Judges 20:45
Judges 20:45 in Multiple Translations
Then the Benjamites turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, and Israel cut down 5,000 men on the roads. And they overtook them at Gidom and struck down 2,000 more.
And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.
And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men, and followed hard after them unto Gidom, and smote of them two thousand men.
And turning, they went in flight to the rock of Rimmon in the waste land: and on the highways five thousand of them were cut off by the men of Israel, who, pushing on hard after them to Geba, put to death two thousand more.
Some of the Benjamites that were left ran towards Pomegranate Rock in the desert, and the Israelites killed another five thousand men on the way. They chased another group of Benjamites as far as Gidom and killed another thousand.
And they turned and fled to the wildernes vnto the rocke of Rimmon: and the Israelites glayned of them by the way fiue thousand men, and pursued after them vnto Gidom, and slewe two thousand men of them,
and they turn and flee toward the wilderness, unto the rock of Rimmon; and they glean of them in the highways five thousand men, and follow after them unto Gidom, and smite of them two thousand men.
They turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon. They gleaned five thousand men of them in the highways, and followed hard after them to Gidom, and struck two thousand men of them.
And they turned and fled towards the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them to Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.
And when they that remained of Benjamin saw this, they fled into the wilderness and made towards the rock that is called Remmon. In that flight, also as they were straggling and going different ways, they slew of them five thousand men. And as they went farther, they still pursued them, and slew also other two thousand.
Then the rest of the men of the tribe of Benjamin realized that they had been defeated. They ran toward the desert to Rimmon Rock, but the Israeli men killed 5,000 more men of the tribe of Benjamin along the roads. They pursued the rest of them to Gidom, and they killed 2,000 more men of the tribe of Benjamin there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:45
BAB
Word Study
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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 20:45 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּפְנ֞וּ
וַ/יָּנֻ֤סוּ
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֨רָ/ה֙
אֶל
סֶ֣לַע
הָֽ/רִמּ֔וֹן
וַ/יְעֹֽלְלֻ֨/הוּ֙
בַּֽ/מְסִלּ֔וֹת
חֲמֵ֥שֶׁת
אֲלָפִ֖ים
אִ֑ישׁ
וַ/יַּדְבִּ֤יקוּ
אַחֲרָי/ו֙
עַד
גִּדְעֹ֔ם
וַ/יַּכּ֥וּ
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
אַלְפַּ֥יִם
אִֽישׁ
וַ/יִּפְנ֞וּ
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יָּנֻ֤סוּ
nûwç
H5127
to flee
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֨רָ/ה֙
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Art | N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
סֶ֣לַע
çelaʻ
H5553
crag
N-ms
הָֽ/רִמּ֔וֹן
Rimmôwn
H7417
Rimmon
Art | N-proper
וַ/יְעֹֽלְלֻ֨/הוּ֙
ʻâlal
H5953
to abuse
Conj | V-m-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
בַּֽ/מְסִלּ֔וֹת
mᵉçillâh
H4546
highway
Prep | N-fp
חֲמֵ֥שֶׁת
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
אֲלָפִ֖ים
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וַ/יַּדְבִּ֤יקוּ
dâbaq
H1692
to cleave
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אַחֲרָי/ו֙
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
גִּדְעֹ֔ם
Gidʻôm
H1440
Gidom
N-proper
וַ/יַּכּ֥וּ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
אַלְפַּ֥יִם
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:45
וַ/יִּפְנ֞וּ
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
וַ/יָּנֻ֤סוּ
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֨רָ/ה֙
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Art | N-ms | Suff
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
סֶ֣לַע
çelaʻ
H5553
"crag"
N-ms
This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.
Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.
הָֽ/רִמּ֔וֹן
Rimmôwn
H7417
"Rimmon"
Art | N-proper
Rimmon, a Syrian deity, was also the name of several cities in Palestine, including a Levitical city in Zebulun.
Definition: § Rimmon = "pomegranate" n pr dei the deity of wind, rain, and storm, worshipped by the Syrians of Damascus
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Remmon, Rimmon. See also: Joshua 15:32; 2 Samuel 4:2; Zechariah 14:10.
וַ/יְעֹֽלְלֻ֨/הוּ֙
ʻâlal
H5953
"to abuse"
Conj | V-m-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
To thrust or push something is what this Hebrew word means, and it can also imply treating someone poorly. It is used in various ways in the Bible, including to describe abuse or mocking. The KJV translates it as abuse or mock.
Definition: 1) to act severely, deal with severely, make a fool of someone 1a) (Poel) to act severely 1b) (Poal) to be severely dealt with 1c) (Hithpael) to busy oneself, divert oneself, deal wantonly, deal ruthlessly, abuse (by thrusting through) 1d) (Hithpoel) to practise practices, thrust forth (in wickedness)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: abuse, affect, [idiom] child, defile, do, glean, mock, practise, thoroughly, work (wonderfully). See also: Exodus 10:2; Job 16:15; Psalms 141:4.
בַּֽ/מְסִלּ֔וֹת
mᵉçillâh
H4546
"highway"
Prep | N-fp
This word means a raised highway or public road, like the ones built by King Solomon. It is used in books like Numbers and Isaiah to describe paths and roadways.
Definition: highway, raised way, public road
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: causeway, course, highway, path, terrace. See also: Numbers 20:19; Psalms 84:6; Proverbs 16:17.
חֲמֵ֥שֶׁת
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
אֲלָפִ֖ים
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.
אִ֑ישׁ
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.
וַ/יַּדְבִּ֤יקוּ
dâbaq
H1692
"to cleave"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.
Definition: 1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cling, cleave to 1a2) to stay with 1b) (Pual) to be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cleave to 1c2) to pursue closely 1c3) to overtake 1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Samuel 20:2; Psalms 22:16.
אַחֲרָי/ו֙
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
גִּדְעֹ֔ם
Gidʻôm
H1440
"Gidom"
N-proper
Gidom is a place in Palestine where the Israelites stopped pursuing the tribe of Benjamin. Its name means 'a cutting down'.
Definition: § Gidom = "a cutting down" the place where the Israelites ceased pursuing Benjamin, apparently situated between Gibeah and the cliffs of Rimmon
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Gidom. See also: Judges 20:45.
וַ/יַּכּ֥וּ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
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.
אַלְפַּ֥יִם
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.
אִֽישׁ
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.
Study Notes — Judges 20:45
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 20:45 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:45
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:45
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:45
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:45
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:45
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 20:45
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:45
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 20:45
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:45
Context — 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.
45Then the Benjamites turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, and Israel cut down 5,000 men on the roads. And they overtook them at Gidom and struck down 2,000 more.
46That day 25,000 Benjamite swordsmen fell, all men of valor. 47But 600 men turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 15:32 | Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon—twenty-nine cities in all, along with their villages. |
| 2 | Judges 21:13 | Then the whole congregation sent a message of peace to the Benjamites who were at the rock of Rimmon. |
| 3 | Zechariah 14:10 | All the land from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem will be turned into a plain, but Jerusalem will be raised up and will remain in her place, from the Benjamin Gate to the site of the First Gate to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the royal winepresses. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 6:77 | The Merarites (the rest of the Levites) received the following: From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Rimmono and Tabor, together with their pasturelands. |
Judges 20:45 Summary
[Judges 20:45 tells us that the Benjamites tried to escape from the Israelites by fleeing towards the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, but they were still pursued and many were killed. This shows that we cannot escape God's judgment by running away from our problems or sins. As it says in Psalm 139:7-8, we cannot flee from God's presence, and we must instead turn to Him in repentance. By recognizing the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience, we can learn from the Benjamites' defeat and seek God's guidance and direction in our own lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Benjamites flee towards the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon?
The Benjamites fled towards the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon in an attempt to escape the pursuing Israelites, as seen in Judges 20:45. This was likely a place of perceived safety or refuge for them, similar to how the Israelites sought refuge in the wilderness during their journey to the Promised Land, as described in Exodus 13:18.
How many Benjamites were killed in total during this pursuit?
Although Judges 20:45 specifically mentions 5,000 men cut down on the roads and 2,000 more struck down at Gidom, the total number of Benjamite casualties is given in Judges 20:46 as 25,000 swordsmen, all men of valor.
What can we learn from the Benjamites' defeat in this verse?
The Benjamites' defeat serves as a reminder of God's judgment on sin, as seen in Judges 20:18, where the Israelites inquired of God before going to battle. This event also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, where blessings are promised for obedience and curses for disobedience.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's relationship with His people, Israel, and serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and justice, as seen in Psalm 119:75, where the psalmist acknowledges God's righteous judgments.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the lesson of the Benjamites' defeat to my own life, recognizing the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience to God?
- How can I, like the Israelites, seek God's guidance and direction in times of uncertainty or conflict, as seen in Judges 20:18?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be fleeing from God or trying to escape His judgment, and how can I turn back to Him, as the Benjamites attempted to do in Judges 20:45?
- In what ways can I trust in God's faithfulness and justice, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, as described in Psalm 119:75?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:45
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 1 Samuel 14:2 where Saul is said
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:45
And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them. The rock of Rimmon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 20:45
They gleaned, i.e. they cut off the remainders in the pursuit, and spared none; a metaphor from those who gather grapes or corn so clearly and fitly, that they leave no relics for those who come after them.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:45
Judges 20:45 And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.Ver. 45. Unto Gidom.] Or, Unto their occasion, destruction.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:45
(45) Unto the rock of Rimmon—i.e., of the pomegranate. As the tree is common in Palestine (Numbers 20:25; Deuteronomy 8:8. &c.), the name is naturally common. There was one Rimmon in Zebulon (Joshua 19:13), another in Judah (Joshua 15:32), south of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:10; and see Joshua 21:25; Nehemiah 11:29). This Rimmon is a steep conical hill of white limestone (Robinson, 1:440), not far from Gibeah, and fifteen miles north of Jerusalem, six miles east of Bethel (“towards the sun-rising”). It is still called Rimmon. They gleaned.—A metaphor from the vintage, like the “trode down” of Judges 20:43. (See Jeremiah 6:9 : “They shall glean the remnant of Israel as a vine.”) Unto Gidom.—A place entirely unknown, and hence omitted in the Vulg.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 20:45
Verse 45. Unto the rock of Rimmon] This was some strong place, but where situated is not known. Here they maintained themselves four months, and it was by these alone that the tribe of Benjamin was preserved from utter extermination. See the following chapter. IT is scarcely possible to imagine any thing more horrid than the indiscriminate and relentless slaughter of both innocent and guilty mentioned in this chapter. The crime of the men of Gibeah was great, but there was no adequate cause for this relentless extermination of a whole tribe. There was neither justice nor judgment in this case; they were on all sides brutal, cruel, and ferocious: and no wonder; there was no king in Israel - no effective civil government, and every man did what was right in his own eyes. There was no proper leader; no man that had authority and influence to repress the disorderly workings of the pell-mell mob.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:45
45. the rock of Rimmon] now Rammôn, rises from the plateau due E. of Beth-el, visible from all sides; it lies rather more than 8 m. N.E. of Tell el-Fûl.gleaned of them] For the figure cf. Judges 8:2. unto Gidom] Site unknown; the Versions therefore guess, LXX. cod. A Gilead, Syr Gibeon. With the change of a vowel, we may read until they cut them off (gid‘âm), the word used in Judges 21:6.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 20:45
Rimmon - A village named “Rummon”, situated on the summit of a conical chalky hill, still exists, and forms a remarkable object in the landscape, visible in all directions. It lies 15 miles north of Jerusalem.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 20:45
45. Rock of Rimmon — “About ten miles north of Jerusalem, and nearly four east of Beth-el, is a very conspicuous white limestone tell, rising like a cone above the neighbouring hilltops, and