Judges 20:17

And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these [were] men of war.

And the men {H376} of Israel {H3478}, beside Benjamin {H1144}, were numbered {H6485} four {H702} hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} men {H376} that drew {H8025} sword {H2719}: all these were men {H376} of war {H4421}.

The army of Isra'el, apart from Binyamin, numbered 400,000 men with swords; they were all experienced soldiers.

The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.

And the men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.

Commentary

Commentary on Judges 20:17 (KJV)

Judges 20:17 provides a critical detail regarding the military strength of the Israelite tribes, excluding Benjamin, as they prepare for a devastating civil war. This verse sets the stage for one of the Bible's most tragic narratives, revealing the immense scale of the conflict that arose from profound moral decay within Israel.

Context

This verse is situated amidst the harrowing events described in Judges chapters 19 and 20. A Levite's concubine was brutally abused and killed in Gibeah, a city belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. The Levite's gruesome act of dismembering her body and sending pieces throughout Israel served as a call to action, exposing the depths of depravity in Israel and demanding justice. The other eleven tribes of Israel assembled at Mizpah, outraged by the atrocity and the Benjaminites' refusal to surrender the perpetrators. Judges 20:17 enumerates the formidable force gathered by the united tribes, underscoring the gravity of their resolve to address the sin. This period reflects a time when every man did that which was right in his own eyes, leading to widespread moral and social breakdown.

Key Themes

  • Overwhelming Military Mobilization: The figure of "four hundred thousand men that drew sword" indicates an enormous, well-trained army. This was not a casual militia but a fully equipped and ready fighting force, reflecting the seriousness with which the other tribes viewed the abomination committed in Gibeah. It emphasizes the collective outrage and the determination to bring justice to bear.
  • The Tragedy of Inter-Tribal Conflict: The phrase "beside Benjamin" is crucial, highlighting the fratricidal nature of this war. It underscores the profound tragedy of God's chosen people fighting against each other. This civil war serves as a somber warning about the devastating consequences of internal strife and a failure to uphold righteous standards within a community or nation. It contrasts sharply with the ideal of brethren dwelling together in unity.
  • A Call for Justice: While the outcome was tragic, the initial gathering of such a massive force was driven by a demand for justice against a heinous crime. It speaks to a lingering, albeit flawed, sense of communal responsibility for moral order among the tribes, even in a period marked by significant spiritual decline.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "men that drew sword" (Hebrew: ืžึนืฉึตืืšึฐ ื—ึถืจึถื‘, moshekh cherev) literally means "drawing the sword," a common idiom for a trained warrior or combatant. Similarly, "men of war" (ืึดื™ืฉื ืžึดืœึฐื—ึธืžึธื”, ish milchamah) signifies individuals prepared and skilled in warfare. These terms collectively paint a picture of a vast, professional, and formidable army, ready for intense combat, rather than a loosely organized militia.

Practical Application

Judges 20:17, while describing an ancient military census, carries profound lessons for today. It serves as a stark reminder of how moral decay within a society can escalate into devastating internal conflict. The immense strength of the Israelite army could not prevent the widespread suffering caused by this civil war, highlighting that sheer power without wisdom, justice, and unity can lead to self-destruction. For communities, churches, or nations, the verse underscores the critical importance of addressing sin and injustice decisively, yet also pursuing reconciliation and preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, even when facing difficult situations. It cautions against allowing internal divisions to fester to the point of catastrophic breakdown.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 11:8 (2 votes)

    And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.

  • Numbers 1:46 (2 votes)

    Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.

  • Judges 20:2 (2 votes)

    And the chief of all the people, [even] of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.

  • 1 Chronicles 21:5 (2 votes)

    And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all [they of] Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah [was] four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.

  • 2 Chronicles 17:14 (2 votes)

    And these [are] the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand.

  • 2 Chronicles 17:18 (2 votes)

    And next him [was] Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.

  • Numbers 26:51 (2 votes)

    These [were] the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty.