What does Judges 20:36 mean?
"So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah." - Judges 20:36
The Bible verse Judges 20:36 from the King James Version (KJV) reads: "Now the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah."
To understand the significance of this verse, it is important to consider its context within the larger narrative of the book of Judges. The book of Judges is set at a tumultuous period in Israel's history, after the death of Joshua and before the establishment of a monarchy. During this time, the Israelites were ruled by a series of judges, who led the people in times of crisis and conflict.
In Judges 20, the Israelites are at war with the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The conflict arises from a horrific incident in which a Levite man staying in the city of Gibeah is mistreated and his concubine is raped and killed by the men of Gibeah. The Levite sends parts of his concubine's body to the tribes of Israel, and in response, the Israelites gather together to confront the tribe of Benjamin over the atrocity that took place in Gibeah.
The verse Judges 20:36 occurs within the larger narrative of the battle between the Israelites and the Benjamites. The verse depicts the turning point in the battle when the Benjamites realize that they are being defeated. The men of Israel give place to the Benjamites, meaning that they feigned retreat in order to lure the Benjamites into a vulnerable position. The Benjamites, trusting in the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah, are then smitten by the men of Israel.
One of the key themes in this verse is the concept of trust. The Benjamites placed their trust in their own military tactics and strategy, only to be deceived by the men of Israel. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced trust and the consequences of relying solely on one's own understanding.
Another important theme in this verse is the idea of divine justice and retribution. The conflict between the Israelites and the Benjamites is ultimately a result of the injustice and moral decay within Gibeah. The brutal treatment of the Levite's concubine and the subsequent response of the tribes of Israel highlight the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking justice for the oppressed.
Symbolism also plays a significant role in this verse. The city of Gibeah itself becomes a symbol of moral corruption and depravity, leading to the downfall of the tribe of Benjamin. The battle between the Israelites and the Benjamites serves as a larger metaphor for the ongoing struggle between good and evil, righteousness and sin.
In conclusion, Judges 20:36 is a pivotal verse in the larger narrative of the book of Judges. It highlights themes of trust, divine justice, and moral corruption, and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking justice. The verse also carries important symbolism, using the city of Gibeah as a representation of moral decay. Through its portrayal of the battle between the Israelites and the Benjamites, the verse conveys timeless lessons about the consequences of misplaced trust and the necessity of standing up for righteousness and justice.
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Judges 20:36 - "So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah."
"So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah." - Judges 20:36
Judges 1:36 - "And the coast of the Amorites was from the going up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward."
Judges 6:36-40 – Gideon’s fleece test for dew.
Judges 6:36 - "¶ And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,"
Job 36:20 - "Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place."
Exodus 36:20 - "¶ And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up."
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."
Genesis 36:20 - "¶ These are the sons of Seir the Horite, who inhabited the land; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah,"
Acts 20:36 - "¶ And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."
"And the coast of the Amorites was from the going up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward." - Judges 1:36
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."
2 Chronicles 20:36 - "And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Ezion-geber."
Luke 20:36 - "Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection."
Judges 20:7 - "Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel."
Ezekiel 36:19 - "And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them."
Judges 9:36 - "And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men."
Ezekiel 20:4 - "Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:"
Jeremiah 36:20 - "¶ And they went in to the king into the court, but they laid up the roll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the ears of the king."
Judges 14:20 - "But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend."
Ezekiel 23:36 - "¶ The LORD said moreover unto me; Son of man, wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations;"
Ezekiel 20:36 - "Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD."
Judges 1:20 - "And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak."