Judges 20:43

KJV

[Thus] they inclosed the Benjamites round about, [and] chased them, [and] trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus they inclosed {H3803} the Benjamites {H1145} round about {H3803}, and chased {H7291} them, and trode them down {H1869} with ease {H4496} over against {H5227} Gibeah {H1390} toward the sunrising {H4217}{H8121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They surrounded the men of Binyamin, chased them and trampled them down across from Giv'ah on the east.

Berean Standard Bible

They surrounded the Benjamites, pursued them, and easily overtook them in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east.

American Standard Version

They inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trod them down at their resting-place, as far as over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:43 vividly portrays the climactic and devastating defeat of the tribe of Benjamin by the united tribes of Israel, marking the near-annihilation of Benjamin in a brutal civil war. This verse encapsulates the final, relentless pursuit and overwhelming subjugation of the Benjamite forces, highlighting the tragic consequences of unchecked sin and internal strife within God's people during a period characterized by moral decay and a lack of righteous leadership. It serves as a stark testament to the severe judgment that can befall a community when it collectively condones and defends egregious wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:43 is the culmination of one of the most harrowing and tragic narratives in the book of Judges, spanning [chapters 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite and His Concubine") through [21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - The Fate of Benjamin"). The conflict originates from a horrific act of depravity in Gibeah, a city within Benjamin's territory, where a Levite's concubine was brutally abused, leading to her death. This heinous crime, reminiscent of the wickedness of [Sodom](/genesis/19-5 "Genesis 19:5 - The Sin of Sodom"), outraged the other tribes of Israel, who gathered at Mizpah demanding justice. When the tribe of Benjamin defiantly refused to surrender the perpetrators, the other tribes declared war, leading to a devastating civil conflict. Despite divine instruction to proceed, Israel suffered two massive defeats, losing tens of thousands of men, before finally receiving assurance of victory after intense prayer, fasting, and burnt offerings. Judges 20:43 details the final, decisive phase of this third battle, where the Benjamites, once formidable, were utterly overwhelmed and routed.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Judges 19-21, including the devastating rout described in Judges 20:43, are set during the tumultuous period of the Judges, a time when "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 characterized by a decentralized tribal confederacy, frequent cycles of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance through divinely appointed judges. The lack of a central, righteous authority led to moral anarchy, internal strife, and a breakdown of covenantal fidelity. The incident at Gibeah and Benjamin's subsequent defiance illustrate the profound moral degradation and tribal disunity that plagued Israel. The concept of tribal solidarity was paramount, yet Benjamin's protection of the criminals over the demands of justice from the other tribes shattered this unity, leading to a catastrophic internal war that threatened the very existence of one of Jacob's twelve sons.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes prevalent in the book of Judges. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of unchecked sin and moral decay**. The horrific sin in Gibeah and Benjamin's obstinate refusal to administer justice led directly to their near-annihilation, serving as a stark warning about the destructive power of communal wickedness. Secondly, it emphasizes the **fragility of Israel's tribal unity** in the absence of righteous leadership. The civil war demonstrates how internal corruption and a lack of adherence to God's law could lead to devastating conflict among God's own people, nearly destroying one of the twelve tribes. Thirdly, the narrative, culminating in this verse, illustrates the **cycle of judgment and divine intervention**, albeit in a complex and tragic manner. While Israel suffered initial defeats, their eventual victory, granted after repentance and seeking God, shows divine justice at work, even when exercised through the painful means of internal conflict. This tragic episode ultimately points to the desperate need for a righteous king to bring order, justice, and spiritual fidelity to the nation, a theme that resonates throughout the [latter part of Judges](/judges/17 "Judges 17 - Micah's Idols") and into [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel 1 - Birth of Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **inclosed (Hebrew, _nasab_):** This verb signifies "to surround," "to encompass," or "to turn about." In this context, it vividly describes the strategic maneuver by the Israelites to encircle the Benjamites, cutting off their escape routes and trapping them. It implies a deliberate, calculated action to prevent their dispersal and ensure their complete subjugation, leaving them no avenue for retreat or regrouping.
* **chased (Hebrew, _radaf_):** Meaning "to pursue," "to chase," or "to persecute," this word emphasizes the relentless and aggressive pursuit of the fleeing Benjamites. It conveys the idea of a sustained, unyielding pursuit, where the victorious Israelites gave no quarter, pressing their advantage to ensure the total rout and destruction of their adversaries. This was not merely a defeat but a systematic hunting down of the remnants.
* **trode them down (Hebrew, _mirdaph_ from _radaf_):** While the KJV adds "with ease," the core Hebrew term (_mirdaph_) refers to "a pursuit" or "a treading down." The sense of "treading down" implies a complete and utterly overwhelming subjugation, like trampling something underfoot. The KJV's "with ease" is an interpretive rendering that captures the absolute one-sidedness of the final phase of the battle, suggesting that the Benjamites offered virtually no resistance, being utterly broken and helpless before their pursuers. It conveys the finality and mercilessness of their defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about,"**: This clause describes the strategic maneuver of the Israelite forces. Having drawn the Benjamites out from Gibeah and into the open, the larger Israelite army executed a pincer movement or encirclement, effectively trapping the Benjamite remnants. This act of "inclosing" signifies the sealing of their fate, cutting off any hope of escape or retreat and setting the stage for their complete destruction.
* **"[and] chased them,"**: Following the encirclement, the Israelite forces launched a relentless pursuit. This was not a static battle but a dynamic, overwhelming rout where the Benjamites were forced into a desperate flight. The "chasing" highlights the sustained aggression and the utter lack of mercy shown by the victorious Israelites, intent on annihilating their kin.
* **"[and] trode them down with ease"**: This powerful phrase depicts the utter devastation and effortless subjugation of the Benjamites. The imagery of "treading down" conveys a complete crushing and humiliating defeat, as if the Benjamites were mere dust underfoot. The addition "with ease" underscores the absolute lack of resistance from the Benjamites, who were by this point broken in spirit and strength, making their final destruction a simple task for the pursuing Israelites.
* **"over against Gibeah toward the sunrising."**: This final geographical detail specifies the location of this climactic phase of the rout. "Over against Gibeah" indicates that the final, decisive action occurred in the vicinity of the very city where the initial heinous crime took place, bringing a grim sense of poetic justice or tragic irony to the scene. "Toward the sunrising" (eastward) further pinpoints the direction of the pursuit and the area of Benjamin's final stand or collapse, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the defeat across their territory.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 20:43 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the horror and finality of Benjamin's defeat. **Imagery** is central, with phrases like "inclosed... round about," "chased them," and "trode them down" painting a vivid picture of a relentless, overwhelming assault and a helpless, desperate flight. The visual of being "trod down" evokes a sense of utter subjugation and dehumanization. The use of **Polysyndeton** through the repeated conjunction "and" ("and chased them, and trode them down") emphasizes the continuous, relentless, and cumulative nature of the Israelite attack, highlighting the overwhelming pressure on the Benjamites. The entire narrative of Judges 19-21, culminating in this verse, is a profound **Tragedy**, depicting the self-inflicted wounds of God's people due to moral depravity and internal strife. There is also a strong sense of **Irony**, as Benjamin, a tribe renowned for its fierce warriors and slingers, is utterly crushed, not by foreign enemies, but by their own brethren, in a conflict ignited by their own sin and stubbornness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:43 stands as a stark biblical testament to the devastating consequences of unaddressed sin and the perils of moral relativism within a community. The near-annihilation of Benjamin underscores God's righteous judgment against wickedness, even when it manifests within His covenant people. It reveals that communal sin, particularly the protection of egregious evil, can lead to catastrophic internal conflict and divine chastisement. The verse also highlights the profound importance of justice and accountability within God's people, demonstrating that a failure to uphold righteousness can unravel the very fabric of society and lead to self-destruction. This tragic episode serves as a powerful reminder that true peace and unity are not merely the absence of external threats but are rooted in a shared commitment to God's moral law and a willingness to confront sin.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Reaping What You Sow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 20:43 is far more than a historical account of ancient warfare; it is a profound cautionary tale for all generations, including our own. It compels us to examine the moral health of our communities, our churches, and even our own hearts. The verse vividly illustrates the destructive power of unaddressed sin, reminding us that complicity or indifference to evil can lead to devastating consequences, not just for individuals but for entire groups. It challenges us to consider where we might be protecting or tolerating sin, either personally or corporately, that could be leading to division, decay, or judgment. Furthermore, it underscores the critical need for righteous leadership—in homes, churches, and nations—that is committed to upholding God's truth and administering justice, rather than allowing "every man to do what is right in his own eyes." Ultimately, this passage calls us to a deep humility, recognizing our propensity for sin and our desperate need for divine guidance and the transformative power of God's Spirit to live in unity, righteousness, and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What forms of "unaddressed sin" might be present in my own life or in the communities I belong to, and what are the potential consequences if they remain unaddressed?**
* **How does the narrative of Benjamin's near-annihilation challenge my understanding of God's justice and His dealings with His people?**
* **In what ways can I contribute to fostering unity and righteousness within my church or family, rather than allowing internal strife or moral compromise to take root?**
* **What lessons can I draw from this tragic account regarding the importance of seeking and submitting to righteous leadership, both spiritual and secular?**

### FAQ
**Why did the other tribes of Israel pursue Benjamin with such ferocity, leading to their near-annihilation?**

Answer: The extreme ferocity stemmed from the heinous crime committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin, where a Levite's concubine was brutally gang-raped and murdered ([Judges 19:22-28](/judges/19-22 "Judges 19:22-28 - The Crime in Gibeah")). This act was considered an abomination, "such a thing has not been seen or done since the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt until this day" ([Judges 19:30](/judges/19-30 "Judges 19:30 - An Outrage in Israel")). When the other tribes demanded that Benjamin surrender the perpetrators for justice, Benjamin defiantly refused, choosing instead to protect the wicked men of Gibeah and prepare for war against their brethren ([Judges 20:12-14](/judges/20-12 "Judges 20:12-14 - Benjamin Refuses Justice")). This refusal to uphold justice and their subsequent armed defiance transformed the situation from a demand for accountability into a full-scale civil war, viewed by the other tribes as a necessary act of divine judgment to purge evil from Israel. The intensity of the pursuit and the near-annihilation reflect the deep outrage and the perceived need for a complete cleansing of such profound moral corruption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The chaos, moral decay, and devastating civil war depicted in Judges 20:43 and the surrounding chapters powerfully underscore Israel's desperate need for a true and righteous King—a need ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The era of the Judges, where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes," led to internal strife, shocking brutality, and the near-destruction of a tribe. This highlights humanity's inherent inability to govern itself righteously without divine authority and perfect leadership. Jesus, as the Son of God and the promised Davidic King, is the ultimate answer to this chaos. Unlike the flawed and temporary judges, or the absent king in Judges, Christ brings perfect justice and true peace. He is the one who perfectly upholds God's law, not by destroying a tribe, but by offering Himself as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Where the Benjamites were "trod down" by their brethren, Christ was "trod down" by the wrath of God on the cross, bearing the judgment for all humanity's sin, including the kind of depravity seen in Gibeah. Through His sacrifice, He reconciles not only individuals to God but also breaks down the walls of hostility between people, creating a new humanity united under His righteous reign ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the King who leads not by force and destruction, but by [servant leadership](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"), ultimately bringing true order, justice, and spiritual wholeness to His people, fulfilling the longing for a perfect ruler that the book of Judges so tragically reveals.

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.

Joshua 8:22

And the other issued out of the city against them; so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side: and they smote them, so that they let none of them remain or escape.