Judges 20 24

Judges 20:24 kjv

And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.

Judges 20:24 nkjv

So the children of Israel approached the children of Benjamin on the second day.

Judges 20:24 niv

Then the Israelites drew near to Benjamin the second day.

Judges 20:24 esv

So the people of Israel came near against the people of Benjamin the second day.

Judges 20:24 nlt

So the next day they went out again to fight against the men of Benjamin,

Judges 20 verses

Judges 20 24 Meaning

Judges 20:24 describes the Israelites' renewed engagement against the Benjaminites for the second day of active combat during the internal conflict. Following their initial defeat, this verse highlights the determined resolve of the combined tribes of Israel to press the fight, signaling their re-approach for another direct confrontation against Benjamin, a confrontation that would unfortunately lead to another setback before ultimate divine intervention brought victory.

Judges 20 24 Context

Judges 20:24 occurs during a harrowing period of civil war in Israel, following the infamous Gibeah outrage where a Levite's concubine was raped and murdered by Benjaminites. The other tribes of Israel convened, demanding justice from the tribe of Benjamin, specifically the surrender of the wicked men of Gibeah. Benjamin refused and prepared for war. The entire narrative of Judges 20 details the punitive action taken by the other eleven tribes against Benjamin. Verses 20-21 describe the first engagement where Benjamin defeated Israel with heavy casualties. Verse 22 states that Israel "took courage" and again arrayed themselves. Judges 20:23 notes their weeping and renewed inquiry to the Lord, asking "Shall I again approach to battle against the sons of Benjamin my brother?" and the Lord said, "Go up against him." Verse 24 is then their second approach to battle (following the second instruction from the Lord after their first defeat), leading to what would be their second defeat (Judges 20:25), highlighting a pattern of continued, devastating loss for Israel despite seeking divine counsel, pushing them to deeper repentance before God finally granted them victory (Judges 20:26-28).

Judges 20 24 Word analysis

• So: Hebrew vayiqrevu (וַיִּקְרְבוּ). The waw conjunction ("and" or "so") introduces a subsequent action directly flowing from the previous command or resolve. It indicates continuation and consequence. Here, it signifies that Israel acted on their renewed resolve to fight, despite their earlier defeat, connecting this action to their earlier weeping and seeking God's will (v. 23).
• the sons of Israel: Hebrew b’nei Yisrael (בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל). This phrase emphasizes the collective body of the nation, acting as one against a single rebellious tribe. It underscores the profound internal tragedy and fratricidal nature of the conflict. The vast majority of the nation of God's people were engaged against their brethren, Benjamin, stressing the severe nature of the transgression in Gibeah and Benjamin's obstinacy.
• came near against: Hebrew qārev ’el (קָרַב אֶל). The verb qārev means "to approach," "to draw near," often in a military context indicating engagement or an attack. The preposition ’el means "towards" or "against." Together, they signify a direct, confrontational movement. It is not merely assembling but moving into battle position. This denotes an aggressive posture, showing they did not withdraw but rather re-engaged despite previous losses, reflecting their unwavering commitment to execute divine judgment.
• the sons of Benjamin: Hebrew b’nei Binyamin (בְּנֵי בִנְיָמִן). Referring to the tribe of Benjamin, against whom the rest of Israel waged war. This highlights that the conflict was inter-tribal, brother fighting brother. Their distinct identification emphasizes the specific target of the military campaign and the painful reality of civil war among God's covenant people.
• on the second day: Hebrew ba-yôm ha-shenî (בַּיּוֹם הַשֵּׁנִי). This refers to the second day of military engagement by the Israelites following their initial defeat. This specifies the timeline, illustrating their persistence. The pattern of Israel's inquiry and subsequent defeat (Day 1, Day 2 of battle approaches, corresponding to two defeats), then a deeper supplication leading to God’s explicit guarantee of victory for the third day (after 20:26-27), reveals God's strategy to humble Israel further. The phrase underscores the continued effort and the unfolding, difficult sequence of the conflict. It emphasizes that this second attempt also met with fierce resistance, leading to yet another significant loss for Israel.

Judges 20 24 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of Israel's actions (approaching, inquiring, being defeated) points to a significant theological pattern in Judges: cycles of disobedience, judgment, cries for help, and deliverance. In this specific account, the repetition serves to drive Israel to a profounder level of dependence and brokenness before God (Judg 20:26). Their prior inquiries, though outwardly compliant, were insufficient. The repeated losses forced them beyond a ritualistic seeking of God's will to a place of genuine lamentation, fasting, and burnt offerings, symbolizing full surrender and atonement. This escalation of spiritual devotion then prompted God's clear assurance of victory for the next phase. The passage subtly illustrates that even when fighting a just cause or responding to divine direction, the spiritual state and heart attitude of God's people deeply affect the outcome of their endeavors, emphasizing the necessity of humility and complete reliance on God's grace and strategic wisdom.

Judges 20 24 Commentary

Judges 20:24 succinctly narrates Israel's grim persistence in their civil war against Benjamin. After suffering a shocking initial defeat, this verse captures their immediate re-engagement, demonstrating their unwavering determination to pursue divine justice against Benjamin's impenitence. The mention of "the second day" underscores the sustained nature of the conflict and reveals Israel's resilience in the face of setbacks, a characteristic often valued in spiritual battles (cf. Eph 6:13). Yet, their continued approach, despite the earlier inquiry and positive divine response (20:23), also paradoxically led to another heavy defeat (20:25). This sequence hints at a deeper lesson: God's command to "go up" might signify His permission and His ultimate plan, but not necessarily an immediate, effortless victory without profound national introspection and humbling. The narrative arc shows that mere obedience without a fully repentant heart was not enough for swift triumph. It prepared Israel for the deeper corporate repentance and sacrificial worship seen in subsequent verses (20:26-27) before God finally granted them decisive victory, illustrating that sometimes, God allows trials to intensify, refining faith and leading to a more complete surrender and reliance upon Him.