Judges 20:45

KJV

And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they turned {H6437} and fled {H5127} toward the wilderness {H4057} unto the rock {H5553} of Rimmon {H7417}: and they gleaned {H5953} of them in the highways {H4546} five {H2568} thousand {H505} men {H376}; and pursued {H1692} hard after {H310} them unto Gidom {H1440}, and slew {H5221} two thousand {H505} men {H376} of them.

Complete Jewish Bible

They turned and fled toward the desert to the Rock of Rimmon; and 5,000 of them were killed on the roads. They followed them to Gid'om and killed another 2,000.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Benjamites turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, and Israel cut down 5,000 men on the roads. And they overtook them at Gidom and struck down 2,000 more.

American Standard Version

And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men, and followed hard after them unto Gidom, and smote of them two thousand men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:45 vividly portrays the relentless and brutal aftermath of the decisive defeat of the Benjamite warriors by the other Israelite tribes during the devastating civil war. As the surviving Benjamites desperately fled toward the wilderness and the strategic rock of Rimmon, their pursuers showed no mercy, systematically "gleaning" and slaying thousands more along the highways and in a fierce pursuit that extended all the way to Gidom. This verse grimly details the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin, serving as a stark culmination of the inter-tribal conflict and underscoring the severe consequences of unchecked sin and the tragic breakdown of societal and moral order within Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:45 marks the grim climax of the Benjamite War, a horrific civil conflict meticulously detailed across [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Gibeah Atrocity") and [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - The War Against Benjamin"). Preceding this verse, [Judges 20:42-44](/judges/20-42-44 "Judges 20:42-44 - The Rout of Benjamin") describes the initial, overwhelming rout of the Benjamite forces, with a staggering 25,000 men already fallen on the battlefield. Verse 45 shifts the narrative focus from the main engagement to the merciless and systematic pursuit of the fleeing survivors, highlighting the complete collapse of Benjamite resistance. This relentless chase and slaughter directly set the stage for the desperate situation described in [Judges 20:47](/judges/20-47 "Judges 20:47 - The Remnant at Rimmon"), where only a tiny remnant of 600 Benjamite men remains. This near-extinction then precipitates the profound moral dilemma and the subsequent actions taken by the other tribes in [Judges 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - The Preservation of Benjamin") to ensure the tribe's survival. The entire episode serves as a powerful and tragic illustration of the moral and social decay encapsulated by the book's recurring 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 - No King in Israel")."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The era of the Judges was characterized by a decentralized tribal confederacy in Israel, operating without a central monarchy or consistent, unifying leadership. This period was marked by recurrent cycles of apostasy, foreign oppression, and divine deliverance through various judges, often punctuated by severe internal strife. The horrific atrocity committed in Gibeah, detailed in [Judges 19:22-26](/judges/19-22-26 "Judges 19:22-26 - The Abomination in Gibeah"), which ignited this civil war, represented a profound violation of Israelite covenant law, hospitality, and basic human decency, demonstrating the depths of moral depravity to which the nation had descended. The unified, albeit ultimately flawed and excessive, response of the other Israelite tribes reflects their understanding of justice and collective responsibility within a tribal society, where the entire tribe of Benjamin was held accountable for the unrepentant wickedness of its members. The desperate flight into the wilderness and the specific mention of rugged geographical landmarks like the "rock of Rimmon" and "Gidom" vividly underscore the harsh terrain of the region and the desperate, life-or-death nature of the flight, a common characteristic of ancient warfare where routs frequently resulted in more casualties than direct combat.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Judges. It starkly illustrates the **Consequences of Unchecked Sin**, demonstrating how a single, heinous act of depravity in [Gibeah](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Gibeah Atrocity") could tragically escalate into a full-blown civil war, leading to the near obliteration of an entire tribe. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, which, though executed through the imperfect and often brutal actions of the other Israelite tribes, was directed against the deep-seated wickedness and defiance within Benjamin. The relentless pursuit and systematic slaughter also emphasize the profound theme of **Near Annihilation and the Preservation of a Remnant**, as the sheer scale of the Benjamite losses sets the stage for the desperate and morally complex measures taken in [Judges 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - The Preservation of Benjamin") to ensure the tribe's survival. Ultimately, the entire narrative, culminating in the horrific scene of this verse, serves as a tragic and sobering illustration of the chaotic, violent, and morally bankrupt reality of a nation where **"every man did that which was right in his own eyes,"** leading to internal fracturing and immense suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gleaned (Hebrew, _ʻâlal'_):** This verb (H5953) carries a primary meaning of "to effect thoroughly" or "to glean," often in the context of gathering leftover crops. However, as the Strong's data indicates, it also carries a secondary, negative connotation of "to overdo," "maltreat," "abuse," "defile," or "mock." In Judges 20:45, its use is a chilling and powerful **metaphor**, transforming the image of a meticulous, systematic collection of crops into the methodical, thorough, and merciless hunting down and killing of scattered, fleeing soldiers. The implication is that the pursuers left no straggler uncaptured or unslain, much like a field is carefully "gleaned" to ensure nothing remains, but with the added sinister undertone of abuse and defilement in the act of slaughter.
* **Pursued hard (Hebrew, _dâbaq'_):** This verb (H1692) signifies "to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere," and figuratively, "to catch by pursuit," "follow close (hard after)," or "stick." Here, it powerfully emphasizes the relentless, unyielding, and determined nature of the Israelite chase. It conveys a sustained, energetic, and almost obsessive effort to ensure the complete destruction of the Benjamite forces, going beyond merely winning the battle to annihilating the enemy. The "hard" pursuit indicates a tenacious, almost vengeful, resolve to press the advantage until the Benjamites were utterly broken, scattered, and eliminated.
* **Gidom (Hebrew, _Gidʻôm'_):** This place name (H1440) is derived from a root meaning "a cutting" or "desolation." The fact that the pursuit and slaughter extended "unto Gidom" is highly significant. It is not merely a geographical marker but a place whose very name resonates with the tragic events that occurred there. The "cutting" or "desolation" implied by the name perfectly encapsulates the outcome of the relentless pursuit, where the Benjamite forces were further cut down and left in a state of utter desolation, reinforcing the theme of their near annihilation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon":** This initial clause vividly describes the desperate and immediate response of the surviving Benjamite warriors after their overwhelming defeat. Their "turning and fleeing" signifies their utter disarray, abandonment of any further resistance, and the crushing blow to their morale. They sought refuge in the harsh, less populated wilderness region, aiming for natural strongholds like the "rock of Rimmon," a well-known defensive position. This geographical detail grounds the narrative in specific, tangible locations, lending a sense of historical authenticity to the tragic events.
* **"and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men":** This phrase depicts the initial, systematic phase of the pursuit. As the Benjamites attempted to escape along the main routes or "highways," the pursuing Israelites meticulously hunted them down. The use of "gleaned" (as analyzed above) paints a chilling picture of a methodical, almost agricultural, collection of lives, highlighting the thoroughness and lack of mercy in the slaughter of these scattered and vulnerable Benjamite soldiers. The immediate result was the death of 5,000 men.
* **"and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them."** This final clause describes the continuation and intensified nature of the chase. The pursuit extended even further, to another specific location called Gidom, indicating a sustained and vigorous effort to eliminate the remaining Benjamite forces. The additional slaying of 2,000 men underscores the relentless nature of the pursuit and the immense casualties inflicted, bringing the total number of Benjamite dead in this phase of the pursuit to 7,000, on top of the 25,000 already fallen, leaving only a tiny remnant of 600 men.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 20:45 employs powerful **Imagery** to convey the brutality and totality of the Benjamite defeat. The phrase "gleaned of them in the highways" functions as a chilling **Metaphor**, comparing the systematic killing of fleeing soldiers to the methodical gathering of leftover crops, emphasizing the thoroughness and lack of mercy in the slaughter. This metaphor is particularly striking due to its subversion of a typically benign agricultural act into one of horrific violence. The description of the Benjamites "turned and fled" and the Israelites "pursued hard" creates a dynamic sense of action, desperation, and relentless pursuit. The inclusion of specific **Geographical Markers** like "the wilderness," "the rock of Rimmon," and "Gidom" grounds the narrative in reality, adding a layer of historical authenticity and making the tragic events more tangible and impactful. The cumulative effect of these devices is to paint a vivid, somber, and unforgettable picture of a nation consumed by internal strife and the devastating consequences of unaddressed sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:45 stands as a stark and sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of unaddressed sin and the profound breakdown of covenant faithfulness within Israel. While the actions of the other tribes were undeniably brutal and perhaps excessive, they were presented as a response to the profound moral depravity and defiant refusal of justice by Benjamin. In this sense, the narrative highlights a form of divine judgment at work, even when executed through imperfect and flawed human agents. The near annihilation of an entire tribe underscores the gravity with which God views sin and the potential for severe discipline when His people stray from His righteous ways and covenant obligations. Yet, even within this profound tragedy, the narrative subtly introduces the crucial theme of a remnant, foreshadowing God's enduring faithfulness to preserve a portion of His people, even in their darkest hours of judgment and self-destruction. This sets the stage for the desperate, albeit divinely guided, measures taken in [Judges 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - The Preservation of Benjamin") to ensure Benjamin's survival and prevent its complete extinction.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:14-17](/leviticus/26-14-17 "Leviticus 26:14-17 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 1:9](/isaiah/1-9 "Isaiah 1:9 - The Preservation of a Remnant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 20:45, though a chilling account of ancient civil war, offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers and communities. It serves as a sobering testament to the destructive, self-perpetuating power of sin, particularly when it is harbored, defended, and allowed to fester within a community. The passage urges us to deeply consider the ripple effects of moral compromise and the paramount importance of upholding righteousness and justice, even when such a stand is difficult or unpopular. It powerfully reminds us that internal strife and division, fueled by unaddressed sin and a lack of accountability, can tear apart even those who share a common faith, heritage, or purpose. For the church today, this passage calls for vigilant self-examination, a steadfast commitment to biblical purity, and a humble willingness to address sin biblically and decisively, lest internal decay lead to devastating spiritual and relational consequences. It also subtly highlights the critical importance of unity, reconciliation, and restorative justice, even after deep wounds have been inflicted, as seen in the subsequent efforts to preserve the tribe of Benjamin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "gleaning" metaphor in Judges 20:45 challenge our understanding of divine judgment or human vengeance, and what does it reveal about the nature of thoroughness in both?**
* **What are the potential "highways" or "Gidoms" in our own lives, families, or communities where unchecked sin might lead to widespread spiritual or relational destruction?**
* **In what practical ways can a community or church prevent the kind of moral decay and internal fracturing that led to the civil war in Judges?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a community, balance the biblical call for justice and accountability with the equally vital call for mercy, forgiveness, and restoration in our relationships?**

### FAQ
**Was the Israelite pursuit and slaughter of Benjamin justified?**

Answer: The text of Judges 20:45 graphically describes the brutal reality of the pursuit and slaughter, but the question of its moral justification is complex and fraught with tension. From the perspective of the other Israelite tribes, their actions were an attempt to exact justice for the horrific atrocity committed in Gibeah and Benjamin's defiant refusal to surrender the perpetrators ([Judges 20:13](/judges/20-13 "Judges 20:13 - Benjamin's Refusal to Surrender")). The severity of the punishment reflects the gravity of the sin in the eyes of the covenant community, a violation so profound it threatened the very fabric of Israelite identity and law. However, the overarching narrative of Judges itself, particularly the recurring refrain "[every man did that which was right in his own eyes](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")," suggests that even the actions of the "righteous" tribes were not without flaw, excess, or a measure of human vengeance. While the initial cause for war was just, the scale of the violence and the near annihilation of a tribe raise profound questions about the wisdom, proportionality, and spiritual guidance of their response, highlighting the chaotic and unguided nature of this period in Israel's history. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of human vengeance, even when provoked by great evil, and the destructive consequences when God's people act without true, divine leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 20:45, with its stark depiction of relentless pursuit and devastating judgment, stands in profound contrast to the redemptive work of Christ, yet it powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for His coming. The horrific civil war, born out of deep human depravity and the tragic absence of a true, righteous king, vividly reveals the ultimate chaos, self-destruction, and moral bankruptcy that results when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). Jesus, however, is the true and perfect King who brings not only perfect justice but also boundless mercy, achieving reconciliation not through the annihilation of an enemy, but through His own self-sacrificial love. While the Israelites "gleaned" and "pursued hard" to destroy their kinsmen, Christ, the Good Shepherd, "pursued" humanity not to condemn, but to save, actively seeking out the lost, the broken, and the condemned ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Seeks the Lost")). He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the righteous judgment that humanity deserved upon Himself, rather than inflicting it upon us. The remnant of Benjamin, preserved by desperate human means in [Judges 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - The Preservation of Benjamin"), powerfully foreshadows the spiritual remnant preserved by God's sovereign grace through Christ ([Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - The Remnant of Israel")). Ultimately, Judges 20:45 paints a vivid and sobering picture of humanity's brokenness, the dire consequences of sin, and the profound need for a perfect King and Savior who alone can bring true peace, justice, and reconciliation, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant where God's Spirit reigns, transforming human hearts from within, rather than human depravity leading to self-destruction ([Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant")).

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 15:32

And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities [are] twenty and nine, with their villages:

Judges 21:13

And the whole congregation sent [some] to speak to the children of Benjamin that [were] in the rock Rimmon, and to call peaceably unto them.

Zechariah 14:10

All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and [from] the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.

1 Chronicles 6:77

Unto the rest of the children of Merari [were given] out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs: