The Precision and Purpose of the Left-Handed Slingers

Judges 20:16 (KJV) states, "Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss." This verse speaks volumes about the unique skills and the extraordinary capabilities of a select group of warriors during a time of communal chaos and strife in Israel.

In the narrative surrounding Judges 20, we read of a fierce conflict involving the tribe of Benjamin after a grievous atrocity committed within their borders. The Israelites rallied together, determined to hold this tribe accountable, and as they prepared for battle, God’s providence and strategic wisdom reveal themselves through the chosen left-handed slingers. These men—unlike any others—were equipped not only with skill but with the precision that would ultimately influence the outcomes of violent confrontations.

Firstly, let us explore what it means to be ‘left-handed’ in the context of ancient warfare. In many cultures, including that of the Israelites, right-handedness was the norm, and left-handed individuals could easily be underestimated. However, being left-handed gave these warriors an unexpected advantage in battle. Their unconventional hand choice allowed them to approach their opponents from an angle that was not commonly anticipated. In the face of unpredictability, God often raises up the unusual, crafting instruments from unexpected clay to achieve His divine purposes.

When we look deeper at the skills of these men, we are reminded of the importance of preparation and mastery of one's craft. The text emphasizes their ability to hit an ‘hair breadth’—a striking metaphor for precision. On the battlefield, where life and death teeter on every movement and decision, the capacity to strike true comes from rigorous training and unwavering dedication. In our lives, we are also called to aim with precision—whether it be in our relationships, our work, or our spiritual endeavors. We are to hone our skills in prayer, study, and service, ensuring that we aim true, hitting the mark that God has set for us.

Moreover, these men were ‘chosen.’ The selection process holds significance in the eyes of God. It was not just their skill that favored them; it was their calling and purpose that made them stand out amongst all the tribes of Israel. In a world filled with distractions and conflicting calls, recognizing our divine selection can empower us to move forward in confidence. God has chosen each of us for a purpose, bestowing upon us unique gifts and abilities that are designed to fulfill His will in a specific context. Just as these men wielded their slings with skill, we too must embrace and utilize our God-given talents. Are we actively seeking to understand our purpose? Are we prepared to showcase the gifts we’ve been given in service to the Kingdom?

Additionally, there is a lesson in community embedded within this narrative. The battles described in Judges are not fought as solitary ventures but as a united front of people seeking righteousness. The seven hundred left-handed men were not simply individuals, but part of a greater body. Their combined efforts exemplified the strength that comes from unity and shared purpose. In our own lives, we are called to recognize the importance of community, to build each other up, and create a coalition of believers who support and strengthen one another. Just as those warriors relied on their comrades, we also must lean into the support of our fellow believers to face the battles we encounter.

In conclusion, Judges 20:16 invites us to reflect on the importance of being equipped, chosen, and united in our Christian walk. Each of us is called for a purpose, often leading the unlikely and the overlooked to be vessels of His grace and power. Let us take this example of the left-handed slingers to heart, aiming with precision, walking confidently in our calling, and supporting our community as we battle the spiritual conflicts of our day. May we be inspired to embrace our unique gifts and skills, and above all, may we never miss our mark.

Artwork for Judges 20:16

Judges 20:16 - "Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss."

"Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss." - Judges 20:16

Judges 16:20 - "And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him."

judges 16:30

Judges 2:16 - "¶ Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them."

Judges 15:20 - "And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years."

Judges 20:29 - "And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah."

Judges 20:20 - "And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah."

Sampson's strength judges 16:30

Judges 20:19 - "And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah."

Judges 5:20 - "They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera."

Judges 21:20 - "Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards;"

Judges 20:27 - "And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,"

Judges 20:44 - "And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valour."

Judges 20:24 - "And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day."

Judges 16:16 - "And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death;"

Judges 16:1 - "Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her."

Proverbs 8:16 - "By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth."

Judges 20:7 - "Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel."

Ezekiel 20:4 - "Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:"

Judges 14:20 - "But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend."

Judges 16:22 - "Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven."

Judges 1:20 - "And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak."

"And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years." - Judges 15:20

Judges 18:20 - "And the priest's heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people."

Judges 20:9 - "But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it;"

Judges 20:11 - "So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man."

Ezekiel 16:38 - "And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy."

Judges 16:4 - "¶ And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah."

Mark 16:20