Judges 20:25

Judges 20:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

That same day the Benjamites came out against them from Gibeah and cut down another 18,000 Israelites, all of them armed with swords.

King James Version KJV

And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.

American Standard Version ASV

And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the second day Benjamin went out against them from Gibeah, cutting down eighteen thousand men of the children of Israel, all swordsmen.

Free Bible Version FBV

However, Benjamites came out of Gibeah once more and slaughtered eighteen thousand Israelites, all armed with swords.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also the second day Beniamin came forth to meete them out of Gibeah, and slewe downe to the grounde of the children of Israel againe eighteene thousand men: all they could handle the sword.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Benjamin cometh out to meet them from Gibeah on the second day, and destroy among the sons of Israel again eighteen thousand men — to the earth; all these are drawing sword.

World English Bible WEB

Benjamin went out against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men. All these drew the sword.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The children of Benjamin sallied forth out of the gates of Gabaa: and meeting them made so great a slaughter of them, as to kill eighteen thousand men that drew the sword.

Translation for Translators T4T

The men of the tribe of Benjamin came out of Gibeah and attacked the Israelis, and killed 18,000 more of their men.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:25

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 20:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֵּצֵא֩ בִנְיָמִ֨ן לִ/קְרָאתָ֥/ם מִֽן הַ/גִּבְעָה֮ בַּ/יּ֣וֹם הַ/שֵּׁנִי֒ וַ/יַּשְׁחִיתוּ֩ בִ/בְנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל ע֗וֹד שְׁמֹנַ֨ת עָשָׂ֥ר אֶ֛לֶף אִ֖ישׁ אָ֑רְצָ/ה כָּל אֵ֖לֶּה שֹׁ֥לְפֵי חָֽרֶב

וַ/יֵּצֵא֩ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בִנְיָמִ֨ן Binyâmîyn H1144 Benjamin N-proper

לִ/קְרָאתָ֥/ם qirʼâh H7125 befall Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

מִֽן min H4480 from Prep

הַ/גִּבְעָה֮ Gibʻâh H1390 Gibeah Art | N-proper

בַּ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms

הַ/שֵּׁנִי֒ shênîy H8145 second Art | Adj

וַ/יַּשְׁחִיתוּ֩ shâchath H7843 to ruin Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

בִ/בְנֵ֨י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

ע֗וֹד ʻôwd H5750 still Adv

שְׁמֹנַ֨ת shᵉmôneh H8083 eight Adj

עָשָׂ֥ר ʻâsâr H6240 ten Adj

אֶ֛לֶף ʼeleph H505 thousand Adj

אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אָ֑רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

אֵ֖לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Pron

שֹׁ֥לְפֵי shâlaph H8025 to draw V-Qal

חָֽרֶב chereb H2719 sword N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:25

וַ/יֵּצֵא֩ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

בִנְיָמִ֨ן Binyâmîyn H1144 "Benjamin" N-proper

Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.

Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem

Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.

לִ/קְרָאתָ֥/ם qirʼâh H7125 "befall" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.

Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.

מִֽן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הַ/גִּבְעָה֮ Gibʻâh H1390 "Gibeah" Art | N-proper

Gibeah was a city in Palestine, specifically in the region of Benjamin, and was the birthplace of King Saul. The name means hill, and it is mentioned in various KJV translations as Gibeah or the hill.

Definition: § Gibeah = "hill" a city of Benjamin, birthplace of king Saul

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: Gibeah, the hill. See also: Joshua 15:57; Judges 20:36; Isaiah 10:29.

בַּ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הַ/שֵּׁנִי֒ shênîy H8145 "second" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.

Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.

וַ/יַּשְׁחִיתוּ֩ shâchath H7843 "to ruin" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.

Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)

Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.

בִ/בְנֵ֨י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

ע֗וֹד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv

The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.

Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)

Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.

שְׁמֹנַ֨ת shᵉmôneh H8083 "eight" Adj

The Hebrew word for the number eight, which was considered a special number in biblical times. It is used to describe quantities, such as eight days or eight years, and also appears in ordinal forms, like eighth or eighth day.

Definition: 1) eight, eighth 1a) eight (as cardinal number) 1b) eighth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers

Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: eight(-een, -eenth), eighth. See also: Genesis 5:4; 1 Chronicles 16:38; Jeremiah 32:1.

עָשָׂ֥ר ʻâsâr H6240 "ten" Adj

In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.

Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19

Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.

אֶ֛לֶף ʼeleph H505 "thousand" Adj

A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.

Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.

אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אָ֑רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

אֵ֖לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Pron

This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.

Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.

שֹׁ֥לְפֵי shâlaph H8025 "to draw" V-Qal

This Hebrew verb means to pull or draw something out, like drawing a plant out of the ground. It is used in various contexts, including pulling out a sword or growing up. In the Bible, it appears in descriptions of everyday life and warfare.

Definition: 1) to draw out or off, take off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw out 1a2) to draw off 1a3) to shoot up, draw out (of blade of grass on roof)

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: draw (off), grow up, pluck off. See also: Numbers 22:23; Judges 20:46; Psalms 129:6.

חָֽרֶב chereb H2719 "sword" N-fs

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

Study Notes — Judges 20:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 20:25 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:25
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:25
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:25
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:25
Sermons on Judges 20:25

Context — Civil War against Benjamin

23They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, “Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?” And the LORD answered, “Go up against them.” 24On the second day the Israelites advanced against the Benjamites.

25That same day the Benjamites came out against them from Gibeah and cut down another 18,000 Israelites, all of them armed with swords.

26Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, where they sat weeping before the LORD. That day they fasted until evening and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. 27And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 20:21	And the Benjamites came out of Gibeah and cut down 22,000 Israelites on the battlefield that day.
2	Genesis 18:25	Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
3	Romans 2:5	But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
4	Romans 11:33	O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!
5	Psalms 97:2	Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.
6	Romans 3:5	But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms.
7	Job 9:12–13	If He takes away, who can stop Him? Who dares to ask Him, ‘What are You doing?’ God does not restrain His anger; the helpers of Rahab cower beneath Him.

Judges 20:25 Summary

This verse tells us that the Benjamites fought against the Israelites and killed 18,000 of them, even though the Israelites were seeking to do God's will. This shows us that just because we are trying to do the right thing, it doesn't mean that everything will go smoothly or that we won't face challenges. As the Bible says in Psalm 34:19, 'The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.' We can trust that God is sovereign and that He will guide us, even in difficult times, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By seeking God's guidance and trusting in His power, we can have confidence and peace, even in the midst of challenges, as seen in Isaiah 26:3-4 and John 16:33.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Benjamites attack the Israelites in Judges 20:25?

The Benjamites attacked the Israelites because they were defending their city, Gibeah, against the Israelites who were seeking justice for the wicked actions that occurred there, as seen in Judges 19:1-30. This event is a culmination of the sinful actions that led to the Israelites' desire for justice and the Benjamites' refusal to give up the perpetrators.

What can we learn from the Israelites' experience in Judges 20:25?

We can learn that even when we seek to do God's will, as the Israelites did by inquiring of the Lord in Judges 20:23, we may still face challenges and setbacks, but we must trust in God's sovereignty and timing, as seen in Psalm 37:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Judges 20?

This verse is a pivotal point in the story, as it shows the Benjamites' determination to fight against the Israelites, despite being outnumbered, and it sets the stage for the Israelites' eventual victory with God's help, as seen in Judges 20:28-48. The story highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting in His power, as emphasized in Judges 20:26-27 and Psalm 20:7-8.

What does this verse teach us about God's character?

This verse teaches us that God is a God of justice and righteousness, who will not tolerate wickedness and sin, as seen in Judges 20:1-25 and Deuteronomy 32:4. It also shows that God is a God of mercy and compassion, who desires to guide and direct His people, as seen in Judges 20:23 and Psalm 23:1-4.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can seek God's guidance and trust in His sovereignty in my own life, just like the Israelites did in Judges 20:23?
How can I balance the desire for justice and righteousness with the need for mercy and compassion, as seen in this verse and in Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:7 and Luke 6:27-36?
What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and guidance, just like the Israelites did in Judges 20:28-48?
How can I apply the lesson of seeking God's guidance and trusting in His sovereignty to my relationships with others, as seen in this verse and in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 2:3-4?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:25

And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day,.... Flushed with the victory they had obtained the day before: and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:25

And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:25

Judges 20:25 And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword. Ver. 25. Destroyed down to the ground … eighteen thousand men.] Here a Pompey would have denied a providence; Brutus would have cried out against virtue as a mere name; others against hard fortune, Ecquid hoc infortunii est? &c. "But God giveth his more grace; wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God Be afflicted," or afflict yourselves with voluntary sorrows for your sins, "and mourn, and weep," &c. These did so the next time, and had the day. Wit is best when dear bought.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:25

(25) Destroyed . . . eighteen thousand men.—This second defeat seems to have been due, like the first, to overweening confidence and carelessness. Thus in two battles the eleven tribes lost 40,000 men—i.e., 13,300 more than the entire Benjamite army, which was only 26,700. Such a hideous massacre can only be accounted for by the supposition that the Benjamite slings did deadly execution from some vantage-ground. Similarly at Crecy “1,200 knights and 30,000 footmen—a number equal to the whole English force—lay dead upon the ground” (Green, 1:419).

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:25

25. The second day — Not necessarily the next day after the first conflict, but the second day of actual battle. Several days may have intervened between the two battles.

Sermons on Judges 20:25

	Sermon	Description
	Desperate Prayer by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, Mary had a powerful encounter with God and was described as a brilliant dancer and singer. She was hesitant to go to church because she didn't want to be put in the
	(Hebrews - Part 10): Jesus Made a Little Lower That the Angels by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the perfection and flawless nature of God's work. He highlights that God's ultimate goal is to bring many sons under glory. This is achieved
	Attributes of God (Series 1): The Justice of God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a judge being caught between mercy and justice. He uses the example of a man torn between his love for a woman and his sense o
	The Holiness of God - Part 3 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holiness and the need for individuals to give account of their deeds before God. He highlights the urgency of seeking forg
	God's Judgment and America's Only Hope (Compilation) by Compilations	This sermon emphasizes the impending storm of God's judgment, warning against a diluted gospel and the consequences of facing God's wrath. It speaks of a time when mercy will be cu
	A Still Small Voice by Charles Alexander	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the wickedness that exists in the world and the mystery of God's ways. He acknowledges that even the best of men can be driven to despair b
	Excerpt From Ten Shekels and a Shirt by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his philosophy of mission and evangelism. He initially went to Africa with the belief that he was improving upon the justice of God by givin