refers to "the sky" or "the heavens." The dual form might allude to the visible arch where clouds move and the higher ether where celestial bodies revolve. In this context, it emphasizes the immense height and visibility of the smoke pillar, making the destruction of Gibeah a spectacle that reached the very limits of human sight, and by extension, a judgment visible to the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke":** This clause describes the prearranged signal that marked the success of the Israelite ambush. The "flame" and "pillar of smoke" were not merely incidental byproducts of destruction but the unmistakable visual cue for the main Israelite army to turn and engage the Benjamites. This signifies the critical moment when the tactical plan reached its execution, turning the tide of the entire war and signaling the Benjamites' impending doom.
* **"the Benjamites looked behind them":** This concise phrase conveys a sudden, shocking realization and a profound shift in focus. The Benjamites, previously confident in their pursuit of the feigning Israelite retreat, are abruptly forced to abandon their offensive posture and confront a horrifying reality. This act of "looking behind them" symbolizes their dawning awareness of the trap, the destruction of their home, and the impending catastrophe that had been orchestrated behind their backs, marking the psychological turning point of the battle for them.
* **"and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven":** This final clause reiterates and intensifies the visual impact, emphasizing the sheer scale and totality of the destruction. The interjection "behold" (Hebrew, _hinneh_) serves to dramatically draw the reader's attention to the shocking sight. The hyperbole of the flame "ascending up to heaven" not only highlights the immense height and visibility of the smoke but also underscores the profound judgment being enacted upon Gibeah. It signifies the complete and utter devastation of their stronghold, a symbol of their corporate sin and defiance, leaving them without refuge or hope.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 20:40 employs several potent literary devices to convey its dramatic impact and theological weight. **Hyperbole** is prominently featured in the phrase "the flame... ascended up to heaven," which exaggerates the height and intensity of the fire to emphasize its overwhelming scale and visibility, making it a truly apocalyptic sight for the Benjamites. This vivid imagery also functions as **Symbolism**, where the consuming flame and towering smoke represent not only the physical destruction of Gibeah but also the divine judgment upon unrepentant sin and the complete collapse of the Benjamite resistance. The verse also utilizes **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is privy to the Israelite ambush plan and the city's impending destruction, while the Benjamites remain oblivious until this devastating moment of realization. This creates a powerful sense of impending doom that culminates in their sudden, horrifying discovery. The abrupt shift from the Benjamites' confident pursuit to their stunned realization also creates a powerful moment of **Anagnorisis**, a critical discovery for the characters that fundamentally alters their understanding of their situation and seals their fate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:40 stands as a grim testament to the devastating consequences of unaddressed sin and corporate defiance against divine justice. The fiery destruction of Gibeah and the subsequent near-annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin powerfully underscore the principle that unchecked wickedness, especially when defended and perpetuated by a community, inevitably leads to severe repercussions. This tragic narrative highlights the profound importance of accountability, the gravity of moral decay, and the painful reality of internal conflict when a people forsakes divine law for individual or tribal expediency. It is a somber reminder that while God is merciful, His justice is also unwavering, and defiance against His moral order carries profound and often visible consequences, even within His covenant people. The smoke ascending to heaven symbolically represents a judgment that reaches the very throne of God.

* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Numbers 32:23](/numbers/32-23 "Numbers 32:23 - Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark imagery of Judges 20:40, though rooted in a brutal historical conflict, offers enduring and sobering lessons for individuals and communities today. It calls us to soberly consider the destructive power of sin, not only in its immediate effects but also in its insidious potential to corrupt entire systems, relationships, and even spiritual communities if left unaddressed. Just as the Benjamites faced the inescapable, fiery consequences of their actions and their collective refusal to uphold justice, we are reminded that moral compromise and defiance against God's righteous standards will ultimately lead to a reckoning. This passage challenges us to cultivate a profound awareness of the gravity of sin, to prioritize righteousness and accountability within our communities and institutions, and to actively pursue reconciliation, truth, and justice rather than allowing internal divisions and moral decay to fester. It serves as a potent cautionary tale against the dangers of a society where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes," a path that inevitably leads to chaos, self-destruction, and the visible manifestation of divine displeasure rather than flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "flame ascending to heaven" challenge our understanding of the visibility and impact of corporate sin in our own communities or nations today?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Benjamites, be "looking behind us" at the painful consequences of unaddressed issues, rather than proactively seeking justice and repentance?**
* **What lessons can the church today draw from the tragic disunity and moral failure depicted in the civil war of Judges 19-21, and how can we actively work towards unity, accountability, and the pursuit of righteousness?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Benjamites suffer so severely for the actions of a few men in Gibeah?**

Answer: The severe suffering of the Benjamites, culminating in the devastating destruction described in [Judges 20:40](/judges/20-40 "Judges 20:40 - The Flame of Gibeah"), was a direct consequence of their corporate responsibility and defiant actions. While the initial atrocity was committed by a few wicked men in Gibeah ([Judges 19:22-25](/judges/19-22-25 "Judges 19:22-25 - The Crime in Gibeah")), the entire tribe of Benjamin chose to protect these perpetrators rather than surrender them for justice, despite repeated and earnest requests from the other tribes of Israel ([Judges 20:12-13](/judges/20-12-13 "Judges 20:12-13 - Benjamin Refuses to Surrender the Guilty")). This collective defiance was perceived as an endorsement of the wickedness and a direct challenge to the moral and legal standards of the covenant community of Israel. In ancient Israelite society, the concept of corporate solidarity meant that the actions of individuals, especially when condoned or defended by the community, could bring guilt and judgment upon the entire group (e.g., [Joshua 7:1-26](/joshua/7-1-26 "Joshua 7:1-26 - Achan's Sin")). The Benjamites' steadfast refusal to purge the evil from their midst led to a tragic civil war and ultimately, their near-annihilation.

**What is the theological significance of the "flame ascending to heaven"?**

Answer: The phrase "the flame of the city ascended up to heaven" ([Judges 20:40](/judges/20-40 "Judges 20:40 - The Flame of Gibeah")) is a powerful hyperbole, emphasizing the immense scale and visibility of the conflagration. It does not mean the smoke literally reached the divine abode, but rather that the fire was so vast and intense that its towering pillar of smoke was visible from a great distance, rising high into the sky. This dramatic imagery serves several significant theological and narrative purposes: it signals the undeniable success of the Israelite ambush and the complete destruction of Gibeah, which was the Benjamites' stronghold; it utterly shatters the morale of the Benjamite warriors, as they realize their home is irrevocably destroyed; and most importantly, it underscores the theological concept of divine judgment. The overwhelming nature of the fire suggests a comprehensive and final reckoning for the unrepentant sin of Gibeah and the defiant stance of Benjamin, implying a judgment so profound and absolute that it seemed to reach the very heavens, witnessed by both humanity and God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The grim narrative of Judges 20:40, with its imagery of consuming flame and devastating judgment upon unrepentant sin, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The fiery destruction of Gibeah for its wickedness and Benjamin's corporate defiance foreshadows the inescapable reality of God's holy wrath against all sin, a righteous judgment that would justly fall upon humanity. However, instead of humanity bearing this judgment, Christ, the true and perfect Israelite, became the ultimate sacrifice. Just as the flame ascended as a sign of judgment, Jesus ascended to the cross, bearing the full weight of God's righteous judgment for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He, who knew no sin, was made sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Substitute")). The disunity, moral decay, and self-destruction seen in the civil war of Judges stand in stark contrast to the perfect peace and unity established by Christ's atoning work. Through His blood, He broke down the dividing wall of hostility, creating one new humanity out of Jew and Gentile, bringing peace and reconciling all to God in one body ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the judgment foreshadowed in Judges 20:40 is ultimately satisfied in Christ, offering a path to reconciliation, forgiveness, and eternal life for all who believe, rather than the consuming fire of deserved wrath ([Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23-26 "Romans 3:23-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")).

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 8:20

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.

Revelation 19:3

And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

Joel 2:30

And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

Song Of Solomon 3:6

¶ Who [is] this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?

Genesis 19:28

And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.