Judges 20:47

KJV

But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months.

KJV (with Strong's)

But six {H8337} hundred {H3967} men {H376} turned {H6437} and fled {H5127} to the wilderness {H4057} unto the rock {H5553} Rimmon {H7417}, and abode {H3427} in the rock {H5553} Rimmon {H7417} four {H702} months {H2320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But 600 turned and fled toward the desert to the Rock of Rimmon, and lived there four months.

Berean Standard Bible

But 600 men turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months.

American Standard Version

But six hundred men turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon, and abode in the rock of Rimmon four months.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:47 records the desperate survival of a mere six hundred men from the tribe of Benjamin, who, after suffering a devastating defeat in the civil war against the other tribes of Israel, fled into the wilderness and found refuge at the rock Rimmon. This verse marks a pivotal moment, highlighting the near annihilation of an entire tribe and the preservation of a small remnant, setting the stage for the subsequent efforts to prevent Benjamin's complete extinction and ensure the continuity of Israel's tribal structure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:47 serves as the climactic conclusion to the brutal civil war described in Judges 19-20. The narrative commences with the horrific crime committed against the Levite's concubine by the men of Gibeah, a Benjamite city, in [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite and His Concubine"). This atrocity provoked the righteous indignation of all the other tribes of Israel, who gathered at Mizpah to demand justice. When Benjamin refused to surrender the culprits, it ignited a devastating conflict. Despite initial victories, Benjamin was ultimately crushed, with 25,000 swordsmen falling in battle, as detailed in [Judges 20:46](/judges/20-46 "Judges 20:46 - Benjamite Casualties"). Verse 47 then isolates the final, desperate act of survival for the remaining six hundred men, who flee to a remote stronghold, creating a narrative bridge to the subsequent mourning and efforts to restore the tribe in [Judges 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - The Preservation of Benjamin").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Judges 19-21 occur during a period of profound moral and spiritual decline in Israel, famously characterized by the phrase, "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 lacked centralized leadership and covenant faithfulness, leading to widespread societal breakdown. The civil war itself underscores the gravity of corporate sin and the tribal structure of ancient Israel, where the near extinction of one of the twelve tribes was a catastrophic national crisis. The "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, _midbâr_) refers to uncultivated, sparsely populated land, often used for pasturage, but also providing natural hiding places and strongholds. The "rock Rimmon" was likely a prominent, defensible natural feature—a large rock formation or a series of caves—that offered a strategic refuge from the pursuing Israelite army. The four-month duration indicates a period of sustained isolation, allowing the immediate hostilities to subside and for the larger Israelite assembly to deliberate on the future of the Benjamite remnant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates the biblical theme of the **remnant**, where a small group is preserved through judgment or catastrophe, ensuring the continuation of a lineage or covenant promise. The survival of these 600 men prevents the complete annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin, which was crucial for the future of Israel's tribal structure and, ultimately, the lineage of the Messiah. It also highlights the **catastrophic consequences of sin and disorder**, demonstrating how individual and corporate wickedness can lead to national devastation and near-extinction, as seen in the events leading up to the war ([Judges 19:22-26](/judges/19-22-26 "Judges 19:22-26 - The Crime in Gibeah")). Despite the human failure and chaos, the narrative implicitly points to God's **overarching plan of preservation**, as the survival of this remnant sets the stage for the desperate measures taken by the other tribes to ensure Benjamin's continuity, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel even amidst their darkest hours.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rimmon (Hebrew, _Rimmôwn'_):** From Strong's H7417, this word refers to a specific geographical landmark, likely a prominent rock formation or a hill in the wilderness north of Gibeah. While it can also refer to a Syrian deity or a pomegranate, in this context, it designates one of the five places in Palestine named Rimmon, signifying a known, identifiable, and defensible natural stronghold that provided crucial refuge for the fleeing Benjamites.
* **Wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** From Strong's H4057, the Hebrew term מִדְבָּר denotes an uncultivated, often arid or semi-arid region, distinct from fertile agricultural land. It is not necessarily a barren desert but rather an open, sparsely inhabited area suitable for grazing, and importantly, for seeking refuge or conducting military maneuvers outside settled areas. Its use here emphasizes the isolation and harshness of the environment where the survivors sought safety.
* **Abode (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From Strong's H3427, the verb יָשַׁב means "to sit down," "to dwell," or "to remain." The use of "abode" indicates that the 600 men did not merely pass through the rock Rimmon but settled there for a significant period. This suggests a temporary but sustained encampment, implying a period of waiting, recovery, and strategic withdrawal from the immediate conflict, rather than continuous flight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But six hundred men turned and fled":** This phrase emphasizes the dramatic reduction of Benjamin's fighting force from 26,000 swordsmen to a mere 600. The act of "turning and fleeing" signifies a desperate, last-ditch effort at survival, a retreat from utter annihilation, highlighting their vulnerability and the overwhelming defeat they had suffered.
* **"to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon":** This specifies their destination – a remote and naturally fortified location. The "wilderness" indicates a move away from populated areas and battlefields, while "the rock Rimmon" pinpoints a specific, known stronghold, suggesting a calculated choice for refuge rather than aimless flight. This location offered natural protection and isolation.
* **"and abode in the rock Rimmon four months":** The duration of their stay, "four months," is significant. It implies a period of sustained refuge, indicating that the immediate threat had passed and that the survivors were able to establish a temporary dwelling. This period also allowed for the rest of Israel to mourn the near loss of a tribe and begin to consider how to preserve Benjamin's future, setting the stage for the events of the next chapter.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Judges 20:47 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Remnant Motif**, a recurring theme in biblical literature where a small group is preserved through divine judgment or catastrophe to ensure the continuation of a covenant line or purpose. The 600 Benjamites are a stark example of this, their survival preventing the complete extinction of a tribe. The **Rock Rimmon** functions as a potent **Symbolism** of refuge, resilience, and divine preservation amidst overwhelming destruction. It represents a place of safety and temporary respite from the storm of war. The very existence of these survivors creates a sense of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the subsequent efforts by the other tribes to mourn the near-loss of Benjamin and devise a plan for their restoration, thereby ensuring the continuity of Israel's tribal structure. There is also an underlying **Irony** in the fact that the tribe of Benjamin, renowned for its fierce warriors and slingers, was reduced to such a tiny, beleaguered remnant, underscoring the devastating consequences of their corporate sin and rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:47, while detailing a moment of extreme human failure and tribal warfare, subtly underscores God's persistent faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, even when His people are at their worst. The preservation of the 600 Benjamites, a mere remnant, is a testament to God's sovereign plan to maintain the twelve tribes, which were integral to His redemptive purposes. This act of preservation, even in the midst of severe judgment for unrepentant sin, illustrates that God's ultimate purposes for His people will not be thwarted by human depravity. It speaks to the idea that even when a community or nation faces the dire consequences of its actions, God often preserves a seed, a small group, through whom His promises can continue to unfold. This concept of a preserved remnant is a recurring theological theme throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's mercy and His commitment to His chosen people.

* [Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Genesis 6:8 - Noah Finds Grace")
* [Isaiah 1:9](/isaiah/1-9 "Isaiah 1:9 - A Small Remnant Left")
* [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - God's Gracious Remnant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark image of 600 men clinging to survival on the rock Rimmon offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In moments of overwhelming defeat, personal failure, or societal decay, this verse reminds us that even when all seems lost, God often preserves a remnant. This instills hope that even after profound spiritual or moral setbacks, there can be a future, a path to restoration, and a continuation of God's purposes through those who remain faithful or are mercifully preserved. Furthermore, the "rock Rimmon" serves as a powerful metaphor for finding refuge. When facing immense pressures, spiritual assaults, or the consequences of sin, seeking a secure "rock" or place of refuge—whether in the steadfastness of God's Word, the supportive community of the church, or the protective presence of the Holy Spirit—is crucial for endurance and spiritual survival. Finally, the entire narrative of Judges 19-21, culminating in this verse, serves as a sobering reminder of the catastrophic consequences of unaddressed sin and the absence of righteous leadership. It underscores the vital importance of pursuing justice, repentance, and obedience to God's commands, both individually and corporately, to avoid similar societal breakdown and devastation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a "remnant" in Judges 20:47 encourage us when we observe widespread moral decay or spiritual decline in our own society or church?**
* **What "rock Rimmon"—or place of spiritual refuge and safety—do you turn to in times of personal crisis, overwhelming pressure, or spiritual attack?**
* **What are the long-term consequences of unaddressed sin, both individually and corporately, as powerfully illustrated by the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin?**

### FAQ

**Why was the tribe of Benjamin nearly annihilated?**

Answer: The tribe of Benjamin was nearly annihilated because they refused to surrender the wicked men of Gibeah, a city within their territory, who had committed an unspeakable act of gang rape and murder against a Levite's concubine ([Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite and His Concubine")). This refusal was seen as a corporate endorsement of the heinous crime, leading the other eleven tribes of Israel to unite and wage a devastating civil war against Benjamin, as detailed in [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - War Against Benjamin")).

**What is the significance of "four months" at the rock Rimmon?**

Answer: The "four months" signifies a substantial period of sustained refuge and isolation. It indicates that the immediate, intense phase of the civil war had subsided, allowing the 600 survivors to remain in relative safety. This duration also implies that the rest of Israel was deliberating and mourning the near loss of one of their tribes during this time, setting the stage for the desperate measures taken in [Judges 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - The Preservation of Benjamin") to ensure the continuation of the Benjamite lineage.

**Is "Rock Rimmon" a real place?**

Answer: Yes, the "rock Rimmon" is generally identified by archaeologists and biblical scholars with the modern village of Rammun (or Rummon), located about 14 miles north-northeast of Jerusalem. This area features prominent limestone hills with numerous caves and natural strongholds, making it a plausible and strategic location for the Benjamite survivors to seek refuge in the ancient world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate flight of the 600 Benjamite men to the rock Rimmon, a place of refuge and preservation, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and eternal "Rock of Refuge" for all humanity, offering salvation and security from the devastating consequences of sin and judgment that the Benjamites experienced on a tribal scale. Just as the survival of this remnant ensured the continuation of Benjamin's lineage, a lineage that would eventually include King Saul and later the Apostle Paul, Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection ensure the preservation of His spiritual remnant—the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church")). The chaos and moral decay depicted in Judges highlight humanity's desperate need for a true King, a need perfectly met in Christ, who brings order, justice, and righteousness where "every man did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). He is the ultimate Lamb of God, whose sacrifice takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the only true solution to the pervasive sin that led to Benjamin's near annihilation. In Christ, the remnant is not merely preserved for a physical lineage but is spiritually reborn and secured eternally, finding their dwelling place in Him, the cornerstone rejected by men but chosen by God ([1 Peter 2:4-6](/1-peter/2-4-6 "1 Peter 2:4-6 - Christ the Living Stone")).

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

Isaiah 1:9

Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, [and] we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

Lamentations 3:32

But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

Jeremiah 14:7

O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou [it] for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

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.

Habakkuk 3:2

O LORD, I have heard thy speech, [and] was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

Psalms 103:9

He will not always chide: neither will he keep [his anger] for ever.

Psalms 103:10

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.