Judges 20 36

Judges 20:36 kjv

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 nkjv

So the children of Benjamin saw that they were defeated. The men of Israel had given ground to the Benjamites, because they relied on the men in ambush whom they had set against Gibeah.

Judges 20:36 niv

Then the Benjamites saw that they were beaten. Now the men of Israel had given way before Benjamin, because they relied on the ambush they had set near Gibeah.

Judges 20:36 esv

So the people of Benjamin saw that they were defeated. The men of Israel gave ground to Benjamin, because they trusted the men in ambush whom they had set against Gibeah.

Judges 20:36 nlt

Then the men of Benjamin saw that they were beaten. The Israelites had retreated from Benjamin's warriors in order to give those hiding in ambush more room to maneuver against Gibeah.

Judges 20 verses

Judges 20 36 Meaning

Judges 20:36 marks the turning point of the third battle between Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. Following Israel's strategic feigned retreat, the verse states that Israel turned back (to attack), and this immediate shift caused the Benjaminites to be utterly dismayed. Their dismay stemmed from the realization that unavoidable disaster had overtaken them, signifying the failure of their defense and the success of Israel's divinely guided strategy, leading to their catastrophic defeat.

Judges 20 36 Context

Judges chapter 20 describes the devastating civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel, provoked by the heinous sexual crime and murder committed by men of Gibeah (Benjaminite territory) in Judges chapter 19. After two previous defeats despite seeking God, the Israelites receive divine instruction to engage Benjamin again, this time with a specific ambush strategy involving a feigned retreat. Verse 36 marks the crucial moment when this strategy successfully turns the tide of the battle. Israel's apparent retreat lures the Benjaminites into a vulnerable position, and as the Israelites "turned back" (now to attack), Benjamin suddenly perceives the full extent of the ambush and the inescapable disaster unfolding around them. This battle highlights the severity of God's judgment against unrepentant sin within His own people and underscores the necessity of divine strategy over human might.

Judges 20 36 Word analysis

• So: This word connects the action of Israel to the preceding verses, indicating a consequence or result of their strategic planning. It marks the implementation of the ambush tactic.

• the men of Israel turned back (וַיַּהַפְכוּ אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל - vayyahafkhu ish Yisra'el):

  • "turned back" (הָפַךְ - haphakh): This Hebrew root means "to turn, overthrow, change." Here, it signifies a strategic maneuver rather than a fearful flight. After a feigned retreat, Israel reversed course to attack, executing the divine strategy given in verse 28. This deliberate turning highlights the tactical shift that caught Benjamin by surprise.

• and the men of Benjamin were dismayed (וְאִישׁ בִּנְיָמִן נֶחְבָּתוּ - v'ish Binyamin nekhbatu):

  • "dismayed" (נֶחְבָּתוּ - nekhbatu): Derived from the root חָבַט (khavat), meaning "to beat down, smite." In the Niphal stem, it carries the sense of being struck down, utterly crushed in spirit, bewildered, or confused. It denotes a sudden, complete loss of courage, hope, and understanding, indicating the profound shock and psychological collapse experienced by Benjamin upon realizing their peril. Their former confidence from earlier victories vanished instantly.

• for they saw (כִּי רָאוּ - ki ra'u):

  • "for" (כִּי - ki): This conjunction introduces the reason or cause for Benjamin's dismay. It explains why they were dismayed.
  • "saw" (רָאוּ - ra'u): This refers to more than mere physical sight; it implies perception, discernment, or understanding of the true situation. They comprehended the devastating reality of the ambush.

• that disaster had come upon them (כִּי בָּאָה עֲלֵיהֶם הָרָעָה - ki ba'ah aleihem hara'ah):

  • "disaster" / "evil" (הָרָעָה - hara'ah): The definite article "ha-" makes it the specific evil, calamity, or misfortune. It’s not just any problem but a severe, all-encompassing catastrophe, often carrying connotations of divine judgment or the inevitable consequence of their actions (the crime of Gibeah). It signifies the unfolding of utter defeat and destruction.
  • "had come upon them": The completion of the verb signifies that the disaster was not just approaching but was already firmly established upon them, unavoidable and irreversible.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "So the men of Israel turned back, and the men of Benjamin were dismayed": This contrast highlights the shift in military fortunes. Israel's action, a controlled strategic movement, directly precipitates Benjamin's reactive emotional state of total despair, marking the psychological victory preceding the physical rout.
  • "for they saw that disaster had come upon them": This phrase succinctly captures the cause of Benjamin's despair. Their 'seeing' is a sudden, stark realization of their inevitable doom. This isn't just about losing a battle, but about the culmination of consequences for their rebellion against both God and fellow Israelites. It signifies the stripping away of all false hope and reliance on their own might.

Judges 20 36 Bonus section

The Benjaminites' "dismay" or "confusion" often indicates a supernatural element at play in biblical battles, where the Lord intervenes to sow panic and disorder among His enemies (e.g., Ex 14:24-25, 1 Sam 14:15). While Judges 20 emphasizes Israel's human strategy, the preceding interactions with God (vv. 23, 27-28) imply His enabling power behind the success of the tactic, thus making Benjamin's profound dismay a potential spiritual judgment. This collective psychological breakdown signifies the Lord turning Benjamin's earlier arrogance (vv. 21, 25) into despair, completing the turning of the tide against them for their grievous sin. Their "seeing" the disaster (הָרָעָה) also carries moral weight; it is the "evil" or "calamity" that directly relates to the wicked deeds they endorsed and protected.

Judges 20 36 Commentary

Judges 20:36 pinpoints the moment of Benjamin's undoing, emphasizing the strategic genius (divinely inspired) behind Israel's victory. After feigning retreat for two days, Israel's turn-about disoriented Benjamin, turning their perceived advantage into an inescapable trap. Benjamin's "dismay" underscores not merely physical defeat but psychological devastation, as they grasped the full reality of their hopeless situation – that "disaster had come upon them." This was the grim fruition of their sin, refusing to hand over the Gibeah culprits, and relying on their own military strength. The verse highlights that God's plan, when adhered to, ensures victory, and pride combined with unrepentant sin leads inevitably to judgment and ruin. This moment mirrors how truth can suddenly be revealed, crushing self-deception and false security.

• Examples: A person confident in their wealth despite neglecting God may suddenly face economic ruin, realizing their true vulnerability. Or a student who procrastinated and relied on last-minute cramming finally seeing the inevitable 'F' after receiving the results.