Judges 20:31

And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, [and] were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite of the people, [and] kill, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field, about thirty men of Israel.

And the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} went out {H3318} against {H7125} the people {H5971}, and were drawn away {H5423} from the city {H5892}; and they began {H2490} to smite {H5221} of the people {H5971}, and kill {H2491}, as at other times {H6471}, in the highways {H4546}, of which one {H259} goeth up {H5927} to the house {H1004} of God {H430}{H1008}, and the other {H259} to Gibeah {H1390} in the field {H7704}, about thirty {H7970} men {H376} of Israel {H3478}.

Again the army of Binyamin went out against the people. Lured away from the city, they began attacking and killing some of the people, as they had the other times - they killed about thirty men of Isra'el in the countryside and on the roads, one of which goes up to Beit-El and the other to Giv'ah.

The Benjamites came out against them and were drawn away from the city. They began to attack the people as before, killing about thirty men of Israel in the fields and on the roads, one of which led up to Bethel and the other to Gibeah.

And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite and kill of the people, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to Beth-el, and the other to Gibeah, in the field, about thirty men of Israel.

Commentary

Judges 20:31 describes a pivotal moment in the devastating civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the united tribes of Israel. Following two previous defeats for Israel, this verse recounts the opening phase of the third major battle, where Benjamin initially gains the upper hand through a clever military strategy.

Context

This verse is part of the grim narrative in Judges chapters 19-21, detailing the horrific atrocity committed in Gibeah by men of Benjamin against the Levite's concubine (Judges 19:25). When Benjamin refused to surrender the culprits (Judges 20:13), the other Israelite tribes gathered for war. Despite their righteous cause, Israel suffered heavy losses in the first two engagements (Judges 20:21, 20:25). In preparation for this third attack, Israel had laid ambushes around Gibeah, a strategy divinely revealed after much fasting and prayer before the Lord (Judges 20:28). Verse 31 details the Benjamites' counter-move: they sallied forth from Gibeah, successfully drawing the main Israelite force away from the city, and began inflicting casualties "as at other times" – a painful reminder of Israel's prior defeats.

Key Themes

  • Military Strategy and Deception: The Benjamites employed a tactic of luring their enemies away from their stronghold. This initial success highlights their cunning and tenacity, even when facing overwhelming odds.
  • The Relentless Cost of Sin: The phrase "as at other times" underscores the tragic pattern of loss and bloodshed. The initial sin in Gibeah led to a devastating civil war, where even the righteous side suffered immense pain and death. This illustrates the far-reaching and destructive consequences of unaddressed wickedness.
  • Perseverance Amidst Conflict: Despite the Benjamites being outnumbered and ultimately destined for defeat, their fierce resistance and ability to inflict casualties in this phase show their strong resolve in defending their brethren, albeit misguidedly.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "were drawn away" comes from the Hebrew verb nataq (Χ ΦΈΧͺΦ·Χ§), meaning to pull, tear, or draw off. It vividly portrays the Israelite forces being enticed or separated from their advantageous position near the city. The mention of "highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field," provides specific geographical details. "The house of God" likely refers to Bethel, a significant religious site where Jacob had an encounter with God (Genesis 28:19), indicating the path taken by some of the retreating or feigning Israelite forces.

Practical Application

This verse, within its broader context, serves as a powerful reminder of several principles:

  • The Danger of Repeated Patterns: The phrase "as at other times" highlights how past failures or destructive patterns can re-emerge if underlying issues are not truly resolved. For believers, this emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and breaking cycles of sin.
  • The Pervasive Nature of Sin's Consequences: A single act of depravity in Gibeah led to a national catastrophe, demonstrating how one sin can ripple outwards, causing widespread suffering and division. It underscores the importance of addressing sin swiftly and firmly.
  • The Need for Divine Guidance: Israel's eventual victory came only after repeated seeking of God's will (Judges 20:23, 20:27-28). Even when engaged in a righteous cause, human strength and strategy alone are insufficient without God's direction.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 8:14 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw [it], that they hasted and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed, before the plain; but he wist not that [there were] liers in ambush against him behind the city.

  • Joshua 8:16 (2 votes)

    And all the people that [were] in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

  • Isaiah 10:29 (2 votes)

    They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.

  • Joshua 7:5 (2 votes)

    And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them [from] before the gate [even] unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

  • Judges 19:13 (2 votes)

    And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah.

  • Judges 19:14 (2 votes)

    And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them [when they were] by Gibeah, which [belongeth] to Benjamin.