Judges 20 47

Judges 20:47 kjv

But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months.

Judges 20:47 nkjv

But six hundred men turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, and they stayed at the rock of Rimmon for four months.

Judges 20:47 niv

But six hundred of them turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months.

Judges 20:47 esv

But 600 men turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon and remained at the rock of Rimmon four months.

Judges 20:47 nlt

leaving only 600 men who escaped to the rock of Rimmon, where they lived for four months.

Judges 20 verses

Judges 20 47 Meaning

This verse is pivotal, narrating the preservation of six hundred Benjaminite men who survived the near-annihilation of their tribe by fleeing to the wilderness, finding refuge at the Rock of Rimmon for four months. It signifies God's preservation of a remnant, ensuring the continuity of the tribe of Benjamin despite its catastrophic judgment for moral failure, thereby upholding His covenantal promise to maintain the twelve tribes of Israel.

Judges 20 47 Context

Judges chapter 20 describes a brutal civil war within Israel, ignited by a heinous crime committed in Gibeah of Benjamin and the tribe's obstinate refusal to hand over the culprits. The other eleven tribes united to seek justice, leading to a devastating conflict where Benjamin suffered catastrophic losses, almost to the point of complete extinction. The narrative vividly portrays the chaotic state of Israel during this period of "no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Verse 47 forms a crucial turning point within this tragedy. While the previous verses detailed the annihilation of thousands of Benjaminite warriors and the widespread destruction of their cities, verse 47 shifts focus, revealing that not all were lost. Six hundred men survived, creating a necessary condition for the very possibility of the tribe's future, an event which then drives the actions of the next chapter where the other tribes seek to provide wives for these survivors.

Judges 20 47 Word analysis

• "But" (וְ / we): A strong adversative conjunction, introducing a contrast. After describing the overwhelming defeat and destruction of Benjamin, this "but" signals a critical shift – hope and preservation amidst despair. It highlights a surprising survival against all odds.

• "six hundred men" (שֵׁשׁ־מֵאוֹת אִישׁ / shesh-me'ot ish): A precise, numerically small figure compared to the tens of thousands who perished. This specific number underscores the divine precision in preserving just enough for the tribe to continue. It points to a chosen, distinct group.

• "turned and fled" (וַיִּפְנוּ וַיָּנֻסוּ / vayyiphnu vayyannûsu): "Turned" (panah) indicates changing direction, a strategic retreat. "Fled" (nus) denotes desperate escape. Their actions were driven by immediate survival instincts, retreating from utter destruction, emphasizing their desperate plight. This was not a capitulation but a last-ditch effort to survive.

• "to the wilderness" (הַמִּדְבָּרָה / hammidbārāh): The Hebrew "midbar" typically denotes an arid, uncultivated, sparsely populated region. It represents a desolate and challenging environment, but paradoxically, in biblical narratives, often a place of refuge from danger or divine encounter (e.g., Israel's wandering, Elijah's flight). It signifies isolation and a stark setting for survival.

• "to the rock of Rimmon" (אֶל־סֶלַע הָרִמּוֹן / el-sela' ha-rimmon):

  • "rock" (סֶלַע / sela') implies a large, prominent, unmovable rock formation, often associated with strength, defense, and shelter in ancient warfare and throughout Scripture (e.g., "the Rock of my salvation"). This physical feature offered natural protection.
  • "Rimmon" (רִמּוֹן / rimmon - literally "pomegranate"): This designates the specific location. The name suggests an association with pomegranate trees or a prominent, possibly rounded, geographical feature. It indicates a real, identifiable stronghold. Its specific naming reinforces the historical nature of the event.

• "and remained" (וַיֵּשְׁבוּ / vayyeshevu): Implies settling down, residing there, not just passing through. They established a temporary dwelling, signifying their desperate need for sustained refuge and a period of inactivity while events unfolded elsewhere.

• "at the rock of Rimmon" (בְּסֶלַע הָרִמּוֹן / besselah hārimmôn): Reiteration of the place, stressing its importance as their fixed refuge for the entire duration.

• "for four months" (אַרְבַּע חֳדָשִׁים / 'arba' chodashim): A specific, extended duration. This indicates a prolonged period of isolation and vulnerability. It's during this time that the other tribes deliberated their next steps concerning Benjamin's future (Judges 21:1-3). The timeframe is crucial, showing not just a quick escape but a period of enduring hardship and suspense.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness": This phrase dramatically pivots the narrative from utter destruction to an unexpected survival. It emphasizes a small, targeted remnant escaping into a harsh environment, relying solely on flight and a desperate search for refuge. This small number highlights the near total annihilation.
  • "to the rock of Rimmon and remained at the rock of Rimmon": The repetition of "rock of Rimmon" underlines its critical importance as their sole haven. It became synonymous with their survival. This strong natural fortress provided the necessary protection for their continued existence during their desperate isolation.
  • "for four months": This specific timeframe signifies the duration of their concealment and separation from the other tribes. It allowed time for the fury of the civil war to subside and for the remaining Israelites to reconsider their devastating actions and plan for Benjamin's restoration, driven by the preservation of this remnant.

Judges 20 47 Bonus section

• The Rock of Rimmon is generally identified with Khirbet el-Laqia or Rimmon located north-east of Bethel, providing a plausible geographical accuracy for the historical account. This would have been a well-known strong point.
• The emphasis on a "remnant" in Judges prefigures a significant biblical theme, where God consistently works through a chosen few (or survivors) to accomplish His larger purposes. This concept is crucial for understanding later prophetic literature (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah) and the New Testament (e.g., Romans 9, 11 concerning Israel's salvation).
• The tragic irony is that the very tribe of Benjamin, almost destroyed, later produced Israel's first king, Saul, and much later, the Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5), illustrating God's redemptive work even through near-disaster and deep brokenness within His people.
• This narrative shows the profound consequences of spiritual decline and tribal disunity within Israel, underscoring the dangers when each "did what was right in his own eyes" without the guidance of God or righteous leadership. The preservation of this small group of 600 men was not a reward for their virtue, but an act of sheer divine grace and covenant faithfulness, essential for the continuation of God's redemptive history through the twelve tribes.

Judges 20 47 Commentary

Judges 20:47, though brief, is immensely significant for the narrative of Israel. Following a period of severe spiritual decay that culminated in internal strife and the near-annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin, this verse highlights the providential hand of God in preserving a remnant. Despite their egregious sin and the devastating judgment it incurred, God, in His faithfulness to His covenant and His long-term plan, allowed precisely 600 men to survive. Their flight to the wilderness and refuge in the Rock of Rimmon was a desperate act of self-preservation, yet it also served as the vehicle for divine preservation. The four months they spent in isolation were critical, providing a necessary interval for the collective anger of the other tribes to cool and for a sense of tribal solidarity and regret to emerge (as seen in Judges 21). This act of preservation demonstrates God's commitment to His chosen people and His sovereign ability to maintain His promises, even when His people are in deep rebellion. It underlines the theme of "remnant" found throughout the Scriptures – God consistently preserves a faithful few or even just the raw materials for a future hope.