Judges 20:34
Judges 20:34 in Multiple Translations
Then 10,000 select men from all Israel made a frontal assault against Gibeah, and the battle was fierce. But the Benjamites did not realize that disaster was upon them.
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.
And there came over against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore; but they knew not that evil was close upon them.
And they came in front of Gibeah, ten thousand of the best men in all Israel, and the fighting became more violent; but the children of Benjamin were not conscious that evil was coming on them.
Ten thousand seasoned Israelite warriors attacked Gibeah, and the fighting was so intense the Benjamites didn't realize they were on the brink of disaster.
And they came ouer against Gibeah, ten thousande chosen men of all Israel, and the battell was sore: for they knewe not that the euill was neere them.
And they come in over against Gibeah — ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel — and the battle [is] grievous, and they have not known that the evil is striking against them.
Ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel came over against Gibeah, and the battle was severe; but they didn’t know that disaster was close to them.
And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was severe: but they knew not that evil was near them.
And to march from the west side of the city. And other ten thousand men chosen out of all Israel attacked the inhabitants of the city. And the battle grew hot against the children of Benjamin: and they understood not that present death threatened them on every side.
Then while the men of Gibeah were running out of the city toward them, the other 10,000 Israelis came out from the places where they had been hiding, west of Gibeah. They were men who had come from all parts of Israel. There was a very big battle. But the men of the tribe of Benjamin did not know that they were about to suffer a disastrous defeat.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:34
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 20:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹאוּ֩
מִ/נֶּ֨גֶד
לַ/גִּבְעָ֜ה
עֲשֶׂרֶת֩
אֲלָפִ֨ים
אִ֤ישׁ
בָּחוּר֙
מִ/כָּל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
וְ/הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה
כָּבֵ֑דָה
וְ/הֵם֙
לֹ֣א
יָדְע֔וּ
כִּֽי
נֹגַ֥עַת
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
הָ/רָעָֽה
וַ/יָּבֹאוּ֩
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/נֶּ֨גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep
לַ/גִּבְעָ֜ה
Gibʻâh
H1390
Gibeah
Prep | N-proper
עֲשֶׂרֶת֩
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Adj
אֲלָפִ֨ים
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
אִ֤ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
בָּחוּר֙
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Inf-c
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Conj | Art | N-fs
כָּבֵ֑דָה
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
וְ/הֵם֙
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָדְע֔וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נֹגַ֥עַת
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
V-Qal
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
הָ/רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:34
וַ/יָּבֹאוּ֩
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מִ/נֶּ֨גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
לַ/גִּבְעָ֜ה
Gibʻâh
H1390
"Gibeah"
Prep | 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.
עֲשֶׂרֶת֩
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
אֲלָפִ֨ים
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.
אִ֤ישׁ
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.
בָּחוּר֙
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
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.
וְ/הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Conj | Art | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
כָּבֵ֑דָה
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
וְ/הֵם֙
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדְע֔וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נֹגַ֥עַת
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Judges 20:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 20:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:34
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:34
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:34
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:34
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:34
- Sermons on Judges 20:34
Context — Civil War against Benjamin
32“We are defeating them as before,” said the Benjamites. But the Israelites said, “Let us retreat and draw them away from the city onto the roads.”
33So all the men of Israel got up from their places and arrayed themselves at Baal-tamar, and the Israelites in ambush charged from their positions west of Gibeah.
34Then 10,000 select men from all Israel made a frontal assault against Gibeah, and the battle was fierce. But the Benjamites did not realize that disaster was upon them.
35The LORD defeated Benjamin in the presence of Israel, and on that day the Israelites slaughtered 25,100 Benjamites, all armed with swords. 36Then the Benjamites realized they had been defeated. Now the men of Israel had retreated before Benjamin because they were relying on the ambush they had set against Gibeah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 8:14 | When the king of Ai saw the Israelites, he hurried out early in the morning with the men of the city to engage them in battle at an appointed place overlooking the Arabah. But he did not know that an ambush had been set up against him behind the city. |
| 2 | Isaiah 47:11 | But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you will be unable to ward off. Devastation will happen to you suddenly and unexpectedly. |
| 3 | Job 21:13 | They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace. |
| 4 | Proverbs 29:6 | An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices. |
| 5 | Luke 21:34 | But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. |
| 6 | 1 Thessalonians 5:3 | While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. |
| 7 | Matthew 24:44 | For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. |
| 8 | Isaiah 3:10–11 | Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done. |
| 9 | Proverbs 4:19 | But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 9:12 | For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them. |
Judges 20:34 Summary
[Judges 20:34 shows us that even when things seem to be going well, disaster can be just around the corner if we are not careful and trusting in God. The Benjamites were overconfident and did not realize that the Israelites had set a trap for them, much like the Israelites' own failures to trust God in Numbers 14:11. We can learn from this to always seek God's guidance and protection, as seen in Psalm 32:10 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God and seeking His wisdom, we can avoid the pitfalls of overconfidence and find peace and security in Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 10,000 select men from all Israel in Judges 20:34?
The 10,000 select men in Judges 20:34 represent a unified and determined effort by the Israelites to confront the sin in Gibeah, as seen in Judges 20:1-7, and to trust in God's deliverance, as promised in Deuteronomy 32:30.
Why did the Benjamites not realize disaster was upon them in Judges 20:34?
The Benjamites were overconfident due to their initial successes, as seen in Judges 20:32, and failed to recognize the turning point of the battle, much like the Israelites' own failures to trust God in Numbers 14:11 and 1 Samuel 4:3.
How does Judges 20:34 relate to the larger story of the Bible?
Judges 20:34 is part of a larger narrative about God's people struggling with sin and rebellion, and God's faithfulness to deliver and restore them, a theme also seen in Exodus 32:26 and 2 Chronicles 7:14.
What can we learn from the Israelites' strategy in Judges 20:34?
The Israelites' use of a frontal assault and an ambush in Judges 20:34 demonstrates the importance of wise planning and trust in God's sovereignty, as also seen in 2 Chronicles 20:20-22 and Proverbs 21:31.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be overconfident or blind to potential disaster, and how can I seek God's guidance and protection?
- How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Judges 20:34, to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some ways I can be part of a unified effort to confront sin and trust in God's deliverance, as seen in the Israelites' actions in Judges 20:34?
- How can I balance wise planning and trust in God's sovereignty in my own decision-making and actions, as seen in the Israelites' strategy in Judges 20:34?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:34
And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel,.... Which, according to Ben Gersom, were the liers in wait; and came from the south, as the Targum says: and the battle was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:34
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. Ten thousand chosen men.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:34
Chosen men out of all Israel; selected out of the main body, which was at Baal-tamar; and these were to march directly to Gibeah on the one side, whilst the liers in wait stormed it on the other side, and whilst the great body of the army laboured to intercept these Benjamites, who, having pursued the Israelites that pretended to flee, now endeavoured to retreat to Gibeah. They knew not that evil was near them; they were so puffed up with their former successes, that they were insensible of their danger.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:34
Judges 20:34 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.Ver. 34. They knew not that evil, &c.] See Judges 20:31. As they say of the metal they make glass of, it is nearest melting when it shineth brightest, so are the wicked nearest destruction when at their greatest lustre.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:34
(34) Ten thousand chosen men.—Though the verse is obscurely expressed, the meaning probably is that this was the number of the ambuscade of picked warriors. If it means that this was the Israelite force left after the slaughter of 40,000, we are not told the number of the ambush. The battle was sore.—It would be a battle in which the Benjamites were now attacked both in front and rear. But.—Rather, and.They knew not that evil was near them—i.e., as we should say, “that the hour of their ruin had come,” or, as the Vulg. has it, quod ex omni parte illis instaret interitus, “that destruction was threatening them on every side.” (Comp. Isaiah 47:10.)
Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:34
34. ten thousand chosen men] Apparently the men who had formed the ambush: they now moved from their place of concealment, and posted themselves between the city and the Benjamites, who were chasing the men of Israel, so as to cut off the possibility of retreat. evil was close upon them] lit. was about to touch them; cf. Judges 20:41 evil had touched them. Cf. Joshua 8:14. The recurrence of the words in Judges 20:41 has led to the suggestion (made by Torrey) that Judges 20:35-36 a once stood after Judges 20:41, and that a scribe, glancing from the similar endings of Jdg 20:41; Judges 20:34, accidentally transposed Judges 20:35-36 a to their present position, where they destroy the natural order of events. The composition of this chapter is so entangled that we may readily assume a disturbance of the text here as in other places (e.g. Judges 20:22 f.). An alternative reconstruction is proposed by Budde, who assigns the passage to A: ‘And Israel set liers in wait against Gibeah round about (Judges 20:29), while all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves in array at Baal-tamar (Judges 20:33 a). And there came over against Gibeah 10,000 chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore (Judges 20:34 a). Thereupon the liers in wait of Israel brake forth out of their place west of Geba (Judges 20:33 b); but they knew not that evil was close upon them’ (Judges 20:34 b); then follow Judges 20:36 b–38.
This gives a fairly lucid order; but it is based upon a rather different treatment of the chapter from that which is being followed.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:34
34. Ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel — These may have been identical with the “liers in wait,” (Judges 20:29; Judges 20:33,) but were more probably a detachment from the main army that
Sermons on Judges 20:34
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The Use and Abuse of Money by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commandments and warns of the repercussions for ignoring them. He specifically focuses on the message in Jam |
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Be Still by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being still and knowing that God is in control. He encourages the audience to develop a deep and loving relationship with |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Prosperity and Adversity by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers that Christians face in their journey towards heaven. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing these perils, |
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(Revelation - Part 2): A Prognosis of Events by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of being prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ. He uses a story about a boy who eagerly awaits his father's return |
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(Men Who Met God): Abraham by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being watchful and prayerful in order to be worthy of escaping the trials and tribulations that will come upon the earth. |
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(The Last Days) Dont Get Drunk W/ Worldiness by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being ready for the last days and the coming of Christ. It highlights the need for readiness over detailed knowledge of future events, focu |
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You Also Must Be Ready - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries delves into the themes of light and darkness, the two harvests of salvation and judgment, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the increase |