Old Testament
Judges 20:45
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, the remaining soldiers from the tribe of Benjamin are fleeing after a devastating defeat.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
The survivors turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon. The Israelites picked off 5,000 of them along the roads, then chased the rest as far as Gidom, killing another 2,000.
And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the remaining soldiers from the tribe of Benjamin are fleeing after a devastating defeat. They head towards a place called the rock of Rimmon, which is a refuge in the wilderness. As they escape, the Israelites pursue them along the roads, managing to kill 5,000 of the fleeing men. The chase continues to Gidom, where they kill an additional 2,000. This passage highlights the intensity of the conflict and the determination of the Israelites to eliminate the threat posed by the Benjaminites after a civil war. The numbers indicate a significant loss for Benjamin, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the consequences of their actions. The relentless pursuit reflects the seriousness of the conflict and the desire for justice among the Israelites, who were responding to the atrocities committed by the tribe of Benjamin.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 20:45 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of accountability and the consequences of our actions. Just as the Israelites pursued justice, we should strive to address wrongdoing in our lives and communities, seeking resolution and restoration rather than allowing issues to fester.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 20:45 mean?
Judges 20:45 describes the aftermath of a battle where the surviving soldiers from the tribe of Benjamin flee to a refuge called the rock of Rimmon. The Israelites pursue them, killing a total of 7,000 men, highlighting the severity of the conflict and the consequences of the Benjaminites' actions.
What is the significance of the rock of Rimmon in Judges 20:45?
The rock of Rimmon serves as a place of refuge for the fleeing Benjaminites. It symbolizes a last stand in their desperate attempt to escape the consequences of their defeat.
What does the number 5,000 represent in Judges 20:45?
In Judges 20:45, the number 5,000 represents the soldiers from the tribe of Benjamin who were killed by the Israelites as they fled along the roads. This figure emphasizes the heavy losses suffered by Benjamin during this conflict.
How does Judges 20:45 relate to themes of justice?
Judges 20:45 highlights the Israelites' determination to seek justice against the Benjaminites for their wrongdoings. The relentless pursuit and significant casualties reflect the seriousness of addressing wrongdoing in their society.
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.
Unlock the full Judges summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Judges — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 21 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Judges summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.