What does Judges 20:47 mean?
"But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months." - Judges 20:47
In Judges 20:47 from the King James Version of the Bible, the verse states, "But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months." This verse comes at the end of a long and difficult chapter in the book of Judges, which tells the story of a civil war between the tribes of Israel.
The context of this verse is a violent and tumultuous period in the history of Israel. The book of Judges recounts a time when there was no king in Israel and everyone did as they saw fit. The story leading up to this verse begins with a brutal and tragic event in the town of Gibeah, where a Levite’s concubine was raped and killed. This atrocity led to a war between the tribe of Benjamin, in which the perpetrators were from, and the rest of the tribes of Israel. The conflict culminated in a major battle, described in detail in Judges 20, that resulted in the defeat of the tribe of Benjamin.
In this verse, we see the aftermath of the battle, with 600 men from the tribe of Benjamin fleeing to the wilderness and taking refuge in the rock Rimmon for four months. This event marks the end of the civil war and the beginning of a period of reflection and repentance for the Israelites. It serves as a reminder of the tragic consequences of sin and the importance of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.
One of the major themes in this verse is the consequences of sin and the need for repentance. The entire story in Judges 19-21 is a sobering reminder of the destructive power of sin and the devastating effects it can have on individuals and communities. The tragic events that transpired in Gibeah led to a bloody civil war that resulted in the near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin. The fleeing of these 600 men to the rock Rimmon symbolizes the consequences of their actions and the need for them to seek refuge and solace in the wilderness. This serves as a cautionary tale for all believers, reminding us of the importance of living in accordance with God’s will and seeking forgiveness and redemption when we fall short.
The symbolism of the rock Rimmon is also significant in this verse. The rock is often used as a symbol of strength, stability, and refuge throughout the Bible. In this case, the rock Rimmon serves as a place of shelter and protection for the fleeing men, highlighting the need for a safe haven in times of trouble. It also serves as a symbol of the enduring presence and faithfulness of God, even in the midst of turmoil and conflict. The fact that the men remained in the rock Rimmon for four months indicates a period of reflection and repentance, as they sought to make amends for their actions and seek reconciliation with their fellow Israelites.
Overall, Judges 20:47 from the King James Version of the Bible is a poignant and thought-provoking verse that highlights the consequences of sin, the need for repentance, and the enduring presence of God as a source of strength and protection. It serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of sin and the importance of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation in the face of conflict and turmoil.
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Judges 20:47 - "But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months."
"But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months." - Judges 20:47
Judges 9:47 - "And it was told Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together."
John 12:47 - "And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world."
"And it was told Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together." - Judges 9:47
Ezekiel 47:20 - "The west side also shall be the great sea from the border, till a man come over against Hamath. This is the west side."
Judges 15:20 - "And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years."
"And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world." - John 12:47
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."
Genesis 47:20 - "And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh's."
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 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 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."
Judges 20:41 - "And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them."
Judges 20:12 - "¶ And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is done among you?"
Judges 20:14 - "But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel."
Judges 20:21 - "And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men."
Acts 13:20 - "And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet."