Bible Commentary on Judges 20:36
Verse Context: Judges 20:36 is set against the backdrop of the civil war that erupted between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes. Following the horrific incident at Gibeah, the collective tribes of Israel sought to deal with the sin perpetrated within Benjamin, leading to the hostilities described in this chapter. This verse captures a significant turning point in the battle.
Summary of Judges 20:36
In Judges 20:36, we read, “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.” Here, we see the result of a tactical maneuver by the Israelites, which played a critical role in their victory.
Commentary Insights
1. The Tactical Withdrawal
Matthew Henry emphasizes the strategic retreat of the Israelite forces. The mention that the men of Israel "gave place to the Benjamites" illustrates a calculated risk aimed at drawing the Benjamites into a false sense of security. This tactical withdrawal was not about cowardice, but a planned strategy to exploit the enemy's strengths against themselves.
2. The Role of Deception
Albert Barnes notes that the term "liers in wait" reflects the deceptive practices that are common in warfare. The Israelites employed ambushes as a divine strategy, underlining the idea that God can use unconventional means to achieve His purposes. This admission points toward how divine providence protects and directs those who follow His will, even amidst internal conflict and moral bankruptcy.
3. The Significance of Divine Judgment
Adam Clarke discusses the implications of sin and judgment throughout the narrative. The defeat of Benjamin is a direct consequence of divine justice meted out for their grievous sin in Gibeah. This brings a sobering reminder that God’s judgment can manifest in various forms, including internal strife among His chosen people. The ongoing warfare serves as a grim reminder of the destructive consequences of sin—not just for the individual, but for the community as a whole.
4. Reflection on Trust and Misplaced Confidence
Another insightful theme drawn from this verse is the notion of misplaced trust. The Benjamites relied on their military strength and the reputed bravery of their warriors, which led to an underestimation of the Israelite strategy. Commentaries suggest that this reflects the broader biblical theme of placing trust in might rather than in God, revealing a deeper spiritual truth about reliance in warfare and life's challenges.
5. Lessons for Today’s Believers
This passage encourages modern readers—be they pastors, theologians, or laypeople—to consider the nature of conflict and resolution intertwined with reliance on God. It intimates the importance of wisdom and strategy over brute force in resolving disputes. The insights here push believers to evaluate their own strategies in facing communal or personal struggles where righteous judgment must prevail.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Judges 20:36 serves not only as a historical narrative but also as a narrative steeped in spiritual lessons relevant to believers today. The complexities of trust, divine justice, and the human tendency toward conflict echo throughout Scripture, reminding us of the importance of aligning our actions with God’s guidance and wisdom.
