Judges 20:44

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 20:44, we see the aftermath of the battle between the Israelites and the Benjamites. The Israelites had suffered losses in the first two battles but regrouped and sought the Lord's guidance for the third battle. This time, they were granted victory over the Benjamites. This verse showcases the importance of seeking God's direction and not losing hope even in the face of initial setbacks. It also serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in delivering His people when they turn to Him in times of need.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And they turned and fled toward the wilderness, unto the rock of Rimmon,.... Which signifies pomegranate; perhaps it was in the form of one, and may be the same as in Sa1 14:2 where Saul is said to be under a pomegranate tree, or under Rimmon, the rock Rimmon, for that is said to be near Gibeah, as this was. There was a village in the times of Jerom called Remmon, fifteen miles from Jerusalem to the north (c), but could not be near this rock to have its name from thence; hither the rest of the army fled for shelter: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; who were scattered one from another, and as they were found in the highways, and picked up, they were slain one after another, just as ears of corn are gleaned one by one, after the harvest is got in, or as grapes in single berries, after the vintage is over: and pursued hard after them unto Gidom; which perhaps had its name from the cutting off of the Benjaminites there: and slew two thousand men of them; that is, 2000 more besides the 5000 before mentioned. (c) De loc. Heb. fol. 94. B.

Judges 20:44

Civil War against Benjamin

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.