What does Judges 20:34 mean?
"And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore: but they knew not that evil was near them." - Judges 20:34
Judges 20:34 (KJV) states "And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore: but they knew not that evil was near them."
This verse is part of the story in the book of Judges, which is part of the Old Testament. In this particular chapter, the Israelites are outraged by the wickedness and violence committed against a Levite's concubine in the city of Gibeah. This event sparks a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin, who defended Gibeah, and the rest of the Israelites. The verse is part of the narrative of the battle between the Israelites and the men of Gibeah.
The story of the battle of Gibeah and the civil war in the book of Judges is a harrowing and violent account that reveals the moral and spiritual decay of the Israelites during this time in their history. The verse in question is a crucial moment in the battle, as it illustrates the ignorance and blindness of the men of Gibeah to the impending judgment and evil that is coming upon them.
One of the key themes in this verse and the larger narrative of the book of Judges is the consequences of sin and the need for justice and judgment. The violence and wickedness that occurred in Gibeah led to a devastating civil war and the near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin. This serves as a warning to the Israelites and to all readers of the Bible about the destructive nature of sin and the need for righteousness and justice. It also highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and discernment in all circumstances, as the men of Gibeah were blind to the impending evil that would befall them.
The context of this verse is also important to consider. The book of Judges takes place during a tumultuous time in Israel's history, after the death of Joshua and before the establishment of a monarchy. During this period, the Israelites repeatedly fell into idolatry and sin, leading to cycles of oppression and deliverance. The story of the battle of Gibeah is a vivid example of the chaos and moral decay that characterized this era.
Symbolism is also present in this verse, as the ignorance of the men of Gibeah can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual blindness and the consequences of rejecting God's truth. The battle itself can be seen as a symbol of the internal spiritual struggle that the Israelites faced, as well as the larger battle between good and evil. The verse serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the Bible of the importance of staying vigilant and aware of the spiritual warfare that surrounds them.
In conclusion, Judges 20:34 is a powerful and sobering verse that encapsulates the themes of sin, judgment, and spiritual blindness present in the book of Judges. It serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for righteousness and discernment. The verse also serves as a warning to all readers of the Bible, urging them to remain vigilant and aware of the spiritual battles that rage around them. Ultimately, it points to the importance of seeking God's guidance and living in accordance with His will.
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Judges 20:34 - "And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore: but they knew not that evil was near them."
"And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore: but they knew not that evil was near them." - Judges 20:34
Ezekiel 34:20 - "¶ Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle."
Judges 1:34 - "And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley:"
Judges 6:34 - "But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him."
Matthew 20:29-34
Lucas 20:34-35
Judges 9:34 - "¶ And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies."
Judges 15:20 - "And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years."
Judges 8:34 - "And the children of Israel remembered not the LORD their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side:"
Numbers 34:20 - "And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud."
"¶ Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle." - Ezekiel 34:20
Psalms 34:20 - "He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken."
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."
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."
Luke 20:34 - "And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:"
Judges 20:7 - "Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel."
Ezekiel 34:22 - "Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle."
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."
Genesis 34:20 - "¶ And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,"
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."