Old Testament

Judges 20:21

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, we see a significant and tragic moment in the conflict between the Israelites and the tribe of Benjamin.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

But the Benjaminites charged out of Gibeah and cut down 22,000 Israelites that day.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see a significant and tragic moment in the conflict between the Israelites and the tribe of Benjamin. The Benjaminites, defending their city of Gibeah, launched a fierce attack against the Israelites, resulting in the death of 22,000 men. This event highlights the intensity of the civil strife within Israel during this period. The Israelites had come to seek justice for a grievous crime committed in Gibeah, but instead of finding resolution, they faced devastating losses. This moment serves as a reminder of the consequences of internal conflict and the importance of unity among God's people. The high casualty numbers reflect the severity of the situation and the deep divisions that had formed among the tribes of Israel. It also sets the stage for further conflict and the need for divine intervention in their struggles.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 20:21 to your life

This verse reminds us of the dangers of division and conflict within communities. It encourages us to seek reconciliation and unity rather than allowing misunderstandings to escalate into violence. We should strive to resolve our differences peacefully and work together for the common good, reflecting God's love and justice in our actions.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 20:21 mean?

Judges 20:21 describes a violent conflict where the tribe of Benjamin attacked the Israelites, resulting in the deaths of 22,000 men. This verse illustrates the severity of the civil war among the tribes of Israel and the tragic consequences of their internal strife.

What is the significance of the number 22,000 in Judges 20:21?

The number 22,000 represents the significant loss of life during the battle between the Benjaminites and the Israelites. It highlights the intensity of the conflict and the tragic outcomes of their divisions.

Why did the Israelites suffer such losses in Judges 20:21?

The Israelites suffered heavy losses because they faced a well-defended city and a determined enemy in the Benjaminites. Their attempt to seek justice turned into a tragic confrontation, showcasing the dangers of internal conflict.

What themes are present in Judges 20:21?

Judges 20:21 presents themes of civil conflict, tribal divisions, and the consequences of sin. It also emphasizes the need for unity and the tragic outcomes of vengeance and violence among God's people.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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