What does Judges 20:16 mean?

The verse Judges 20:16 in the King James Version of the Bible 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 is found in the book of Judges, which is a historical and narrative account of the events that occurred in Israel after the death of Joshua. The specific passage is part of the story of the Israelites’ battle against the tribe of Benjamin, who had committed a grave sin and had refused to hand over the perpetrators.

In this verse, the focus is on the 700 chosen men who were left-handed and skilled at using slingshots. This detail about the left-handedness of these men is significant as it sets them apart from the rest of the army. In ancient times, being left-handed was considered unusual and even a disadvantage. Therefore, the fact that these men were skilled in warfare despite their left-handedness is noteworthy. It emphasizes the idea that God can use unconventional and unexpected means to achieve His purposes.

The context of this verse is a battle between the Israelites and the tribe of Benjamin. The skilled left-handed men were part of the Israelite army, and their unique abilities were crucial in the battle. The use of slingshots as a weapon demonstrates the resourcefulness and creativity of the Israelite army, who used whatever tools and talents were available to them to achieve victory. Additionally, this passage highlights the importance of individual skills and abilities within the community.

Symbolically, the left-handedness of these men can be seen as a representation of God’s ability to work through the weak and unassuming. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of God using individuals who are seen as insignificant or lacking in traditional strength to accomplish His will. This verse echoes the message found in 1 Corinthians 1:27, which states, "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."

The emphasis on the skill of these men with their slingshots also brings to mind the story of David and Goliath. David, a young shepherd boy, defeated the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone, demonstrating that God can empower and enable individuals to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This story serves as a testament to the idea that it is not the conventional or mighty who ultimately triumph, but those who trust in God and use their unique gifts and talents for His glory.

Furthermore, the number 700 holds significance in the Bible as it often represents completeness or perfection. In this context, the 700 left-handed men symbolize the completeness of the Israelite army and the perfect alignment of God’s plan for victory. Their exceptional abilities with slingshots also illustrate the theme of divine empowerment and the idea that God equips His people with the necessary tools to accomplish His purposes.

In conclusion, Judges 20:16 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s ability to use the unexpected and unconventional to achieve His purposes. The left-handedness of the skilled warriors and their proficiency with slingshots highlight the theme of divine empowerment, individual skills and abilities, and the idea that God can use the weak and unassuming to accomplish His will. This verse serves as a source of encouragement for believers, reminding them that God can use their unique gifts and talents to bring about His plans and purposes.

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