Judges 20:43

Verse

They surrounded the Benjamites, pursued them, and easily overtook them in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east.

American Standard Version (1901)

They inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trod them down at their resting-place, as far as over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.

Bible in Basic English

And crushing Benjamin down, they went after them, driving them from Nohah as far as the east side of Gibeah.

Free Bible Version

Chasing after the Benjamites, the Israelites surrounded them, easily overtaking them east of Gibeah.

Geneva Bible 1599

Thus they compassed the Beniamites about, and chased them at ease, and ouerranne them, euen ouer against Gibeah on the Eastside.

King James (Authorized) Version

Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.

Translation for Translators

They surrounded some of the men of the tribe of Benjamin, and pursued the others to the area east of Gibeah.

Unlocked Literal Bible

They surrounded the Benjamites, chased them and trampled them down at Nohah, all the way to the east side of Gibeah.

Noah Webster Bible

Thus they inclosed the Benjaminites on all sides, and chased them, and trod them down with ease over against Gibeah towards the sun-rising.

World English Bible

They surrounded the Benjamites, chased them, and trod them down at their resting place, as far as near Gibeah toward the sunrise.

Young's Literal Translation

they have compassed the Benjamites — they have pursued them — with ease they have trodden them down till over-against Gibeah, at the sun-rising.

Context

Civil War against Benjamin

⁴²So they fled before the men of Israel toward the wilderness, but the battle overtook them, and the men coming out of the cities struck them down there.⁴³They surrounded the Benjamites, pursued them, and easily overtook them in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east.⁴⁴And 18,000 Benjamites fell, all men of valor.

Summary

In Judges 20:43, we see the tribe of Benjamin being defeated by the other Israelite tribes in a battle. This event occurred as a consequence of the grave sin committed by the men of Benjamin, leading to a civil war within Israel. The defeat of Benjamin serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of repentance. It also highlights the theme of justice and accountability in the Old Testament, showing that God's people are not exempt from facing the repercussions of their actions.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men,.... Just the number they had slain of Israel in the second battle. This is the number of them that were slain when Israel turned upon them, and by that time they got to the east of Gibeah; afterwards 5000 more were slain on the highways, and 2000 near Gidom, as after related: all these were men of valour; as appears by three times facing and engaging with the army of Israel, so vastly superior to them, and twice beating them.