Judges 20:29

And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah.

And Israel {H3478} set {H7760} liers in wait {H693} round about {H5439} Gibeah {H1390}.

Isra'el hid some men around Giv'ah,

So Israel set up an ambush around Gibeah.

And Israel set liers-in-wait against Gibeah round about.

Commentary

Judges 20:29 marks a pivotal moment in the devastating civil war between the eleven tribes of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, specifically concerning the wicked city of Gibeah.

Context of Judges 20:29

This verse follows two humiliating defeats for the Israelite coalition at the hands of the Benjamites, despite Israel having inquired of the Lord and received permission to fight. The war began as a response to the horrific crime committed against the Levite's concubine in Gibeah (Judges 19:22-30). After their second major loss, the Israelites humbled themselves, wept before the Lord, fasted, and offered sacrifices, seeking His will more earnestly (Judges 20:26-28). It was then that God promised victory: "Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand" (Judges 20:28). With this divine assurance, Israel then deployed a strategic military tactic: setting an ambush.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Guidance and Human Strategy: Even after receiving a direct promise of victory from God, Israel did not passively wait. Instead, they actively employed a tactical military strategy by setting ambushes. This illustrates the principle that divine promise often works in conjunction with human effort and wisdom.
  • Perseverance and Humility: The Israelites' willingness to continue fighting after two severe defeats, coupled with their deep repentance and renewed seeking of God's face, highlights the importance of perseverance and humility in the face of adversity. Their earlier defeats may have been a divine chastisement for their initial presumption or lack of thorough repentance.
  • Consequences of Sin and Judgment: The entire narrative of Judges 19-21 underscores the profound moral decay within Israel during this period, leading to a tragic civil war that served as a severe judgment against the Benjamites for their unrepentant sin.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "liers in wait" translates the Hebrew word 'ōrΔ“v (אָרַב), which literally means "to lie in ambush" or "to set an ambush." This is a common military tactic seen throughout biblical history, often used to surprise and overwhelm an enemy (e.g., Joshua's strategy against Ai). The use of this specific term emphasizes the deliberate and concealed nature of Israel's plan.

Practical Application

Judges 20:29 offers insights for believers today. It teaches us that while we are to seek God's will and trust in His promises, this does not negate the need for wisdom, planning, and diligent effort. When facing challenges, particularly after setbacks, we should not give up. Instead, we are called to humble ourselves, seek God more earnestly, and then, with His guidance, strategically apply ourselves to the task at hand. Our faith in God's promises should empower, not paralyze, our actions.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 8:4 (5 votes)

    And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, [even] behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

  • Judges 20:34 (2 votes)

    And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore: but they knew not that evil [was] near them.

  • 2 Samuel 5:23 (2 votes)

    And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; [but] fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.