Judges 20:46

KJV

So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these [were] men of valour.

KJV (with Strong's)

So that all which fell {H5307} that day {H3117} of Benjamin {H1144} were twenty {H6242} and five {H2568} thousand {H505} men {H376} that drew {H8025} the sword {H2719}; all these were men {H582} of valour {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus the total number from Binyamin who fell that day was 25,000 experienced, sword-bearing soldiers.

Berean Standard Bible

That day 25,000 Benjamite swordsmen fell, all men of valor.

American Standard Version

So that all who fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these were men of valor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:46 records the devastating culmination of the civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other eleven tribes of Israel, detailing the catastrophic loss of twenty-five thousand Benjamite warriors on the third and decisive day of battle. This verse starkly highlights the immense and tragic cost of unaddressed corporate sin, moral decay, and internal strife within the covenant community, demonstrating the severe consequences of defying divine justice and refusing accountability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The verse is the grim climax of the narrative found in [Judges chapters 19-21](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite and His Concubine") and specifically [Judges chapter 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - Israel's War Against Benjamin"). This section of Judges is often considered an appendix, depicting the moral and social chaos that characterized Israel "when there was no king in Israel" and "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). The preceding verses describe the initial outrage of the other tribes over the horrific atrocity committed against the Levite's concubine in Gibeah ([Judges 19:22-30](/judges/19-22 "Judges 19:22-30 - The Atrocity in Gibeah")), their demand for justice, and Benjamin's stubborn refusal to surrender the perpetrators. This defiance escalated into a full-scale civil war, where Israel suffered two initial defeats ([Judges 20:21](/judges/20-21 "Judges 20:21 - Israel's First Defeat"), [Judges 20:25](/judges/20-25 "Judges 20:25 - Israel's Second Defeat")) before their decisive victory on the third day, leading directly to the casualty count in verse 46. This verse serves as the tragic resolution of the battle, setting the stage for the subsequent lament and desperate measures taken to preserve the tribe of Benjamin in [Judges chapter 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - Preserving Benjamin").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Judges 19-21 are set in the turbulent period after the conquest of Canaan but before the establishment of the monarchy, a time marked by decentralization, tribal independence, and frequent moral decline. The "men of valour" mentioned in this verse were likely citizen-soldiers, tribal levies who were expected to defend their territory and participate in warfare. Their training would have been practical, focused on the use of swords, spears, and slings, common weaponry of the era. The concept of corporate responsibility was strong in ancient Israel; the sin of a few could bring judgment upon the entire community or tribe, as seen in the case of Achan ([Joshua 7:1-26](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1-26 - Achan's Sin")). Benjamin's refusal to surrender the wicked men of Gibeah was a profound violation of inter-tribal solidarity and covenantal law, which demanded justice and purity within the community. The geographical setting, primarily around Gibeah and Rimmon Rock, highlights the localized nature of early Israelite conflicts, yet this particular war had national implications due to its inter-tribal nature.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 20:46 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **devastating cost of sin and internal conflict**. The moral decay illustrated by the atrocity in Gibeah, coupled with Benjamin's stubborn complicity, led to an unprecedented civil war that nearly annihilated an entire tribe, vividly demonstrating the destructive power of unaddressed evil within God's people. Secondly, the verse highlights **divine judgment and justice**. Despite Israel's initial defeats, their persistent seeking of God's counsel ([Judges 20:23](/judges/20-23 "Judges 20:23 - Israel Seeks God Again"), [Judges 20:26-28](/judges/20-26 "Judges 20:26-28 - Israel Weeps Before the Lord")) ultimately led to a divinely sanctioned victory, indicating God's severe displeasure with Benjamin's sin and their defiance of covenantal standards. The outcome was not merely a military defeat but a manifestation of divine wrath against profound wickedness. Finally, the detail that these were "men of valour" introduces the theme of **tragedy and pathos**, emphasizing that even strong, capable warriors could not withstand the consequences of corporate sin and divine judgment, making the loss even more poignant and emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the calamity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fell (Hebrew, _nāphal'_):** The verb נָפַל (_naphal_) literally means "to fall," but in military contexts, it consistently denotes "to fall in battle," meaning to be killed. Here, it is used to describe the death of the Benjamite warriors. The passive voice ("all which fell") emphasizes the outcome rather than the agent, highlighting the sheer number of casualties and the finality of their defeat. This term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe the death of soldiers in combat, underscoring the tragic and often violent nature of warfare.
* **Drew the sword (Hebrew, _shēleph cherev'_):** This phrase, שֶׁלֶף חֶרֶב (_sheleph cherev_), literally translates to "drawing of a sword" or "one who draws a sword." It is a specific military idiom referring to active, armed combatants—those who are equipped and ready for battle. It distinguishes these men from non-combatants, emphasizing that the casualties were trained warriors, not civilians. This detail highlights the military strength of Benjamin, making their overwhelming defeat even more significant.
* **Valour (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** The Hebrew word חַיִל (_chayil_) is rich in meaning, encompassing strength, might, wealth, efficiency, and a body of troops. When applied to individuals, particularly men, it denotes military prowess, courage, and capability. To call them "men of valour" (אִישׁ חַיִל, _'ish chayil_) signifies that these were not ordinary soldiers but elite, courageous, and formidable warriors. This description heightens the tragedy of their defeat, as it was not a victory over a weak foe but the near annihilation of a strong, capable fighting force, underscoring the overwhelming nature of the judgment or the strategic brilliance of the Israelite forces, empowered by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword;":** This clause provides the precise and devastating casualty count for the tribe of Benjamin on the third day of the civil war. The number "twenty and five thousand" (25,000) is a staggering figure, representing a significant portion of the tribe's fighting force, estimated to be around 26,000 men at the outset of the war ([Judges 20:15](/judges/20-15 "Judges 20:15 - Benjamite Warriors")). The phrase "that drew the sword" emphasizes that these were active, armed warriors, not non-combatants, underscoring the military nature and scale of the defeat. This numerical specificity conveys the immense and tangible loss suffered by Benjamin.
* **"all these [were] men of valour.":** This concluding phrase adds a crucial layer of pathos and irony to the verse. By describing the fallen as "men of valour," the text highlights their inherent strength, courage, and military skill. This detail intensifies the tragedy, as it was not a defeat of weak or untrained soldiers but of formidable opponents. The irony lies in the fact that despite their valor, they were utterly defeated, not primarily by superior military might alone, but by divine judgment against their corporate sin and refusal to uphold justice. Their valor, while commendable in a military sense, could not save them from the consequences of their moral failings.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 20:46 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the profound tragedy and significance of the event. The most prominent is **Pathos**, as the verse evokes deep pity and sorrow for the near annihilation of an entire tribe, especially by emphasizing that those who fell were "men of valour." This detail humanizes the immense casualty count, transforming a mere statistic into a lament for courageous individuals. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; the "men of valour" who were militarily capable and courageous were defeated not by a lack of skill, but by their moral complicity and defiance of divine justice. Their strength in battle was ultimately rendered futile by their spiritual weakness and corporate sin. Furthermore, the **Numerical Precision** ("twenty and five thousand") serves to underscore the devastating scale of the loss, providing a stark and undeniable testament to the catastrophic outcome of the conflict. This exact figure lends a sense of historical accuracy while simultaneously amplifying the horror of the event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:46 serves as a stark theological commentary on the profound and destructive consequences of unaddressed sin and internal division within God's covenant community. The near annihilation of Benjamin underscores that divine judgment is not merely reserved for foreign nations but can fall severely upon Israel itself when it deviates from God's righteous standards. This tragic event highlights the critical importance of corporate accountability and the pursuit of justice, demonstrating that complicity with evil and a refusal to repent can lead to catastrophic outcomes, threatening the very existence and identity of God's people. It is a grim reminder that true strength and valor are ultimately rooted in righteousness and obedience to God, not merely in military prowess.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Psalm 78:56-64](/psalms/78-56 "Psalm 78:56-64 - Israel's Disobedience and God's Judgment")
* [Hosea 4:1-3](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1-3 - God's Indictment Against Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The grim tally of Judges 20:46 compels us to reflect deeply on the devastating impact of unrepentant sin and internal strife, not only within a nation but also within any community, including the church and individual lives. This verse serves as a sober warning that ignoring or defending moral corruption, rather than confronting it with justice and repentance, can lead to widespread suffering and near-destruction. It challenges us to examine our own complicity in systemic sin, our willingness to uphold righteousness, and our commitment to reconciliation rather than division. The tragedy of Benjamin reminds us that true strength is found in moral integrity and humble submission to God's standards, not in self-reliance or stubborn defiance. It calls us to actively pursue justice, foster unity, and prioritize spiritual health within our communities, lest we fall prey to similar destructive cycles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "unaddressed sins" or "internal strifes" within my community (family, church, workplace) that might be leading to destructive outcomes?**
* **How does my own "valor" or strength, if not submitted to God's righteousness, become a source of potential downfall rather than blessing?**
* **In what ways am I, or my community, tempted to defend or overlook sin rather than pursuing justice and accountability?**
* **What steps can I take to promote spiritual health, unity, and a commitment to righteousness in the spheres of influence God has given me?**

### FAQ

**Why did the other tribes suffer initial defeats despite being in the right?**

Answer: The initial defeats of the Israelite tribes, despite their righteous cause against Benjamin's wickedness, highlight a crucial theological point: even when acting with God's apparent approval, the Israelites needed to humble themselves and seek God's will thoroughly. [Judges 20:18](/judges/20-18 "Judges 20:18 - Israel Asks God") shows them asking "Who shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin?" and God answers "Judah shall go up first." However, they did not fully seek guidance on *how* to fight or *if* they would win. After two devastating losses ([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")), they finally wept before the Lord, fasted, offered sacrifices, and inquired of the Lord with Phinehas, the priest ([Judges 20:26-28](/judges/20-26 "Judges 20:26-28 - Israel Weeps Before the Lord")). This deeper seeking of God's face, coupled with repentance and sacrifice, indicates that God was teaching them humility and dependence, even in a just war. It also underscores that God's ways are higher than human understanding, and victory is ultimately from Him.

**What happened to the tribe of Benjamin after this devastating loss?**

Answer: The near annihilation of Benjamin led to profound lament and regret among the other Israelite tribes. Realizing that a tribe was on the verge of extinction, they took desperate and ethically complex measures to preserve Benjamin's lineage, fearing that "there shall be a tribe cut off from Israel this day" ([Judges 21:6](/judges/21-6 "Judges 21:6 - Israel Laments for Benjamin")). Since they had sworn an oath not to give their daughters to Benjamin in marriage ([Judges 21:1](/judges/21-1 "Judges 21:1 - Israel's Oath")), they sought wives for the surviving 600 Benjamite men. This involved a punitive attack on Jabesh-Gilead for not participating in the war ([Judges 21:8-12](/judges/21-8 "Judges 21:8-12 - Wives from Jabesh-Gilead")), taking 400 virgins from there. When this was still not enough, they devised a plan for the remaining 200 men to abduct women from the annual festival at Shiloh ([Judges 21:16-23](/judges/21-16 "Judges 21:16-23 - Wives from Shiloh")). This desperate and morally ambiguous solution highlights the chaos and moral decay of the period "when there was no king in Israel" and "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")), even as they sought to uphold the covenantal promise of twelve tribes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 20:46, with its grim depiction of "men of valour" falling due to corporate sin and divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in stark contrast and profound redemption. While the Benjamite warriors, despite their strength, succumbed to the consequences of unrighteousness, Jesus Christ is the true "Man of Valor" who faced the ultimate battle against sin and death, not for His own transgression, but for ours. Unlike Benjamin's stubborn refusal to address evil, Christ willingly offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His "fall" on the cross was not a defeat but a strategic victory, disarming the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Where the civil war in Judges brought near annihilation and desperate, ethically compromised measures to preserve a tribe, Christ's death and resurrection brought reconciliation, eternal life, and the formation of a new, unified people of God, transcending tribal divisions ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The tragedy of Judges 20:46 underscores humanity's inability to overcome sin's destructive power by its own strength or valor, pointing us to the one true Hero who, through His perfect obedience and sacrificial love, conquered sin, death, and division, offering genuine peace and restoration to all who believe ([Romans 5:10-11](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10-11 - Reconciled 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

Judges 20:15

And the children of Benjamin were numbered at that time out of the cities twenty and six thousand men that drew sword, beside the inhabitants of Gibeah, which were numbered seven hundred chosen men.

Judges 20:35

And the LORD smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword.